Document Document Title
US08087081B1 Selection of remotely located servers for computer security operations
A client computer may be configured to perform computer security operation services, such as malicious code scanning and protection against online threats, using one of several remotely located server computers. The client computer may be configured to determine an operational state of the server computers and determine a protection status of the client computer resulting from use of a server computer of a particular operational state. The protection status may have one of at least three levels and indicate vulnerability of the client computer. The client computer may determine the operational state of a server computer based on available bandwidth for network communication between the client computer and the server computer. The client computer may be configured to allow for automatic or manual selection of another server computer when the currently selected server computer results in the client computer having a protection status below a threshold level.
US08087079B2 Byte-distribution analysis of file security
A method for scanning files for security, including receiving an unfamiliar file for scanning, if the determining indicates that the mime type is suitable for analysis, then processing a buffer of file data from the unfamiliar file, including generating a histogram of frequencies of occurrence of bytes within a buffer of file data from the unfamiliar file, excluding a designated set of bytes, and if the generated histogram of frequencies of occurrence of the non-excluded bytes deviates substantially from a reference distribution, then signaling that the unfamiliar file is potentially malicious. A system and a computer-readable storage medium are also described and claimed.
US08087071B2 Authentication method and system
An authentication method and system. A computing system generates an authentication table associated with a user. The computing system receives first authentication data and second authentication data differing from the first authentication data. The first authentication data and the second authentication data are placed in the authentication table. The authentication table comprising the first authentication data and the second authentication data is stored in the computing system. The computing system generates an action table. The computing system receives first action data and second action data and places the first action data and the second action data in the action table. The action table comprising the first action data and the second action data is stored in the computing system.
US08087068B1 Verifying access to a network account over multiple user communication portals based on security criteria
A computer-implemented system and method for verifying access to a network account are provided. A first user communication portal is associated with a user network account. A request to access the user network account is received from a second user communication portal. Security criteria related to the second user communication portal is determined. Access to the user network account is enabled upon receipt of a communication associated with the first user communication portal when the security criteria is of a predetermined value.
US08087062B2 Method for restricting the use of an application program, system for authenticating the user of a measuring apparatus, authentication server, client apparatus and storage medium
A user authentication system is provided with a client apparatus and an authentication server. An application program used for processing the measurement results of the measuring apparatus is installed on the client apparatus. Databases for storing use authority information of the application program are provided on the authentication server. A user inputs authentication information when operating the client apparatus and the application program is started. The client apparatus sends the authentication information to the authentication server, and an authentication process is performed by the authentication server. When authentication is successful, the use authority information of this user is sent from the authentication server to the client apparatus, and the client apparatus sets the application use restrictions according to the use authority information.
US08087061B2 Resource-reordered remediation of malware threats
Systems and methods that mitigate affects of malware and facilitate remediation processes. An analysis engine generates a list of actions for resources associated with the malware, and prioritizes/sorts the actions for execution. Such list of actions can be generated automatically via an action list generation component associated with the analysis engine. Likewise, a sorting component as part of the analysis engine can prioritize operations between detected malware to typically ensure a smooth operation during remediation processes (e.g., avoid conflicts).
US08087060B2 Chaining information card selectors
A machine includes card stores to store information cards. For each card store, one or more card selectors can be provided. When performing a transaction involving information cards, a generic card selector, using a selector policy engine, can identify a card selector to use for the transaction. The identified card selector can be used to identify an information card in a card store to use in performing the transaction, which can be used to provide a security token to the relying party.
US08087057B2 Television converter device including an internet protocol interface
A television converter device is provided which includes a channel selector and an Internet Protocol (IP) interface. The channel selector is configured to receive multiple channels of television programming from at least one of a satellite, cable, and over-the-air broadcasting source, select one of the channels from the multiple channels, and deliver the selected channel to at least one television (TV). The IP interface is configured to receive television programming over an IP connection, and to deliver the television programming received over the IP connection to the at least one TV.
US08087053B2 System and method for transmitting an animated figure
A system and a method for transmitting an animated figure between a transmitter and a receiver receives frameworks of animated figures over a communication network. The transmitter receives a selected framework, and an ID of an animated figure, extracts feature points from the selected framework, packages coordinate values of the feature points and the ID into a data package, and transmits the data package to the receiver. The receiver interprets the data packet, receives the coordinate values of the feature points and the ID, generates and displays an animated figure having the selected framework using the coordinate values of the feature points and an animated figure corresponding the ID stored in a memory of the receiver.
US08087051B2 Database management system and method for electronic program guide and television channel lineup organization
Channel lineup information in a television system is efficiently managed with an internal electronic program guide manager (IEM). The IEM creates and maintains an internal electronic program guide (EPG) information database for a user program preference determination engine (PDE), which is resident in a STB, DTV or PVR. The internal EPG data are for use by software agents of the PDE only. The external EPG is used for a graphical user interface display. First, external channel lineup information is received from an external program guide; from that, internal channel lineup information is generated that contains less information than the external channel lineup information, yet sufficient information to render the internal channel lineup information useful in the internal database management system; and the internal channel lineup information is updated upon receiving notification of a change to the external channel lineup information.
US08087049B2 Network-based service to provide on-demand video summaries of television programs
A network-based device allows customers to receive television programming and to view summaries of the programming. A method of providing the summaries comprises: dividing a received program into program segments each identified by index marks, summarizing each program segment into summary segments identified by similar index marks, generating metadata files for delimiting a beginning and an end of summary segments and program segments, storing the summary segments and accessing the summary segments to supply the summary segments in lieu of program segments upon demand.
US08087043B2 Extensible downloadable content advisory system
A region rating table includes a number of rating dimensions and a number of rating levels. The rating dimensions may be identified by an index. Also, one or more rating level tags are added to the rating levels. The rating level tags identify each rating level within a rating dimension uniquely. The rating region table may be downloaded to the receiver for the user to set blocking preferences. A content advisory description may be specified. When content is received, it is analyzed to determine if it should be blocked based on the dimension index and the rating level tag. If the content is acceptable, it is not blocked, and if it is not acceptable, then it is blocked. Using the rating level tag to identify a rating level within a dimension allows changes to be made to the region rating table without creating unwanted blocking behavior and viewer confusion.
US08087039B2 Spindle motor
A spindle motor is provided. The spindle motor includes a base, a bearing housing, a bearing, a rotation shaft, a stator, and a rotor. The bearing housing is installed on the base. The bearing is press-fitted in the bearing housing, and includes a suction magnet installed therein. The rotation shaft is rotatably supported by the bearing, and is drawn by the suction magnet. The stator is supported by the base. The rotor is coupled to the rotation shaft to be rotated through interaction with the stator.
US08087036B2 Using an event manager to effect a library function call
An event manager can be used to effect a library function call from a caller service processor application to a data processing function in a library. The library is compiled into a callee service processor application, including passing, by the caller service processor application to the event manager through the caller service processor application's API, an event representing the library function call; passing, by the event manager to the callee service processor application, the event representing the library function call; executing by the callee service processor application the library function call, including retrieving return data from the library function call; returning, by the callee service processor application to the event manager, an event representing the return data from the library function call; and returning, by the event manager to the caller service processor application, the event representing the return data from the library function call.
US08087029B1 Thread-type-based load balancing in a multithreaded processor
Resources to be used by concurrent threads in a multithreaded processor are allocated based on thread types of the threads, and thread-type-based criteria governing resource allocation decisions are dynamically modified based on feedback information indicating the degree to which various thread types are using the resource. For each of at least two thread types, an amount of the resource is reserved, and amounts currently allocated are tracked. When an allocation request for a new thread is received, the allocation is made or not based on the new thread's type, the amount of the resource reserved for that type, and the amount currently allocated to threads of that type. If, based on feedback information from the allocation decision, the amount of the resource reserved for one thread type is determined to be insufficient, the reserved amounts are modified to better meet the demand.
US08087025B1 Workload placement among resource-on-demand systems
Each of a plurality of nodes in an overlay network includes information for a corresponding resource-on-demand system, wherein the information may be used to select a resource-on-demand system to host the workload. A request to place a workload is received at a node in an overlay network. A distributed control algorithm is executed for selecting a resource-on-demand system host the workload.
US08087024B2 Multiple multi-threaded processors having an L1 instruction cache and a shared L2 instruction cache
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a processor that includes an instruction store to store instructions of at least a portion of at least one program and multiple engines coupled to the shared instruction store. The engines provide multiple execution threads and include an instruction cache to cache a subset of the at least the portion of the at least one program from the instruction store, with different respective portions of the engine's instruction cache being allocated to different respective ones of the engine threads.
US08087018B2 Managing and supporting multithreaded resources for native code in a heterogeneous managed runtime environment
A computer implemented method and apparatus to manage multithread resources in a multiple instruction set architectures environment comprising initializing a first thread from a first context. The initialization of the first thread is suspended at a position in response to an operating system request call to create the first thread. A second thread from a host environment is created based on the position. After the second thread is created, completion of the initialization of the first thread based on the position is then performed. Other embodiments are described in the claims.
US08087016B2 Enforcing hierarchical management policy
A system and method for using hierarchical policy levels. In one embodiment, computers of the network are arranged into a hierarchy. A management policy server with access to the network queries the network to identify computers at or below its own level within the hierarchy. Computers under the control of the management policy server are identified, and management programs, updates or policies are automatically distributed to the computers, without manual intervention.
US08087012B2 Eliminating maximum/minimum operations in loop bounds
A technique is provided for eliminating maximum and minimum expressions within loop bounds are provided. A loop in a code is identified. The loop is determined to meet conditions, which require an upper loop bound and a lower loop bound to contain maximum and minimum expressions, loop-invariant operands, a predetermined size for a code size, and a total number of instructions to be greater than a predetermined constant. A profitability of loop versioning is determined based on a performance gain of a fast version of the loop, a probability of executing the fast version of the loop at runtime, and an overhead for performing loop versioning. A pair of lower loop bound and upper loop bound values resulting in a constant number is identified. A loop iteration value is checked to be a non-zero constant. Branches are identified, and loop versioning is performed to generate a versioned loop.
US08087008B2 Web load test method and web load test program
The web load test apparatus includes a virtual web client generation section to generate virtual web clients each of which transmits a request message to a web server and receives a response message according to a scenario; a memory section to store synchronous point that specifies an order in the scenario of the response message, which is a synchronous point among the response messages, into a storage; a waiting section to interrupt the accesses by the clients until a time when all the clients receive the response messages whose orders are indicated by the synchronous point; a resumption section to resume the accesses when all the clients receive the response messages whose orders are indicated by the synchronous point; and a rewrite section to replace the synchronous point stored in the storage with synchronous point that specifies another response message.
US08087003B1 System, method, and computer program product for propagating an identified data validation error to a user interface
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for propagating an identified data validation error to a user interface. In operation, a data validation error is identified utilizing a data validation rule. Additionally, the data validation error is propagated to a user interface.
US08086999B2 Automatic natural language translation during information transfer
Information elements are automatically translated during cutting-and-pasting in a destination first, source second sequence by receiving a user selection of insertion points in the contents of a destination computer resource, then receiving a user selection of one or more information elements, intercepting transfer of the information elements to the destination computer resource, determining which intercepted information elements are expressed in a natural language not matching a user-specified natural language, performing one or more natural language handling actions on the intercepted information elements which do not match the user specified natural language as defined by one or more natural language handling rules, and transferring translated information elements to the destination.
US08086995B2 System and method for flexible visual representation of device fonts
A system and method for developing an application for execution on a target device is described. The system comprises: a processor and a memory for storing instructions and data to configure the processor to provide: a development platform interface for developing a presentation component for output by the target device to a user interface in accordance with a target device appearance definition; a plurality of development platform appearance definitions for configuring the appearance of output of the development platform interface; and a mapping mechanism for mapping between the target device appearance definition and a corresponding development platform appearance definition to simulate on the system the output of the presentation component by the target device.
US08086991B1 Automatic creation of vias in electrical circuit design
This invention is directed to a methodology of creating and detecting crossings of conductive traces on different layers of an integrated circuit or a conducting trace over a device contact during a system. Values are stored by the system simulator corresponding to the galvanic potential or same “net,” and then by a set of rule based instructions the vias are automatically displayed, correct-by-construction, and via connections between the traces, or the trace and device contact, to short circuit the paths. The via structure will not be created if it will short-circuit a conducting trace not associated with the net in question. By connecting traces on different layers using automatically created via structures so as not to short circuit other net traces, errors are eliminated and design cycles reduced when compared to a manual design scheme of inserting via connections. There is a number of useful variations that can be applied to the via structure automatically created. There is also an interactive mode which allows the via to be easily resized by the use of familiar control handles.
US08086989B2 Structure for glitchless clock multiplexer optimized for synchronous and asynchronous clocks
A design structure for a circuit for switching clock signals with logic devices using a glitchless clock multiplexer optimized for synchronous and asynchronous clocks. The design structure comprises a circuit having an asynchronous clock group and one or more synchronous clock group(s). The asynchronous group comprises a plurality of high frequency glitchless control (HFGC) blocks for asynchronous clock sources. Each synchronous group comprises a plurality of HFGC blocks for synchronous clock sources. The circuit comprises a multiplexer for receiving delayed input clock signals from HFGC blocks for asynchronous clock sources and from HFGC blocks for synchronous clock sources. A switching latency (period in which no clock pulse appears at the final output of the circuit) from a first input clock signal belonging to a synchronous group to a second input clock signal belonging to the same synchronous group is one clock cycle or less of the second input clock signal.
US08086983B2 Method and system for performing improved timing window analysis
A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for performing crosstalk analysis using first-order parameterized analysis modeling. The approach can be used to factor in the effect of process variations within the definition of timing windows. This approach allows one to bypass the simplistic assumptions related to best-case/worst-case analysis using timing windows, and provide a realistic picture of the impact of timing windows on noise analysis. The timing windows can be viewed in terms of the individual process parameter. The process parameters could be real process parameters, or virtual/computed components based on the actual process parameters. The process parameters can be used to compute overlap of timing windows for performing noise analysis.
US08086980B2 Efficient power region checking of multi-supply voltage microprocessors
A improved method for very-early validation of voltage region physical power distribution networks uses initial floor plan and early power grid data to identify physical power connection problems associated with voltage regions defined in multi-supply voltage microprocessor chip designs. Since all checking algorithms are floor plan-based and do not require complete circuit data, they are executable very early in the design phase. As a result, power region-related problems can be resolved much sooner than by using conventional full-chip physical design checking and power grid analysis methods.
US08086967B2 Multi-monitor support for MDI applications
System and a method by means of which different windows of an Multi Document Interface (MDI) application can be displayed at the same time within an application on several screens. In addition, instances of the source frame of the MDI application are displayed on further screens and the windows of the application with the corresponding documents can then be displayed in the sequence frame instances of the MDI application. In this way, the display of the parallel side-by-side arrangement of several windows on several screens is possible, the resolution of the window being adapted to the screen resolution.
US08086965B2 Method and system for generation of a user interface
In a method and system for generating a user interface for at least one medical application to be implemented by a medical apparatus, a designation of the medical application to be implemented is provided to a computerized processor, which automatically then registers only control elements for inclusion in the user interface that are relevant for controlling the designated medical application. The processor automatically positions control elements, individually or in groups, in the user interface at a display screen according to configurable positioning criteria that minimize at least one of space on the display screen occupied by the control elements, and user steps to activate the control elements, to form the user interface.
US08086963B2 Inheritance model between masters, layouts and slides
An N-level inheritance model is provided to develop presentations. A hierarchical inheritance model includes master slides, custom layout slides, and slides including the material for the presentation. The inheritance model allows presentation authors to both define an overall look for the presentation as well as the ability to customize slide layouts individually. An author may create custom layouts that may be applied to a single slide as well as a set of slides. Properties that are defined at any level within the hierarchy may be inherited by the lower levels within the hierarchy. Each level within the presentation may also make an exception to an inherited property.
US08086952B2 Automated management of internet and/or web site content
Content is managed in a content-controlled database by detecting a modification made to a first country version of a content item in the content-controlled database, and automatically initiating a review of a second country version of the content item in the content-controlled database in response to detecting the modification of the first country version. Automatically initiating the review of the second country version includes demoting the second country version to restrict the content item from being user accessible from the content-controlled database. Prior to the automatically initiated review the second country version is accessible to end users of a web site that uses the content-controlled database, and demoting the second country version includes restricting access to the second country version by end users via the web site until after approval of the second country version is obtained via the automatically initiated review.
US08086948B2 Framework for the dynamic generation of a search engine sitemap XML file
The present invention relates to a method for the generation of a Sitemap XML file. The method comprises retrieving input parameter values and determining at least one target entity (an online retail store) within a target environment (a retailer) for which a search engine sitemap definition page will be generated and rendering the sitemap definition page for the determined target entity. The rendered content being further evaluated and ordered according to predetermined priority algorithms. The method further comprises outputting the rendered sitemap definition page, where if the output sitemap definition page exceeds a predetermined size, the output sitemap definition page is divided into smaller segments and an index file is generated and associated with the segmented output sitemap definition page files. Caching functionality (to enhance operational performance) and access control functionality (for controlling the rendering of sitemaps) is further provided within aspects of the present invention.
US08086941B2 Computing an error detection code syndrome based on a correction pattern
The present invention is all error detection and correction scheme that enables the use of Horner's algorithm for the computation of EDC syndromes from the computed error pattern. Specifically, “transformed” EDC syndromes are computed during the read back of data and parity from the medium. The transformed syndromes are values of the polynomial whose coefficients occur in reverse order from that of the EDC codeword polynomial. In essence, by reversing the order of the coefficients, the Chien search processes the terms in descending order which is the right direction for Horner evaluation.
US08086935B1 Soft error correction for a data storage mechanism
An apparatus and method are disclosed for correcting errors in data obtained from read operations on a storage medium. Errors that occur in a minority of read operations for the data are corrected by a voting technique. The data may then be processed with error correcting code to correct errors that occur in a majority of read operations.
US08086933B2 Semiconductor storage device, method of controlling the same, and error correction system
A semiconductor storage device, a method of controlling the same, and an error correction system allow reduction in power consumption and circuit scale without detriment to error correction capability. An error correction code (ECC) circuit of a solid state drive (SSD) performs first error correction on read data using a first error correction code (Hamming code), and further performs second error correction on the result of the first error correction using a second error correction code (BHC code). Furthermore, the ECC circuit performs third error correction on the result of the second error correction using a third error correction code (RS code).
US08086932B2 Apparatus and method for decoding low-density parity check code
There is provided with a decoding apparatus for decoding a low-density parity check code defined by a parity check matrix, includes: a first operation unit configured to carry out a row operation for each row of the parity check matrix; a calculation unit configured to calculate a reliability coefficient with respect to establishment of a parity check equation defined by said each row, respectively; a second operation unit configured to carry out a column operation for said each row; and a controller configured to iteratively execute one set which includes respective processing by the first operation unit, the calculation unit and the second operation unit and omit the processing by the first operation unit and the calculation unit for a row for which the reliability coefficient has satisfied a threshold.
US08086925B2 Method and system for LBIST testing of an electronic circuit
A method for testing an electronic circuit comprises selecting a first log interval, a first log start pattern, a first log end pattern, and a first subset range of LBIST patterns from a plurality of LBIST patterns arranged in an order, wherein each LBIST pattern of the subset range of LBIST patterns causes an associated output of an electronic circuit. The method tests an electronic circuit in a first test by applying to the electronic circuit the first subset range of LBIST patterns sequentially in the order, thereby generating a first plurality of associated outputs. The method stores a first subset of associated outputs based on the first log interval, the first log start pattern, and the first log end pattern. The method compares the subset of associated outputs with known outputs to identify a first output mismatch.
US08086924B2 Implementing diagnosis of transitional scan chain defects using logic built in self test LBIST test patterns
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing diagnostics of transitional scan chain defects using structural Logic Built In Self Test (LBIST) test patterns. A LBIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple system clock sequences with variable loop control are applied in a passing operating region and scan data is unloaded. The LBIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple system clock sequences with variable loop control are applied in a failing operating region for the device under test and scan data is unloaded. Then the unload data from the passing operating region and the failing operating region are compared. The identified latches having different results are identified as potential AC defective latches. The identified potential AC defective latches are sent to a Physical Failure Analysis system.
US08086921B2 System and method of clocking an IP core during a debugging operation
According to the invention, an IP core is clocked during a debugging operation by switching from the clock used for testing the device under test to a clock oscillator or any other free-running clock source.
US08086916B2 System and method for running test and redundancy analysis in parallel
A memory redundancy analyzing apparatus having a tester, a queue, and a redundancy analyzer is provided. The tester includes testing portions for different types of fails, and each of the testing portions performs multiple tests on the memory locations and outputs fail information for at least a part of the memory device. The queue stores the fail information. The redundancy analyzer processes the fails using the fail information and produces a plurality of repair solutions. The types of fails include must fails and sparse fails. The fail information is transmitted to the queue, and the fail information includes at least a part of the fail information for the entire memory device. The tester can operate asynchronously from the redundancy analyzer.
US08086908B2 Apparatus and a method for reporting the error of each level of the tunnel data packet in a communication network
The invention provides methods and devices for reporting and parsing the errors of a packet based on IPSec protocol family in a communication network. Concretely, the reserved field in ICMP security failure message is used to denote the error type at the second level of the error in the packet. With the aid of the solution provided by the invention, it is possible to report the error types for a tunnel packet which has an error in detail. And the source termination device can ascertain the error types of a tunnel packet, so as to eliminate the error.
US08086906B2 Correlating hardware devices between local operating system and global management entity
A method and apparatus for correlating the identities of hardware devices, such as processors and memory controllers, between a local operating system and a global management entity is described. When the operating system detects a faulting device, the operating system generates a fault message and transmits the fault message to the global management entity. The global management entity determines the identity of the faulting device based on information contained in the fault message, selects an appropriate replacement device, changes a routing table to map to the replacement device to the identity of the faulting device, and transmits to the operating system a global identity of the replacement device. The operating system correlates the local identity of the replacement device with the global identity of the replacement device.
US08086894B1 Managing redundant network components
A method for managing redundant network components is disclosed. A network component operable to perform in an active mode is monitored. The network component is coupled to a mate network component through a communication network comprising a portion of an Internet network. An operating mode of the network component is determined. The mate network component is switched to perform in an active mode if the network component is not performing in an active mode. The network component and the mate network component communicate using an Internet protocol.
US08086893B1 High performance pooled hot spares
A high-performance spare disk pool is created as a logical construct for provisioning and managing striped hot spares. Two or more drives (nonvolatile mass storage devices) are logically grouped together to allow the input/output (I/O) write bandwidth during RAID reconstruction to be increased over that of a single drive. The reconstructed data can be written to the spare disk pool in a striped manner. After the reconstruction is complete, a background process can be executed to copy the reconstructed data on the spare disk pool back to a single physical spare disk drive with minimal performance impact.
US08086882B2 Energy measurement techniques for computing systems
An energy measurement system (“EMS”) and techniques for correlating energy consumption to computing system activity. The EMS includes a data acquisition module, a processing module, and optionally a visualization module. The data acquisition module receives and transmits to the processing unit a number of sampled data streams, referred to as “data acquisition traces,” associated with a computing system under test (“SUT”). The processing module concurrently receives one or more system traces from the SUT, which are produced by particular components under examination by the EMS. Synchronization is established between the data acquisition traces and the system trace(s) when the SUT executes certain predetermined actions to produce data in both the data acquisition traces and the system trace(s), which data is used to logically align the traces. Then, as test scenarios are executed by the SUT, changes are monitored in the traces, and energy consumption is quantified.
US08086880B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program
An information processing apparatus includes a first information processor, a plurality of second information processor, and a plurality of temperature detecting units detecting temperature in the vicinity of each of the plurality of second information processors. The first information processor includes an application program execution control unit controlling execution of an application program, a distributed processing control unit controlling distributed processing, a recording unit recording first information relating to temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit, and second information relating to the execution of the process of the second information processor, an anomaly detecting unit detecting an anomaly in the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit, and an anomaly-time control unit controlling the distributed processing of the distributed processing control unit in response to the temperature anomaly detected by the anomaly detecting unit.
US08086877B2 Storage device and control method for the same
A storage device is provided with: a first management section that manages a storage area provided by one or more hard disk drives on a basis of a predetermined unit created using one or more parameters; a second management section that manages, on a basis of a pool configured by at least one or more of the units, a management policy about the capacity of the pools and a threshold value of the storage capacity of the pools; a power supply control section that controls each of the hard disk drives of the unit under the management of the first management section to be in either a first turn-ON state or a second turn-ON state with a low power consumption; and a control section that selects, when the storage capacity of any of the pools exceeds the threshold value, the management policy of the pools, and any of the managed parameters considered optimum to serve as the unit of the storage area, and after making the power supply control section to change the state of the hard disk drive of the selected unit from the second turn-ON state to the first turn-ON state, adds the unit of the storage area to the capacity of the pool. With such a configuration, the storage device can achieve reduction of power consumption, simplification of management, and increase of use efficiency of storage resources.
US08086871B2 Method for fast decryption of processor instructions in an encrypted instruction power architecture
A method and apparatus for an independent operating system that prevents certain classes of computer attacks. Instruction decryption is performed on an existing instruction set for a processor. The processor architecture limits the impact on processor execution timing. The instruction execution timing is not altered in the processor core and any additional processing is overlapped into existing operations.
US08086870B2 Methods and apparatus for hardware normalization and denormalization
Methods and apparatus are provided for efficiently normalizing and denormalizing data for cryptography processing. The normalization and denormalization techniques can be applied in the context of a cryptography accelerator coupled with a processor. Hardware normalization techniques are applied to data prior to cryptography processing. Context circuitry tracks the shift amount used for normalization. After cryptography processing, the processed data is denormalized using the shift amount tracked by the context circuitry.
US08086869B2 System for software source code comparison
A system for analyzing similarities between a first and second corpus or between a set of concepts and a corpus uses natural language processing and machine intelligence methods to replace terms or phrases in the corpus with concepts, determine the frequency of each concept in the corpus, and convert the corpus into a concept frequency file to enable easy comparison of the two corpuses or easy retrieval of items from the corpus that contain concept. Difference analysis and a combination of content and spectral analysis may be employed.
US08086868B2 Data communication method and system
Public-key cryptography is realized by means of PKI in which biometrics data, in which biological information of users is converted to numerical values, are used to authenticate users that transmit and receive data, and based on the biometrics data, identical secret keys (common secret keys) are generated in each of the user terminal devices that are used by the users without releasing the secret keys onto the network.
US08086858B2 Secure method of termination of service notification
A method for notifying a client device of termination of at least one service provided to the client device by a server system within an enterprise network is disclosed. The method includes the step of establishing authentication data and notification data, where the authentication data is related to the notification data, and sending the authentication data to the client device for storage during a provisioning operation. When the server system identifies a termination of service, it sends the notification data to the client device, which may then authenticate the received notification data using the authentication data.
US08086843B2 Performing cryptographic provider failover
Cryptographic provider failover is performed. Upon receipt of a first security request, an integrated cryptographic provider constructs a table including a list of underlying cryptographic providers for service type algorithm pairs. The integrated cryptographic provider is one of the underlying cryptographic providers in the list. The underlying cryptographic providers are registered as hardware and software cryptographic providers in the list. The integrated cryptographic provider is registered as a routing cryptographic provider in the list. The list is arranged so that the integrated cryptographic provider has the highest priority. The integrated cryptographic provider specifies fai lover support for all registered service type algorithm pairs using one or more of the underlying cryptogaphic providers. In response to a subsequent security request, the integrated cryptographic utilizes the list of the underlying cryptographic providers to identify a second cryptographic provider to which the request will be routed if a first cryptographic provider fails.
US08086826B2 Dependency tracking for enabling successive processor instructions to issue
An information handling system includes a processor with an issue unit (IU) that may perform instruction dependency tracking for successive instruction issue operations. The IU maintains non-shifting issue queue (NSIQ) and shifting issue queue (SIQ) instructions along with relative instruction to instruction dependency information. A mapper maps queue position data for instructions that dispatch to issue queue locations within the IU. The IU may test an issuing producer instruction against consumer instructions in the IU for queue position (QPOS) and register tag (RTAG) matches. A matching consumer instruction may issue in a successive manner in the case of a queue position match or in a next processor cycle in the case of a register tag match.
US08086824B2 Stream processing system having a reconfigurable memory module
A stream processing system includes a stream processing module coupled to a memory module and operable so as to fetch stream elements from the memory module, to process the stream elements fetched thereby, and to store processed stream elements in the memory module. The stream processing module includes a number (N) of stream processing units, and the memory module is configured with a number (N) of memory bank units each corresponding to a respective one of the stream processing units. The memory module is reconfigurable based on a desired inter-level configuration so that each of the memory bank units is configured to have a memory size sufficient to meet processing requirement of the respective one of the stream processing units.
US08086810B2 Rapid defragmentation of storage volumes
Various embodiments for rapid defragmentation of storage volumes in a computing environment are provided. A plurality of source data sets is copied from the fragmented storage volume to a plurality of target data sets on an additional storage volume. The plurality of source data sets is placed on the additional storage volume as the plurality of target data sets in an unfragmented order. A first volume serial number (VOLSER) of the fragmented storage volume is swapped with a second VOLSER of the additional storage volume. The fragmented storage volume is varied offline, and the additional storage volume is varied online. The computing environment recognizes the additional storage volume having the plurality of target data sets placed in the unfragmented order.
US08086809B2 Interface systems and methods for accessing stored data
A modular data and storage management system. The system includes a time variance interface that provides for storage into a storage media of data that is received over time. The time variance interface of the modular data and storage management system provides for retrieval, from the storage media, of an indication of the data corresponding to a user specified date. The retrieved indication of the data provides a user with an option to access specific information relative to the data, such as content of files that are included in the data.
US08086805B2 Advanced contention detection
A multiple computer system is disclosed in which n computers (M1, M2 . . . Mn) each run a different portion of a single application program written to execute only on a single computer. The local memory of each computer is maintained substantially the same by updating all computers with every change made to addressed memory locations. Contention can arise when the same memory location is substantially simultaneously updated by two or more machines because of transmission delays and latency of the communications network interconnecting all the computers. Contention detection and resolution is disclosed. A count value (99) indicative of the cumulative number of times each memory location has been updated is utilized. Contention is indicated if the currently stored count value and the incoming updating count value are the same. A method of echo suppression and a method of echo rejection are disclosed. In particular incrementing the count value by two in the case of consecutive sequential transmission to the same memory location (D) is disclosed.
US08086787B2 Wear leveling method, and storage system and controller using the same
A wear leveling method for a flash is provided, wherein the flash memory includes a plurality of physical blocks grouped into at least a data area and a spare area. The method includes setting a first predetermined threshold value as a wear-leveling start value and randomly generating a random number as a memory erased count, wherein the random number is smaller than the wear-leveling start value. The method also includes counting the memory erased count each time when the physical blocks are erased and determining whether the memory erased count is smaller than the wear-leveling start value, wherein a physical blocks switching is performed between the data area and the spare area when the memory erased count is not smaller then the wear-leveling start value. Accordingly, it is possible to uniformly use the physical blocks, so as to effectively prolong a lifetime of the store system.
US08086779B2 Data recorder for multiple media formats
A data recorder includes an I/O port, a host processor and a cartridge including a media storage and a media processor connected to the media storage. The media processor includes media capability data which is specific to the media storage. A bus connector removable connects the cartridge to the recorder, and the media processor and the host processor are connected to the connector by a Pathway Bus. When the cartridge is connected to the connector, the media capability data is transmitted from the media processor to the host processor and the host processor communicates data with the media processor as a function of the received media capability data.
US08086762B2 Programmable management IO pads for an integrated circuit
A multi-port SERDES transceiver includes multiple parallel and serial ports, and the flexibility to connect any one of the parallel or serial ports to another parallel or serial port. The ports include programmable pads that are capable of supporting multiple different data protocols, timing protocols, electrical specifications, and input-output functions. A management data IO pad also enables the transceiver to support different electrical requirements and data protocols at the same time. The substrate layout of the transceiver is configured so that the parallel ports and the serial ports are on the outer perimeter. A logic core is at the center, where the logic core operates the serial and parallel data ports, and the bus that connects the data ports. The bus can be described as a “ring” structure (or donut “structure”) around the logic core, and is configured between the logic core and the data ports.
US08086759B2 Controller having reduced control key set and method for operating same in a learning, macro, or cloning mode
In some embodiments, a wall-mountable, configurable controller having control keys (e.g., less than eight keys or another small number of keys), a subassembly including circuitry, and a control key insert removably mountable to the subassembly and including at least one of the control keys. The circuitry can include a limit switch that is biased in a default state but moveable into a learning state in response to user-exerted force. In some embodiments, the controller includes an IR emitter and an IR receiver and is operable to clone another device by sending configuring radiation from the emitter to the other device's IR receiver. Preferably, the emitter and receiver are positioned so that a controller's IR emitter aligns with the IR receiver of an identical controller when the controllers are positioned face to face. In some embodiments, the controller provides audible and visual feedback to users when operating in a learning mode.
US08086755B2 Distributed multicast system and method in a network
The invention provides multicast communication using distributed topologies in a network. The control nodes in the network build a distributed topology of processor nodes for providing multicast packet distribution. Multiple processor nodes in the network participate in the decisions regarding the forwarding of multicast packets as opposed to multicast communications being centralized in the control nodes.
US08086741B2 Method and system for delayed allocation of resources
The present invention allows a server to delay allocating resources to a client's request. When the client requests a feature that requires server resources, the server accepts and acknowledges the client's request, but the client is prohibited from using the requested feature until further notice from the server. For example, during an authorization process, the server allocates only the minimum resources required to maintain the session and to authorize the client. Thereafter, the server allocates the resources necessary to support the client's request only when the resources become available. Until then, the server maintains the communications session without supporting the request. Thus, the server shepherds its resources rather than committing them at the whim of a client. Also, a client need not repeat its request if the server cannot immediately satisfy it; instead, the server accepts the request and then later begins to support it when adequate resources become available.
US08086738B2 Distributed means of organizing an arbitrarily large number of computers
A technique for organizing a plurality of computers such that message broadcast, content searching, and computer identification of the entire collection or a subset of the entire collection may be performed quickly without the use of a controlling computer. The technique describes the creation, operation, and maintenance of a connection scheme by which each computer in the collection appears to be the top level of a hierarchical array. The maintenance of this hierarchical connection scheme allows one to many communications throughout the collection of computers to scale geometrically rather than linearly.
US08086735B2 Method, system and computer-readable recording medium for providing data to dispersed users using cached data based on mirroring
A method for providing information to dispersed users based on an integrative cache on a communication network is provided. The method includes collecting information on the communication network, integrating the collected information and storing the collected information as a cache in a database, receiving an information request from the terminal device of the dispersed users, and determining in a symmetrical area of the communication network if the requested information exists as a cache in the database to control the path of the requested information.
US08086732B1 Method and apparatus for rate limiting client requests
As a server device receives packets from a client device, the server device counts the number of packets received over a particular time interval and compares the result with a preset packet transmission threshold. When the number of packets received from the client device in the time period reaches or exceeds the packet threshold, the server device can detect a potential malfunction of the client device and as such, refrains from processing further packets from the client device. By rate limiting based upon the number of packets received from the client device over a given time interval, rather than on the bandwidth taken by the requests received from the client device, the server device can minimize monopolization of the server device's resources as caused by the packets received at a relatively low rate from a client device.
US08086730B2 Method and system for monitoring a workstation
A method and system for monitoring a workstation. The system includes a monitoring system for monitoring activity on a workstation and an analysis module for comparing a monitored activity to specified activities in a work profile. The system may include an alert generator for generating an alert if the monitored activity does not conform to the work profile. The work profile may be a user profile of specified activities allowed to be performed by a user, and/or a transaction profile of a sequence of specified activities to be performed in a transaction by a user. The monitoring system includes an inputs monitor for monitoring inputs by the user into the workstation, a screen monitor which extracts content from a screen display viewed by a user, and a physical presence monitor to determine if a user is at his workstation.
US08086727B2 Method and system for monitoring the status of an online transaction
The invention includes methods and software for presenting a user with a set of interfaces that reveal what events are to occur, or are likely to occur, in a transaction, and provide the ability to program the automatic monitoring of these anticipated events with a customizable set of alerts. A merchant encodes events that are possible for the transaction as part of developing an online transaction system such as an online catalog. The data regarding these events is encoded in an electronic communication, such as an email or onsite transaction history item, such that this data can be detected by a receiving system. The method includes presenting and setting monitoring options for event notices that have not yet been received. The chosen options for event notices that have not yet been received are used to program the monitoring and alerting of the user when such event notices have or have not been received.
US08086725B1 Identifying associated systems such as advertising networks
Among other disclosure, a method includes receiving first electronic content configured for displaying a first page in a browser, the first electronic content including a document object model for the first page. Content in the document object model is identified as corresponding to at least one advertisement on the first page, the first page further including page content. Information is extracted from the identified content to be used in identifying an advertising network system that the advertisement links to. An identity of the advertising network system is determined using the extracted information. Second electronic content is generated using the first electronic content and the determined identity of the advertising network system. A second page including the page content of the first page and the advertisement is generated and displayed. On the second page the advertisement is labeled with the determined identity of the advertising network system.
US08086718B2 Automated process and apparatus for providing integrated management and control of computer networks
A method and apparatus for an automated system management process are described. According to an embodiment of the invention, a method comprises receiving data regarding operation of a network; automatically generating network policies based at least in part on the data regarding operation of the network using automation intelligence; applying the network policies to modify operations of the network; and receiving data regarding the operation of the network after the modification of the operations of the network.
US08086715B2 Apparatus for providing digital contents and method thereof
Provided is a content manager that receives content tables of adjacent apparatuses for providing digital contents to update its own content table; a content search unit that refers to the content tables of the adjacent apparatuses for providing digital contents to determine whether the contents requested by the user are providable contents and when the contents are the providable contents, grasps a storage location of the corresponding contents; and a content transceiver that when the corresponding contents are stored in the adjacent apparatuses for providing digital contents, requests the corresponding contents to the corresponding adjacent apparatuses for providing digital contents and receives the corresponding contents from the adjacent apparatuses for providing digital contents.
US08086709B2 Method and apparatus for distributing load on application servers
A method and apparatus for handling incoming service requests, where an application server comprises a set of traffic modules, each being capable of handling at least one predetermined multimedia service. When an initial service request is received from a requester, a load balancing function, capable of selecting basically any traffic module in the set of traffic modules, is applied to assign a traffic module in the set of traffic modules for handling the received service request. After processing the request, a response is sent to the requester including a port number associated with the assigned traffic module. When receiving a subsequent service request including a port number indication, a port mapping function is applied to determine the earlier-assigned traffic module associated with the given port number indication, for handling said subsequent service request.
US08086707B2 Systems and methods for grid agent management
Systems and methods utilize directory services snap-ins to create, maintain, and interpret policies for controlling the execution of grid applications.
US08086702B2 Takeover processes in security network integrated with premise security system
An integrated security system is described comprising a gateway located at a first location. The gateway includes a takeover component that establishes a coupling with a first controller of a security system installed at the first location. The security system includes security system components coupled to the first controller. The takeover component automatically extracts security data of the security system from the first controller. The gateway automatically transfers the security data extracted from the controller to a second controller. The second controller is coupled to the security system components and replaces the first controller.
US08086701B2 Platform for managing and configuring network state
A network state platform for managing a network having a number of network nodes is disclosed. A user provides a policy layer a high level instruction indicative of the desired network performance. The policy layer parses the high level instruction to generate a number of configuration instructions for the network nodes. The network nodes provide data logs of their activity to a data layer that collates the logs into a single entry that is stored, and can be accessed by an observation layer. External applications interface with the observation layer to access the stored data and use this information to generate requests to change portions of the network configuration. These requests are provided to a control layer that converts the requests from the applications to a high level instruction that is then provided to the policy layer to implement.
US08086684B2 Detecting and mitigating undeliverable email
Systems and methods of the present invention provide for detecting and mitigating abuse of undeliverable email or “bounced” emails. An administrator may import a list of email addresses for one or more contacts. The opt-in software may determine if each email address in the list of email addresses is opted in to receive an email distribution, and if so, a bounce detection software may determine if each email address is found in a database of known undeliverable or “bounced” email addresses. If so, an abuse-mitigation software may defer importing the list of email addresses and display an alert referring the administrator to an abuse department for review of the account. A message-delivery software may deliver the email distribution, and the bounce detection software may then determine whether undeliverable emails in the email distribution exceed one or more “bounce limit rules,” and if so, the abuse mitigation software may delay delivery of the email distribution and display an alert referring the administrator to the abuse department for review of the account. Otherwise, delivery may continue to completion.
US08086681B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus transmitting and receiving electronic mail within a network includes an identification information storage unit, a loop mail judgment unit, and a loop mail process control unit. The identification information storage unit stores identification information. The loop mail judgment unit judges whether or not the electronic mail is loop mail based on the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit. The loop mail process control unit executes a process arranged beforehand with respect to the electronic mail received based on judgment of the loop mail judgment unit.
US08086680B2 Community-defined and managed communication network
A community-defined and managed communication network is provided. The community-defined and managed network includes creating a profile for a user of the network that includes a user-selected attribute and identifying a relationship between the attribute in the profile and data external to the profile. The identification includes analyzing user community-generated descriptors of the attribute and searching the external data for common descriptors. The community-defined and managed network further includes initiating an activity responsive to the analysis, which includes one or more of: prompting the user to invite a second user who is not a registered member of the communication network to join the communication network; prompting a third user to evaluate the user with respect to the attribute; and prompting the user to initiate a communication with a fourth user who is a registered member of the communication network.
US08086676B2 Contact aggregator
An integrated web-based communications service provides a content aggregator to simplify the task of managing personal, friends, family, and business contacts via a process of aggregation and consolidation into a central point. The content aggregator imports contacts from existing databases, harvests additional contact information, and maintain the contact information.
US08086664B2 Method and apparatus for programming programmable controllers and generating configuration data from a centralized server
A method and system for generating programming code and/or configuration data for programmable controller and the networks on which they operate is disclosed. In one embodiment, programming code is generated on a centralized server having a web-enabled engineering tool. The engineering tool operates on client devices that are in communication with the server over a network, such as the Interntet. Preferably, the engineering tool runs in a browser application (or other network-interfacing-application) on the client device and a user generates the programming code on the server with the aid of the client device. By centralizing the engineering tool, which may contain a configuration editor and a configuration management tool having version management functionality, a new business paradigm for providing engineering tool services to customers having programmable controllers. In addition, new methods and tools for collaborative engineering of programming code are enabled.
US08086663B2 Network device and control method thereof and network system
If an instruction of a predetermined function is given at a device A in a network, the device A issues a notification request for inquiring whether or not it is possible to execute the function to devices B, C and D in a list of devices capable of cooperating with the device A. The device B receives the request and if the device B can not execute the function, then the device B issues a notification request including the search path of the device B to devices E, F and G included in a list of the device B. If the device B receives a response including a search path through the device E that can execute the function, from the device E, then the search path of the device B is added to the response and the response is sent to the device A.
US08086661B2 Method for resolving collisions in a database replication system by relaxing a constraint that contributes to collisions, or removing the cause of the constraint that contributes to the collisions
A method is provided for resolving collisions in a database replication system. The system includes a source database and a target database, wherein changes made at the source database are replicated to the target database. Each database has one or more tables, and at least one of the tables has multiple constraints. A collision is detected during data replication as a result of one of the tables having multiple constraints. One constraint that contributes to the collision is identified. The constraint that contributes to the collision is relaxed, or the cause of the constraint that contributes to the collision is removed. This process is repeated for all additional constraints that contribute to the collision. In this manner, the collision is resolved.
US08086660B2 Distributed data model
Method and systems for transferring data from a sending device to a receiving device. The method starts with the preparation of a description of the structure of the data which is provided to the sending device and the receiving device. A reference model of the data structure is created on each of the sending and receiving devices, during run time, using the description of the data. As requested, instances of the reference model are created with the data on the sending device. The data in the instance is serialized by extracting the data and transferred from the sending device to the receiving device. The receiving device creates an instance of the data based on the reference model.
US08086656B2 System and method for efficient basis conversion
This invention describes a method for evaluating a polynomial in an extension field FqM, wherein the method comprises the steps of partitioning the polynomial into a plurality of parts, each part is comprised of smaller polynomials using a q−th power operation in a field of characteristic q; and computing for each part components of q−th powers from components of smaller powers. A further embodiment of the invention provides for a method of converting a field element represented in terms of a first basis to its representation in a second basis, comprising the steps of partitioning a polynomial, being a polynomial in the second basis, into a plurality of parts, wherein each part is comprised of smaller polynomials using a q−th power operation in a field of characteristic q; evaluating the polynomial at a root thereof by computing for each part components of q−th powers from components of smaller powers; and evaluating the field element at the root of the polynomial.
US08086652B1 Storage system-based hole punching for reclaiming unused space from a data container
A system and method reclaims unused storage space from a data container, such as a logical unit number (LUN) of a storage system. In particular, a novel technique is provided that allows a storage system to reclaim storage space not used by a client file system for which the storage system maintains storage, without requiring assistance from the client file system to determine storage usage. In other words, storage system may independently reclaim storage space not used by the client file system, without that file system's intervention.
US08086637B1 Access control for business process data
Controlling access to business process data is disclosed. An instance of a business process object configured to contain business process data is created. An access control list that is determined based at least in part on a business process with which the business process data is associated is associated with the business process object instance.
US08086627B2 Software inventorying system for a shared file system
Efficiently performing a complete inventory of a shared file system is provided. A list of a set of shared file systems is sent from a configuration management agent to a central server, the list indicates which shared file systems are mounted by a computing device associated with the configuration management agent. Responsive to a notification from a central server indicating that a software inventory scan is to be performed by the configuration management agent, a software inventory scan of the one or more shared file systems is initiated. Results of the software inventory scan are uploaded to the central server and shared with other computing devices that mount the one or more shared file systems in the set of shared file systems. Thus, other the computing devices do not have to scan the one or more shared file systems to retrieve the results of the software inventory scan.
US08086623B2 Context-sensitive term expansion with multiple levels of expansion
Articles of manufacture and systems for searching collections of data using context sensitive expanded term searching are provided. The collection of data may be a relational database, text document, or any other type of searchable collection of data. In either case, a query including a search condition based on a specified search term may be modified to include additional conditions based on a set of expanded (e.g., conceptually-related) search terms. For some embodiments, a user may be given the ability to control the level of expansion and the context in which the terms may be expanded.
US08086612B2 Album generating apparatus, album generating method and program
There is provided an album generating apparatus for generating an album whose pages are adequately allocated in accordance to image capturing position and time. The album generating apparatus has an image storing section for storing images by correlating with the image capturing time and position of the images, a importance judging section for judging importance of the image capturing time and image capturing position in the plurality of images stored in the image storing section, an image capturing time sorting section for sorting the plurality of images stored in the image storing section per page in the album based on the image capturing time stored in the image storing section when the importance judging section judges that the importance of the image capturing time is greater than that of the image capturing position, an image capturing position sorting section for sorting the plurality of images stored in the image storing section per page of the album based on the image capturing position stored in the image storing section when the importance judging section judges that the importance of the image capturing position is greater than that of the image capturing time and a layout determining section for laying out the images sorted per page by the image capturing time sorting section or the image capturing position sorting section to each page of the album.
US08086599B1 Method and apparatus for automatically identifying compunds
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically identifies compounds, such as bigrams or n-grams. During operation, the system obtains selections of search results which were selected by one or more users, wherein the search results were previously generated by a search engine in response to queries containing search terms. Next, the system forms a set of candidate compounds from the queries, wherein each candidate compound comprises n consecutive terms from a query. Then, for each candidate compound in the set, the system analyzes the selections of search results to calculate a likelihood that the candidate compound is a compound.
US08086594B1 Bifurcated document relevance scoring
An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents. Phrases are extracted from the document collection. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases, using phrase posting lists. The phrase posting lists are stored in an cluster of index servers. The phrase posting lists can be tiered into groups, and sharded into partitions. Phrases in a query are identified based on possible phrasifications. A query schedule based on the phrases is created from the phrases, and then optimized to reduce query processing and communication costs. The execution of the query schedule is managed to further reduce or eliminate query processing operations at various ones of the index servers.
US08086583B2 Partitioning fact tables in an analytics system
An analytics system can obtain analytics data. The analytics system can automatically partition data based on months or another time period, into fact tables. A scrolling window system can combine multiple eligible fact tables into a single view. A reporting engine can then use the single view.
US08086579B1 Semantic response to lock requests to reduce coherence overhead in multi-node systems
Techniques are provided for lock management. The techniques are based on an enhanced lock management system that generates a semantic response in response to lock requests for a resource. The semantic response communicates both the underlying cause blocking the request, and information that may be used by the requester to obtain notification of when the underlying cause should no longer lead to denial of the lock request. The semantic response may be generated by the master of the resource, who provides the semantic response to the local lock manager of the lock requester. The semantic response may be retained by the local lock manager so that the semantic response can be provided to subsequent lock requesters, without need for interacting with another lock manager on another node.
US08086577B2 Unified collection of content analytic data
A user evaluation of distributed content comprising an Evaluation Program (EP) that creates a user session when a user accesses distributed content is stored. The user evaluation is saved with other information such as the time and date of the evaluation, the user's personal information, and the navigation path the user used to access the distributed content page. The EP records the user's navigation of the distributed content in the user session. The EP gives the user the opportunity to rate distributed content. The EP saves the user's evaluation with the user session data and external stimuli data. The EP closes the user session when the user leaves the distributed content. The EP reopens the user session when the user returns to the distributed content.
US08086576B2 Apparatus and system for reorganizing a set of database partitions
An apparatus and system are disclosed for reorganizing a set of database partitions based on a ranked set of database partitions. The apparatus includes an evaluation module to determine a fragmentation indicator for each database partition within a set of database partitions. A ranking module ranks the set of database partitions according to a rank criteria. The rank criteria includes, at a minimum, the fragmentation indicator. A reorganization module reorganizes a subset of the database partitions in the ranked set of database partitions. The subset is selected, at least in part, by a rank order for the ranked set of database partitions. The subset may be selected such that ranked database partitions satisfying a dynamic reorganization threshold are included in the subset.
US08086563B2 Acquisition and particular association of data indicative of an inferred mental state of an authoring user
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: acquiring data indicative of an inferred mental state of an authoring user in connection with at least a particular item of an electronic message, and associating the data indicative of the inferred mental state of the authoring user with the particular item. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08086558B2 Computer-implemented system for human resources management
A system and method for testing and/or evaluating employees or potential employees is disclosed. A computer arranges a plurality of applicants in a stack ranked table. The table may rank or re-rank applicants against each other, from best to worst, after successive screening, selecting, and/or interviewing stages for a particular job. Performance evaluations of hired workers may be fed back to the computer for adjusting the system and method. Competencies shown to be predictive of successful performance of a given type of job are tested for at various stages in an online testing system.
US08086552B2 Dynamic user prompting for pertinent clinical information
A method for dynamically prompting a caregiver for pertinent information about a patient uses a computer or processor operating as a rule-based system. The method includes receiving a first data input triggering a rule in a first rule queue requiring both a first data input and at least a second data input. The method further includes determining that the second data input is not available or is outdated, placing the rule in a second rule queue for later execution, and, when the second data input is available within a selected period of time, executing the rule, or otherwise, after the selected period of time, sending an electronic message to a caregiver to take action to provide the second data input.
US08086548B2 Measuring document similarity by inferring evolution of documents through reuse of passage sequences
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for estimating document similarity. During operation, the system selects a collection of documents which includes a first set of passages, constructs a passage-sequence model based on the first set of passages, receives a new document which includes a second set of passages, and determines a sequence of operations associated with the new document in relation to the collection of documents based on the constructed passage-sequence model.
US08086547B2 Data pattern generation, modification and management utilizing a semantic network-based graphical interface
A plurality of pattern components is presented to a user. Each of the pattern components describe events and/or sub-events that, when combined, create emergent information that indicates the occurrence of a primary event. The user builds and then transmits a customized graphical event pattern, composed of one or more pattern components, rules and other emergent information artifacts to a server, which generates an underlying database file that describes the customized graphical event pattern and/or data pattern. The data pattern is then transmitted to an intelligent sensor, server, or other detection device. If a set of event data inputs, from an interlinked array of intelligent sensors or other detection devices, meet a predetermined threshold requirement of one or more of the pattern components, the data patterns then intercommunicate and vote as to the degree to which they have collectively each detected a primary event, using the sub-events as criteria.
US08086535B2 Decoupling rights in a digital content unit from download
Systems and methods for enabling a user to obtain rights in a legitimate copy of a digital content unit without downloading the copy from a digital content store are provided. The systems and methods provide an encrypted copy of a digital content unit to a first user and transcript the encrypted copy to generate the legitimate copy to a second user. The encrypted copy is encrypted with a first encrypt key that may be associated with the first user and the legitimate copy is encrypted with a second encrypt key that may be associated with the second user.
US08086532B2 Internet billing method
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, identifying a consumer account managed by a service provider to which purchases are chargeable, the identification of the account based on transactional information, enabling customer equipment to request a purchase of an electronically-purchasable item of a vendor via network equipment of the service provider, wherein the vendor is a party other than the service provider, charging the consumer account a fee for a purchase initiated by the customer equipment, and remitting a portion of the fee to an account of the vendor. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08086531B2 Virtual credit card terminal and method of transaction
The present invention provides a method of making a secure financial transaction over the internet comprising: a virtual credit card terminal (VCT) having a credit card means reader, a digital processing device operatively associated with said credit card means reader and encoding transaction programs that allows opening of an interactive terminal window for processing of the transaction, and wherein said virtual credit card terminal is registered with a VCT gateway.
US08086529B2 System and method for assessing and managing financial transactions
A financial terms alert generation system comprises an information retrieval module, a financial terms comparison module, and an alert transmission module. The information retrieval module is configured to retrieve financing information, customer information, and product information from one or more sources accessible on a network. The financial terms comparison module is configured to compare a customer's current financial arrangement to a potential new financial arrangement to determine whether the customer is able to enter into a new financial arrangement on terms favorable to the customer. The alert transmission module is configured to transmit an alert to a dealer in cases in which the financial terms comparison module determines that a customer is able to enter into a new financial arrangement on terms favorable to the customer. Such alerts identify the customer and the favorable financial terms.
US08086508B2 Method and apparatus for delegating authority
A delegated authority system allows an account holder to delegate authority to one or more individuals, such as financial advisors through a third party service. An individual receives authority to access financial accounts and/or access aggregated financial data. The individual may then retrieve account information from the individual accounts or from the aggregated financial data. In on exemplary system, the account information is accessed via the Internet or another data communication network.
US08086507B1 Method for administering finances via an electronic network
The present invention provides a method of administering finances via an electronic network. The administrator creates accounts for users that the administrator wants to oversee. The administrator can supply financial parameters to configure the accounts where such financial parameters might include the amount of a recurring weekly allowance payment, an account interest rate, a list of investment instruments that the user would be allowed to transact with. The administrator is able to set interest rates and other financial parameters at their discretion and not subject to prevailing market conditions. The system automatically updates the account to keep track of allowance and interest payments. The system allows the users and administrator to record financial transactions and keep track of and view the user's balance and holdings.
US08086505B2 Enhancing touch and feel on the internet
A system for enabling touch and feel over the internet provides a three-dimensional representation of a good being sold, that three-dimensional representation being viewable from a number of different directions. In one embodiment, the good being sold is in a package and the package is displayed from the number of different directions. Another embodiment has the good being a book, and the inside and outside covers of the book are displayed and specified pages of the book can be displayed. The user can read from either the label or the covers just as if the user were actually handling the good.
US08086488B2 Method and apparatus for defining, distributing, and redeeming SMS and MMS coupons
A method and apparatus is disclosed that allows advertisers to define and distribute Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) coupons to consumers, and for consumers to redeem the received coupons, where such SMS and MMS coupons are used by businesses to promote their products and services to consumers.
US08086486B2 Method for managing information and rendering discounts
A method for managing information and rendering discounts in a billing system utilizes a rule-based engine. Customer records are processed with a rule-based accumulation engine to accumulate the data in a plurality of predetermined target accumulators. A plurality of target accumulators are processed with a rule-based discount engine to render discounts applicable to the customer.
US08086485B1 Method, algorithm, and computer program for optimizing the performance of messages including advertisements in an interactive measurable medium
Method, procedure, algorithm, system, and computer program for improving and attempting to optimize the performance of messaging campaigns, particularly to marketing campaigns in which advertisements or other messages are distributed over an interactive measurable medium such as the Internet. A goal is to allocate the message alternatives to the customer population to optimize business objectives. The includes reading prior stage message state data pertaining to a prior stage including a cumulative number of trials and a cumulative number of successes for a particular message. Message performance results representing message trials and message successes from the previous stage based on the prior-stage state are then read, and a current message state is computed. A current message allocation is generated based on the current message state. Desirably the cumulative number of trials and the cumulative number of successes are discounted based on the age of the information. This inventive procedure may be applied to various message types including, for example, web site banner advertisements, electronic advertisements generally, email messages and promotions, and the like. In one embodiment, the messages are internet web site banner ads, trials are impressions of the ads presented to the user, and successes are measured by clickthroughs from the banner ad to the web site associated with the banner ad. Computer system, computer program, and computer program product associated with the inventive method and procedures are also provided.
US08086479B2 Oilfield management system and method
Systems and methods for managing and performing oilfield operations for an oilfield having geological formations and reservoirs therein are disclosed. The systems and methods provide a graphical user interface that allows a user to graphically define, edit, and automatically run a workflow for managing and performing oilfield operations. Lines are used in the workflow to express both execution flow and data flow. In this way, both execution flow and data flow may be represented in a single workflow diagram. The workflow management systems and methods also allow users to dynamically modify the workflow to add contact information for one or more other users to at least one work step. Users may then use the workflow management systems and methods to suspend running of the workflow at any modified work step and request consultation, collaboration, and/or approval from the other users whose contact information was added to the work step.
US08086453B2 Automatic detection and application of editing patterns in draft documents
An error detection and correction system extracts editing patterns and derives correction rules from them by observing differences between draft documents and corresponding edited documents, and/or by observing editing operations performed on the draft documents to produce the edited documents. The system develops classifiers that partition the space of all possible contexts into equivalence classes and assigns one or more correction rules to each such class). Once the system has been trained, it may be used to detect and (optionally) correct errors in new draft documents. When presented with a draft document, the system identifies first content (e.g., text) in the draft document and identifies a context of the first content. The system identifies a correction rule based on the first content and the first context. The system may use a classifier to identify the correction rule. The system applies the correction rule to the first content to produce second content.
US08086446B2 Method and apparatus for non-overlapped transforming of an audio signal, method and apparatus for adaptively encoding audio signal with the transforming, method and apparatus for inverse non-overlapped transforming of an audio signal, and method and apparatus for adaptively decoding audio signal with the inverse transforming
A method and apparatus for transforming an audio signal, a method and apparatus for adaptively encoding an audio signal, a method and apparatus for inversely transforming an audio signal, and a method and apparatus for adaptively decoding an audio signal. The method of transforming an audio signal includes determining a transform unit into which the audio signal in a time domain is to be transformed into an audio signal in a frequency domain, and transforming the audio signal into an audio signal in the frequency domain according to the determined transform units using a window coefficient other than 0. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize distortion of the audio signal when encoding the audio signal even at a high bit rate while increasing efficiency of compression.
US08086442B1 Efficient use of exceptions in text segmentation
Input text may be broken into sentence, or other types of segments, by first detecting exceptions in the input text, and then detecting break positions. Given a segment breaking scheme that comprises a set of break rules and a set of exceptions, a regular expression is created that represents the break rules, and another regular expression is created that represents the exceptions. The input text is analyzed to identify strings that match any exception, and the matching strings are substituted with placeholders that are not likely to occur naturally in the input. The resulting text, with substitutions, is then evaluated to find the positions in the text that match the break rules. Those positions are declared to be segment breaks, and the placeholders are then replaced with the original strings. The result is the original text, with breaks assigned to the appropriate positions in the text.
US08086431B2 Method and system for interpreting swabbing tests using nonlinear regression
A method for increasing production in a reservoir, comprising performing a swabbing test at a depth in a pipe, wherein the pipe is located in a wellbore and wherein a portion of the wellbore is located inside the reservoir, periodically measuring, during the swabbing test, pressure in the bottom portion of the pipe using the pressure gauge to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements, wherein the pressure gauge is affixed to an inner wall of a bottom portion of the pipe, and determining a plurality of flow rates of fluid flowing from the reservoir through perforations in the wellbore into the pipe using a flow rate equation and the plurality of pressure measurements.
US08086424B2 Method for determining life of filters in bag house
A method for dynamically determining a remaining actual operational period for a filter in a filtration device including: determining an initial remaining operational period based on an installation date of the filter and an initial expected operational period; periodically determining a remaining actual operational period of the filter based on the initial remaining operational period based and an elapsed operational period from the installation date; monitoring at least one operating parameter in the filtration device; adjusting the remaining actual operational period based on the monitored operating parameter, and continuing to periodically determine the remaining actual operational period based on the adjusted remaining actual operational period and the elapsed operational period.
US08086416B2 Auto-synchronous power gauge
According to one exemplary embodiment, an auto-synchronous power gauge for measuring total charge consumed from a power source of an electronic device includes an analog to digital converter for sampling a signal corresponding to current drawn from the power source, and one or more accumulators. The analog to digital converter produces digital outputs which are received and summed by the one or more accumulators. The auto-synchronous power gauge further includes a power mode detector for generating a power mode signal using the signal corresponding to current drawn from the power source, where the power mode signal is used by a controller to enable and disable the one or more accumulators and the analog to digital converter. The total charge consumed can be determined by a processor coupled to the auto-synchronous power gauge. In one embodiment, a sync signal from the processor provides input to the controller.
US08086409B2 Method of selecting genes from continuous gene expression data based on synergistic interactions among genes
Systems and methods for selecting factors from a continuous data set of measurements are provided. The measurements include values of factors and/or outcomes. Two or more factors that are jointly associated with one or more outcomes from the data set are identified. Each of the two or more factors are analyzed to determine at least one cooperative interaction among the factors with respect to an outcome. The two or more factors can be a module of factors serving as a single factor participating in a cooperative interaction with another factor or module of factors.
US08086405B2 Compensation for mounting misalignment of a navigation device
Compensating for the misalignment of a navigation device with respect to a vehicle is described. In one example, the compensation is made by applying a high pass filter to a measured acceleration of the vehicle to produce a motion acceleration signal, weighting the motion acceleration signal with a measured steering rate of the vehicle, and deriving misalignment parameters for the navigation device with respect to the vehicle using the weighted motion acceleration signal.
US08086400B2 System and method for monitoring the security of participants in a rideshare environment
A system and method for monitoring the security of participants in a rideshare environment is provided. A rideshare transaction is monitored between two or more rideshare participants. At least one of the rideshare participants is associated with a rideshare participant device. A predetermined route for the rideshare transaction is identified. A location of the rideshare participant device is monitored. A security check is triggered when the rideshare participant device location is inconsistent with the predetermined route.
US08086395B2 In-vehicle navigation system
An in-vehicle navigation system includes a navigation device that further includes a receiving unit configured to receive information, a storage unit configured to store the received information, and a guidance unit. The navigation system further includes: a battery voltage detector; a temperature sensor; and a control device. The control device includes: a determination unit and a start-up control unit configured to periodically start the navigation device while the vehicle's engine is off, or cancel start-up of the navigation device based upon the detected battery voltage, a predetermined voltage level, and current and/or predicted temperatures.
US08086392B2 Post oxygen sensor performance diagnostic with minimum air flow
An engine control system includes an oxygen (O2) sensor diagnostic module that diagnoses an O2 sensor and requests a minimum air per cylinder (APC). A throttle actuator module controls a throttle to adjust a mass air flow based on the minimum APC.
US08086389B2 Control apparatus for controlling both fuel injection system and exhaust gas cleaning system
A control apparatus is disclosed which controls both a fuel injection system and an exhaust gas cleaning system for an internal combustion engine. The fuel injection system includes at least one fuel injector for injecting fuel from a fuel source into a cylinder of the engine. The exhaust gas cleaning system includes a fuel adding device for adding fuel from the fuel source to the exhaust gas from the engine. The control apparatus includes determining means and stopping means. The determining means determines whether operation of the fuel adding device for adding the fuel to the exhaust gas interferes with control by the control apparatus of the fuel injection system. The stopping means stops the operation of the fuel adding device when it is determined by the determining means that the operation of the fuel adding device interferes with the control by the control apparatus of the fuel injection system.
US08086387B2 System and method of fuel system optimization
A method of optimizing a fuel system on a vehicle is provided. The fuel system includes a fuel tank configured to receive and contain a quantity of fuel, and the method includes determining a property associated with the quantity of fuel contained within the fuel system, comparing the determined property with a nominal value for that fuel property, and modifying at least one vehicle sub-system setting in response to the determined fuel property.
US08086385B2 Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
To provide a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which can effectively utilize a scavenging effect while suppressing a torque difference in the internal combustion engine provided with a variable valve mechanism which makes a valve overlap period variable.When a scavenging effect utilization condition that the scavenging effect using exhaust pressure pulsation can be effectively utilized is established, a valve overlap period is set so as to overlap with a timing at which a trough of the exhaust pressure pulsation comes. In this occasion, a set value of the valve overlap period is limited such that an increase amount of a torque index value associated with the setting of valve overlap period does not exceed a predetermined permissible value.
US08086384B2 Stop determination apparatus, inclination determination apparatus, and electric parking brake controller
A vehicle stop determination apparatus includes a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a speed of a vehicle, a G sensor for detecting a longitudinal acceleration of a vehicle, an inclination acceleration estimate section for calculating an estimated inclination acceleration resulting from an inclination of a road surface based on a vehicle speed reduction rate calculated from an output of the vehicle speed sensor and an output from the G sensor, and a stop determination section which has a first stop determination mode and a second stop determination mode and which selects the first stop determination mode or the second stop determination mode based on the vehicle speed reduction rate provided before the output of the vehicle speed sensor becomes equal to or less than a detection limit. Also, the inclination is re-determined based on the output of the G sensor when the vehicle is stopped.
US08086378B2 Method for monitoring the quality of crop material
A method for estimating a portion of undesired particles in crop material includes taking a photograph of the crop material; identifying images of at least one type of undesired particle in the photograph that was taken; measuring the surface area covered by the image of every particle shown in the photograph; and determining the portion of undesired particles as a proportion of the surface area of the images, and may be used, in particular, in a harvesting machine on the crop material picked up in an on-going harvesting operation.
US08086364B2 System and method for operation of electric and hybrid vehicles
A system for operating an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle includes a computer programmed to identify a location of a vehicle, access a map and identify a plurality of links therein, pre-screen the plurality of links to identify if any of the plurality of links is within a given bounds of the current location, and if one or more possible links are identified, then match the current location of the vehicle to one of the identified links, and upload power data for the vehicle corresponding to the matched location into a database.
US08086358B2 Method for pre-heating high power devices to enable low temperature start-up and operation
A method and system for utilizing the heat dissipated by quiescent IC leakage currents to control the start-up temperature of components. A temperature control sub-system utilizes a thermal sensor to sense the junction temperature of the component. When the temperature is below an operating threshold, the control sub-system applies power to the component, and the component is self-heated due to the quiescent leakage current inherent to the component. This quiescent self-heating property serves as a source of pre-heat to elevate the temperature of the component, until the temperature, as indicated by the thermal sensor, rises above the minimum specified operating temperature of the component. The system may then be reliably initialized by applying full system power, and triggering a hardware reset or defined initialization sequence/procedure. Once the component(s) is operational, self-heating continues to maintain the component's temperature above the minimum operating threshold.
US08086355B1 Method, a system, a computer-readable medium, and a power controlling apparatus for applying and distributing power
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like.
US08086348B2 Method of transferring a substrate, transfer system and lithographic projection apparatus
A method is provided for transferring a substrate from a first substrate holder, e.g., a pre-alignment unit, to a second substrate holder, e.g., a substrate table in a lithographic apparatus, by means of a transfer unit on the basis of transfer data available thereto. First, the substrate is provided on the first substrate holder. Subsequently, a position error of the substrate is measured, and positioning adjustment data are calculated based on the position error as measured. Then, the second substrate holder is moved relative to a reference position thereof in accordance with the positioning adjustment data. Finally, the substrate is transferred by means of the transfer unit from the first substrate holder to the second substrate holder in accordance with the transfer data, and placed on the second substrate holder as moved.
US08086331B2 Reproduction apparatus, program and reproduction method
The Procedure executing unit 42 makes a judgment on which among three conditions are satisfied by each of a plurality of audio streams. The BD-ROM reproduction apparatus selects an audio stream to be reproduced in accordance with each combination of conditions that are satisfied by each audio stream. One of the conditions is that a channel attribute of an audio stream is surround and the reproduction apparatus is capable to output surround audio. If the audio stream to be reproduced conforms to an encoding method such as DTS-HD or DD/DD+ whose audio frames are composed of basic data and extended data, the judgment on whether the surround output is available is made by judging whether or not the reproduction apparatus has a capability to process the extended data.
US08086329B2 Method of actuator control
The present invention is related to a method of controlling a device having a calibration process. The calibration process has a partial calibration routine and a calibration routine. A detector within the control system is capable of receiving one or more input signals and determining whether a partial calibration or calibration should occur. The first step in the process involves starting the control method where the detector receives input signals or generates it own data within the detector. The detector also determines whether a partial calibration routine or a calibration routine will take place based upon the value of the input signals received. A partial calibration routine will be performed if the input signals to the detector do not favor a calibration.
US08086327B2 Methods and apparatus for automated predictive design space estimation
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for automated predictive design space estimation. A design space of input factors and output responses is estimated for a physical process. Data is received for one or more input factors for a physical process, one or more output responses for the process, and criteria. For each of the one or more input factors, a calculated range of input values within the corresponding experimented range of input values is calculated. A modified range of input values is calculated for each of the one or more input factors. A design space estimate is predicted based at least on the modified ranges of input values, wherein the modified ranges of input values each comprise a largest region of variability for one or more of the input factors where the criteria are fulfilled.
US08086326B2 Fail-safe system for controlling wind turbines
A wind turbine control system is provided. The control system includes a first and a second control unit which are coupled to each other over a first network. The first control unit is configured as a critical control unit, comprising a first set of functions comprising critical control functions for the operation of a wind turbine, and the second control unit is configured as a secondary control unit, comprising a second set of functions comprising non-critical control functions and data management functions.
US08086310B2 Power supply monitoring for an implantable device
A method and an apparatus for projecting an end of service (EOS) and/or an elective replacement indication (ERI) of a component in an implantable device and for determining an impedance experienced by a lead associated with the implantable device. An active charge depletion of an implantable device is determined. An inactive charge depletion of the implantable device is determined. A time period until an end of service (EOS) and/or elective replacement indication (ERI) of a power supply associated with the IMD based upon the active charge depletion, the inactive charge depletion, and the initial and final (EOS) battery charges, is determined. Furthermore, to determine the impedance described above, a substantially constant current signal is provided through a first terminal and a second terminal of the lead. A voltage across the first and second terminals is measured. An impedance across the first and second terminals is determined based upon the constant current signal and the measured voltage.
US08086308B2 Implantable medical device for identifying and managing intrinsic reentrant tachycardia
An implantable medical device is provided that comprises a pulse generator that provides atrial and ventricular pacing pulses on demand. The pulse generator times delivery of the ventricular pacing pulses based on an AV pacing interval. The device also includes an AV hysteresis module that extends the AV interval from a base AV interval to an extended AV interval to promote intrinsic heart activity. A refractory module establishes a PVARP interval equal to base PVARP interval following at least one of the ventricular pacing pulses. The refractory module lengthens the PVARP interval by adding a PVARP extension to a base PVARP interval to provide an extended PVARP interval. The device further includes a reentrant conduction detector that identifies an intrinsic reentrant tachycardia having a retrograde P wave occurring during the PVARP extension, based on one or more of i) a retrograde P wave, ii) intrinsic R waves sensed over N cardiac cycles at an R to R interval above a rate threshold and iii) one or more of PR and RP intervals that exceed PR and RP thresholds.
US08086299B2 Frameless radiosurgery treatment system and method
A method and apparatus for selectively and accurately localizing and treating a target within a patient are provided. A three dimensional mapping of a region surrounding the target is coupled to a surgical intervention. Two or more diagnostic beams at a known non-zero angle to one another may pass through the mapping region to produce images of projections within the mapping region in order to accurately localize and treat the target wherein the images are captured using one or more image recorders.
US08086295B2 Collapsible containment wall for imaging
A retractable containment wall separates an imaging suite into two sections: a “hot” or contaminated section and a “cold” or non-contaminated section. The wall includes a center portion and retractable peripheral portions. Each retractable portion is made up of several panels. Between panels, between a panel and a room wall, and between a panel and the center portion are tongue and groove seals that mate to form seals at seams in the wall when the wall is deployed. Guide pins propagate along a guide track to facilitate transition of the portions between deployed and retracted orientations. The center portion includes a tube that extends into the imaging region of a diagnostic imaging device located in the non-contaminated portion of the imaging suite. The subject is inserted into the tube in preparation for an imaging procedure.
US08086294B2 Unified probabilistic framework for predicting and detecting seizure onsets in the brain and multitherapeutic device
A method and system for assessing a quality of life index to adjust an implanted device to optimize patient-specific feature signals and treatment therapies. Accumulated energy of intracranial electroencephalogram (IEEG) signals is calculated over multiple data channels during seizures over a fixed time period. Accumulated energy of a treatment control is calculated over the multiple data channels over all times of activation of the implanted device over the fixed time period. The accumulated energy of both the IEEG signals and treatment control are weighted by seizure and treatment factors to determine a quality value for the fixed time period. A quality of life index is determined as a weighted average of current and previous quality values for a plurality of fixed time periods.
US08086292B2 Analyte monitoring and management system and methods therefor
Method and apparatus for providing multiple data receiver units in a data monitoring and management system such as analyte monitoring system where a first data receiver includes all of the functionalities for the data monitoring and management system receiver unit, and a second data receiver unit is configured with a limited functions to provide application specific convenience to the user or patient is disclosed.
US08086291B2 Cover to a portable electronic apparatus composed of leather and/or textile
The invention relates to a cover adapted to be removably attachable to a portable electronic apparatus. The cover has an outer face which is exposed when the cover is attached to the apparatus. Said outer face has entirely or partly a distinctive appearance composed of leather and/or textile as a surface of said outer face.
US08086287B2 System and method for switching between audio sources
A system and method is provided for monitoring a plurality of audio sources and switching from one to another of the audio sources in accordance with a stored program. An audio output device receives a signal from each of the portable electronic devices and selectively switches the contents of its output according to at least one preprogrammed user preference. The audio output device also automatically communicates with transceiver modules connected to local information systems, for example within a vehicle, office or shopping center. Based on programs stored in a storage device connected to the headset, the local information sources may be monitored and selected to interrupt other audio sources received by the headset when desired.
US08086273B2 Wireless communication method, wireless communication system, and wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication method MIMO communication using a wireless communication apparatus having N antennas includes performing first inverse-matrix determining processing which determines, using a channel matrix for a first antenna selected from the N antennas, a first inverse matrix of the channel matrix; performing second inverse-matrix determining processing which determines, with respect to a (n+1)th antenna selected from antennas other than the first to nth antennas already selected, a second inverse matrix of a channel matrix for a group of the first to (n+1)th antennas, by performing computation using a value from one of the first inverse matrix and the second inverse matrix, and performing communication using, from a plurality of combinations of the L antennas selected from the N antennas, a combination of L antennas with which an inverse matrix value determined in the first and second inverse-matrix determining processing satisfies an antenna selection criterion.
US08086272B2 Wireless networks incorporating antenna selection based on received sounding reference signals
A method and system selects antennas in a wireless network including a base station and user equipment (UE) transceivers. The base station specifies times and frequencies to transmit sounding reference signals (SRSs), and antennas to use to transmit the SRSs for the specified times and frequencies. The transceivers transmit the SRS according to the specified times, frequencies, and antennas. The base station selects subsets of the set of available sets of antennas, and indicates the selected subset of antennas to the transceiver.
US08086268B2 Mobile communication terminal and method of controlling transmission characteristic thereof
A mobile communication terminal includes: a signal transmission section having a predetermined default value for a transmission characteristic; an antenna to be used at least by the signal transmission section; a separate circuit section sharing ground with the signal transmission section and the antenna, and being different from the signal transmission section; a monitoring section monitoring a change in a use state of the terminal related to the separate circuit section; and when the signal transmission section transmits a signal using the antenna, if the monitoring section detects a change in the use state of the terminal, a transmission-characteristic adjusting section adjusting a transmission characteristic of the signal transmission section from the default value to a characteristic optimized for the use state.
US08086266B2 Cell phone based MEMS fourier transform infrared (FTIR) gas sensors
A cell-phone based chemical sensor and communication/data management system has cell phones that are each provided with an integrated sensor (sensor enabled cell phone). Each cell phone comprises an infrared spectrometer for spectrally analyzing the ambient environment and a communication portion for communicating with the cellular phone network and transmitting data from the infrared spectrometer over the cellular network. These cell phones are linked to each other and a central server via the routing nodes of the cellular phone network.
US08086264B2 Shared processing between wireless interface devices of a communication device
An integrated circuit includes a first wireless interface circuit that transceives first packetized data with a first external device in accordance with a first wireless communication protocol, wherein the first wireless interface circuit includes a first processing module that processes the first packetized data. A second wireless interface circuit, coupled to the first wireless interface device, transceives second packetized data with a second external device in accordance with a second wireless communication protocol, wherein the second wireless interface circuit includes a second processing module that processes the second packetized data, wherein the second wireless interface circuit is operable to assign a first processing task to the first processing module and wherein the first processing task relates to the processing of the second packetized data.
US08086259B2 Radio communication apparatus, radio communication system and radio communication method
A radio communication apparatus includes a control unit for conducting modulation scheme changeover control to change a modulation scheme according to a state of a transmission path and automatic transmitter power control to control a transmission level of another radio communication apparatus to set a reception level of a reception signal to be received by the own apparatus to a predetermined value, wherein the control unit controls, when a changeover is conducted from a first modulation scheme to a second modulation scheme under the modulation scheme changeover control, to keep the transmission level of another radio communication apparatus at a predetermined value under the automatic transmitter power control and conducts, when resetting is conducted from the second modulation scheme to the first modulation scheme under the modulation scheme changeover control, at least one of transmission level reduction control to stepwise lower by a predetermined value the transmission level kept at the predetermined value under the automatic transmitter power control and reception level confirmation control to confirm a state of the reception level for a fixed period of time.
US08086255B2 Data message processing
Processing data messages is disclosed. A mobile data message is received. It is determined whether the mobile data message requires communication policy compliance handling. The mobile data message or a copy thereof is sent to a communication policy compliance destination if it is determined that the mobile data message requires communication policy compliance handling.
US08086250B2 Communications method
A method of 2-way data and voice communication with a user utilizing a portable device having a cellular transceiver module, a GPS module and an emergency call button is disclosed. The method includes determining whether the portable device is in proximity of the base station; powering down the GPS, placing the portable device into sleep mode and sending a signal to the base station indicating that said portable device is in proximity of the base station when the portable device is in proximity to the base station; and activating and fully powering the cellular transceiver module and activating and fully powering said GPS module when the portable device is not in proximity of said base station. When not in proximity, the method also includes collecting an initial GPS location data from the GPS module and storing the location data into a memory location; placing the GPS module into a lower power mode and fully powering the GPS module, acquiring and storing additional GPS location data only at specified intervals to conserve battery life while monitoring the cellular transceiver module for inquiries and monitoring the emergency call button for an emergency signal. Various other steps occur when the emergency button is depressed.
US08086248B2 Estimating location using multi-antenna radio receiver
Packets are periodically transmitted by a plurality of radio beacons deployed at known positions over a location estimation area. Monitoring is conducted for incoming packets. Upon receipt of a packet from a kth one of the beacons, received signal strength, RSSI, is measured at each of the antenna outputs, the packet is decoded to obtain the unique identifier and the unique sequence number, and the received signal strength at each of the antenna outputs is spatially averaged. The measuring, decoding, and spatial averaging are repeated for additional packets from the kth one of the beacons during a pre-defined time window T. The plurality of spatially averaged received signal strengths are temporally averaged over the pre-defined time window T, to obtain a spatially and temporally averaged value of received signal strength. The distance dk from the apparatus to the kth one of the beacons is approximated based on the spatially and temporally averaged value of received signal strength. The approximate distance dk is designated as {circumflex over (d)}k. This is repeated for the K beacons that have successfully transmitted packet(s) during the pre-defined time window, k=1 to K. The location of the object is estimated as an approximate intersection of spheres with radii {circumflex over (d)}k. Each sphere is centered at the known position of the kth one of the beacons.
US08086242B2 Method and system for adaptive allocation of feedback resources for CQI and transmit pre-coding
Aspects of a method and system for adaptive allocation of feedback resources for CQI and transmit pre-coding may include assigning a bandwidth and a feedback period to one or more CQI reporting units and a bandwidth and a feedback period to one or more PMI reporting units. One or more feedback messages may be generated based at least on channel state information associated with the bandwidth and the feedback period assigned to the one or more CQI reporting units and with the bandwidth and the feedback period assigned to the one or more PMI reporting units. The bandwidth and the feedback period of the CQI reporting units and/or the PMI reporting units may be adjusted dynamically and/or adaptively. Based on the channel state information or as a function of a feedback rate, the bandwidth and/or the feedback period may be assigned.
US08086233B2 Detecting cloning of network devices
Techniques are provided to detect cloning of network device identity when network device is seeking registration for service in a network. A control server manages access to the network in which a plurality of network devices are configured to communicate and serve client devices. The network devices require registration with the service gateway in order to provide services. When network devices register with the service gateway, the service gateway performs local clone detection by looking for active registrations from devices with the same identity and by further communicating with the control server. The control server receives registration request messages associated with network devices seeking registration for service from gateway devices, wherein each registration request message includes data comprising an identifier of the network device that is seeking registration that is derived from data stored within a memory of the network device, and an identifier of the gateway device from which the registration request message is received. The control server evaluates the data contained in registration request messages with respect to stored data in order to determine whether a network device identity has been cloned when its registration request message contains an identifier that is already being used by at least one other network device.
US08086227B2 Collaboratively locating disconnected clients and rogue access points in a wireless network
Methods are described for using collaboration of neighboring wireless devices to enable location of disconnected wireless devices and rogue wireless access points. A central server computes the locations of the neighboring clients and uses those locations to estimate the location of a disconnected client. These techniques may take advantage of the beaconing and probing mechanisms of IEEE 802.11 to ensure that connected clients do not pay unnecessary overheads for detecting disconnected clients. Methods are also described for detecting and locating rogue devices by collaboratively collecting information from neighboring devices and comparing the information to a database.
US08086211B2 Magnetically differential input
A magnetically differential input circuit is arranged to define at least two loops, wherein each of the loops traverses the input of a receiving circuit. The loops are physically arranged so that a source of interference induces opposing signals in the loops, thereby effecting cancellation of the interference at the input of the receiving circuit. In one embodiment, the input circuit is arranged to be electrically differential as well as magnetically differential.
US08086205B2 Multimode receiver with active blocker suppression
Various embodiments of a wireless multimode receiver having an off-chip duplex filter associated with a multimode band, and a blocker cancellation circuit disposed on a semiconductor chip are described in the present disclosure.
US08086202B2 Method for removing the coupling and correlation of antennas, and wireless device having the function of removing the coupling and correlation of antennas
A wireless device, which employs the method and function of removing the coupling and correlation of antennas, picks up the noise components released from inside the device together with the current induced to a second antenna. The wireless device then controls the amplitude and phase of the pickup signal so as to optimize the reception quality signal for received signal, and additively combines it with the signal received from the first antenna. The coupled component, which is induced from the first antenna to the second antenna, is cancelled together with the noise component, thus mainly cancelling the largest cause of desensitization. This results in the maximization of the receiving sensitivity.
US08086199B2 Sharing AGC loop between demodulator and spectrum analysis system
Systems and methods for sharing an AGC loop between a wireless data demodulator and a spectrum analysis module that operates simultaneously with the data demodulator. In one embodiment, a predetermined hold time prevents the AGC loop from changing gain too often, thereby allowing the spectrum analysis module to collect reliable data. In another embodiment, the hold time may be extended to coincide with a spectrum analysis event, such as a boundary of an FFT block. In still another embodiment, an FFT valid signal is provided such that collected FFT blocks can be designated as suspect and then subsequently processed accordingly.
US08086191B2 Leakage power reduction apparatus
A circulator extracts a transmission signal sent from a transmitter to antenna via the circulator and a duplexer, reflected by an antenna, and returned via the duplexer to the transmitter side. The amplitude and phase of the extracted signal are adjusted by an amplitude-and-phase adjuster to generate an offset signal having the same amplitude and the opposite phase with respect to a leaking transmission signal included in a signal output from a third terminal of the duplexer when combined by a combiner. The offset signal is combined in the combiner with the leaking transmission signal included in the signal output from the third terminal of the duplexer to suppress the leaking transmission signal.
US08086190B2 Method and system for reconfigurable devices for multi-frequency coexistence
Aspects of a method and system for reconfigurable devices for multi-frequency coexistence are provided. In this regard, an IC may be configured based on a frequency of signals processed by the IC. In instances that the IC may process signals of a first frequency, the IC may be configured such that a loop communicatively coupled to the integrated circuit may function as an inductor. In instances that the IC may process signals of a second frequency, the IC may be configured such that the loop may function as an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving the signals. The loop may be within and/or on the IC and/or a package such as a multilayer package to which the IC may be bonded. The loop may be fabricated with stripline and/or microstrip transmission line. In instances that the loop may function as an inductor, the loop may be communicatively coupled as part of a VCO tank circuit.
US08086183B2 Apparatus and method for perceiving and reporting neighborhood object
An apparatus and method for perceiving and reporting a neighborhood object, the apparatus including: a message analysis unit to analyze information of an alive message received from the neighborhood object and to determine if the analyzed information lies within a predetermined range; a neighborhood object information control unit to update status information of the neighborhood object by adjusting a transmission cycle, according to which the neighborhood object transmits the alive message, based on a result of the determination by the message analysis unit; and a reporting unit to report the updated status information of the neighborhood object according to a reporting condition.
US08086179B2 Mobility management of multiple clusters within a wireless communications network
Aspects of mobility management within a wireless communications network including a plurality of sectors are disclosed. In an example, the wireless communications network includes a first cluster of sectors with at least one target sector and at least one supporting sector. The multicast communication session is carried within both the target and supporting sectors. In another example, a second cluster can be included within the network for supporting the same multicast communication session that includes its own target and supporting sectors. In this example, the first cluster transmits multicast media on a first interlace-multiplex (IM) pair of a downlink broadcast channel (BCH) and the second cluster transmits multicast media on a second IM pair of the downlink BCH. If sectors of the first and second clusters overlap, the network controls a manner in which the first and second clusters carry the multicast media.
US08086164B2 Image forming system
An image forming system including: an image reading portion, which reads an image on an original; an image forming portion, which forms an image on a sheet; and a storage device, which stores an original before the image reading portion reads an image thereon and a sheet before the image forming portion forms an image thereon, the storage device being detachably mounted to the image forming system.
US08086157B2 Image forming apparatus including storage device storing maximum length of transferring medium
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image forming part configured to form a latent image on an image carrier; a developing part configured to form a toner image by developing the latent image on the image carrier; a first transferring part configured to transfer the toner image on the image carrier to a surface of a transferring medium or a first intermediate transferring part; a second transferring part configured to transfer the toner image on the first intermediate transferring part onto a second intermediate transferring part; a third transferring part configured to transfer the toner image on the second intermediate transferring part onto a third intermediate transferring part; and a fourth transferring part configured to transfer the toner image on the third intermediate transferring part onto a rear surface of the transferring medium.
US08086151B2 Developing roller specific for mono-component developing apparatus
A mono-component developing apparatus including a developing roller which transports toner supported on an outer circumferential face of a center portion toward a developing area by rotating while frictionally sliding on a sealing member on each of two end portions. The developing roller includes surface processing areas having a spiral shape, placed on each of outer circumferential faces of the two end portions. An angle, made by a spiral direction of each surface processing area and the rotation direction, is an acute angle. The developing roller inhibits toner leakage, with the driving torque of the developing roller being only slightly increased.
US08086148B2 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is disclosed. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor body, a donor roller which develops an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor body by using charged toners, and a development nip section formed between the photoconductor body and the donor roller by having a predetermined gap between the photoconductor body and the donor roller. A developing traveling-wave electrode for generating a traveling-wave electric field is disposed at a position facing the surface of the donor roller at an upstream side of the moving direction of the photoconductor body relative to the development nip section, and a removing traveling-wave electrode for generating a traveling-wave electric field is disposed at a position facing the surface of the donor roller at a downstream side of the moving direction of the photoconductor body relative to the development nip section.
US08086146B2 Image forming method and apparatus for effectively supplying developer
A developer container that contains a two-component developer including a carrier and toner includes a developer containing portion configured to include a plurality of surfaces and to accommodate the two-component developer and a cap configured to communicate to a suction pump so that the two-component developer is sucked by the suction pump and is conveyed to a developing unit. The developer containing portion is configured to include an internal space having at least 12% of an air space measured after the two-component developer is packed in the developer containing portion and left still for at least 24 hours.
US08086141B2 Electric charging apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
An electric charging apparatus charges a surface of a charging object. The electric charging apparatus includes an electric field forming device including two electrodes facing each other that form an electric field therebetween. An electron discharging member is provided at a portion of one of the two electrodes that faces the other electrode and discharges electrons into the electric field. The electric charging apparatus also includes a voltage applying controller that controls a voltage applied to the two electrodes. The voltage applying controller selects two or more nonzero intensities of the electric field.
US08086140B2 Photosensitive body having electrical connection arrangement
A photosensitive body for electro-photography includes an electrically conductive photosensitive drum, an electrically conductive shaft, and an electrically conductive contact member. The photosensitive drum is rotatable relative to the shaft. The shaft includes a cylindrical shaft body and a metal coating formed on the outer surface of the shaft body and made from an electrically conductive material having an ionization tendency lower than that of a substrate of the shaft body. The contact member has an engagement portion in fitting engagement with an inner peripheral surface of the drum body, and has a contact portion resiliently and slidingly contacting the shaft to provide an electrical contact between the photosensitive drum and the shaft. The contact portion is made of a material whose ionization tendency is higher than that of the metal coating.
US08086137B2 Image forming apparatus having a removable photosensitive member unit
An image forming apparatus can include a body casing and a photosensitive member unit configured to be inserted into and withdrawn from the body casing. The photosensitive member unit can be moved between a first position where the photosensitive member unit is stored in the body casing and a second position where the photosensitive member unit is withdrawn from the body casing, and between the second position and a third position where the photosensitive member unit is withdrawn from the body casing. The image forming apparatus may further include a control member disposed in the body casing, The control member can be configured to move between a holding position in which the photosensitive member unit is prevented from moving between the second position and the third position and a release position where the photosensitive member unit is allowed to move between the second position and the third position.
US08086136B2 Photoreceptor unit and image forming apparatus
A photoreceptor unit is inserted into an image forming apparatus in the predetermined insertion direction, and includes a photoreceptor, a light-shielding sheet covering a part of the photoreceptor on the front side in the insertion direction; a rigid cover made of resin and provided adjacent to the light-shielding sheet on the rear side in the insertion direction; and a cushioning member interposed between the rigid cover and the photoreceptor. The rigid cover has a length that allows the photoreceptor unit to be gripped at the rigid cover. The light-shielding sheet, the rigid cover and the cushioning member can be removed together from the photoreceptor.
US08086134B2 Developing unit including side seal member between end of developer carrier and housing
A developing unit is provided that includes a developer carrier; a housing; and a side sealing member disposed between an end part of the developer carrier and a portion of the housing adjacent to a supply port. The side sealing member includes an upstream side seal and a downstream side seal. The upstream side seal is configured to convey a developer on the upstream side seal in an oblique direction toward the supply port and the downstream side. The downstream side seal is configured to convey a developer on the downstream side seal in a direction toward the downstream side.
US08086124B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including toner image forming means for forming a having chromatic toner image a transparent toner image; fixing means for heating and fixing the non-transparent toner image and the transparent toner image on recording material; glossiness detecting means for detecting a glossiness of an area in which the non-transparent toner image and the transparent toner image are overlaid and fixed; control means for controlling an amount of the transparent toner, per unit area, on the recording material on the basis of a result of detection by the detecting means.
US08086123B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an image formation control unit for forming print images on an image carrier and for forming a reference toner pattern having a predetermined size between the print images formed on the image carrier; a reference image density detecting unit for detecting a image density of the reference toner pattern; and an image forming condition adjusting unit for adjusting an image forming condition based on the image density detected by the reference image density detecting unit. If a toner amount of one or plurality of the print images is greater than a predetermined value, the image formation control unit prevents any further adjustment operation performed by the image forming condition adjusting unit.
US08086117B2 Image forming apparatus and developer replenishing method
A switching controller switches from a developer replenishment prohibition mode to a developer replenishment permission mode when the replenishment detection device detects that the developer containing section does not store a prescribed amount of the developer, and from the developer replenishment permission mode to the developer replenishment prohibition mode when a prescribed operation is executed upon completion of replenishment of the developer from the developer containing bottle to the developer containing section. The developer replenishment prohibition mode prohibits the developer replenishment device from replenishing the developer to the developer containing section, while the developer replenishment permission mode permits the developer replenishment device to replenish the developer to the developer containing section.
US08086115B2 Consumable management system and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a predicting unit that predicts a prediction lifetime of a consumable that is detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus, based on consumption information corresponding to an operation of the image forming apparatus; a connection determining unit that determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is connected to a managing apparatus that manages a replacement time of the consumable that is detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus; a consumption information transmitting unit that transmits the consumption information to the managing apparatus located outside the image forming apparatus; a managed lifetime information receiving unit as defined herein; a replacement time determining unit that determines whether or not the replacement time of the consumable has been reached; a learning unit as defined herein; and a prediction lifetime updating unit as defined herein.
US08086114B2 Filter coefficient changing apparatus and method
The present invention discloses filter coefficient changing apparatus and method for use in a dual-polarized optical coherent receiver. The apparatus comprises a controlling unit, a switching unit and a new coefficient obtaining unit. The switching unit is connected between a first filter coefficient updating unit and a first filtering unit and a second filtering unit; the new coefficient obtaining unit generates new filter coefficients for the first filtering unit and the second filtering unit in accordance with filter coefficients outputted by a second filter coefficient updating unit; and the controlling unit generates a control signal that controls switching of the switching unit. Upon reception of the control signal, the switching unit breaks off output of the filter coefficients from the first filter coefficient updating unit, transmits new filter coefficients from the new coefficient obtaining unit to the first filtering unit and the second filtering unit, and subsequently resumes the output of the filter coefficients from the first filter coefficient updating unit to the first filtering unit and the second filtering unit.
US08086109B2 Polarization multiplexed optical transmitting and receiving apparatus
In a polarization multiplexed optical transmitting and receiving apparatus, output light from a light source section of a transmission unit is separated in a polarization separating section, and then modulated in first and second modulation sections, and the modulated lights are synthesized in a polarization synthesizing section, and transmitted to an optical transmission line. Then the polarization multiplexed light propagated through the optical transmission line is demodulated in a reception section of a reception unit, and together with this, transmission characteristic information of the reception light is transferred to the transmission unit. The transmission unit that receives the transmission characteristics information controls a delay section that adjusts a delay amount of relative phases of drive signals of the modulation sections, so that the transmission characteristics of the polarization multiplexed light are within an allowable range. As a result, pulse timing between orthogonal polarization components of the polarization multiplexed light can be flexibly changed with a simple configuration.
US08086107B2 Optical-electrical hybrid integrated circuit
An operating unit performs a prescribed operation and includes a standby-state-signal generating unit that generates a standby state signal for switching between a standby state and an operation state of the operating unit in a first part of the operating unit. An optical-signal transmitting unit converts an electric signal, which is a result of the operation in a second part of the operating unit, into an optical signal, transmits the optical signal to a third part of the operating unit, and then converts the optical signal into the electric signal. A power-supply control unit controls a supply of the electric power to the operating unit and a supply of the electric power to the optical-signal transmitting unit by a power supply unit in response to the standby state signal.
US08086105B2 Wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer having flat wavelength response
Provided is a wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer having a flat wavelength response. In the wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer, a modified taper-shaped optical waveguide is interposed between an input waveguide and a first slab waveguide, such that the distribution of an optical signal input to an Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG) has a sinc-function shape. Thus, a flat wavelength response can be obtained in an output waveguide. In addition, the modified taper-shaped optical waveguide interposed to obtain a flat wavelength response has a small size and a simple structure, and thus can be applied to a conventional wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer without a design change.
US08086079B2 Nanotube electronic device
An electrical device for the utilization of electromagnetic energy, the device comprising a substrate and an aligned array of electromagnetic energy responsive nanotubes supported by and extending through the substrate, which nanotubes are arranged to respond to electromagnetic energy.
US08086077B2 Method for storing and retrieving large images via DICOM
Systems and methods that acquire digital slides and other large images and store these images into commercially available PACS systems using DICOM-standard messaging are provided. A digital slide or other large two-dimensional image is acquired and each separate resolution level of the digital slide or large image is divided into a series of regions that are each identified as a DICOM image. All of the regions at the same resolution in the digital slide or other large image are collectively identified as a DICOM series. A plurality of DICOM series, representing multiple resolution levels in a digital slide are collectively identified and stored as a DICOM study.
US08086076B2 Real-time face detection using temporal differences
An apparatus, a method, and a computer-readable medium having instructions encoded thereon that when executed cause a method to be carried out. The method includes dividing at least a portion of a picture of a video stream into parts of blocks, and processing the parts in parallel by a plurality of interconnected processors. The processing of a respective part by its respective processor includes determining block-level temporal difference features. Each processor also performs coding functions on its respective part of the picture. The method also includes block-level processing using the block-level temporal difference features to determine which blocks in the picture are likely to be that of a face, the block-level processing being at the granularity of at least a block. In one version, the processing in each processor includes edge detection and color segmentation to determine block-level edge features including block-level color-segmented edge features that are then used in the block level processing.
US08086074B2 Image processing system and method
This invention relates to an image processing system and method, the image processing system comprising an image capturing unit; a resolution conversion unit; a detection unit; an image conversion processing unit; an image compression unit, and a memory unit, the processing method comprising the steps of: capturing a first image data; transferring the first image data to the resolution conversion unit and the image conversion processing unit; converting the first image data into a second image data; detecting a plurality of position data from the second image data according to at least one detection rule; generating a third image data by mapping the first image data according to a mapping table; and compressing the third image data. This invention has image encryption function.
US08086070B2 Image processing apparatus using alpha plane and method thereof
In an image processing apparatus and method, image data includes both color and alpha components. During processing, only the color component of the image data is stored in a memory. Display image data are then generated in response to the color component data retrieved from the memory and the alpha component data that were not stored in the memory. In this manner, by not storing the alpha component data in the memory, the memory access load by the image processing system is reduced.
US08086068B2 Method and apparatus for providing an indication of a level of distortion created by blocking artifacts
A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an indication of a level of distortion created by blocking artifacts in an image comprising a plurality of pixels, the method comprising for each pixel in a first given direction, determining a corresponding gradient between the pixel and a neighboring pixel, for each pixel in the first direction, summing each of the corresponding determined gradient in a second direction to provide a plurality of gradient summing values, computing a level of distortion for each of at least one potential block size using at least one of the gradient summing values, determining an actual block size using the computed at least one level of distortion and providing the level of distortion corresponding to the determined actual block size.
US08086063B2 Image display apparatus and method, and program
An image display apparatus, that displays a digital image on a screen for check use, includes: an image data storage unit that stores image data of the digital image; an edge detection unit that detects an edge included in the digital image through analysis of the image data; and an image display unit that displays, when the edge being a detection result has a width wider than a predetermined first threshold width, the digital image in a state that the width of the edge is visible on the check screen.
US08086059B2 Sub-raster registration using non-redundant overwriting
Sub-raster registration errors are compensated for through non-redundant overwriting. Data from adjacent rasters is written to a particular output raster so that the adjacent rasters share an influence at a point actually written to by a rendering device, thereby compensating for a sub-raster component of a registration error associated with writing to the particular point. If two writing passes per raster are used and the writing passes have equal influence (e.g., are written with equal power), then writing data from a first raster during a first pass and writing data from a second raster adjacent to the first raster during a second pass compensates for a sub-raster registration error of half a raster spacing. If two writing passes are associated with different influence (e.g., are written with ⅓ and ⅔ power respectively) and/or if additional writing passes are used, then addition sub-raster positions can be compensated for or emulated.
US08086058B2 Extended depth of field using a multi-focal length lens with a controlled range of spherical aberration and a centrally obscured aperture
An extended depth of field is achieved by a computational imaging system that combines a multifocal imaging subsystem for producing a purposefully blurred intermediate image with a digital processing subsystem for producing a recovered image having an extended depth of field. The multifocal imaging system preferably exhibits spherical aberration as the dominant feature of the purposeful blur. A central obscuration of the multifocal imaging subsystem renders point-spread functions of object points more uniform over a range of object distances. An iterative digital deconvolution algorithm for converting the intermediate image into the recovered image contains a metric parameter that speeds convergence, avoids stagnations, and enhances image quality.
US08086057B2 Dynamic quantizer structures for efficient compression
A method and system are introduced that provide dynamic quantizer structures which are configurable during run time. A quantizer configuration and data are stored in a binary format. The dynamic quantizer data is represented as a bitstream, and the bitstream in turn is used as additional input during initialization (or re-initialization/re-configuration) of a speech coder. A configuration header fully specifies the structure and configuration of the dynamic quantizer for each quantized parameter, and the dynamic quantizer data and configurations are fully and dynamically allocated into the speech coder memory. This enables easy re-configuration of a codec associated with the quantizer structures for different scenarios. The use of dynamic quantizer structures in turn enhances compression efficiency of an input signal. The dynamic quantizer structures can also be applied to other compression applications that allow lossy compression.
US08086047B2 Method and system for image evaluation data analysis
A method is provided for operating a computer to analyze image evaluation data from electronic survey respondents to evaluate preferences related to two dimensional and three dimensional images. Data files, which include designated area data, image attributes, and survey respondent opinions for one or more images in an electronic survey, are received. A graphical user interface permits an operator to reformat the designated area data and set analysis parameters. Cluster analysis is performed on the data files to reduce the dimensionality of the designated area data and to classify areas of the survey images that generate positive and negative responses. The analysis produces coordinate data to map cluster classifications and for construction of a heat map. In association with descriptive statistical analysis, cluster score evaluation is performed to identify the clusters of interest. Respondent comments and results from the statistical analysis are linked to clusters of interest.
US08086045B2 Image processing device with classification key selection unit and image processing method
An image processing device is disclosed that classifies images in an image database and displays the classified images for searching, and is able to easily narrow a range of candidate images and improve operability. The image processing device includes a first classification unit, a display image controller that generates a display image for displaying a status of the classification performed by the first classification unit; a second classification unit that enables a user to select one or more categories included in the display image, and classifies image documents included in a selected category; a detection unit that detects a searching status; and a classification key selection unit that selects a classification key for the second classification unit in response to detection results of the detection unit.
US08086044B2 Block-based iterative multi-pass data filling technique for compound document compression
A method and apparatus for data filling is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving an image and a mask associated with the image and performing a block-based, iterative multi-pass data filling process to fill a layer as part of compound document compression.
US08086037B2 Tiling and merging framework for segmenting large images
Described is a technology by which a large image is processed into a seamless, radiometric mean image containing meaningful image objects. A large source image is tiled into non-overlapping tiles, which are each segmented into regions and merged via their regions. Source image pixels are separated into tiles comprising rows and columns. Once tiled, the tiles are segmented into regions, with each region having an identifier and other associated information such as size data, boundary data and neighbor data. The tiles are merged by merging columns or rows of tiles into row blocks or column blocks, respectively. The row blocks or column blocks are vertically or horizontally merged, respectively. Merging may proceed by selecting a pair of regions based on merging cost, merging that pair, updating its associated data and data of neighbor regions based on the merge, and repeating for other pairs until merging stop criteria are met.
US08086035B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
When converting image data constituted by a plurality of objects to data for an output device, color appearances of object images specified as a same output color are set so as to not vary even when their respective background colors vary. A color appearance model forward conversion section uses forward conversion of a color appearance model to calculate target appearance colors, which are targets of appearances of objects based on color information of the objects. A surrounding adaptive background color obtaining section generates surrounding adaptive background colors based on pixels around a pixel of interest for object images that have undergone rendering. Then, output pixel values of the pixel of interest are calculated by a color appearance model reverse conversion section using reverse conversion of the color appearance model based on the target appearance color and the surrounding adaptive background colors.
US08086033B2 Device, method, and program storage medium for color conversion, device, method, and program storage medium for color conversion coefficient generation
A color conversion device is provided including: a setting unit that sets a conversion mode, based on characteristics of a source color region related to an input image signal in a color space, for converting the input image signal to an image signal that falls within at least one color region from a plurality of color regions that have been defined in the color space; and a conversion unit that converts the input image signal in accordance with the conversion mode into the image signal that falls within the color region.
US08086014B2 X-ray image diagnostic apparatus and control method, and image processing method
The present invention implements efficient transmission of captured images while also maintaining high-resolution image quality. The present invention is an image processing method for an X-ray image diagnosis apparatus, the method including the steps of: obtaining the effective bandwidth for transmitting captured images; obtaining imaging conditions; calculating the respective resulting data amounts when a captured image captured under the conditions is compressed using lossless and lossy compression, mixing the captured images compressed losslessly and lossily, and determining the mix ratio so that the transmission amount per unit of time when multiple captured images are transmitted is less than the effective bandwidth; and transmitting the multiple captured images compressed losslessly and lossily at the determined ratio.
US08086013B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus characterized by including a device which recognizes, in a bone part unit, a bone area extracted from a medical image and including a bone region constituted of several bone parts, a device which is used to select the bone region to be displayed, a device which is used to determine the bone parts corresponding to the selected bone region, a device which is used to determine a viewpoint and a sight line direction for observing the selected bone region, a device which generates a volume rendering image which displays the bone area with the viewpoint and the sight line direction, based on the bone area of the medical image recognized in the bone part unit, and the determined viewpoint and sight line direction, and a device which is used to conduct control to display the generated volume rendering image.
US08086011B2 Reconstructing a tomographic image
In an aspect, tomographically reconstructing a 3D image object corresponding to a data set includes for each step in a series of iteration steps, determining an updated object by performing a combined operation, which includes performing an update operation for updating an input object and performing a smoothing operation, and following a last iteration, outputting one of the updated objects as the 3D image object.
US08086005B2 Medical image processing apparatus and medical image processing method
A medical image processing apparatus of the present invention includes an edge extracting section that extracts edges of an inputted two-dimensional image, a three-dimensional-model estimating section that estimates a three-dimensional model on the basis of the two-dimensional image, a voxel extracting section that extracts, on the basis of positions of respective voxels, where the edges are present, a predetermined voxel group to be set as a calculation object of a shape feature value, a shape-feature-value calculating section that calculates the shape feature value for at least a part of voxels among the predetermined voxel group, a three-dimensional-shape extracting section that extracts a voxel group, a three-dimensional model of which is estimated as a predetermined shape, on the basis of the shape feature value, and a tuberal-shape detecting section that detects the voxel group as a voxel group forming a tuberal shape in the three-dimensional model of the living tissue.
US08086002B2 Algorithms for selecting mass density candidates from digital mammograms
The present invention provides a method for selecting mass density candidates from digital image, for example mammograms, for computer-aided lesion detection, review and diagnosis. A method of selecting mass density candidates from a digital image for computer-aided cancer detection, review and diagnosis includes down-sampling the digital image to a low resolution; smoothing an edge along a skinline; applying a Gaussian difference filter to enhance intensity to form a filtered image; masking the filtered image using a breast mask; using a Canny detector to find potential mass density contours; and generating a mass density candidate list from Canny contours produced in the Canny detector.
US08086000B2 Method, apparatus and computer program for quantitative bifurcation analysis on angiographic images
A method, data processing facility and program storage device for quantitative analysis on medical image data of a bifurcated tubular organ which involves processing the medical image data to identify contours of the bifurcated tubular organ. The contours are used to determine a Polygon of Confluence amongst the bifurcated tubular organ. The Polygon of Confluence is used to determine at least one parameter value characterizing geometry of the bifurcated tubular organ. The at least one parameter value is outputted to a user for angiography purposes. The at least one parameter value can include at least one diameter value of the bifurcated tubular organ, at least one angle value between parts of the bifurcated tubular organ, and at least one reference diameter value for the bifurcated tubular organ, the at least one reference diameter value compensating for damage to the bifurcated tubular organ.
US08085997B2 Imaging apparatus and imaging method
Pseudo three dimensional image data sets are generated by an imaging apparatus, such as a digital camera having face detecting functions, by a simple operation. Reference image data sets, which are employed to generate pseudo three dimensional images, are generated from first image data sets, which are recorded. When new faces are detected by a face detecting section, correlative values between through the lens image data sets that include the new faces and the reference image data sets are calculated. When the calculated correlative values are greater than a predetermined value, pseudo three dimensional images are generated from the recorded first image data sets and newly obtained second image data sets that include the new faces.
US08085993B2 Modular biometrics collection system architecture
A modular biometrics collection system with an architecture having application to a combined features recognition system. The system may be a self-organizing mesh of collaborative independent components. Each component may have inputs, outputs, and local prioritization management. Each component may operate autonomously. Federated behavior of the components may be achieved by subscribing to content that influences local prioritization. An example of the system may have application to combined face and iris recognition.
US08085983B2 Method of adjusting selected window size of image object
A method of adjusting selected window size of an image object is applicable for tracking a target object in a video. The video includes a plurality of frames, and the target object has a display range changing with the playback of each frame. According to a variation trend of the display range of the target object, whether a variation times corresponding to the variation trend reaches a threshold value or not is recorded, and then the selected window size is reset, such that the target object is enclosed with a selected window having a size closer to the target object.
US08085978B2 Distributed decoding of digitally encoded media signals
Digital data is decoded from media signals (e.g., audio, images, video, etc.) using a distributed processing in which a first device receives and pre-processes the signal, and transmits it to a remote device for further decoding. One method pre-filters the media signal, leaving a residual from which digital data is decoded. Other arrangements progressively send portions of the signal for decoding operations.
US08085975B2 Methods and apparatus for embedding watermarks
Methods and apparatus for embedding a watermark are disclosed. An example method for embedding a watermark disclosed herein comprises identifying a transform coefficient associated with a compressed digital data stream, obtaining a mantissa code, and modifying the transform coefficient based on the mantissa code to embed the watermark.
US08085972B2 Protection method for preventing hard copy of document from being released or reproduced
A protection method for preventing a hard copy of a document from being released or reproduced is provided. The protection method comprises: selecting a pattern with a closed contour line and utilizing a level set method to process the pattern to generate at least a watermark; and embedding the watermark into the document. In addition, the protection method can further comprise: detecting the hard copy of the document to determine whether at least a watermark exists in the hard copy of the document; and forbidding releasing or reproducing the document when the watermark is detected in the hard copy of the document.
US08085968B2 Resonating cone transducer
An electroacoustical transducer includes a bobbin, a first acoustic radiator coupled to the bobbin through a first surround having a mechanical compliance, a second acoustic radiator generally rigidly coupled to the bobbin, and a basket. The first acoustic radiator is coupled to the basket through a second surround, and the second acoustic radiator is coupled to the basket through a third surround. The first surround is constructed to cause the first acoustic radiator to move out of phase with the second acoustic radiator relative to the bobbin when actuated by the bobbin at acoustic frequencies at and above a resonant frequency of the first acoustic radiator.
US08085966B2 Combined headphone set and portable speaker assembly
A combined headphone set including a speaker assembly. The headphone set includes a headband having a speaker headphone on opposing ends of the headband. Each of the speaker headphones includes an exterior speaker for public listening and an interior speaker for personal listening by the user. One of the speaker headphones includes switching means for listening to the interior speaker or to the exterior speaker or to the interior and exterior speakers simultaneously from each of the speaker headphones. Each of the speaker headphones includes an audio signal wire connected from an output jack of an audio device to the speaker headphones.
US08085959B2 Hearing compensation system incorporating signal processing techniques
A hearing compensation system comprises a plurality of bandpass filters having an input connected to an input transducer and each bandpass filter having an output connected to the input of one of a plurality of multiplicative automatic gain control (MAGC) circuits whose outputs are summed together and connected to the input of an output transducer. The MAGC circuits attenuate acoustic signals having a constant background level without the loss of speech intelligibility. The identification of the background noise portion of the acoustic signal is made by the constancy of the envelope of the input signal in each of the several frequency bands. The background noise that will be suppressed includes multi-talker speech babble, fan noise, feedback whistle, florescent light hum, and white noise. For use in the consumer electronics field background acoustic noise may be sensed and used to adjust gain in the various MAGC circuits so as to improve a user's listening experience, whether the user is hearing impaired or not.
US08085956B2 Filter circuit for an electret microphone
A miniature electret microphone includes an input buffer circuit. The input buffer circuit includes an integrated circuit including a floating ground substrate and a p-n junction. The p-n junction is coupled as a capacitor to a filter circuit of the input buffer circuit.
US08085952B2 Combination equalizer and calibrator circuit assembly for audio system
A combination equalizer and calibrator circuit assembly includes a calibrator formed of a frequency control circuit, a signal generator, an amplifier circuit connected with a microphone, a compare circuit and a display circuit and connected to the front end of an equalizer set. Calibration is made through the calibrator prior to audio system reproduction, wherein the frequency control circuit provides a reference frequency and different test frequencies for causing the signal generator to generate respective sound signals for output through a speaker; the microphone picks up these sound signals for comparison with respective reference values by the compare circuit; and the display circuit displays the respective comparison results. By means of adjustment through respective adjust circuits, signals of test frequencies are standardized so that the music played through the audio system is well calibrated without sound spectrum distortion due to space or audio system discrepancy.
US08085949B2 Method and apparatus for canceling noise from sound input through microphone
Provided is a method and apparatus for canceling noise from a sound signal input through a microphone. The method includes filtering a high-frequency signal having a frequency that is higher than a reference frequency and a low-frequency signal having a frequency that is lower than the reference frequency from input signals obtained through a microphone array, obtaining a high-frequency target signal by canceling a noise signal from the filtered high-frequency signal using a beamforming method, obtaining a low-frequency target signal by canceling a noise signal having a phase difference that is different from a phase difference of a target signal from the filtered low-frequency signal, and obtaining a sound source signal from which noise is cancelled, by synthesizing the obtained high-frequency target signal with the obtained low-frequency target signal. Thus, it is possible to accurately obtain a target sound source signal by minimizing signal distortion occurring in a low-frequency band in a digital sound obtaining apparatus having a small-size microphone array and accurately canceling or attenuating unnecessary noise.
US08085946B2 ANR analysis side-chain data support
An ANR circuit, possibly of a personal ANR device and possibly within an ADC of the ANR circuit, feedback reference data, feedforward reference data and/or pass-through audio data is provided to a secondary downsampling (and/or decimating) filter and/or is provided to a calculating block (e.g., RMS or absolute calculation block) to derive side-chain data to be output by the ANR circuit to a processing device coupled to the ANR circuit to employ the side-chain data in an analysis related to the provision of feedback-based ANR, feedforward-based ANR and/or pass-through audio by the ANR circuit.
US08085942B2 Audio apparatus and method for use in proximity to a magnetic resonance imaging system
An apparatus and method for presenting high-quality auditory stimuli, receiving patient communication and providing noise cancellation within the environment of magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) equipment. A microphone is positioned in a noise attenuated channel for recording of the patient's voice. A microphone is disposed outside of a noise attenuated channel to directly record the sounds of MRI equipment during its operation. The signals generated by the microphones are employed to reduce the output of noise generated by MRI equipment.
US08085936B2 Method and system for content management in a secure communication system
A system and method for managing content for secure communications. The system includes an interface for receiving an encrypted message, a decryption module for decrypting the message into a clear text or other readable form and a key recovery module. The key recovery module recovers a key for the user associated with the encrypted message. The decryption module decrypts the message using the recovered key. The decrypted or clear text message is then routed or transferred for further processing or handling. The further processing includes policy enforcement, virus scanning, spam filtering and/or archiving.
US08085933B2 Cipher for disk encryption
Encryption is provided with additional diffusion components to construct a block cipher with a large and variable block size. The cipher incorporates an encryption system or algorithm such that the cipher is at least as secure as the encryption system or algorithm. Additional components of the cipher provide improved diffusion. This combination ensures that the cipher is at least as strong as the encryption algorithm, and at the same time it provides additional security properties due to its improved diffusion.
US08085929B2 Method and apparatus for providing customized ringbacks
An approach is provided for providing custom ringback services. The approach includes prompting a user for content as part of a managed ringback service. The content is received from the user, and is set as a ringback. An identifier corresponding to the ringback is received from the user, wherein the identifier is associated with a caller.
US08085925B2 Data driven configuration of call management applications
A call manager uses a call management application in conjunction with a live dial database to control routing of calls for managed devices. To generate the live dial database, the call management application accesses configured route patterns and enters these patterns into the live dial database. Upon identifying an expansion indicator in a configured route pattern, the call management application accesses dial plan data that includes multiple route pattern definitions that each define a pattern using one or more sub-strings and, for each sub-string, an associated tag. The call management application then enters patterns defined by the route pattern definitions into the live dial database based on various other criteria established for the configured route pattern having the expansion indicator.
US08085924B2 One number, intelligent call processing system
A one number, multi-application, intelligent call processing system provides service benefits to a caller, a servicing location and/or a vanity number advertiser during a call, parallel to the call and/or post call in an integrated common architecture. The system utilizes VRU technology in conjunction with the national telecommunications network connected via Computer Telephone Integration (CTI) to a virtual telephone number database containing a nationwide master list of telephone numbers with attribute data items associated by Spatial Key linkage to each telephone number. The process of the invention is initiated by a caller dialing a selected telephone number to request information and/or services. Based on the number dialed, a caller or network provided ten-digit telephone number and VRU prompted for and received caller input, the system retrieves the application requested data from the virtual telephone number database and provides it to the network.
US08085914B1 Real-time network traffic view
At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method, comprising requesting real-time measurement data for a telephone network between a transit carrier and a predetermined terminating carrier; and automatically receiving the real-time measurement data via the Internet at an originating carrier associated with the transit carrier. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope.
US08085913B2 Mobile telephone services provided using pre-paid financial accounts
A method and system for providing telephone services. An exemplary system includes a financial account having at least one balance. Funds can be added to the balance of the account using a variety of deposit mechanisms. Similarly, the funds located in the account may be accessed using a variety of financial mechanisms, including a debit card, check, and the like. In addition, the funds located in the account may be accessed with a telephone, where transactions performed by the telephone, such as telephone calls, Internet access, and the like, are directly funded by the financial account.
US08085910B2 Method and system for call center screening
Methods and systems are provided for call center screening that enable a network service provider to dynamically control service request traffic directed to selected service centers. An Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) service is configured to intercept calls originating from calling parties and directed to trigger numbers designated for processing predetermined service requests. Depending upon the trigger number, the AIN may play an announcement asking a calling party to designate the service requested. Following a calling party's valid response, a second announcement is played asking the calling party to select the type of service associated with the first response. Depending upon the calling party's responses and calling party's location, the AIN may route the call to selected service centers, in order to control the traffic to overloaded service centers.
US08085902B2 Automatic control of a medical device
System and method for automatic control of processes or application, such as the activation or deactivation of a radiation source for medical purposes. The system comprises an operator tracking system arranged to determine the gesture/posture of a user, an evaluation device arranged to evaluate the determined gesture/posture, and an enabling device arranged to enable and disable the radiation source in response to an output of the evaluation device. The operator tracking system may use a gazing direction analysis that may be based on the output of an eye tracking system, or an emitter-receiver arrangement for a directed signal.
US08085900B2 Method for X-ray wavelength measurement and X-ray wavelength measurement apparatus
A Method for X-ray wavelength measurement and an X-ray wavelength measurement apparatus capable of determining absolute wavelength easily and carrying out wavelength measurement having high precision with a simple structure are provided. The present invention is a Method for X-ray wavelength measurement carried out by using a channel-cut crystal for wavelength measurement (20) in which two opposing cut planes are formed and the lattice constant of which is known, and the method diffracts X-ray in respective arrangements (−, +) and (+, −) of the channel-cut crystal for wavelength measurement (20), to determine the absolute wavelength of the X-ray from the difference between crystal rotation angles in respective arrangements. This makes the alignment simpler, and, when only a channel-cut crystal suitable for measurement can be prepared, X-ray wavelength measurement can be carried out easily and with high precision.
US08085899B2 Treatment planning system and method for radiotherapy
A treatment planning method and system for optimizing a treatment plan used to irradiate a treatment volume including a target volume, such as a tumor, is disclosed. According to the method, two dose calculation algorithms are used to develop the optimized treatment plan. A first dose calculation algorithm is used to obtain substantially complete dose calculations and a second, incremental, dose calculation algorithm is used to make more limited calculations. The incremental calculations may be performed, for example, with less precision, less accuracy or less scope (e.g., focused on a specific subvolume within the treatment volume) in order to reduce the time required to achieve an optimized plan. Each of the dose calculation algorithms may be iterated a plurality of times, and different cutoff criteria can be used to limit the number of iterations in a given pass. A treatment planning system of the invention uses software for implementing the complete and incremental dose calculation algorithms. The method and system are especially useful for IMRT and arc therapy where treatment plan optimization is particularly challenging.
US08085898B2 Apparatus for bone density assessment and monitoring
The present invention relates to a dual energy X-ray apparatus and method for osteoporosis assessment and monitoring. The present invention takes a bone densitometry reading of a patient's wrist to assess osteoporosis and monitor bone loss condition by repeat measurements along with therapy. The bone densitometry system has an X-ray source, dual energy detectors, an arm-rest to place the patient's arm, a motion system to move the source-detector gantry along the patient's forearm, and a computer with a database to archive the wrist image, calculate the bone mineral density, maintain a history of patient information, and generate patient history reports.
US08085895B2 Spacer grid spring for increasing the conformal contact area with fuel rod
A grid strap includes a spacer grid spring that increases the conformal contact area with a fuel rod of a nuclear fuel rod assembly. The shape of the spacer grid spring is optimized, thereby increasing the elasticity of the spacer grid spring contacting the fuel rod, expanding the conformal contact area with a contact portion between the spacer grid spring and fuel rod to obtain uniform stress distribution, and reducing excessive plastic deformation of the spacer grid spring. Further, magnitude and distribution of contact pressure between the fuel rod and the spacer grid spring are improved, thereby reducing the possibility of fretting wear caused by contact between the fuel rod and the spacer grid spring. Lastly, the elastic behavior region of the spacer grid spring is expanded, so that the fuel rod can be reliably supported until the fuel rod expires despite changes in the supporting conditions of the fuel rod.
US08085893B2 Low jitter clock recovery circuit
A clock recovery circuit includes a first phase detector for measuring the phase difference between a first clock signal from a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and a data signal. A phase shifter responsive to a control signal based on this phase difference adjusts the phase of an incoming clock signal to yield a second clock signal. The phase difference between the first clock signal and the second clock signal is measured and the resulting signal is low-pass filtered to derive a control signal for controlling the VCO. The phase locked loop including the VCO filters out jitter.
US08085892B2 Offset determination arrangement, offset compensation arrangement, synchronization clock generator, method for determination of an offset and modulation method
An offset determination arrangement includes a comparator device to compare an input signal with a reference value. A synchronization unit is provided to forward a comparison result of the comparator device as a function of a synchronization signal which can be generated by a synchronization clock generator. The synchronization signal includes clock pulses in which at least one clock period between adjacent clock pulses is shorter than a precedent clock period. The offset determination arrangement further includes an approximation unit to generate a compensation signal corresponding to an offset of the input signal as a function of the forwarded comparison result.
US08085879B2 Method for amplitude insensitive packet detection
The invention relates generally to the field of wireless communications and more particularly to a method of and device for detecting the presence of a received data packet in a digital receiver. The present invention proposes a simplified method of correlation by removing dependency on the amplitude fluctuations while at the same time maintaining phase relevancy. The key advancement involves mapping the complex quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) preamble to a quantized phase shift keying (PSK) constellation before application to a matched complex correlator. The proposed process essentially “amplitude normalizes” the input signal without the use or complexity associated with a divider. This simplified normalization scheme makes the packet detection algorithm robust against amplitude variations in the input signal, while still allowing for good correlation output. In applications where interference is superimposed on the I/Q input signals, the invention improves the detection capability over automatic gain control (AGC) normalization methods.
US08085872B2 Transmitting apparatus with bit arrangement method
A method of transmitting data that includes controlling generation of bit sequences to adjust an occupation rate occupied with predetermined bits included in a first data block, which is obtained by encoding first data in a first encoding process, to be equal or closer to an occupation rate occupied with predetermined bits included in a second data block, which is obtained by encoding second data in a second encoding process, in regard to first bit positions of the bit sequences generated using bits included in the first and second data blocks; and performing multi-level modulation for transmission based on the generated bit sequences.
US08085869B2 Configurable load impedance for power amplifier predistortion calibration
An integrated circuit radio transceiver and method therefor includes an integrated circuit radio transceiver operable to provide specified gain levels and transmit path filter responses to correspond with a selected power spectral density mask. Changes in gain may be provided solely digital gain changes or may include analog gain module gain changes. A transmitter selects from one of at least three masks to reduce or eliminate spectral regrowth out of band to satisfy EVM requirements. Circuitry is provided to allow a transceiver to determine in advance what pre-distortion compensation settings are required for the various gain settings.
US08085864B2 Midamble allocations for MIMO transmissions
Allocation of multiple training sequences transmitted in a MIMO timeslot from multiple transmit antenna elements is provided. For example, a method of generating signals in a MIMO timeslot, the method comprising: selecting a first training sequence; preparing a first data payload; generating a first signal including the prepared first data payload and the first training sequence; transmitting the first signal in a MIMO timeslot from a first antenna of a network element; selecting a second training sequence, wherein the second training sequence is different from first training sequence; preparing a second data payload; generating a second signal including the prepared second data payload and the second training sequence; and transmitting the second signal in the MIMO timeslot from a second antenna of the network element.
US08085860B2 Systems and methods for sampling frequency offset estimation
A method comprises receiving a transmission including at least two Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, estimating a sampling frequency offset associated with the OFDM symbols at least in part by employing a term representing a density of pilots in the OFDM symbols, and compensating for the sampling frequency offset using the estimated sampling frequency offset.
US08085850B2 Methods and apparatus for efficient encoding of image edges, motion, velocity, and detail
A wavelet pyramid-based still-image and video compression apparatus uses line-vectors, context-dependent quantization thresholds, hierarchical tree-structured displacement coding, synchronous prediction, and conditional zerotree branch updates to improve intra- and inter-frame coding speed and efficiency, and to improve video stream noise resilience. The disclosed intra-frame coding methods can be used to improve the coding efficiency of wavelet-based still-image compression algorithms.
US08085846B2 Method and apparatus for decoding hybrid intra-inter coded blocks
A hybrid intra-inter bi-predictive (or multi-predictive) coding mode allows both intraframe (intra) and interframe (inter) predictions to be combined together for hybrid-encoding a current macroblock or a subblock. Bi-prediction may be used also in I-pictures, combining two intra predictions that use two different intra prediction directions. A video encoder processes data representing a two-dimensional video image which has been produced by a conventional commercially available video camera. The video encoder is adapted to select, for coding a current macroblock, between an intra encoding mode, an P-frame inter encoding mode, a B-frame bi-predictive inter mode, and a hybrid intra-inter bi-predictive encoding mode. A video decoder receives and decodes a data stream that may contain a block/macroblock encoded in accordance with the hybrid intra-inter bi-predictive encoding mode.
US08085834B2 System partitioning for multi-mobile devices
A communication device partition for multiple device data standards to be received on one baseband integrated circuit is described. At least two interfaces are partitioned according to the data rate speed of various types of data standards and coupled to a multimode software define radio (SDR) modem. A digital baseband processor is coupled to the multimode SDR modem and receives the various types of application data compliant with various data standards.
US08085833B2 Method and system for an efficient channel quantization method for MIMO pre-coding systems
A method and system for processing communication signals is provided and may comprise, minimizing a cost function in a MIMO pre-coding system by choosing a smallest scalar cost from a plurality of scalar costs, wherein each one of the scalar costs is generated from one or more sums and one or more products of elements of a product matrix, and wherein the product matrix is generated from one of the plurality of unitary matrices, a matrix comprising the channel estimate, and their respective Hermitian Transposes. The codebook is selected based on the minimized cost function. The channel estimate is quantized onto the selected codebook.
US08085832B2 Segment-wise channel equalization based data estimation
Data is estimated of a plurality of received spread spectrum signals by a wireless communication apparatus. The plurality of received communications are received in a shared spectrum. The received communications are sampled to produce a received vector of sequential samples. The received vector is processed to produce a plurality of segments. Each segment is processed separately to estimate data of the received communications.
US08085831B2 Interference control via selective blanking/attenuation of interfering transmissions
Inter-sector interference for a target user in a sector may be controlled by selectively blanking or attenuating transmit powers for interfering users in neighboring sectors whenever their transmissions collide. The sector provides the frequency hopping (FH) sequence or subband usage for the target user to the neighboring sectors. Each neighboring sector uses the target user's FH sequence to form a blanking pattern. Each neighboring sector then either blanks or reduces transmit power for each subband in its blanking pattern. Each user in each neighboring sector receives either (1) punctured symbols for subbands in the blanking pattern, if blanking is performed, or (2) lower energy symbols for these subbands, if attenuation is performed. In any case, the target user and each neighboring user may process their received symbols in the normal manner and do not need to be informed of the blanking/attenuation.
US08085820B2 Digital broadcast signal multiplexing apparatus and digital broadcast signal multiplexing method
A digital broadcast signal multiplexing apparatus includes buffers store the number x of data X, a comparator determines a cumulative sum SX of the data X and a cumulative sum SA of the data A, and compares these cumulative sum SX and cumulative sum SA, a first processor sets the data A into nth data X, adds x to the cumulative sum SX when the cumulative sum SX is the cumulative sum SA, and adds a to the cumulative sum SA to determine whether or not data A is set into n+1th data X, and adds a to the cumulative sum SA to determine whether or not data A is set into n+1th data X when the cumulative sum SX is not the cumulative sum SA, a second processor causes the comparator and the first processor to repeatedly execute process until n is made to be x or more.
US08085814B2 Frame structure, system and method for OFDM communications
A method and apparatus are provided for performing acquisition, synchronization and cell selection within an MIMO-OFDM communication system. A coarse synchronization is performed to determine a searching window. A fine synchronization is then performed by measuring correlations between subsets of signal samples, whose first signal sample lies within the searching window, and known values. The correlations are performed in the frequency domain of the received signal. In a multiple-output OFDM system, each antenna of the OFDM transmitter has a unique known value. The known value is transmitted as pairs of consecutive pilot symbols, each pair of pilot symbols being transmitted at the same subset of sub-carrier frequencies within the OFDM frame.
US08085812B2 Symbolic representation of protocol-layer information
A method of displaying protocol-specific data includes receiving data, extracting protocol-specific information from the data, converting protocol-specific information into a symbolic representation, and presenting the symbolic representation. A dimension of symbols of the symbolic representation differentiates protocol layers.A test and measurement instrument for displaying data includes an acquisition system configured to receive an input signal, a processor coupled to the acquisition system and configured to generate a symbolic representation of protocol-specific information within the input signal, and a user interface coupled to the processor and configured to present the symbolic representation. A dimension of symbols of the symbolic representation differentiates protocol layers.
US08085800B2 Queuing method
A method of queuing data packets, said data packets comprising data packets of a first packet type and data packets of a second packet type. The method comprises grouping received packets of said first and second packet types into an ordered series of groups, each group comprising at least one packet, maintaining a group counter indicating the number of groups at the beginning of the series of groups comprising only packets of the second packet type, and transmitting a packet. A packet of the second packet type is available for transmission if but only if the group counter is indicative that the number of groups at the beginning of the series of groups comprising only packets of the second packet type is greater than zero.
US08085792B1 Traffic-oblivious load balancing protocol for sensor networks
A sensor in a network to which to route a packet is selected, where the sensor is selected independently of energy status of the sensors included in the network, and the sensor is selected by a source sensor. The packet is routed from the source sensor toward the destination sensor.
US08085783B2 Priority service scheme
A method includes indicating a state associated with a priority service subscription indicator, indicating a state associated with a priority service activation indicator and receiving an input request for invoking a priority service for a priority communication. The method further includes determining whether a user of a user device is a subscriber of the priority service based on the state associated with the priority service subscription indicator and establishing network resources on which the priority communication is to be transmitted, based on at least one of the state associated with the priority service subscription indicator or the state associated with the priority service activation indicator.
US08085782B2 Digital combining device and method thereof
The present invention provides a combining device for combining radio signals during uplink transmission in an indoor communication system, the indoor communication system comprising an Ethernet switch, the Ethernet switch connected to a base station and to at least a first and second radio remote headend. The radio remote headend (RRH) is adapted for expanding the wireless coverage of the base station and comprises: means for receiving at least a packet flow from the Ethernet switch, wherein the packet flow comprises packets from at least the first and second RRH, the packet comprises packet data, RRH identification and time stamp of the packets; means for separating the packets according to the RRH origin into at least first and second RRH packet, using the RRH identification; and means for matching the packets with identical time stamp between the first and the second RRH packets. The combining device also comprises means for summing the packet data of the matched packets with a mathematical addition and means for transmitting the summation of the packet data to the Ethernet switch.
US08085779B2 Systems for supporting packet processing operations
Several systems for supporting packet processing are described. A first system supports virtual routing of a packet. A second system supports de-multiplexing of a packet. A third system supports advanced MPLS label processing of a packet.
US08085769B2 Scaling egress network traffic
In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment provides generating one or more packets of data, the one or more packets of data being associated with a connection; and associating the one or more packets with one of a plurality of transmit queues based, at least in part, on the connection associated with the one or more packets.
US08085766B2 S-flow in a network device
A network device for providing statistical sampling of packet at a port. The network device includes an ingress module for randomly selecting a packet at one of a plurality of ports for statistical sampling and an egress module for randomly selecting a packet at one of a plurality of ports for statistical sampling. The network device also includes a processing module for receiving a copy of a selected packet from at least one of the ingress module or egress module and for performing statistical flow processing on the packet.
US08085765B2 Distributed exterior gateway protocol
A border gateway has a control card and at least one line card. The control card has a control processor to execute a control portion of an exterior gateway protocol and a routing table of exterior gateway routes and devices. The line card has a line processor to execute an offload portion of an exterior gateway protocol and a communications port to allow termination of at least one communication link. A backplane allows the control card and the line card to communicate.
US08085763B2 Method for protecting SIP-based applications
A method for protecting SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)-based applications wherein SIP messages are analyzed and malicious SIP messages that potentially constitute a security risk for the SIP-based application are identified is discloses. Regarding a realization of a particularly high security [level] with means that are easy to implement—a pre-definable number N of pre-configurable parameters—identities—is extracted from the SIP messages and that for each SIP message a comparison of the identities with the identities extracted from previous SIP message is performed, on the base of which a maliciousness level ML is assessed for every SIP message.
US08085762B2 GPON management system
The present invention provides the capability to manage NEs with a large number of units of equipment and facilities, by providing functions such profiling, auto-creation, link aggregation and scoping. This makes it easier for to manage GPON data, voice and video services and to support traffic protection. A method for managing an optical network comprises automatically provisioning a unit of the optical network, automatically creating a unit of the optical network, and arranging link aggregation in a unit of the optical network.
US08085760B2 Method of and system for providing intelligent network control services in IP telephony
A method and system for providing intelligent network control services in IP telephony, wherein the system includes a location manager and an IP telephony proxy server. The location manager includes an interface to a legacy telephony service control entity and the IP telephony proxy server includes an IP interface to the location manager. If the IP telephony proxy server requires intelligent network services, then the IP telephony proxy server sends an IP telephony session initiation request to the called party at the location manager. The location manager uses the information to query the legacy telephony service control entity for routing information. When the location manager receives a routing response from the service control entity, the location manager maps the response to an IP telephony session control message back to the IP telephony proxy server.
US08085759B2 Method for establishing a VoIP communication using a peer-to-peer databank
In one aspect, a method for operating a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes, whereby a databank is stored in shared manner among the nodes is provided. A first node extracts from the databank identification data for identifying and/or addressing the first node by a correspondent for recording, initiated by the first node, of a communication with the correspondent of an external communication system. In another embodiment, when the recording of a communication with a first node is initiated by a correspondent of an external communication system, a notification concerning the recording of the communication initiated by the correspondent by means of the databank can be supplied to a second node and the correspondent is then tracked. A for implementing the method is also provided.
US08085755B2 Data driven route advertisement
Various methods and systems for performing data-driven route advertisement are disclosed. One method involves inhibiting advertisement of a route that is associated with a data source. Advertisement of the route is then allowed in response to detecting data sent by the data source. For example, advertisement of the route can be allowed in response to detecting that the data source is sending data at a rate that exceeds a user-specified data rate. The data source can be a multicast source that is identified by an anycast address.
US08085746B2 System and method for pushing content to a terminal utilizing a network-initiated data service technique
A system is provided for pushing content to a terminal located within a mobile network or a private network. The system includes a network node, such as a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) proxy, located across a public network from the network including the terminal. The network node is capable of subscribing to a push service on behalf of the terminal such that the network node is also capable of receiving push content in accordance with the push service. Thereafter, the network node is capable of establishing a network-initiated data session with the terminal. In response to the network-initiated data session, the network node is further capable of registering the terminal such that the terminal is capable of receiving the push content based upon the registration.
US08085731B2 Mechanism for 3rd generation partnership project multiple inter-network quality of service continuity
A system to promote connectivity for inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover from a first radio access network (RAN) to a second radio access network (RAN) is provided. The system comprises a component configured such that for each access point name (APN) in communication with the first radio access network (RAN), the maximum bit rate (MBR) for each active non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) bearer in the second radio access network (RAN) is determined based on each respective access point name's (APN's) used aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) and the number of active non-guaranteed bit rate(s) (non-GBR) bearers for the respective access point name (APN).
US08085730B2 Method, system and apparatus for backuping HA/MAP in mobile IPV6 network
The disclosure provides a method, system and apparatus for backuping HA/MAP in mobile IPv6 network. In the disclosure, at least two HAs/MAPs form a redundant backup group. The at least two HAs/MAPs elect an active HA/MAP and a standby HA/MAP via the VRRP. When the active HA/MAP interacts the signaling message with a mobile node, the HA/MAP in backup status obtains the signaling message interacted by both of them in real time. When the active HA/MAP is invalid, the standby HA/MAP may take over the work in time so that the stability of the active node device of the network is ensured. During the exchange of the active HA/MAP and the standby HA/MAP, the solution ensures a smooth transition of the service.
US08085728B2 High speed downlink shared control channel cell change
A high speed-downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) cell change is initialized. A status report is autonomously generated for at least one radio link control (RLC) instance mapped to the HS-DSCH by a user equipment (UE) in response to the initiation of the HS-DSCH cell change. The status report indicates missing HS-DSCH packet data units (PDUs).
US08085725B2 Data transmission method and corresponding devices
A data transmission method in an enhanced CELL_FACH state, a network system, and a corresponding device, wherein the method includes the following steps. A radio transceiver receives information indicating a capability category of a UE. The radio transceiver acquires the capability category of the UE according to the information indicating the capability category of the UE. The radio transceiver performs data transmission to or from the UE according to the capability category of the UE. Since the information indicating the capability category of the UE is sent to the radio transceiver during the enhanced CELL_FACH data transmission, the radio transceiver performs the data transmission based on the capability category of a target UE, instead of the lowest capability category of the UE, thereby increasing the data transmission rate in the enhanced CELL_FACH state.
US08085720B2 Channel element packing and repacking
Providing for efficient utilization of channel element device ladder (CEDL) resources is described herein. By way of example, a received data request can be packed in a first portion of the CEDL and a received voice request can be packed in a second portion of the CEDL. Subsequent requests can be assigned to contiguous channel elements (CEs) of the CEDL within the first or second portion, as suitable. In addition, non-assigned CEs can be maintained in a third portion of the CEDL, by packing requests initially from opposite ends of the first and second portion, and be re-packing dropped traffic within the CEDL. Accordingly, the subject disclosure provides for efficient utilization of CEDL resources both for incoming voice traffic requests and incoming data traffic requests, by packing and maintaining data, voice and un-assigned CEs in contiguous portions of the CEDL.
US08085713B2 Resource allocation method of subscriber of service negotiation system
A resource allocation method of a subscriber station in a service negotiation system is provided. The resource allocation method includes gathering statistics of bursty data, bandwidth grant situation, and measuring wireless signal quality. The subscriber station switches its operation mode according to the statistics and bandwidth data derived by the signal measurement. When the subscriber station in a wireless system switches into a normal operation mode, it allocates bandwidth to management message and numbers of data connections to satisfy the quality of service (QoS) of each connection. When the subscriber station in a wireless system switches into an emergency operation mode, it allocates bandwidth to management message and unsolicited grant service (UGS).
US08085699B2 Changing period to monitor arrival of beacon signal based on determination as to whether there is a high connection probability
A mobile communication terminal 10 receives “HCS_PRIO” of a notice data (System Information Block Type 3) of a base station 1 or 3, and determines whether the terminal 10 is present “indoor” and is in “a stationary state or a state moving at a low speed” based on the receiving result. Since there is a high possibility that the terminal 10 is connectable with a wireless LAN when the terminal 10 is present “indoor” and is in “a stationary state or a state moving at a low speed”, the terminal 10 sets a period for monitoring arrival of a beacon signal.
US08085698B2 Piggyback acknowledgement
Included are embodiments for facilitating communication. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving first communication data from a communications device and creating an acknowledgment indicating receipt of the first communication data. Some embodiments include determining whether second communication data has been received for the communications device and in response to determining that data has been received for the communications device, combining the second communication data with the acknowledgement in a single data packet.
US08085696B2 Dynamic modification of route update protocols
A radio access network dynamically modifies a route update protocol of an access terminal in an active state that is in communication with the network, such that the access terminal reports a route update message upon satisfaction of a condition. The condition may be related to an inter-revision hard handoff, an inter-frequency hard handoff, a RF dragging prevention, a selective resource allocation, or some combination thereof.
US08085692B2 System and method for click-to-join audio conferencing
Systems and methods for audio conferencing are described. At least one embodiment includes an audio-conferencing system comprising a web server configured to allow a host to select one or more individuals to receive invitations to participate in a conference call, the web server further configured to receive parameters associated with the conference call; an e-mail module configured to send e-mails to the one or more selected individuals, the e-mails configured to present an invitation to the one or more selected individuals to participate in the conference call, and wherein the e-mails include a link allowing the one or more individuals to click the link to accept the invitations to become participants; and a conference call server configured to receive a host identification from the host, the conference call server configured to receive a command from the web server to place calls to the one or more participants to initiate a conference call between the host and the participants.
US08085679B2 Apparatuses and methods for controlling bit rates in variable bit rate video coding
A bit rate control method may include calculating a quality measure of a current frame and a mean of quality measures of two or more previous frames in order to calculate a deviation of the quality measure of the current frame from the mean of the quality measures of the two or more previous frames; comparing the deviation to a critical value measure; and controlling a quantization parameter in response to a result of the comparison. A bit rate control apparatus may include a quality measure calculator that calculates the quality measure of the current frame and the mean of the quality measures of the two or more previous frames in order to calculate the deviation; a comparator that compares the deviation to the critical value measure; and a quantization parameter setting unit that controls the quantization parameter in response to the result of the comparison.
US08085678B2 Media (voice) playback (de-jitter) buffer adjustments based on air interface
Systems and methods for adapting a de-jitter buffer to conform to air link conditions. An air link characteristic may be detected before that characteristic begins to affect packet delivery, such as by slowing or speeding delivery delay at a subscriber station. A receiver-side de-jitter buffer, which adds delay to received packets, may adaptively adjust its size based upon the detected air link characteristic, such that the de-jitter buffer is appropriately sized for anticipated data packets before they are received at the subscriber station.
US08085676B2 Method and system for looping back traffic in QIQ ethernet rings and 1:1 protected PBT trunks
A resilient virtual Ethernet ring has nodes interconnected by working and protection paths. If a span fails, the two nodes immediately on either side of the failure are cross-connected to fold the ring. Working-path traffic is cross-connected onto the protection path at the first of the two nodes and is then cross-connected back onto the working path at the second of the two nodes so that traffic always ingresses and egresses the ring from the working path. A traffic originating node, upon determining that transmitted packets are being looped back due to a fault on a primary path, is adapted to switch transmission of data packets from the primary path to a secondary path.
US08085674B2 Priority trace in data networks
A diagnostic tool for identifying priority errors within a data network is realized using a priority trace data packet. The priority trace data packet is originated at an originating node of interest and terminated at a terminating node of interest. At various intermediate network nodes along the data path between the originating and terminating nodes, the priority trace packet is inspected to determine the current priority value of the priority trace packet. The current priority value is stored in a priority trace field that can be analyzed by a network management node to identify one or more sources of priority errors.
US08085671B2 Method and system for providing interoperable communications with congestion management
A method for providing interoperable communications with congestion management includes facilitating communications of a plurality of virtual talk groups. Each virtual talk group comprises a plurality of endpoints of different communication networks communicating using a respective communication channel. The method includes detecting, for a first virtual talk group of the plurality of virtual talk groups, a congestion event and, in response to detecting the congestion event, forming from the first virtual talk group one or more subgroups, each subgroup comprising at least two endpoints from the first virtual talk group. The method also includes assigning to each subgroup a respective alternate communication protocol for use by the plurality of endpoints of the subgroup.
US08085668B2 Timestamp metering and rollover protection in a network device
A network device for processing data on a data network includes a plurality of ports, configured to receive data from a data network and to send processed data to the data network, a memory management unit configured store data on and retrieve data from the memory and a metering unit configured to police a flow of the processed data to be sent to the network device. The metering unit is configured to utilize a series of leaky bucket units, where tokens are added to each leaky bucket unit only when that particular leaky bucket unit is accessed. The metering unit is also configured to add the tokens based on a prior timestamp value, a current timing value and an established rate and a multiplication to establish the tokens is accomplished by shifting a register of the established rate.
US08085667B2 Wireless relay apparatus and wireless relay method
A wireless relay apparatus capable of high-quality transmission of data includes a wireless control unit and a data link communication unit wirelessly receiving and transmitting data. The wireless relay apparatus also includes a congestion status determining unit determining whether a congestion caused by radio wave interference occurs in the wireless relay apparatus, and includes a data flow determining unit identifying a flow of data transmitted and received by the wireless relay apparatus and determining whether the flows intersect in the wireless relay apparatus, when the congestion status determining unit determines that there is a congestion. In addition, the wireless relay apparatus includes a transmission parameter adjustment unit adjusting transmission characteristics of a type according to a result of the determination by the data flow determining unit, from among types of transmission characteristics of radio used in at least one of the wireless control unit and the communication apparatuses.
US08085665B2 Automatic reverse channel assignment in a two-way TDM communication system
To minimize overhead in the allocation of channels, forward and reverse link time slots are automatically assigned in pairs. In particular, rather than requiring a separate process for allocating reverse link channels for the sending of acknowledgment messages in response to receipt of a forward link packet, a different scenario takes place. At the receiving end, such as for valid reception of data on a forward link channel at a central base station site, a reverse link time slot is automatically allocated in a time slot which depends upon the time slot allocation on the forward link. This assists with the rapid return of acknowledgment messages in a reverse link direction which is the predominant direction for such messages in a wireless system wherein most data traffic is Web page oriented.
US08085655B2 Failure tolerant high density dial router
A Fault Tolerant Dial Router (FTDR) includes redundant subsystem resources that operate independently of telephone line interface connections. The redundant resources are switched active when a failure is detected in an activated dial router subsystem. Switching out subsystem failures is fully automated under software control, providing uninterrupted service to users with limited performance loss. The FTDR includes a switching mechanism that selectively switches out the telephone interfaces or other subsystem resources inside the dial router box detected as having failures. The subsystem resources include line framers, controllers and modem modules.
US08085644B2 Achromatic polarization devices for optical disc pickup heads
Chemically-bonded laminated polymer achromatic polarization devices, such as circular polarizers, are disclosed for use in optical disc (e.g., CD/DVD) pickup heads. Chemically-bonded laminated polymer achromatic polarization devices have the benefit of providing stable retardation and optic axis over an extended wavelength range, thereby ensuring orthogonal polarization in double-pass for two or more laser wavelengths. Moreover, the chemically-bonded laminated polymer achromatic polarization devices can be symmetric in construction, such that there is no specific input and output side. This alleviates the need to produce geometries that prohibit inversion of the part when installed in the system. Manufacturing processes that produce chemically-bonded laminated polymer achromatic polarization devices, with high light efficiency, durability and robust performance in a variety of environmental conditions are disclosed.
US08085642B2 Servo controlling apparatus and method of holographic information recording/reproducing system
A servo controlling apparatus of a holographic information recording/reproducing system changes the foci of reference light and signal light in a depth direction of a holographic information storage medium to record information over a plurality of information layers. A servo control is changed from a normal servo operation to a between-movement servo operation while movement between information layers is made during a recording operation, and the servo control is changed back to the normal servo operation when the movement between information layers is completed. The between-movement servo operation maintains a servo control state that exists before the movement between information layers.
US08085639B2 Information reproducing device
An A/D converter samples a read signal in synchrony with a system clock sclk having a fixed frequency, to perform an A/D conversion. A fluctuation compensator is configured as an internal-feedback-type compensation filter, and suppresses fluctuation of a digital signal output from the A/D converter. A digital PLL uses an interpolator to generate, by interpolation, a sampled value of the read signal at a timing in synchrony with a channel frequency, and uses NCO to generate a synchronizing clock and an interpolated-phase signal that is fed back to the interpolator. A binarization circuit binarizes the read signal based on the interpolated value output from the interpolator. The frequency characteristic of the fluctuation compensator is controlled based on the frequency value output from the loop filter.
US08085636B2 Recording medium, method for recording control information in the recording medium, and method and apparatus for recording/reproducing data in/from the recording medium using the same
A recording medium, a method for recording control information in the recording medium, and a method and apparatus for recording/reproducing data in/from the recording medium using the same are disclosed. The recording medium includes a data area, and a management area for recording control information capable of identifying write compatibility and read compatibility with a driver for recording or reading data on or from the recording medium. Herein, the control information may include a class number for identifying the read compatibility, and a version number for identifying the write compatibility, and the write compatibility may be determined using the version number within the class number.
US08085632B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus having a reproduction means to play digital data from a recording medium recorded with that digital data and retrieval information, a recording means to write the digital data reproduced by the reproduction means and record the retrieval information on a control table, and a control circuit to search the control table by using the retrieval information when the digital data from the reproduction means is written by the recording means, to permit the writing of digital data recorded on the medium with the recording means when the retrieval information is not recorded on the control table, and to prohibit the writing of digital data recorded on the medium with the recording means when the retrieval information is already recorded on the control table, and also prevent the mistaken duplicate copying of the digital data with the recording means.
US08085631B2 Tracking control device, tracking control method, and optical disc apparatus
The invention provides a tracking control device, a tracking control method, and an optical disc apparatus that enable to stably perform the tracking control, and reduce an influence of stray light from the other layer on the tracking control. A sub push-pull signal correcting section corrects a sub push-pull signal to be generated from returning light of a sub beam in such a manner that a track crossing component of a main push-pull signal to be generated from returning light of a main beam, and a track crossing component of the sub push-pull signal to be generated from the returning light of the sub beam are canceled. A low pass filter reduces a high frequency component of the sub push-pull signal corrected by the sub push-pull signal correcting section. A subtractor subtracts a sub push-pull signal passing the low pass filter from the main push-pull signal to thereby generate a tracking error signal.
US08085626B2 Optical pickup device and lens for optical pickup
An optical pickup device according to the present invention comprises: a first mirror for reflecting a first light beam outputted from a first light source and letting a second light beam outputted from a second light source pass therethrough; a first object lens for converging the first light beam reflected by the first mirror on an information recording surface of a recording medium; a second mirror for reflecting the second light beam passing through the first mirror; a second object lens for converging the second light beam reflected by the second mirror on the information recording surface of the recording medium; and an achromatic lens for correcting an axial chromatic aberration of the second object lens generated by wavelength variation of the second light beam, wherein the achromatic lens is provided in an optical path between the first mirror and the second mirror.
US08085615B2 Multi-state resistance changing memory with a word line driver for applying a same program voltage to the word line
A resistance changing memory unit cell includes a current control component operably coupled to a bit sense line, and a resistance changing memory element coupled between the current control component and a word line.
US08085601B2 Programming method and initial charging method of nonvolatile memory device
A programming method of a nonvolatile memory device includes precharging bit lines of the nonvolatile memory device based on loaded data, boosting channels corresponding to the respective precharged bit lines, after supplying word lines adjacent to a selected word line of the nonvolatile memory device with an initializing voltage, the selected word line is a word line selected for programming, and supplying a word line voltage for programming to the channels, after the channels are boosted.
US08085598B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A sub-decoder element provided corresponding to each word line is constructed by the same conductive type MOS transistors. The sub-decoder elements are arranged in a plurality of columns such that the layout of active regions for forming the sub-decoder elements is inverted in a Y direction and displaced by one sub-decoder element in an X direction. The arrangement of the sub-decoder elements is adjusted such that high voltage is not applied to both of gate electrodes adjacent in the Y direction. A well voltage of a well region for forming the sub-decoder element group is set to a voltage level such that a source to substrate of the transistor of the sub-decoder element is set into a deep reversed-bias state. In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, the leakage by a parasitic MOS in a sub-decoder circuit or word line driving circuit to which a positive or negative high voltage is supplied, can be suppressed.
US08085597B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory and data writing method for nonvolatile semiconductor memory
A method having the steps of applying the same gate voltage to each of gate terminals of a plurality of memory cells via word lines to designate the memory cells as a write target, and simultaneously applying a write voltage that corresponds to each write data across drain-source terminals of two or more memory cells that are write targets via bit lines to write simultaneously a plurality of data elements having mutually different data values to the memory cells.
US08085594B2 Reading technique for memory cell with electrically floating body transistor
A semiconductor device along with circuits including the same and methods of operating the same are described. The device comprises a memory cell consisting essentially of one transistor. The transistor comprises a gate, an electrically floating body region, and a source region and a drain region adjacent the body region. The device includes data sense circuitry coupled to the memory cell. The data sense circuitry comprises a word line coupled to the gate region and a bit output coupled to the source region or the drain region.
US08085591B2 Charge loss compensation during programming of a memory device
In programming a selected word line of memory cells, a first program verify or read operation is performed, after one page of a selected word line is programmed, in order to determine a first quantity of memory cells that have been programmed to a predetermined reference point in the programmed first page distribution. Prior to programming the second page of the selected word line, a second program verify or read operation is performed to determine a second quantity of cells that are still at the reference point. The difference between the first and second quantities is an indication of the quantity of cells that experienced quick charge loss. The difference is used to determine an adjustment voltage for the second page verification operation after programming of the second page.
US08085589B2 Flash memory device and program recovery method thereof
A method of programming a flash memory includes programming memory cells connected to a selected word line by applying a first voltage to the selected word line and a second voltage to non-selected word lines, the second voltage being lower than the first voltage, lowering the first voltage of the selected word line to a third voltage after programming the memory cells connected to the selected word line, the third voltage being lower than the first voltage, and recovering a fourth voltage of the selected word line and the non-selected word lines, the fourth voltage being lower than the second and third voltages.
US08085585B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory block having a three-dimensional memory cell array structure in which memory cell arrays are stacked, the memory cell array including: a plurality of first interconnections which are parallel to one another; a plurality of second interconnections which are formed so as to intersect with the plurality of first interconnections, the second interconnections being parallel to one another; and a memory cell which is disposed in each intersection portion of the first interconnection and the second interconnection, one end of the memory cell being connected to the first interconnection, the other end of the memory cell being connected to the second interconnection. The first interconnection disposed between the adjacent memory cell arrays is shared by memory cells above and below the first interconnection, and the vertically-overlapping first interconnections are connected to each other.
US08085584B1 Memory to store user-configurable data polarity
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to user configuration of polarity of data storage in memory devices.
US08085583B2 Vertical string phase change random access memory device
A phase change random access memory device is disclosed including a first electrode, a second electrode, a phase change material layer between the first and second electrode, a plurality of gate layers formed along the phase change material layer, an insulating film between the phase change material layer and the plurality of gate layers, and a plurality of interlayer insulating layers between the plurality of gate layers and between the first and second electrode and the plurality of gate layers, in which multiple bits of information may be stored in a single memory cell corresponding to the positions of the plurality of gate layers.
US08085572B2 Semiconductor memory apparatus
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes a unit cell with a transistor having a floated body and a capacitor for storing charges; a word line for activating the unit cell; and a bit line for transmitting data to the unit cell.
US08085571B2 High density prom
The invention shows how diodes in a modern semiconductor process can be used as a very compact switch element in a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) using common integrated circuit fuse elements such as polysilicon and metal. This compact switch element allows very dense PROM arrays to be realized since diodes have the highest conduction density of any semiconductor device. The high conduction density is used to provide the relatively high current needed to blow the fuse element open. Since MOSFETs are typically used as fuse array switch elements, a relatively large area is required for the MOSFET to reach the current needed to blow the fuse element. Since diodes are two terminal switch elements unlike MOSFETs which are three terminal devices, methods are outlined on how to both read and write the arrays using this two terminal switch.
US08085565B2 Vehicle inverter for powering consumer electronic devices
An inverter for inverter DC power, such as but not limited to the type commonly employed in vehicle power systems, in to AC power, such as but not limited to the type commonly employed to power consumer electronic devices. The inverter may be configured to electrically isolate primary and secondary stages without requiring separate primary and secondary stage power supplies.
US08085564B2 DC bus voltage control for two stage solar converter
Systems, methods, and apparatus for supplying AC power to an AC power grid from a DC power source, such as a photovoltaic (PV) array are disclosed. The systems and methods can include a converter coupled to the DC power source that provides DC power to a DC bus at a DC bus voltage. The systems and methods can further include an inverter coupled to the DC bus for converting the DC power of the DC bus to an output AC power. The systems and methods can further include a control system configured to regulate the DC bus voltage of the DC bus to operate at a variable DC bus voltage setpoint. The control system can adjust the DC bus voltage setpoint based at least in part on the DC bus voltage and the output AC current of the inverter.
US08085561B2 Power supply with integrated concentric high voltage multiplier
A high voltage power supply for use in small diameter spaces such as in oil well logging devices includes an AC voltage source and a voltage multiplier circuit. An inside set of parallel capacitors is constructed with an inside common capacitor electrode, an inside dielectric material around the outside of the inside common capacitor electrode, and individual inside capacitor electrodes formed of conductive material positioned around the outside of the inside dielectric material. An outside set of parallel capacitors is constructed with a hollow outside common capacitor electrode with a central internal hollow space, an outside dielectric material around the inside of the outside common capacitor electrode, and individual outside capacitor electrodes formed of conductive material positioned around the inside of the outside dielectric material. The inside set of parallel capacitors fits concentrically inside the outside set of parallel capacitors. Rectifiers connect selected inside capacitors to selected outside capacitors to form a voltage multiplier circuit.
US08085545B2 Structure for blocking an electromagnetic interference, wafer level package and printed circuit board having the same
A structure for blocking electromagnetic interference (EMI) may include at least one electromagnetic wave inducing member and an electromagnetic wave filtering member. The at least one electromagnetic wave inducing member may be provided to an electronic device to induce an electromagnetic wave applied to the electronic device. The electromagnetic wave filtering member may be provided to the electronic device to filter the electromagnetic wave induced by the at least one electromagnetic wave inducing member. Thus, the electromagnetic wave filtering member may remove the electromagnetic wave concentrated on the at least one electromagnetic wave inducing member, so that the electromagnetic wave applied to the electronic device may be effectively removed. As a result, circuits in the electronic device may be protected from the EMI.
US08085542B2 Heat dissipation device and electronic system incorporating the same
A heat dissipation device for a first electronic component and a second electronic component mounted on a circuit board includes a first base mounted on the first electronic component and a second base mounted on the second electronic component. The second base is movably connected with the first base. An electronic system incorporating the heat dissipation device is also provided.
US08085540B2 Tandem fan assembly with airflow-straightening heat exchanger
A tandem fan system with an airflow-straightening heat exchanger removes heat from an airflow while providing optimal airflow pressure. The tandem fan system includes a first fan assembly and a second fan assembly, wherein each fan assembly has an inlet face and an outlet face, and includes at least one fan configured to propel a flow of air from the inlet face to the outlet face. The tandem fan system also includes a heat exchanger coupled between the first and second fan assemblies, wherein the heat exchanger includes at least one fin array and one or more heat pipes. The fin array and heat pipe combination is configured to draw heat from a flow of air that flows through the heat exchanger, and to straighten the flow of air so that the flow is perpendicular to the inlet face of the second fan assembly.
US08085538B2 Fluid-cooled electronic housing assembly and system
A fluid-cooled electronic housing assembly (“FCEHA”) configured for mounting within a vehicle is described. The FCEHA may be part of a fluid-cooled electronic system (“FCES”) that includes the FCEHA and a plurality of electronic components. The FCEHA is capable of providing effective cooling for the FCES while maintaining a small space requirement by utilizing a fluid cooling system that cools the housing of FCEHA. In general, the FCEHA includes a cooling-fluid channel through a heat sink that, in operation, allows a cooling fluid/liquid to flow throw the cooling-fluid channel and cool off the FCEHA more efficiently that air convection because the cooling fluid is more efficient in heat transport.
US08085535B2 Fan casing integrated heat spreader for active cooling of computing system skins
In one embodiment, a fan casing may have a direct thermal connection with a heat spreader. The fan casing might be used in an active cooling system of a mobile computing device such as a notebook computer to reduce and/or eliminate the occurrence of thermal hot spots on the skin of the device. In one example, the heat spreader extends from the enclosure and is disposed between a heat source and the skin of the device.
US08085524B2 Integrated capacitor arrangement for ultrahigh capacitance values
An electronic device includes at least one trench capacitor that can also take the form of an inverse structure, a pillar capacitor. An alternating layer sequence of at least two dielectric layers and at least two electrically conductive layers is provided in the trench capacitor or on the pillar capacitor, such that the at least two electrically conductive layers are electrically isolated from each other and from the substrate by respective ones of the at least two dielectric layers. A set of internal contact pads is provided, and each internal contact pad is connected with a respective one of the electrically conductive layers or with the substrate. A range of switching opportunities is opened up that allows tuning the specific capacitance of the capacitor to a desired value.
US08085517B2 Apparatus and method for ground fault detection and location in electrical systems
The present invention is implemented by deploying an enhanced ground fault detection and location apparatus and by using the apparatus in conjunction with specific circuit analysis methods, using the information generated by the ground fault detection and location apparatus. The ground fault detection and location apparatus comprises the functionality of a voltmeter, an ammeter, a phase angle meter, a frequency generator, and a variable power supply, thereby providing for a variety of signals and analyses to be performed on a unintentionally grounded circuit in an ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system. The ground fault detection and location apparatus is capable of operating in six different modes, with each mode providing a different capability or opportunity for detecting, analyzing, and locating one or more unintentionally grounded circuits in an normally ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system. Additionally, the present invention is configured to manipulate a ground fault current at a first target frequency and a second target frequency, thereby enabling more rapid and efficient location of ground faults.
US08085501B2 Reader including an interposer that prevents coupling with write-protected data cartridges
A removable hard disk drive storage system includes a data storage cartridge having a write protect switch, and a reader configured to couple to and read data from the data storage cartridge. The reader includes a physical block that aligns with the write protect switch of the data storage cartridge. The physical block aligns with the write protect switch of the data storage cartridge to prevent the reader from coupling to the data storage cartridge when the write protect switch is in a write protect position.
US08085499B2 Thin film perpendicular magnetic recording head, their fabrication process and magnetic disk drive using it
Thin film perpendicular magnetic head with a narrow main pole capable of a high recording density in excess of 100 gigabits per square inch and generating a high magnetic recording field, while also being modified to suppress remanent magnetic fields occurring immediately after writing operation. A return path is provided for supplying a magnetic flux to the main pole, and an conductive coil for excitation of the main pole and return path. The main pole has a pole width of 200 nanometers or less, and a magnetic multilayer made up of a high saturation flux density layer and low saturation flux density layer. The low saturation flux density layer and the high saturation flux density suppress remanent magnetization and prevent erasing after writing by utilizing a closed magnetic domain structure in the pole.
US08085498B2 PMR write with flux choking area
A PMR writer having a trailing shield structure is disclosed in which a flux choking layer (FCL) formed adjacent to the ABS provides a means to limit the amount of flux flowing from the trailing shield to a first write shield (WS1) near the write pole tip thereby significantly reducing adjacent track erasure. The FCL has a substantially smaller thickness than a top section of the trailing shield to which it is attached along a side opposite the ABS. As a result, pole tip protrusion is reduced compared to prior art PMR writers. The FCL contacts a trailing side of WS1 at the ABS and one or both of the trailing sides of the WS1 and FCL may be tapered or perpendicular with respect to the ABS. The top trailing shield section, FCL, and WS1 may be comprised of NiFe, CoFe, CoFeNi, or alloys thereof.
US08085493B2 Contactless method for power and communications in a tape library
A tape library is provided with a fixed coupling mechanism so that the tape library includes discrete locations via which power and communication are provided to an accessor. The use of such a coupling mechanism in a vertical tape library allows for the use of gravity to ensure that the accessor can couple with the fixed coupling mechanism even when no power is present in the accessor.
US08085491B2 Method of determining flying height of magnetic head
For obtaining a flying height of a magnetic head from a magnetic disk, the magnetic head being placed in a slider arranged at an interval with the magnetic disk, an initial setting process and a flying height detecting process are performed. In the initial setting process, driving power to a heater is increased gradually, from a state where the heater arranged at a position in proximity to the magnetic head in the slider is not driven, until the magnetic head makes contact with the magnetic disk. Then, in each stage, an electrical resistance value of the sensor arranged at a position in proximity to the magnetic head in the slider, which is increased due to the heat from heater, and either an approach distance of the magnetic head toward the magnetic disk or the flying height of the magnetic head from the magnetic disk are acquired. Then, basic data is prepared by obtaining the relationship between a variation of the electrical resistance value of the sensor and the flying height of the magnetic head from the magnetic disk, which is obtained in each stage or which calculated from the approach distance in each stage. In the flying height detecting process, an electrical resistance value of the sensor is determined, and a variation of the electrical resistance value is calculated from the determined values. Then, the flying height of the magnetic head from the magnetic disk in the state where the electrical resistance value was determined is obtained based on the basic data obtained in the initial setting process, using the calculated variation of the electrical resistance value.
US08085474B2 Zoom lens
A zoom lens includes, sequentially from an object side, a first lens group having a negative refractive power; and a second lens group having a positive refractive power, where focal length is varied by changing a distance between the first lens group and the second lens group, and a first conditional expression 0.8<|f1/f2|<1.0 is satisfied, f1 being the focal length of the first lens group and f2 being the focal length of the second lens group.
US08085463B2 Protective coating for metalhydride based devices
A thin film device includes an active layer (4), wherein the active layer has optical properties that change by adding and removing hydrogen, and includes a Mg-transition metal layer, or rare earth based layer, the active layer being provided on one side with a protective layer (3) that is hydrogen, oxygen and water vapor permeable and liquid water impermeable, and has hydrophobic surface properties. The thin film can further include a Pd catalyst layer (5) disposed between the active layer (4) and the protective layer (3). The thin film device can be used in a switchable mirror wherein the optical properties of the mirror can be changed by adding/removing hydrogen to/from the active layer.
US08085462B2 Superposition method using a pair of stereo-isomeric micro electro mechanical systems (MEMSs)
DMDs (digital mirror devices) as currently produced by Texas Instruments show handedness with regard to mirror deflection axes and image raster. At present only one isomer (one hand-type) is produced, which we call the (L)DMD. For the superposition of (L)DMDs an additional folding is required in all arrangements of the state of the art, which results in sophisticated and expensive designs, e.g. the trichroic prism assembly (TPA) of 3-chip DMD-projectors. We uncover a superposition method using a pair of stereo-isomeric MEMSs (both the right-handed and the left-handed stereo-isomeric topologies are used). This eliminates the necessity of this previously required additional folding. As a consequence simplified and improved superposition systems can be designed. Minimal back focal length and symmetric designs lead to smaller size, lighter weight and reduced cost.
US08085461B2 Systems and methods of actuating MEMS display elements
Apparatus and methods of actuating MEMS display elements are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into other drive schemes for MEMS display elements. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a MEMS display element to display a frame of video data, said MEMS display element comprising a portion of an array of MEMS display elements, includes an array controller configured to assert a potential difference on said MEMS display element during a first portion of a frame display write process to place the MEMS display element in a first display state, and to assert a potential difference on said MEMS display element during a second portion of the frame display write process to place the MEMS display element in a second display state to display the frame of the video data, where the first display state is different from the second display state. In another embodiment, an array controller asserts a large potential difference across a MEMS display element to affect charge build up and an offset voltage level. In another embodiment, an array controller asserts a series of pulses to rapidly switch the MEMS display element between states to overcome adverse conditions that may affect the operation of the MEMS display element.
US08085451B2 Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes: (i) a capturing device for capturing an original image of a source document; (ii) a moving device for moving one of the capturing device and the source document relative to the other; (iii) a first region processor for causing the moving device to position the capturing device in a first capturing position, so as to obtain a first pixel-related data relating to pixels present in a first region of the source document; (iv) a background-color-basis correcting-value determiner for determining a background-color-basis correcting value, based on the first pixel-related data; and (v) a second region processor for causing the moving device to position the capturing device in a second capturing position, so as to obtain a second pixel-related data relating to pixels present in a second region of the source document. The second region processor is configured to correct the second pixel-related data, based on the background-color-basis correcting value, for reducing influence on the second pixel-related data by a background color of the source document.
US08085443B2 Original reading device
An original reading device corrects line noise when performing original image reading by a sheet-through method, even if line noise appears due to a piece of debris simultaneously influencing all color sensors. Background plates (33) have different densities and a background plate switching motor (37) switches between the background plates in order. Before the original reaches a reading position, an image of each background plate is read to generate correction data. Image data is generated by reading an image of the original when it has reached the reading position. A noise address is detected using the correction data and/or image data. The correction data is used to calculate an influence value indicating a level of influence of a dirtiness source inferred to exist at an area corresponding to the noise address. In the image data, a line noise portion indicated by the noise address is corrected using the influence value.
US08085441B2 Method and apparatus for detecting banding using moire pattern
A method of determining presence of variations in interline spacing in a first image comprising a first plurality of parallel lines of pixels comprising: providing a second image comprising a second plurality of parallel lines; orienting the images so that the lines in the first and second pluralities are superimposed and angled with respect to each other to generate an interference image comprising a Moiré interference pattern; and using the Moiré interference pattern to determine presence of said variations.
US08085440B2 Method and apparatus for selecting an operation to be performed on an image stored in a printer
Methods and systems are provided to facilitate a printer to execute one or more operations in connection with one or more images are described herein. The methods may include methods that may, at least in part, be implemented at a printer including tracking one or more locations of a scan device with respect to a sheet having a first one or more pictures associated with one or more corresponding images, wherein the tracking is based, at least in part, on electronic data provided by the scan device. The printer may then based at least in part on the tracking, execute at least one operation in connection with all or a selected subset of the one or more corresponding images.
US08085435B2 Adaptive color transform to control color inconstancy
A method for selecting the level of color inconstancy of an output image produced on a digital color printer having a neutral ink and a plurality of color inks is disclosed. The method includes analyzing the distribution of input colors present in the input digital image to determine a color distribution metric related to the importance of producing output images having a reduced color inconstancy when the output image is viewed under a variety of image illumination spectra; selecting a color transform from a set of available color transforms designed to produce output images having different color inconstancy characteristics in response to the color distribution metric; processing the input digital image using the selected color transform to produce a transformed image having a selected level of color inconstancy; and printing the transformed image on the digital color printer to produce an output image having the selected level of color inconstancy.
US08085432B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a reading mechanism having an original placement portion on which an original document is placed for reading an image; a recording mechanism having a medium supply tray on which a recording medium is set, the recording mechanism being disposed in such a manner that a longitudinal direction of the medium supply tray is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the original placement portion; an angular casing that houses the reading mechanism and the recording mechanism while stacking the reading mechanism and the recording mechanism vertically; and a cartridge holder that houses an ink cartridge and is disposed in a space located at a corner position of the casing below the reading mechanism and surrounded by a circumferential wall of the casing and a side wall of the medium supply tray.
US08085425B2 Information processing apparatus
The present invention allows a printing process to be released from application software earlier. At the start of printing, the size of an available area in a RAM 11 is obtained. It is determined whether or not the size of total print data transmitted from a handheld computer to a color printer is the obtained size of the available area. If it is determined that the size of the total print data is larger, the size of an available area in a memory card is obtained. It is then determined whether or not the obtained size of the available area is larger than the size of the total print data. If it is determined that the size of the available area is larger, the total print data is created on the available area in the memory card. Then, the created total print data is transmitted to the color printer.
US08085423B2 Network scanner for global document creation transmission and management
A network scanner, communication protocols, and client and server programs and are provided which provide an improved way to transmit legally binding documents, obviating the need for outmoded, legacy fax transmissions. Using the network scanner, a document may be scanned and transferred directly into any shared folder inbox residing on any computer attached to the Internet. Enhanced server systems and network communications and messaging protocols are provided that are more practical to use than email for sending documents such as executed legal documents or other documents requiring robust integrity and authenticatability. Similarly, the inventive network scanner, server systems and communication protocols provide improved ways to perform large file transfers and to manage bandwidth to minimize problems associated with uploading/downloading large files as attachments to/from email servers and for enabling user control over VoIP quality during file transmission sessions.
US08085419B2 Image input/output system, control method of image input/output system, and program for implementing the method
An image input/output system which makes it possible to reduce a load on a server in the case of using a network scan function in a server based computing environment. An image input/output system comprises a multifunction peripheral, a server, and a computer which are communicably connected to one another via a network. The server receives a reading instruction from the computer and instructs the multifunction peripheral to read an original according to the reading instruction. In the multifunction peripheral, a reader section reads the original based on the instruction from the server, and a control section sends thumbnail image data obtained by the reader section to the computer without going through the server.
US08085418B2 Method and apparatus for converting a printer firmware download port to a communicatons port
Methods and apparatus for converting a firmware download port on a printer to a communications port are provided. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board arrangement connected to the firmware download port of the printer. A secondary communications port is provided on the printed circuit board arrangement for enabling communications between the printer and a central system controller. The printer may include one or more primary communications ports. Each of the one or more primary communications ports may be selectable for enabling communications between the printer and a local controller. The local controller may provide data to the printer via a selected one of the primary communications ports indicative of cash information to be printed on a voucher. The central system controller may provide data to the printer via the secondary communications port indicative of non-cash data to be printed on a coupon.
US08085417B2 Multifunction peripheral unit that executes a selected processing function using two selected devices
The present invention provides a multifunction peripheral unit, including a list transmission section that creates a list of devices connected to a network and transmits the list to a user terminal; a device information reception section that receives information on a device selected by the user from a user terminal constituting the transmission destination of the list; a processing function list transmission section that creates a list of the processing functions that can be executed by the device on the basis of the received device information and transmits the list of the processing functions to the user terminal; a processing function information reception section that receives information on a processing function selected by the user from a user terminal constituting the transmission destination of the processing function list; and an execution control section that controls the device to execute the processing function on the basis of the received device information and processing function information.
US08085415B2 Printer, control program and printing device
A printer includes a receiving unit configured to receive a print job; a printing unit which executes a printing process to print an image on a recording medium based on the print job received by the receiving unit; a suspending unit which suspends the printing process based on suspension information added to the print job; an indicating unit which indicates that the printing is in process during suspension of the printing process; and a re-starting unit which re-starts the printing process suspended by the suspending unit.
US08085414B2 Image forming device configured to execute scan-to-memory and direct print functions when connected to an external device
There is provided an image forming device comprising a connection unit to which an external device is detachably attached, a reading unit to read an image from an original to generate image data; an image forming unit to form an image; a controller that executes a plurality of modes including a scan-to-memory mode where image data is obtained through the reading unit and the obtained image data is stored in the external memory and a direct print mode where an image corresponding to image data stored in the external memory is formed, and a storage unit to store mode information concerning at least one mode, the at least one mode having been executed by the controller with respect to the external memory. The controller executes a mode stored in the storage unit as the mode information in response to connection of the external memory to the connection unit.
US08085413B2 Adaptor, image supply device, printing system, and control method therefor
An adaptor which mediates between an image supply device and a printer causes the printer to print by selecting either of the first operation mode in which image data from the image supply device is received by wireless communication and before the completion of receiving the image data, a print job is issued to the printer by wired communication, and the second operation mode in which image data from the image supply device is received by wireless communication and after the completion of receiving the image data, a print job is issued to the printer by wired communication.
US08085411B2 Data processing apparatus, print control method, computer-readable storage medium, and program stored therein
It is necessary to avoid performing printing which brings about a poor printing result due to a mismatch between a medium fed by a printer and a set medium. For arbitrary paper, a paper type determining process unit 612 determines according to the information plural times detected with different timing during the process on the print data whether or not a mismatch occurred between the type of paper set on a printer and paper set by a print setting process unit 611, and the generation and output of print data by a print data generating process unit 618 is correctly controlled.
US08085410B1 Projected scanning laser device and method for locating small objects
A projection laser scanner and method used to locate otherwise difficult-to-see items inadvertently dropped onto relatively flat surface areas, such as but not limited to floors, countertops, and tabletops, which uses a laser beam with a broad field of view to illuminate items raised above the surface area, giving each a glowing appearance. Should surface areas comprise raised features, the laser beam will illuminate them. However, dropped items thereon will still be very evident and remain easy to locate. Safety applications of the projection laser scanner are many, and include but are not limited to, finding dropped medication, small tools, eyeglass screws, contact lenses, pins, needles, staples, and other objects that one would not want a small child or pet to find and swallow; broken glass or ceramic shards; rings, earrings, and gemstones inadvertently separated from jewelry; as well as countless other difficult-to-see items that blend into background surface areas.
US08085407B2 Resonator optical gyroscope having input beam modulation optimized for high sensitivity and low bias
Systems and methods for optimizing input beam modulation for high gyro sensitivity and low bias errors. The present invention is a resonator optical gyroscope having an optimized phase-modulation amplitude (frequency) for a selected modulation frequency (amplitude) that maximizes the gyro signal-to-noise (S/N) sensitivity. For selected values of the phase modulation amplitude, the polarization cross-coupling induced intensity modulation can be nulled. By setting the phase modulation amplitudes substantially close to these nulling points (e.g. M=3.832 or 7.016 radians, which causes the first order Bessel function to be zero J1(M)=0) and then optimizing the modulation frequency, the intensity modulation induced bias is reduced to zero and gyro S/N sensitivity is maximized.
US08085395B2 Inspection device
What is disclosed is an inspection device and a method wherein interconnected, substantially flat bags are provided, in which bags objects are present which are set vibrating, after which one or more images of the objects in the bag are recorded. The vibration is exerted on the objects in the plane of the interconnected bags, whilst a squeezing force effected by means of a pulling force on the bags is exerted on the vibrating objects. The combination of said vibration and said squeezing force on the objects, such as tablets, leads to a quiet and reliable inspection device.
US08085394B2 Optoelectronic longitudinal measurement method and optoelectronic longitudinal measurement device
The invention relates to an optoelectronic measurement method for determining a position, particularly an angle or a length, of a code carrier (10) that carries a position code (11) and is movable relative to a detector element (30) with a degree of freedom, particularly in a rotary or translational fashion. The detector element (30) has at least one line in the longitudinal direction comprising a plurality of light-sensitive receiving regions (31) disposed in a linear fashion. In the course of the positional measurement method, a projection is produced of part of the position code (11) on the detector element (30) that is dependent on the position of the code carrier (10); said projection is produced by at least an emission of optical radiation onto the code carrier (10) using a laser diode (20) having an emitter edge (21), and said projection is detected by the detector element (30). The position of the code carrier (10) relative to the detector element (30) is derived from the projection. According to the invention, in the projection on the detector element (30) thus produced, the axis of divergence of the laser diode emission (26) running perpendicular to the emitter edge (21) has a substantially parallel orientation to the longitudinal axis (34) of the detector element (30).
US08085392B2 Bubble reduction system
An ophthalmic device forming system includes an inspection station configured to receive a plurality of ophthalmic devices, a fluid supply fluidly connected to the inspection station, the fluid supply containing a working fluid, and a heat source fluidly connected between the fluid supply and the inspection station. The heat source includes a housing, a transfer element, and a low pressure gas region defined by the housing adjacent to the transfer element.
US08085391B2 Integrated optical characteristic measurements in a CMOS image sensor
Methods and systems for forming a chief ray angle (CRA) profile of an imaging lens having a field of view (FOV) are provided. At least one CRA sensor is positioned between an edge of a pixel array and an edge of the FOV, at one or more predetermined lens height percentages. Light is transmitted through the imaging lens and detected by multiple detectors included in the at least one CRA sensor. Each detector is configured to detect a different predetermined CRA. For each CRA sensor, a largest amplitude of detected light among the multiple detectors is selected. The largest amplitude of light represents a CRA of the transmitted light. At least one data point of the CRA profile is determined, by using the selected predetermined CRA at the one or more predetermined lens height percentages.
US08085388B2 Laser radar projection with object feature detection and ranging
A 3D pulsed laser projection system scans an object to produce a dense 3D point cloud and projects a laser light beam onto an object as a glowing template. A high-sensitivity optical feedback system receives and detects a feedback beam of the output beam light diffusely reflected from the object. The feedback light and projected beam share the same beam path between steering mirrors and the object. A light suppression component controls stray scattered light, including ambient light, from being detected. A time-of-flight measurement subsystem provides a distance-to-object measurement for projected pulses. An acousto-optical modulator, variable gain detected signal amplification and variable photo-detector power together produce a dynamic range for detected reflected feedback signals of at least 100,000, and up to 500,000. Optical fiber cables spatially filter scattered light and isolate the photo-detectors thermally. The laser is preferably pulsed at least 50 kHz, with sampling of the projected and feedback reflected optical pulse signals at a sampling rate of up to 10 gigasamples per second.
US08085387B2 Optical instrument and method for obtaining distance and image information
An optical instrument and a method for obtaining distance and image information of an object is disclosed to improve the speed and accuracy of data acquisition. The instrument comprises a camera, positioning unit, distance measuring unit, lens arrangement and control unit. The camera acquires images of an object and the control unit defines an area to be scanned and measurement pixels of an object in the image, wherein the measurement pixels are converted into an approximation of coordinates of positions to be measured assuming a default distance to the positions, and the optical axis of the lens arrangement is adjusted sequentially onto the positions to be measured. After measuring the distances to the positions, the coordinates are recalculated increasing the accuracy of the coordinates.
US08085377B2 Liquid crystal display panel and LCD device using the same with particular aligning electrodes
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and an LCD device using the same are provided. The LCD panel includes a first and a second substrate, wherein a liquid crystal layer is sealed between the first and the second substrates. The first substrate has a plurality of pixel unit each including a data line, a scan line, a switch element, a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, a first aligning electrode and a second aligning electrode. The scan line corresponds to a gap between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. The switch element has an input terminal, a control terminal, a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The first aligning electrode and the second aligning electrode correspond to the edges of the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode respectively, and receive a voltage of a common electrode.
US08085374B2 Alignment treatment of liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device including a pair of substrates, an electrode and an alignment layer formed on each of the substrates, and a liquid crystal filled between the pair of substrates. The alignment layer of one of the pair of substrates is treated so that the alignment layer is divided into a plurality of stripe regions including a first stripe region and a second stripe region adjacent to the first stripe region, the first and second stripe regions extending parallel to each other and forming a first boundary therebetween. A direction of alignment of liquid crystal molecules on the first stripe region is opposite to a direction of alignment of liquid crystal molecules on the second stripe region, and directions of alignment of liquid crystal molecules on the first and second stripe regions are parallel to the first boundary. A shading layer is provided to cover the first boundary.
US08085371B2 Liquid crystal display having improved retardation film
A liquid crystal display having improved retardation plate is described. In the liquid crystal display, at least one of two panel plates has a polarizer placed on an outer side which is opposite to a liquid crystal layer and a quarter wavelength retardation plate between a substrate glass and the polarizer. The quarter wavelength retardation plate is composed of two retardation films including a half wavelength and a quarter wavelength retardation film. A slow axis of a half λ film which is adjacent to the polarizer makes an angle of Θ1 with a transmissive axis of the polarizer and that of a quarter λ film which is adjacent to the substrate glass makes an angle of Θ2 where Θ2=2×Θ1±45 degree. The retardation films are single-axial films. The specific angle Θ1 is one of degree values (15, 75, 105, and 165). In a transmissive type liquid crystal display, a structure of the other panel plate is similar to that of one panel plate and combination to the values (Θ1, Θ2, Θ3, Θ4) is one selected from the group consisting of combinations (15, 75, 165, 105), (75, 15, 105, 165), (105, 165, 75, 15), and (165, 105, 15, 75).
US08085356B2 Display panel, assembling method thereof and liquid crystal display
A display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, and a spacer is provided. The first substrate has a common potential line and at least one testing line separated from the common potential line, and the second substrate is disposed above the first substrate. The spacer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and includes at least one conducting particle. The common potential line is electrically connected to the testing line via the conducting particle. An assembling method of the display panel mentioned above and a liquid crystal display using the display panel are also provided.
US08085355B2 Structure of thin film transistors and liquid crystal display device having the same
A structure of a plurality of thin film transistors wherein a peripheral circuit on a glass substrate of a liquid crystal display panel; and each of polycrystalline silicon thin film 13 of the thin film transistor is formed on the glass substrate; and each of gate electrode 15 is formed on a gate insulation layer, and each of the gate electrode 15 is overhead corresponding to the polycrystalline silicon thin film 13 for a channel; wherein the gate electrode 15 is comprised a pair of projection part 15A and a gate-channel 15B; and wherein the pair of projection part 15A is formed the both sides of the gate-channel 15B in which the side is for along the channel-direction, and wherein the pair of projection part 15A is enlarged for across the channel-direction.
US08085346B2 Filter module for a video decoding system
Systems and methods are disclosed for filter modules in a video display system or network. One embodiment relates to a method for operating a filter module in a video display network comprising determining a picture type, display type and operation of the display network. The method further comprises determining, in real time, a filter configuration from a plurality of possible filter configurations based on the determined picture type, display type and operation.
US08085337B2 Image-pickup apparatus
The image-pickup apparatus includes an image acquiring part respectively photoelectrically converting first and second object images respectively formed by first and second light fluxes into first image data and second image data, the first and second light fluxes being formed by dividing a light flux from an image-pickup optical system by a pupil divider, and photoelectrically converting a third object image formed by a third light flux of the light flux from the image-pickup optical system into third image data, the third light flux being not divided by the pupil divider, and a split image generating part which generates split image data to be displayed in the third image data. The split image generating part generates the split image data based on the first image data and the second image data, and adds color information extracted from the third image data to the split image data.
US08085327B2 Image sensor, method for operating an image sensor, and computer program using a time-delayed integration
An image sensor includes a plurality of image elements configured to provide associated image element signals which are dependent on light intensities incident on the image elements. The image sensor includes an accumulation circuit with a plurality of charge storage elements, wherein the accumulation circuit is configured to change charges on the charge storage elements during a phase in dependence on image element signals of respectively associated image elements. The accumulation circuit is further configured to change an association between charge storage elements and associated image elements in successive phases, so that in operation, a charge on one of the charge storage elements depends on image element signals of plural image elements in a plurality of phases.
US08085325B2 Solid-state image pickup apparatus
A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes: an image pickup portion in which are arranged a plurality of pixels with a photo-electric conversion element, the pixels which generate and output a signal in accordance with the intensity of an incident electromagnetic wave; a frequency conversion portion that includes a link circuit in which a plurality of inversion circuits with a first terminal and a second terminal are linked in a ring, each of the inversion circuits having a varying delay time from an input signal to an output signal based on the voltage difference between the voltage supplied to the first terminal and the voltage supplied to the second terminal, and the frequency conversion portion which generate clock pulses at a frequency based on the voltage difference; a count portion which counts the clock pulses generated by the frequency conversion portion; and a transistor including: a third terminal to which is input a predetermined voltage; a fourth terminal connected to the first terminals; and a fifth terminal to which are input signals from the pixels, the transistor controlling a current that is passed between the third terminal and the fourth terminal based on a signal that is input to the fifth terminal.
US08085317B2 Information process apparatus and method, program record medium, and program
A data generation section generates an essence data file composed of a file header, a file body, and a file footer. A header size obtainment section obtains header size information of essence data file from the data generation section, and supplies the header size information to a clip generation section and an index file update section. The clip generation section generates a clip information file that describes the header size information supplied from the header size obtainment section. The index file update section registers a clip element that describes the header size information supplied from the header size obtainment section to an index file stored in a ROM.
US08085315B2 Imaging apparatus for enhancing appearance of image data
An imaging apparatus includes a photometry section, an exposure calculating section, an imaging section, and an image processing section. The photometry section performs the photometry of a subject. The exposure calculating section sets exposure conditions based on a photometry result of the photometry section. The imaging section images the subject in accordance with the exposure conditions to generate image data. The image processing section is capable of performing the image correction to perform improvement of luminosity for the dark region, on the image data generated in the imaging section. In the above described configuration, the exposure calculating section determines exposure conditions according to correction setting of the image correction in the image processing section.
US08085304B2 Photographic silver emulsion-based digital archival storage
A photographic digital data archival apparatus includes an article of media that includes a substrate and one or more layers of silver-emulsion based light-sensitive material, the article of media being configured to store digital data in the one or more layers and including a human-readable portion that provides instructions on reading and interpreting the digital data using basic imaging and computing technologies that do not require a person reading the instructions to previously possess or first acquire, as a prerequisite, knowledge of a format or encoding scheme associated with the digital data.
US08085296B2 Method and apparatus for measuring an operating position in a remote inspection
A method of computing an operating position based on a relative distance between a monitor and a movable body correlating data is obtained in advance for determining a one to one correlation between the relative distance and dimensions on the surface of a photographed object of an image. A relative angle is measured between the photographed object and the monitor. The movable body is photographed using a camera of the monitor. The distance and dimensions between reference points on the image are compared with the correlating data coincident with the measured relative angle.
US08085278B2 Method for setting compensation region for irregular defect region in manage display device
The present invention relates to a method for setting a compensation region for an irregular defect region in an image display device, including the steps of detecting an irregular display defect, setting a horizontal width of the irregular defect region detected thus, generating a plurality of guide lines which divide the irregular defect region in a horizontal direction along the horizontal width set thus automatically, setting upper and lower side boundary lines to the irregular defect region at every interval of the plurality of the guide lines to generate a plurality of main compensation regions defined by the plurality of guide lines and the upper and lower side boundary lines, and generating a plurality of upper, lower, left, and right supplementary compensation regions at upper, lower, left, and right sides of the plurality of main compensation regions, which maintain a gap of each of the plurality of the guide lines, automatically.
US08085266B2 System and method for smoothing three dimensional images
A method and system for converting two-dimensional artwork into three-dimensional models. Data relating to an image is imported and segments of the image are chained into contiguous curves. The contiguous curves together may form loops. Subsets of closed loops are split and created where surfaces of the image are to be created. The closed loops are contoured to create contours. The geometries created are projected onto a surface as an image. Finally, the image is smoothed.
US08085260B2 Simple matrix addressing in a display
An addressing mechanism for charging and discharging quasi-capacitive elements in an X-Y matrix. The addressing mechanism may be configured to toggle a resistor-capacitor (RC) time constant between large and small values such as by opening or closing a circuit path to a low impedance resistor disposed in parallel with a higher impedance in-line resistor. When this occurs, elements in the X-Y matrix can be addressed and controlled. The X-Y matrix may be comprised of multiple “rows” and “columns” of conductors where crosstalk may occur along the columns and rows. Crosstalk may be curtailed by using either hysteresis management or global control of the row's impedance along its entire length. The resulting control obviates the need for active devices at each matrix element to perform the switching functions.
US08085258B2 Organic electroluminescence display apparatus, driving circuit for driving organic electroluminescence light emitting portion, and driving method for organic electroluminescence light emitting portion
A driving circuit for driving an organic electroluminescence light emitting portion includes: a driving transistor of the n channel type having source/drain regions, a channel formation region and a gate electrode; an image signal writing transistor having source/drain regions, a channel formation region and a gate electrode; and a capacitor element. A first voltage for supplying current toward the organic electroluminescence light emitting portion through the driving transistor and a second voltage for preventing a potential difference between the second node and a cathode electrode provided on the organic electroluminescence light emitting portion from exceeding a threshold voltage of the organic electroluminescence light emitting portion are selectively applied from the power supply section to the first one of the source/drain regions of the driving transistor. An LDD (Lightly Doped Drain) structure is formed adjacent the first one of the source/drain regions of the driving transistor.
US08085255B2 Method for zooming image
A method and apparatus for zooming an image. In the present method, a plurality of scan periods and a plurality of scan data are provided, wherein the ith scan data is provided in the ith scan period. The jth scan data is used to drive at least two adjacent scan lines within the jth scan period, wherein i, j are natural numbers.
US08085254B2 Slide operation apparatus
A slide operation apparatus capable of preventing a movable unit from being unintentionally moved in a box body, while being easy to assemble and simple in construction. The movable unit includes a gondola to which an operating element is fixed. The gondola is adapted to be movable relative to upper and lower guide bars. A sliding contact assembly includes a plate spring to which an insulation sheet is assembled. The sliding contact assembly in a curved state is mounted to a fixture portion of the operating element by having pawls of the plate spring engaged with notches formed in the fixture portion. During the entire movement process of the movable unit, the curved convex portion of the sliding contact assembly is in sliding contact with the lower guide bar.
US08085249B2 Pre-assembled part with an associated surface convertible to a transcription apparatus
An apparatus including a part board having an associated surface or a frame for a surface, such as a whiteboard, that is pre-assembled to include components that when connected to an external module convert the surface to an electronic transcription apparatus. In one version, the components include a set of sensors and electronics therefor, with wiring and a connector.
US08085246B2 Keypad panel assembly having laterally-illuminated keypad surface
A keypad panel assembly having a laterally-illuminated keypad surface is arranged on an electronic device. The keypad panel includes a light-guiding plate and a panel. The light-guiding plate has a carrier thereon. One side surface of the carrier is provided with a plurality of protruding strips. Each protruding strip is provided with a plurality of light-guiding particles at positions corresponding to the other side surface of the carrier. The top surface of the protruding strip is provided with a reflective layer. The panel is arranged on one side surface of the carrier, and is provided thereon with a plurality of rectangular keypads. One side surface of each keypad is provided with an icon, and a plurality of hollowed portions is provided between each keypad and the panel. Each hollowed portion encloses a rectangular shape and corresponds to the protruding strip of the carrier. After the protruding strip passes through the hollowed portion, the height of the protruding strip is larger than those of the keypad and the icon. After the light generated by a backlight source of the electronic device is introduced from one side of the light-guiding plate, the light-guiding particles focus the light on the protruding strip. Then, the light illuminates the keypad surface from both sides of the protruding strip, so that a user can see the icon displayed on the keypad surface clearly.
US08085245B2 Display device, keypad thereof and method for activating display device
A display device includes a processor, a memory, an interface and a keypad. The keypad, separably connected to the interface, includes a signal generator. When the display device is connected to a power source, the processor sends a first signal to the interface. The signal generator generates a second signal in response to the first signal. The processor determines whether the second signal is correct based on data stored in the memory. If yes, the display device may be activated. A method for activating the display device via the separable keypad comprises the steps of: connecting the display device to the power source; the display device sending the first signal to the interface; determining whether the second signal is correct; and if yes, activating the display device.
US08085237B2 Method for controlling luminance of backlight unit
A method for controlling luminance of an edge type backlight unit having a plurality of lamps at opposite sides of a light-guiding plate is provided that includes: analyzing luminance data for each frame of an image before outputting the image; selecting a backlight luminance level from a Look-Up Table LUT that classifies the luminance according to the analyzed luminance data; outputting lamp on/off control signals according to the selected luminance level; and providing lamp on/off signals to respective lamps according to the lamp on/off control signals.
US08085227B2 Control device, illumination device, and display device
A control device has: an external terminal receiving a control signal; an output setting circuit changing an output state every time a predetermined edge appears in the control signal; an oscillator generating a clock signal; a period detector counting the number of pulses in the clock signal to detect whether or not the control signal has been kept at a predetermined logic level for a predetermined period; an initializing circuit initializing, based on the output of the period detector, the output state specified by the output setting circuit when the control signal is found to have been kept at the predetermined logic level for the predetermined period; and an oscillation control circuit permitting the operation of the oscillator only when the control signal is at the predetermined logic level and inhibiting the operation of the oscillator otherwise.
US08085223B2 Image display apparatus and its driving method
A driving method of an image display apparatus includes the steps of: applying a non-selection potential to a first scanning wiring; and applying a selection potential to the first scanning wiring. A voltage applied to an electron-emitting device connected to the first scanning wiring is set to a voltage having a polarity reverse to that of a voltage to be applied upon emitting electrons during at least partial period of a period when the non-selection potential is applied to the first scanning wiring. The voltage applied to the electron-emitting device connected to the first scanning wiring is set to zero volt or to a voltage having a polarity same as that of the voltage to be applied upon emitting electrons and less than the threshold voltage, during a predetermined period before the selection potential is applied to the first scanning wiring.
US08085218B2 Providing a floating alphanumeric/graphical display without moving electronics
Mechanisms for providing a floating display without moving electronics is provided. The mechanisms include a stationary array of light emitting elements and a moving reflective element. As the reflective element rotates, oscillates, or otherwise moves in a path relative to the array of light emitting elements, a controller controls the illumination, i.e. the pulsing on and off, of the light emitting elements based on a location of the reflective element so as to achieve a desired image, alphanumeric message, graphical display, animated display, or the like. The reflective element may be a reflective sphere having a reflective exterior surface. In this way, the electronics used to generate the floating display are kept stationary while the reflective element is moved along a path of motion to generate the floating image. This reduces the complexity and cost of the electronics needed to generate a floating image.
US08085217B2 System, method, and computer program product for compensating for crosstalk during the display of stereo content
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for compensating for crosstalk during the display of stereo content. In use, display content is received for being outputted utilizing a display system. Such display system inherently exhibits crosstalk, whereby an amount of left eye display content is displayed to a right eye of a user and an amount of right eye display content is displayed to a left eye of the user. Thus, prior to outputting the display content utilizing the display system, the display content is processed utilizing a graphics processor to compensate for the amount of the left eye display content to be displayed to the right eye of the user and the amount of the right eye display content to be displayed to the left eye of the user. In one embodiment where the crosstalk is a function of pixel location, the compensation may also be a function of pixel location. [e.g. in the case of a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc.].
US08085208B2 Configurable radio frequency element
Implementations related to configurable strip-line quarter wavelength and/or antenna structures are described herein.
US08085202B2 Wideband, high isolation two port antenna array for multiple input, multiple output handheld devices
A multiple input-multiple output antenna assembly with high isolation between the antennas is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a substrate with a ground layer at its surface. Two antennas are disposed opposing each other on the substrate. An isolation element in a form of a patterned slot is interposed between the first and second antennas on the ground plane. A first signal port is provided for applying a first signal to excite the first antenna and a second signal port is provided for applying a second signal to excite the second antenna. The isolation element provides isolation that inhibits electromagnetic propagation between the two antennas.
US08085201B2 System for determining position over a network
A system to determine position, frequency and clock offsets over a network utilizing signals of opportunity transmitted by one or more transmitters with known locations, the system includes a base receiver with a clock and a known position that determines ranges to the transmitters, takes a series of samples of the signals of opportunity and time tags the series with times of receipt, calculated times of transmission based on the calculated ranges, or both. The base receiver transmits the time tagged series and, as appropriate, computed ranges to the remote receivers. A given remote receiver saves and time tags samples of the signals of opportunity, correlates the time-tagged series with the saved samples, and calculates a time offset as a time difference of the times of receipt at the remote receiver and either the time of receipt at the base receiver or the time of transmission calculated at the base receiver. The remote receiver calculates position based on the time offsets, and as appropriate, the ranges provided by the base receiver. The elevations of the remote receivers may be calculated as part of the position calculations, determined iteratively based on constraining the Z coordinate to an average elevation, or determined from differences in air pressure sensor readings at the base and remoter receivers.
US08085200B2 System and method for establishing a WPAN with precise locationing capability
A system and method is provided for determining the location of an object. A first transceiver is associated with an object to be located. The first transceiver comprises a first transmitter and a first receiver operable to transmit and receive signals using a first transmission protocol and a second transmitter operable to transmit signals using a second transmission protocol. A first signal is transmitted using the first signal transmission protocol and is received by the first receiver. The second transmitter is then used to transmit a second signal using the second transmission protocol in response to receipt of the first signal and the second signal is then processed to determine the location of the object. In some embodiments, the first transmission protocol is in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4 standard and the second transmission protocol is in accordance with a Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) standard.
US08085198B2 Smart antenna system and failure detection method for smart antenna system
Disclosed herein is a smart antenna system including an antenna body with changeable directivity, and a control device that optimizes receiving conditions of the antenna body by changing the directivity of the antenna body with a control signal based on a selected channel. The antenna body has a reception confirming section that, when a control signal is output from the control device, outputs to the control device a cognitive signal indicating the receipt of the control signal; and the control device has a failure determination section to determine that the antenna body fails when a cognitive signal is not received, and a failure reporting section to notify that the antenna body fails based on a result from the failure determination section.
US08085195B2 Method and apparatus for providing a global secure user plane location (SUPL) service
A method and apparatus for providing assistance data for satellite positioning system receivers utilizing a secure user plane location (SUPL) service. In one embodiment, the assistance data is supplied by a global secure user plane location center that contains global assistance data.
US08085187B2 Through air radar sensor
There is disclosed a process instrument comprising a housing and an antenna secured to the housing. A process adaptor is associated with the antenna and housing for securing the instrument to a process vessel to define a process seal. A control in the housing generates or receives a high frequency signal. The control comprises an electromagnetic radiating element. A body supports the radiating element in the housing proximate the antenna for rotation at any angular orientation without affecting the process seal.
US08085184B2 Radar device and processing method therefor
According to a conventional method of correlating beat frequencies in a radar device, a detecting state of a target differs at the time of up-chirping and at that of down-chirping, so that, when the number of peaks of beat frequencies does not match with each other, there occurs a situation in which the beat frequencies cannot be accurately correlated.The radar device herein provided includes a transmission unit for transmitting a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal; a reception unit for generating a beat signal from the transmission signal and a reception signal corresponding thereto; a beat-frequency generating unit for obtaining a beat-frequency distribution corresponding to the beat signal; an up-chirp beat-frequency tracking means and a down-chirp beat-frequency tracking means for performing tracking processing on a beat signal; and an up-chirp target-detection means and a down-chirp target-detection means for calculating a range and range-change rate to a target based on a beat signal's frequency distribution.
US08085179B2 Analog-to-digital converter
Various implementations relating to analog-to-digital converters are provided. A comparator of such a circuit is used for converting different analog input signals, while analog-to-digital conversion circuitry for these conversions is implemented at least partially separately. In other implementations, a comparator is used both for analog-to-digital conversion and for comparing an input signal to a constant or non-constant value.
US08085178B2 Multiplying-adding return to zero digital to analog converter circuit and method
A digital to analog converter (DAC) method and apparatus employs a multiplying-adding DAC, eliminating digital adder circuitry. Examples are given for multiplying a 3-bit binary number by a 2-bit binary number; however, there are no limitations to the bit-widths of the numbers to be multiplied. The multiplying-adding DAC method can be scaled up or down in bit-width by feeding the DAC with partial sums and adjusting the DAC weights accordingly. An analog to digital converter (ADC) can be placed after the DAC to generate a digital output. By multiplexing preset digital data into the DAC core for return to zero (RTZ), a true zero that is the midpoint of the DAC output range is achieved. It does not return to a rail for single-ended outputs. RTZ in DAC circuits doubles the null frequency of sin(x)/x roll-off inherent in DACs and also helps reduce switching glitches in the DAC output.
US08085170B2 Wireless communication device with vibrating module
A wireless communication device (100) includes a communicating module (16), a sensor module (26) and a decoding module (28). The communicating module receives and sends character messages. The sensor module receives vibration and transforms the vibration into input signal. The decoding module is electronically connected to the communicating module and the sensor module. The decoding module receives the input signals from the sensor module and transforms the input signals into character messages and transfers the character messages to the communicating module to send.
US08085157B2 Smoke detectors
A multi-frequency photoelectric smoke detector includes a multi-frequency, source and an multi-frequency sensing array. The array can be part of a solid state camera which can be used to sense scattered multi-frequency light. Multiple wavelength signals, red, blue green for example, emitted by the camera can be analyzed to determine a degree of airborne particulate matter in a sensing region between the source and the array.
US08085156B2 RF cavity-based process fluid sensor
A remote system for sensing a process fluid parameter comprises a cavity, a tuner and a signal coupler. The cavity is configured to resonate at a central frequency that shifts in response to the process fluid parameter. The tuner is configured to tune the central frequency. The signal coupler is configured to receive a query signal, and to transmit an echo signal when the query signal matches the shifted central frequency.
US08085154B2 Circuit and method for providing an improved bed pad monitor system
A circuit and method for providing an improved bed pad, seatbelt or floor mat sensor monitoring system with the ability to detect a connection failure between the monitoring module and the target sensor by monitoring the connection for loss of data being transmitted or returned (looped back) by the sensor.
US08085148B2 Mobile monitoring and alert system
The present invention relates to monitoring and alert systems and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides transportable and vehicle interchangeable monitoring and alert systems (e.g., comprising a receiver and one or a plurality of tags (e.g., for alerting an emergency medical services (EMS) responder (e.g., emergency medical technician (EMT), firefighter, or other type of responder) that an article has been left behind at a response scene)) and methods of using the same.
US08085142B2 Receiver for tire condition monitoring apparatus
A receiver includes two reception antennas, which receive a modulated wave (transmission signal) from each of transmitters, a selection circuit, which alternately selects one of the two reception antennas at a predetermined switching cycle to alternately obtain the modulated wave from the two reception antennas, and a demodulation section, which generates a demodulated signal by demodulating the modulated wave obtained at the selection circuit. The switching cycle is 27 μs, which is 1/7.4 of the transmission time of data per symbol in the transmission signal from each transmitter, that is, 200 μs. In other words, the modulated waves from the two reception antennas are alternately obtained at least seven times each while the data of one symbol is transmitted.
US08085139B2 Biometric vehicular emergency management system
Techniques for managing vehicular emergencies are disclosed. For example, a method of managing a vehicular emergency includes the steps of collecting biometric data regarding at least one occupant of a vehicle, collecting data regarding at least one operational characteristic of the vehicle, and detecting vehicular emergencies through analysis of at least a portion of the biometric data and the operational characteristic data. This method may also include communicating at least one message relating to the data, wherein the content of the message is determined by the processing device based at least in part on the data and/or controlling a function of the vehicle in response to the data. The method may also include collecting data regarding at least one operational characteristic of at least one proximate vehicle.
US08085135B2 Medication dispenser
Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.
US08085133B2 RFID interrogator
Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of RFID interrogators, particularly RFID interrogators that combine low loss with high rates of communication from the interrogator to a tag. We describe a transmitter comprising a resonant circuit and a driver coupled to drive said resonant circuit, wherein said resonant circuit includes a resonance regeneration system such that during amplitude modulation of a resonant signal in said resonant circuit when an amplitude of said resonant signal is reduced energy from said reduction is stored and when said amplitude is increased said stored energy is used to regenerate said resonance signal.
US08085126B2 Identification with RFID asset locator for entry authorization
A system for controlling access at secure facilities to locations and assets contained in those locations, comprising a biometric identification device, an RFID tag and receiver, and a database for processing information from them to allow or deny access to the locations and assets. The system ties into an existing network in the facility and also includes a programming device for evaluation of the biometric template and acknowledgement of the identification, if made. The system also controls the permissible locations of assets such as laptops, desktop computers, photographic equipment, weapons such as rifles, data storage devices and the like, such that while a person may have access to a location, use of an asset or removal of the asset may not be part of that person's authorized conduct.
US08085119B2 Flexible electromagnetic valve actuator modeling and performance
The system contains a first planar permanent magnet having a first direction of magnetization and a first opening formed therein. A second planar permanent magnet has a second direction of magnetization and a second opening formed therein. The second opening is axially aligned with the first opening. The direction of magnetization of the first planar permanent magnet opposes the direction of magnetization of the second planar permanent magnet. A plurality of stationary coils are provided, wherein at least one of the stationary coils is located within the first opening and at least one of the stationary coils is located within the second opening. A pair of extension members traverses the first opening and the second opening. A magnetizable slug is integral with each of the extension members.
US08085115B2 Piezoelectric thin film resonator, filter, and communication apparatus
A piezoelectric thin film resonator includes a substrate, a lower electrode formed on the substrate, a piezoelectric film formed on the substrate and the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric film and opposing the lower electrode, an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric film. The upper electrode has a main portion and an extended portion connected to the main portion, the main portion opposing the lower electrode and an opening disposed between the substrate and the lower electrode, the extended portion having a portion which opposes the opening and the substrate.
US08085112B2 Broadband transition from a via interconnection to a planar transmission line in a multilayer substrate
According to one embodiment, a broadband transition to joint a via structure and a planar transmission line in a multilayer substrate is formed as an intermediate connection between the signal via pad and the planar transmission line disposed at the same conductor layer. The transverse dimensions of the transition are equal to the via pad diameter at the one end and strip width at another end; the length of the transition can be equal to the characteristic dimensions of the clearance hole in the direction of the planar transmission line or defined as providing the minimal excess inductive reactance in time-domain according to numerical diagrams obtained by three-dimensional full-wave simulations.
US08085106B2 Method and apparatus for dynamic modulation
Circuits and methods of dynamic modulation are disclosed. A dynamic modulator is used to reduce measurable conducted and/or radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). The dynamic modulator is configured to generate either a set of optimal frequency modulation depths or discrete frequencies or both, and dynamically selects them to use over a series of programmable time durations (dwell time). Together with the utilization of Peak, Average or Quasi-Peak (QP) method of measurement, the dynamic modulator can reduce the spectral amplitude of EMI components, in particular the lower harmonics, to effectively pass regulatory requirements. In alternative embodiments, the dynamic modulator is used in a closed loop system to continuously adjust the frequency and the duty cycle of a PWM signal to reduce conducted and/or radiated EMI.
US08085088B2 Quadrature signal demodulator circuitry suitable for doppler ultrasound
Quadrature signal demodulator circuitry for demodulating multiple related input signals into respective pairs of quadrature signals for selective combining to provide a composite pair of quadrature signals with a maximized signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
US08085084B2 System for substrate potential regulation during power-up in integrated circuits
An integrated circuit with body-bias inputs coordinated by a switch at initial power application. A switch coupled to the N-well bias and P-type substrate bias lines of an integrated circuit selectively couples the substrate to ground or the substrate bias supply, depending upon the state of the bias supply lines. During power-up and the initial application of the N-well bias, the substrate is coupled to ground to prevent a leakage induce rise in the substrate potential. Upon sensing the presence of the substrate bias potential on the substrate bias line, the switch couples the substrate to the substrate bias line instead of ground. In another embodiment, a switch indirectly senses the availability of the substrate bias potential by sensing a charge pump enable signal.
US08085083B2 Current-source gate driver
Provided is a current-source gate driver for use with a switching device having a gate capacitance, including an input terminal for receiving a DC voltage; a first switch connected between the input terminal and an output terminal; a second switch connected between the output terminal and a circuit common; a series circuit comprising a first capacitor and an inductor, the series circuit connected between the input terminal and the output terminal; wherein the gate capacitance of the switching device is connected between the output terminal and the circuit common. The current-source gate driver improves efficiency of the power switching devices of a voltage regulator module or other switching converter.
US08085079B2 Summing circuit for a filter
According to one embodiment of the invention, a summing circuit comprises a first transmitter, a second transmitter, a first current offset circuit and a first transconductance amplifier. The first current offset circuit is coupled to the emitters of the first and second transistors. The first transconductance amplifier is coupled to the first current offset circuit.
US08085078B2 Level shift circuit
A level shift circuit includes a first resistor with one end connected to GND, a first transistor with a drain and a gate connected to the other end of the first resistor, and a source connected to a first power supply, a second transistor with a source connected to the first power supply, and a gate connected to the drain and the gate of the first transistor, a second resistor with one end connected to a drain of the second transistor, a third transistor with a source connected to the other end of the second resistor, and a gate connected to an input terminal, a first current source connected between a second power supply and a drain of the third transistor; and a fourth transistor connected between an output terminal and the first power supply with a gate connected to the drain of the second transistor.
US08085065B2 Dual loop level shifter
A method and apparatus are disclosed to control one or more input output (I/O) pads. An input signal is translated to an output signal having a desired logic level using a first latch loop. The state of the first latch loop is maintained by a second latch loop, integrated with the first latch loop, when a latching indication is received. The integration between the first latch loop and the second latch loop is such that the second latch loop creates an input-output connection if transmission gates in the second latch loop are conductive, and disables the input-output connection if the transmission gates are not conductive.
US08085059B2 RF chip test method
An RF chip test method is disclosed. The RF chip test method includes disposing an RF chip within a chip socket, with the RF chip having at least one RF pin and at least one non-RF pin, the chip socket having conductive elements, and the conductive elements contacting the RF pin and the non-RF pin; connecting the non-RF pin to a ground end and connecting the RF pin to an RF measuring instrument; measuring a S11 parameter of the RF pin using the RF measuring instrument; and comparing the S11 parameter with an allowable range so as to judge the contact condition between the RF pin and the conductive element.
US08085057B2 Probe device having first and second probe pins
A probe device includes a probe body having a plurality of first holes extending through a first face thereof and a plurality of second holes aligned with the first holes and extending through an opposite second face thereof, a plurality of spaced-apart first probe pins inserted fittingly and removably into respective first holes and each including a first contact portion extending out of the first face, and a first connecting portion extending into the respective first hole, and a plurality of spaced-apart second probe pins inserted fittingly and removably into respective second holes and each including a second contact portion extending out of the second face, and a second connecting portion extending into the respective second hole and having an insert space. The first connecting portion is inserted fittingly and removably into the insert space, and mates with the second connecting portion.
US08085053B2 Twisted-pair electrical cable testing
Methods and systems for cable inspection operate by generating a relative motion between an electrical cable including multiple wires and a magnetic field. An electrical signal induced in the wires is measured responsively to the magnetic field. A variation in the electrical signal is sensed due to the relative motion. In response to the variation, a defect is detected in the electrical cable.
US08085041B2 Three-point method and system for fast and robust field mapping for EPI geometric distortion correction
A system and method for MR magnetic field mapping includes a computer programmed to acquire a first data point at a first location in a first phase image data set, a second data point at the first location in a second phase image data set, a third data point at the first location in a third phase image data set. The first, second, and third phase images are acquired using a first, second, and third TE, respectively. Phase wrapping does not occur among the first and second phase image data sets; however, phase wrapping does occur among the second and third phase image data sets. The computer is also programmed to determine a magnetic field inhomogeneity, wherein the determination of the magnetic field inhomogeneity is based on the first, second, and third data points.
US08085039B2 Miniature magnetic core, sensor comprising same and method for manufacturing same
A miniature magnetic core includes at least one bar magnet having, in the demagnetized state, a plurality of magnetic domains separated by magnetic walls, the bar magnet having permanent discontinuities placed at least approximately at the probable locations of at least some of these magnetic walls in the absence of these permanent discontinuities. A miniature sensor includes a miniature core that cooperates with at least one excitation coil and at least one detection coil. A method for manufacturing the magnetic core includes identifying the probable location of the magnetic walls, depositing at least a thin film of magnetic material on a support in order to form the core and producing, in said core, discontinuities approximately at the identified locations of the walls.
US08085036B2 Sensor including two code rings and a magnetic field sensor between the code rings
An apparatus includes a shaft and a first code ring including a first number of pole pairs. The first code ring is attached to the shaft. The apparatus includes a second code ring including a second number of pole pairs different from the first number. The second code ring is attached to the shaft and spaced apart from the first code ring. The apparatus includes a first magnetic field sensor between the first code ring and the second code ring for sensing a first superposition of magnetic fields provided by the first code ring and the second code ring.
US08085034B2 Managing charging of electric vehicles
Managing electrical charging of vehicles with charging devices related to users demand and available power. One system comprises charging points comprising sockets and a communication module, and a mediator server comprising a database, an application and a graphical user interface. The mediator server is connected to the charging points, to the users and to public utilities and electricity providers. Each charging point is arranged to admit vehicles, couple their charging device to the socket and send vehicle data to the mediator server. The mediator server is arranged to process the vehicle data, user data, and data from the public utilities and the electricity providers, and calculate a vehicle priority and a charging allotment in relation to the number of vehicles at the charging point and to the processed data. Vehicles are charged according to the vehicle priority and the charging allotment.
US08085033B2 Phase detector system
A phase detection system (100) comprises an input terminal (101), first and second peak detectors (103, 113), an averaging unit (107), an offset unit (122), and a comparator (126). Input terminal (101) is coupled to the first and to the second peak detectors (103, 113) and provides an input signal to phase detection system (100). Averaging unit (107) is coupled between offset unit (122) and both the first peak detector and the second peak detector (103, 113), and generates an intermediate signal. Offset unit (122) is coupled to input terminal (101) and generates two comparable signals by applying a predetermined offset in signal strength to the input signal or the intermediate signal. The comparator (126) is coupled to the offset unit (122) and generates an output signal by comparing the two comparable signals which is indicative of the phase of the input signal.
US08085028B2 Method of driving a semiconductor device
As for a transistor, overlapped are factors such as a variation of a gate insulation film which occurs due to a difference of a manufacturing process and a substrate used and a variation of a crystalline state in a channel forming region and thereby, there occurs a variation of a threshold voltage and mobility of a transistor.This invention provides an electric circuit which used a rectification type device in which an electric current is generated only in a single direction, when an electric potential difference was applied to electrodes at both ends of the device. Then, the invention provides an electric circuit which utilized a fact that, when a signal voltage is inputted to one terminal of the rectification type device, an electric potential of the other terminal becomes an electric potential offset only by the threshold voltage of the rectification type device.
US08085027B2 Quasi-resonant systems and methods with multi-mode control
Switch-mode power conversion system and method thereof. The switch-mode power conversion system includes a primary winding configured to receive an input voltage, and a secondary winding coupled to the primary winding and configured to, with one or more other components, generate an output signal. Additionally, the switch-mode power conversion system includes a feedback component configured to receive the output signal and generate a feedback signal based on at least information associated with the output signal, and a voltage detector configured to receive the input voltage and output a detection signal. Moreover, the switch-mode power conversion system includes a mode controller configured to receive the detection signal and the feedback signal and generate a switch signal based on at least information associated with the detection signal and the feedback signal, and a switch configured to receive the switch signal and affect a first current flowing through the primary winding.
US08085025B2 Short circuit current ratcheting in switch mode DC/DC voltage regulators
A regulator with a high side pass device and a low side pass device coupled in series to the high side pass device is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a control module coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device to control the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is operable to lock out the high side pass device under certain conditions.
US08085023B2 Signal generation circuit, electric power conversion control circuit and LSI for electric power conversion control
The control accuracy equal with the case controlled according to a reference signal with a high clock frequency when the electric power is converted is obtained according to a reference signal with a low clock frequency. The quantity of signal S3 of the time that corresponds to the difference of EO in the output voltage to reference voltage EREF by circuit 12 of the generation of quantity of signal of time is generated synchronizing with reference timing signal S1. The phase generates the class of the phase-shift signal of n piece for which only [Cycle of S0/]/n is late one by one by phase-shift signal generation circuit 13, counter circuit 14, and digital addition circuit 15, these numbers are counted respectively, and the count value of n piece is added. The control signal S5that corresponds to TON between when adding value ADD is input with decision circuit 16 of on time of the switch element and control signal generation circuit 17 and it turns it on is generated.
US08085021B2 PFC converter having two-level output voltage without voltage undershooting
A switching controller for a PFC converter is provided. The switching controller comprises a switching-control circuit, a current-command circuit, a programmable feedback circuit, a modulator, an over-voltage detection circuit, and a light-load detection circuit. The switching controller is capable of regulating a bulk voltage of the PFC converter at different levels in response to load conditions of the PFC converter. A turbo current eliminates a first voltage undershooting of the bulk voltage at the transient that the bulk voltage decreases to arrive at a second level from a first level. A voltage-loop error signal is maximized to eliminate a second voltage undershooting of the bulk voltage at the transient that the bulk voltage starts to increase toward the first level from the second level.
US08085020B1 Switching voltage regulator employing dynamic voltage scaling with hysteretic comparator
A switching voltage regulator is disclosed operable to regulate a voltage supplied to system circuitry. A comparator compares an oscillator signal generated by a ring oscillator to a reference signal generated by a frequency generator. Switching circuitry charges a charging element in response to the comparison, and control circuitry adjusts a number of delay elements in the ring oscillator and a divider value of the frequency generator to generate hysteresis in the comparison. In one embodiment, the charging element is charged while a frequency of the reference signal is above a frequency of the oscillator signal.
US08085019B2 Device for generating internal power supply voltage and method thereof
Example embodiments relate to an internal power supply voltage generating device. The internal power supply voltage generating device may include a start-up voltage generating part, a reference voltage generating part, and/or an internal power supply voltage generating part. The start-up voltage generating part may be configured to generate a start-up voltage using an external power supply voltage. The reference voltage generating part may be configured to generate a reference voltage using the start-up voltage. The internal power supply voltage generating part may be configured to generate an internal power supply voltage using the reference voltage and the external power supply voltage. The start-up voltage generating part may be turned off by the reference voltage generated by the reference voltage generating part. Example embodiments also relate to a method of generating an internal power supply voltage.
US08085008B2 System for accounting for switch impendances
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) switch matrix is provided. The switch matrix generally comprises a switch network, and amplifier, a adjustable current source, and variable resistors. The switch network is able to output a differential output signal and a common mode signal. The amplifier compares the common mode signal to a reference voltage, and the amplifier adjusts the magnitude of the current from the adjustable current source and the resistances of the variable resistors based at least in part on the comparison to adjust the peak-to-peak voltage swing of the output signal.
US08085004B2 Generator with quadrature AC excitation
A generator system is configured to supply two phase excitation current from an exciter rotor to a main generator rotor. When driven by a variable speed prime mover, the generator system provides relatively constant frequency AC power by independently controlling the main rotor flux rotational speed. The generator system includes an exciter stator that induces current in the exciter rotor windings at a desired frequency and phasing. The exciter rotor windings are electrically connected to the main rotor windings to provide two-phase excitation current to the main rotor windings. Excitation is supplied to the exciter stator from an exciter controller, which controls the frequency and phasing of the exciter excitation, based on the rotational speed of the generator, to maintain a constant output frequency. The exciter frequency control function of the exciter controller may be eliminated when the generator system is driven by a constant speed prime mover or when a narrow band variable frequency output is required.
US08085002B2 Shore power transfer switch
A vehicle includes a mobile electric power generation system including a mobile power source such as a generator. An external power interface is included to connect to an external electrical power source. An AC electric power distribution bus is included to power electric loads of the vehicle and a power switch device is provided to selectively provide AC electric power on the power distribution bus from one of the respective power sources with a default to select one of the sources whenever it is present.
US08084991B2 Power reception device, electronic apparatus, and non-contact power transmission system
A power reception device includes a first resistance element having one end electrically connected to one end of a secondary coil which is able to be electromagnetically coupled to a primary coil of a power transmission devices a second resistance element having one end electrically connected to the other end of the first resistance element and having the other end supplied with a reference voltage, a power reception control device that obtains a frequency of an alternating current (AC) voltage induced on the secondary coil based on a voltage division signal output from the other end of the first resistance element and varies a magnitude of a load of the power reception device in accordance with the frequency, and a variable resistance element that has resistance varied in accordance with temperature and is connected to the first resistance element or the second resistance element in parallel.
US08084985B2 Inverter control method
Two current threshold values are adopted, which are larger than the upper limit of current of an operating region. When a rotating speed is smaller than a speed threshold value, the current threshold value is adopted as a criterion to judge whether an input current to an inverter is abnormal, and when the rotating speed Rot is larger than that, the other current threshold value is adopted as the criterion.
US08084984B2 System and method for monitoring and controlling stator winding temperature in a de-energized AC motor
A system and method for measuring and controlling stator winding temperature in an AC motor while idling is disclosed. The system includes a circuit having an input connectable to an AC source and an output connectable to an input terminal of a multi-phase AC motor. The circuit further includes a plurality of switching devices to control current flow and terminal voltages in the multi-phase AC motor and a controller connected to the circuit. The controller is configured to activate the plurality of switching devices to create a DC signal in an output of the motor control device corresponding to an input to the multi-phase AC motor, determine or estimate a stator winding resistance of the multi-phase AC motor based on the DC signal, and estimate a stator temperature from the stator winding resistance. Temperature can then be controlled and regulated by DC injection into the stator windings.
US08084980B2 HVAC actuator with internal heating
An HVAC actuator configured to function in cold environments by providing a supplemental current component to an HVAC actuator in order to generate supplemental heat to warm the HVAC actuator.
US08084977B2 Motor control device and compressor
A motor control device performing vector control for a motor that drives a load whose load torque varies periodically. The motor control device has: a motor speed deriving portion estimating or detecting a motor speed; a speed controller producing a specified torque current value such that the motor speed is made to follow a specified motor speed value fed from outside; a resonance filter producing a corrected torque current value by receiving a control value that varies with variations in the load torque and emphasizing a periodic variation component of the control value; a torque current corrector producing a specified superimposed torque current value by superimposing the corrected torque current value on the specified torque current value; and an adjusting portion adjusting, based on the specified superimposed torque current value, the phase of the corrected torque value by controlling the resonance filter. The vector control is performed according to the specified superimposed torque current value.
US08084975B2 Brushless motor, brushless motor control system, and brushless motor control method
A brushless motor control system according to the present invention detects a rotor stop position when activating the brushless motor including a stator having coils of three phases U, V, and W, and controls a phase voltage for energizing the coils of the respective phases U, V, and W, and the brushless motor includes the stator having coils of phases U, V, and W of N (N≧2) poles, in which any one phase coil among the coils of the phases U, V, and W is removed in one of the N poles, and the brushless motor control system includes: a current rise detecting circuit that, when the brushless motor is in a stop state, sequentially selects coils of two phases from the coils of the respective phases U, V, and W, applies a predetermined direct current voltage between the selected coils of the two phases, and detects a value of an electric current flowing to the selected coils of the two phases; and a rotor stop position detecting unit that determines a rotor stop position of the brushless motor based on information of the value of the electric current flowing to the respective phase coils which is detected by the current rise detecting circuit.
US08084973B2 Motor driving circuit
A motor driving circuit generates pulse driving signals, and controls the ON/OFF state of a switching circuit connected to a coil of a motor which is to be driven, thereby controlling the conduction period of the motor. A driving signal generating circuit generates the driving signals such that they are pulse modulated according to the torque target value for the motor, and outputs the driving signals to the switching circuit. A current detection circuit detects the current flowing through the coil of the motor. A current limiting circuit controls the logical values of the driving signals generated by the driving signal generating circuit such that the current detected by the current detection circuit does not exceed a predetermined current upper limit. The current limiting circuit increases the current upper limit according to the time elapsed in the starting operation of the motor. After the starting operation of the motor, the current upper limit is set to a predetermined fixed value.
US08084969B2 Hall-effect based linear motor controller
A linear motion control device for use in a linear control system is presented. The linear motion control device includes a coil driver to drive a coil that, when driven, effects a linear movement by a motion device having a magnet. The linear motion control device also includes a magnetic field sensor to detect a magnetic field associated with the linear movement and an interface to connect an output of the magnetic field sensor and an input of the coil driver to an external controller. The interface includes a feedback loop to relate the magnetic field sensor output signal to the coil driver input.
US08084968B2 Use of an accelerometer to control vibrator performance
A mobile device includes a vibrator, an accelerometer that senses a parameter of rotation, and a processor. The vibrator includes a drive motor and a drive circuit. The accelerometer senses a speed of rotation of the vibrator. The processor analyzes the sensed speed of rotation and generates a drive voltage that is received by the drive circuit to adjust the drive motor to produce a pre-determined, desired rotational speed. In another embodiment, the accelerometer senses an amplitude of a vibration produced by the vibrator. The processor analyzes the sensed amplitude of a vibration and generates a drive voltage that is received by the drive circuit to adjust the drive motor to produce a pre-determined, desired vibration amplitude. The processor may also compare the sensed parameter with a pre-determined desired parameter of rotation and generate a signal responsive to a result of the comparison and based on stored vibrator calibration curves.
US08084952B1 Method and system to detect zero current conditions in an electronic ballast by monitoring voltage across a buck inductor
The invention discloses a method and system to detect zero current conditions in a buck inductor by monitoring the voltage across the buck inductor. Once zero current and voltage conditions are present, an inverter circuit changes the operational state, i.e. conducting or non-conducting, of the switching transistors driving the lamps to reduce power loss associated with changing the operational state of switching transistors when under a load.
US08084951B2 Inverter and liquid crystal display device including the same
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display panel which includes a switching circuit for converting an input voltage into an alternating current (AC) voltage, a transformer for boosting the AC voltage generated from the switching circuit, and a bypass capacitor part connected in parallel between an output terminal of the switching circuit and the transformer.
US08084945B2 AC driven light-emitting diodes
The invention relates to a circuit (2) comprising at least two parallel-connected light-emitting diodes (4, 5) opposite poled in a first parallel branch (12) and comprising at least two parallel-connected light-emitting diodes (6, 7) opposite poled in a second parallel branch (13), and also comprising a capacitor (8) and a coil (9). According to the invention, the first parallel branch (12) has a capacitor (8) and the second parallel branch (13) has the coil (9). On account of the capacitive parallel branch (10) and the inductive parallel branch (11), idle currents arise which are phase-shifted with respect to one another. The idle currents compensate one another and light changes of the oppositely-poled diode pairs take place at different points in time. A light current is then smoothed.
US08084935B2 Organic electroluminescent element and display panel using said element
There are provided an organic electroluminescent (EL) element, which can realize the provision of a large screen by the formation of a film through coating in a simple and highly efficient manner, and a display panel using the same. The organic EL element comprises: a pair of opposed electrodes, a cathode and an anode; and an organic compound layer having a single-layer or multi-layer structure held between the pair of opposed electrodes, at least one layer constituting the organic compound layer being a layer containing at least one polymer comprising at least one monomer unit of a specific compound.
US08084934B2 White light emitting device
A white LED with an improved structure for high light emitting efficiency is provided. The white LED includes a light source device and a phosphor containing light emitting nanoparticles and an inorganic phosphor which emit white light by being excited by the light source.
US08084928B2 Halogen incandescent lamp incorporating two filaments for daylight operation
The invention relates to a halogen bulb comprising two filaments that are located (21, 22) in a lamp body (10), a first filament (21) being designed for operation at a higher electrical output than the second filament (22). To fulfil a daylight driving function, the second filament (22) is designed to produce an electrical output that is lower by a factor of 2.5 to 4 than the electrical output of the first filament (21) when operating with a standard operating voltage and is designed in such a way that it can be operated with an operating voltage that is lower than the standard operating voltage in order to produce a dimmed position light function.
US08084924B2 Piezoelectric/electrostrictive film element having wavy grain boundaries
An actuator includes a first electrode disposed on the top surface of a ceramic substrate (for example, zirconium oxide), a piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance, wherein the input of an electric power alters the volume of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance contains a plurality of crystal grains that have a wavy structure composed of wavy grain boundaries including concave portions and convex portions. The crystal grains contain ABO3 as the main component. The A site is Pb, and the B site contains such an amount of M that M becomes excessive after the piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance is formed (wherein M is at least one element selected from Mg, Ni, and Zn). The crystal grains of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance are oriented in the electric field direction, independently of the orientation of the substrate.
US08084919B2 Piezoelectric thin-film resonator, filter using the same, and duplexer using the same
A piezoelectric thin film resonator includes a substrate, a lower electrode formed on the substrate, a piezoelectric film formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric film, the lower electrode and the upper electrode opposing each other through the piezoelectric film to form an opposing region, the opposing region including a space at a boundary of the opposing region. The space extends from an innerside to an outer side of the opposing region and is formed in or on the piezoelectric film.
US08084915B2 Surface acoustic wave resonator having comb electrodes with different overlapping lengths
A surface acoustic wave resonator includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first surface acoustic wave resonator having a comb electrode provided on the piezoelectric substrate, and a second surface acoustic wave resonator having a comb electrode provided on the piezoelectric substrate. The first surface acoustic wave resonator and the second surface acoustic wave resonator are apodized and connected in parallel.
US08084914B2 Stator coil retention system for unvarnished stators
A downhole electric motor device has a longitudinally extending tubular housing; a stator part deployed within the tubular housing; a stator coil winding looped through the stator part with an end turn having an apex; and a connecting device connecting between at least one of the coil windings and an end of the housing adjacent to an end of the stator part, thereby supporting the coil winding.
US08084903B2 Connection arrangement for supplying power to an electric motor
A connector arrangement is provided for supplying electric power to a three-phase motor to produce motor operation in either a delta mode or a star mode, use being made of modular units that are removably mounted within a chamber contained in an outer frame that is secured to the motor housing. A power supply module arranged within the chamber includes a main receptacle containing a stack of terminal blocks having bus bars that transmit to the motor windings three-phase power that is supplied either by external power supply lines that extend into the chamber though openings contained in the side walls of the outer frame, or from an inverter arranged externally of the outer frame. Auxiliary receptacles are removably connected with the external surface of the main receptacle for monitoring the operating condition of the motor, or for controlling a motor operation, such as braking.
US08084899B2 Driving apparatus
A driving apparatus includes a first magnet, second magnet, stator, first coil, second coil, first bearing, second bearing and rotor. The first and second magnets respectively have a magnetized portion in which S pole and N pole are alternately magnetized. The rotor has a magnetic pole portion opposite to each magnetized portion. The stator fixes the first magnet and second magnet to the same axis to rotatably support the rotor. The first coil magnetically excites a portion where the magnetic pole portion of the rotor faces the first magnet. The second coil magnetically excites a portion where the magnetic pole portion of the rotor faces the second magnet. Thereby, a driving apparatus is provided which stabilizes the quality by simplifying the configuration of a rotor and makes it possible to realize high speed of rotation and improvement of response speed by decreasing the moment of inertia of a rotor.
US08084895B2 Safety device for electrical distribution boards
A shock prevention device for an electrical distribution board having at least one incoming terminal and one or more bus conductors for distributing electrical power from the incoming terminal to a plurality of outgoing conductor terminals projecting from a housing of the distribution board, the shock prevention device comprising an insulating body adapted to receive and shroud at least one conductor terminal; a moveable element moveable relative to the body so as to place the device in one of a first configuration in which the device can be fitted to or removed from the distribution board so as to cover the exposed terminal and a second configuration in which the device is braced between the conductor terminal and part of the distribution board housing, whereby removal of the device is prevented; and means for locking the moveable element in the second configuration.
US08084889B2 Wireless non-radiative energy transfer
The electromagnetic energy transfer device includes a first resonator structure receiving energy from an external power supply. The first resonator structure has a first Q-factor. A second resonator structure is positioned distal from the first resonator structure, and supplies useful working power to an external load. The second resonator structure has a second Q-factor. The distance between the two resonators can be larger than the characteristic size of each resonator. Non-radiative energy transfer between the first resonator structure and the second resonator structure is mediated through coupling of their resonant-field evanescent tails.
US08084884B1 Adaptive gate drive systems and methods
Aspects of the invention pertain to optimization of voltage converter efficiency for all load conditions. A signal conditioning circuit is electrically connected to a number of buck converter modules that supply power to different loads. Each module includes a voltage regulator module, which issues a signal that is proportional for its respective load current. The signal conditioning circuit integrates and averages the signals from each voltage regulator module to produce a conditioned voltage signal. The conditioned signal drives a controller, which in turn provides control information to a power conversion circuit. Operation of the signal conditioning circuit cause the controller and power conversion circuit to adapt the driver voltage of the buck converter modules, which improves and optimizes efficiency for all loads.
US08084878B2 Fluid powered energy generator
A power plant with one or more fluid operated generator unit(s) is provided to generate electrical energy. Each generator unit includes one or more rotational members responsive to fluid flow and in communication with one or more magnets and electrically conductive material. Similarly, each generator unit is in electrical communication with a battery or a power grid used to store or utilize electrical energy, respectively. A continuous amount of external energy is required to initiate and maintain movement of the power plant. As the rotational element of the generator unit(s) is exposed to fluid flow, fluid flow causes the rotational element(s) to rotate. This rotation causes the magnets to pass by the electrically conductive material and to generate electrical energy. In response to continuous movement, the generator unit(s) generates electrical energy through fluid flow. The generated electrical energy is stored in an electrical storage apparatus or communicated to a power grid.
US08084876B2 Use of oriented grain rolling in a wind turbine generator
The present invention relates to a wind turbine for generating electric power. The wind turbine includes a generator (105) and a wind turbine rotor (101) for driving the generator (105). The generator includes a generator stator (201) having at least two stator poles (203), and a generator rotor (210) comprising at least two magnetic components (211). At least part of the generator stator (201) contains metal having directional magnetic properties. The generator (105) is connected to the wind turbine rotor (101) via a gearbox (103), in order to increase the rotational speed of the generator (105) in comparison with the rotational speed of the wind turbine rotor (101).
US08084875B2 Wind energy installation with an extended rotation speed range
A wind energy installation includes a wind rotor, a double-fed asynchronous generator driven by the wind rotor, a converter provided with a first part on the generator side connected to a rotor and a second part on the network side connected to a stator of the generator, and a control device providing converter regulation. A mode selector can be switched between a normal operating mode and a reduced voltage operating mode, in which the excitation of the generator is reduced compared to the normal operating mode. The under-excitation produces an additional reactive current, thus reducing the rotor voltage. The rotor voltage can be limited even when the load is high and the network frequency or voltage is incorrect. The usable rotation speed range of the wind energy installation can be extended to provide a more powerful generator with a higher rating, without changing the converter.
US08084870B2 Semiconductor devices and electrical parts manufacturing using metal coated wires
The device of this invention includes a semiconductor die attached to a bare copper lead frame and electrically coupled to a lead by a metal wire coated with a metallic material. The device would function similarly to devices where the lead frames were coated with other metallic materials, but at lower costs because instead of plating the lead frame the wire is plated. The wire can be either gold or aluminum. When the wire is gold, the coating may be silver or other suitable metallic materials. When the wire is aluminum, the coating may be nickel, palladium, or other suitable metals.
US08084868B1 Semiconductor package with fast power-up cycle and method of making same
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a semiconductor package including at least two electronic components which are provided in a stacked arrangement, and are each electrically connected to an underlying substrate through the use of conductive wires. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic components are separated from each other by an intervening spacer which is typically fabricated from aluminum, or from silicon coated with aluminum. In this particular embodiment, the uppermost electronic component of the stack is electrically connected to at least one of the conductive wires through the use of a conductive paste layer which is also used to secure the uppermost electronic component to the underlying spacer. In this regard, one end of one of the conductive wires may be embedded in the conductive paste layer adjacent one side of the uppermost electronic component, or between the bottom surface of such electronic component and the spacer.
US08084866B2 Microelectronic devices and methods for filling vias in microelectronic devices
Microelectronic devices and methods for filling vias and forming conductive interconnects in microfeature workpieces and dies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a microfeature workpiece having a plurality of dies and at least one passage extending through the microfeature workpiece from a first side of the microfeature workpiece to an opposite second side of the microfeature workpiece. The method can further include forming a conductive plug in the passage adjacent to the first side of the microelectronic workpiece, and depositing conductive material in the passage to at least generally fill the passage from the conductive plug to the second side of the microelectronic workpiece.
US08084863B2 Circuitized substrate with continuous thermoplastic support film dielectric layers
A circuitized substrate including a dielectric layer having a p-aramid paper impregnated with a halogen-free, low moisture absorptivity resin and not including continuous or semi-continuous fiberglass fibers as part thereof, and a first circuitized layer positioned on the dielectric layer. A method of making this substrate is also provided.
US08084859B2 Semiconductor device
In a wafer level CSP package, with respect to signal wiring 9b disposed in a signal wiring disposition forbidden region 16 in the vicinity of external output terminals disposed in a package outer peripheral portion, since a stress generated at signal wiring 9 can be dispersed by disposing dummy wiring 9a around the signal wiring 9b or by expanding the width of the signal wiring itself, occurrences of cracks in a surface protective film can be readily suppressed.
US08084854B2 Pass-through 3D interconnect for microelectronic dies and associated systems and methods
Pass-through 3D interconnects and microelectronic dies and systems of stacked dies that include such interconnects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system of stacked dies includes a first microelectronic die having a substrate, a metal substrate pad, and a first integrated circuit electrically coupled to the substrate pad. A pass-through 3D interconnect extends between front and back sides of the substrate, including through the substrate pad. The pass-through interconnect is electrically isolated from the substrate pad and electrically coupled to a second integrated circuit of a second microelectronic die attached to the back side of the substrate. In another embodiment, the first integrated circuit is a first memory device and the second integrated circuit is a second memory device, and the system uses the pass-through interconnect as part of an independent communication path to the second memory device.
US08084850B2 Semiconductor chip package, stacked package comprising semiconductor chips and methods of fabricating chip and stacked packages
According to an example embodiment, a semiconductor chip package includes a substrate comprising a substrate body having a first main surface, a second main surface, and a cavity that defines an opening in the first main surface, and a layer of electrically conductive material integral with the substrate body. The layer of electrically conductive material constitutes an interconnection pattern of the substrate. The semiconductor chip packages further includes a semiconductor chip disposed within the cavity and mounted to the substrate. The chip includes electrical contacts in the form of pads and the pads face in a direction towards the bottom of the cavity such that the chip has a flip-chip orientation with respect to the substrate. The pads are electrically conductively bonded to respective portions of the interconnection pattern.
US08084847B2 Prefabricated lead frame and bonding method using the same
A prefabricated lead frame to bond a chip and a substrate, and a bonding method using the prefabricated lead frame. The prefabricated lead frame includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of wires, wherein inner ends and outer ends of the wires are respectively connected to the inner ring and the outer ring, and the prefabricated lead frame has a wire shape corresponding to a chip and a substrate to be bonded. The prefabricated lead frame may be manufactured in batch production to increase the manufacturing efficiency of semiconductor devices, and the prefabricated lead frame may be used instead of a general wire bonding process.
US08084841B2 Systems and methods for providing high-density capacitors
The present invention describes systems and methods for providing high-density capacitors. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a high-density capacitor system comprising a substrate and a porous conductive layer formed on the substrate, wherein the porous conductive layer is formed in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, the high-density capacitor system includes a dielectric material formed on the porous conductive layer and a second conductive layer formed on the dielectric material. Additionally, the high-density capacitor system includes a plurality of conductive pads configured in communication with the second conductive layer.
US08084836B2 Semiconductor photodetector and radiation detecting apparatus
A photodiode array PD1 comprises an n-type semiconductor substrate one face of which is an incident surface of light to be detected; a plurality of pn junction-type photosensitive regions 3 as photodiodes formed on the side of a detecting surface that is opposite to the incident surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a carrier capturing portion 12 formed between adjacent photosensitive regions 3 from among the plurality of photosensitive regions 3 on the detecting surface side of the semiconductor substrate. The carrier capturing portion 12 has one or plurality of carrier capturing regions 13 respectively including pn-junctions, arranged at intervals. Thereby can be realized a semiconductor photodetector and a radiation detecting apparatus which can favorably restrain crosstalk from occurring.
US08084835B2 Non-uniform switching based non-volatile magnetic based memory
A non-uniform switching based non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a fixed layer, a barrier layer formed on top of the fixed layer, a first free layer formed on top of the barrier layer, a non-uniform switching layer (NSL) formed on top of the first free layer, and a second free layer formed on top of the non-uniform switching layer. Switching current is applied, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the fixed layer, barrier layer, first free layer, non-uniform switching layer and the second free layer causing switching between states of the first free layer, second free layer and non-uniform switching layer with substantially reduced switching current.
US08084826B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
An element larger than silicon is ion-implanted to a contact liner in an N-channel region to break constituent atoms of the contact liner in the N-channel region. An element larger than silicon is ion-implanted to the contact liner in a P-channel region to break constituent atoms of the contact liner, oxygen or the like is ion-implanted. Thereafter, heat treatment is performed to cause shrinkage of the contact liner in the N-channel region to form an n-channel contact liner, and to cause expansion of the contact liner in the P-channel region to form a p-channel contact liner.
US08084812B2 Bidirectional semiconductor device, method of fabricating the same, and semiconductor device incorporating the same
A semiconductor device and a method of fabrication thereof includes a bidirectional device having a high breakdown voltage and a decreased ON voltage. An n-type extended drain region is formed in the bottom surface of each trench. A p-type offset region is formed in each split semiconductor region. First and second n-source regions are formed in the surface of the p-type offset region. This reduces the in-plane distance between the first and second n-source regions to thereby increase the density of cells. The breakdown voltage is maintained along the trenches. This increases the resistance to high voltages. Channels are formed in the sidewalls of the trenches by making the voltage across each gate electrode higher than the voltage across each of the first and second n-source electrodes. Thus, a bidirectional LMOSFET through which current flows in both directions is achieved. The LMOSFET has a high breakdown voltage and a decreased ON voltage.
US08084809B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including pillars buried inside through holes
In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, a stacked body is formed by alternately stacking dielectric films and conductive films on a silicon substrate and a plurality of through holes extending in the stacking direction are formed in a matrix configuration. A shunt interconnect and a bit interconnect are provided above the stacked body. Conductor pillars are buried inside the through holes arranged in a line immediately below the shunt interconnect out of the plurality of through holes, and semiconductor pillars are buried inside the remaining through holes. The conductive pillars are formed from a metal, or low resistance silicon. Its upper end portion is connected to the shunt interconnect and its lower end portion is connected to a cell source formed in an upper layer portion of the silicon substrate.
US08084808B2 Zirconium silicon oxide films
Electronic apparatus and systems include structures having a dielectric layer containing a zirconium silicon oxide film. A zirconium silicon oxide film may be disposed in an integrated circuit, as well as in a variety of other electronic devices. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08084807B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing same
A multilayer body is formed by alternately stacking electrode films serving as control gates and dielectric films in a direction orthogonal to an upper surface of a silicon substrate. Trenches extending in the word line direction are formed in the multilayer body and a memory film is formed on an inner surface of the trench. Subsequently, a silicon body is buried inside the trench, and a charge storage film and the silicon body are divided in the word line direction to form silicon pillars. This simplifies the configuration of memory cells in the bit line direction, and hence can shorten the arrangement pitch of the silicon pillars, decreasing the area per memory cell.
US08084806B2 Isolation structure for a memory cell using A12O3 dielectric
The invention provides, in one exemplary embodiment, an isolation gate formed over a substrate for biasing the substrate and providing isolation between adjacent active areas of an integrated circuit structure, for example a DRAM memory cell. An aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is used as a gate dielectric, rather than a conventional gate oxide layer, to create a hole-rich accumulation region under and near the trench isolation region. Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an aluminum oxide layer utilized as a liner in a shallow trench isolation (STI) region to increase the effectiveness of the isolation region. The embodiments may also be used together at an isolation region.
US08084800B2 Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same
In connection with a semiconductor device including a capacitor element there is provided a technique capable of improving the reliability of the capacitor element. A capacitor element is formed in an element isolation region formed over a semiconductor substrate. The capacitor element includes a lower electrode and an upper electrode formed over the lower electrode through a capacitor insulating film. Basically, the lower electrode and the upper electrode are formed from polysilicon films and a cobalt silicide film formed over the surfaces of the polysilicon films. End portions of the cobalt silicide film formed over the upper electrode are spaced apart a distance from end portions of the upper electrode. Besides, end portions of the cobalt silicide film formed over the lower electrode are spaced apart a distance from boundaries between the upper electrode and the lower electrode.
US08084799B2 Integrated circuit with memory having a step-like programming characteristic
A memory cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and phase change material between the first electrode and the second electrode. The phase change material has a step-like programming characteristic. The first electrode, the second electrode, and the phase change material form a via or trench memory cell.
US08084787B2 PMD liner nitride films and fabrication methods for improved NMOS performance
Semiconductor devices (102) and fabrication methods (10) are provided, in which a nitride film (130) is formed over NMOS transistors to impart a tensile stress in ail or a portion of the NMOS transistor to improve carrier mobility. The nitride layer (130) is initially deposited over the transistors at low temperature with high hydrogen content to provide a moderate tensile stress in the semiconductor body prior to back-end processing. Subsequent back-end thermal processing reduces the film hydrogen content and causes an increase in the applied tensile stress.
US08084775B2 Light sources with serially connected LED segments including current blocking diodes
A light source and method for making the same are disclosed. The light source includes a substrate and a light emitting structure that is deposited on the substrate. A barrier divides the light emitting structure into first and second segments that are electrically isolated from one another. A serial connection electrode connects the first segment in series with the second segment. A first blocking diode between the light emitting structure and the substrate prevents current from flowing between the light emitting structure and the substrate when the light emitting structure is emitting light. The barrier extends through the light emitting structure into the first blocking diode.
US08084768B2 Semiconductor device
A programmable semiconductor device has a switch element in an interconnection layer, wherein in at least one of the inside of a via, interconnecting a wire of a first interconnection layer and a wire of a second interconnection layer, a contact part of the via with the wire of the first interconnection layer and a contact part of the via with the wire of the second interconnection layer, there is provided a variable electrical conductivity member, such as a member of an electrolyte material. The via is used as a variable electrical conductivity type switch element or as a variable resistance device having a contact part with the wire of the first interconnection layer as a first terminal and having a contact part with the wire of the second interconnection layer as a second terminal.
US08084765B2 Electronic device having a dielectric layer
An electronic device, such as a thin film transistor, is disclosed having a dielectric layer formed from a composition comprising a compound having at least one phenol group and at least one group containing comprising silicon. The resulting dielectric layer has good electrical properties.
US08084763B2 Optoelectronic device based on non-polar and semi-polar aluminum indium nitride and aluminum indium gallium nitride alloys
A high-power and high-efficiency light emitting device with emission wavelength (λpeak) ranging from 280 nm to 360 nm is fabricated. The new device structure uses non-polar or semi-polar AlInN and AlInGaN alloys grown on a non-polar or semi-polar bulk GaN substrate.
US08084761B2 Structure for phase change memory and the method of forming same
A phase change device includes a first contact electrode structure a phase change material and a first insulating material between the phase change material and the first contact electrode structure and a second contact electrode in contact with the phase change material. A contact structure formed in the first insulating material between the first contact electrode structure and the phase change material is also included. The contact structure is formed by an insulating material breakdown process. A method of forming a phase change device is also described.
US08084754B2 High spatial resolution imaging of a structure of interest in a specimen
For imaging of a structure, the structure is marked with a substance which can be converted by a switching signal from a first into a second state, and which provides an optical measurement signal in one of its states, only. The switching signal is applied such that at least 10% of the molecules of the substance being in the measurement signal providing state are at a distance from their closest neighbors, which is greater than the spatial resolution limit of imaging the specimen onto a sensor array, which in turn is greater than an average distance between the molecules of the substance. From an intensity distribution of the measurement signal recorded with the sensor array, the position is only determined for those molecules of the substance which are at a distance from their closest neighboring molecules in the measurement signal providing state, which is greater than the spatial resolution limit.
US08084748B2 Radioactive material detecting and identifying device and method
In a device for detecting and identifying a radioactive material, a coincidence device is configured to receive the first pulse signals and the second pulse signals from a first second detectors; a multi-channel analyzer is configured to receive the second pulse signals, count said second pulses and generate the energy spectrum of the gamma rays according to the counted second pulses, when the first pulse signals and the second pulse signals are both valid; a linear gate is configured to receive coincidence signals and being turned on, when the output signals of the coincidence device are valid, to allow the multi-channel analyzer to count the second pulses; and a determination device is configured to determine the type of the radioactive material emitting the gamma rays according to the generated energy spectrum and determine whether a radiation exists or not.
US08084745B2 Radiation imaging apparatus and radiation imaging system
A radiation imaging apparatus comprises a pixel region, on an insulating substrate 100, including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel having a conversion element 101 that converts radiation into electric charges and a switching element 102 connected to the conversion element 101. The conversion element 101 has an upper electrode layer 119, a lower electrode layer 115, a semiconductor layer 117 arranged between the upper electrode layer 119 and the lower electrode layer 115. The upper electrode layer 119 or the lower electrode layer 115 has an opening 200 at least within a region where the semiconductor layer 117 is arranged.
US08084732B2 Resistive glass structures used to shape electric fields in analytical instruments
A reflectron lens for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer and a method of making same are disclosed. The reflectron lens includes a glass tube having a conductive surface along the length of the tube. The conductive surface has an electrical resistance gradient along its length. The electrical resistance gradient provides an electric field interior to the tube that varies in strength along the length of the tube when an electric potential is applied to opposing ends of the tube. A mass spectrometer incorporating the reflectron lens, a method of making the reflectron lens, and an apparatus for removing lead from the surface of a lead silicate glass tube are also disclosed.
US08084724B1 Enhanced multiple kill vehicle (MKV) interceptor for intercepting exo and endo-atmospheric targets
By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of either a short-band imaging sensor and headlamp or a MWIR sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact. An implicit divert and attitude control system (DACS) using tow or more divert thrusters performs KV divert and attitude maneuvers to respond to the command guidance pre-handover and to maintain track on the aimpoint to terminal intercept post-handover.
US08084702B2 Image forming apparatus
Disclosed in an apparatus in which an actuating member provided for an opening and closing member actuates a switch provided for a main body of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a protecting member protecting the switch and a restricting member restricting an object entering an opening of the protecting member. The restricting member has an opening smaller than the opening of the protecting member. The restricting member is movable in the direction intersecting the direction in which the actuating member passes through the opening of the restricting member. The opening of the restricting member is reduced in size to prevent an accidental operation while being insusceptible to a space in the apparatus or deformation of the apparatus.
US08084695B2 Via structure for improving signal integrity
The embodiment of the invention is about a novel via structure which can be incorporated into printed circuit boards, integrated circuit packages, and integrated circuits in order to reduce crosstalk, to improve signal integrity and to achieve EM emission compliance. A 4-layer (2 signal layers and 2 power layers or 2 signal layers and 2 ground layers) circuit board assembly was used for demonstrating the effect of the novel via structure. The same concept can be applied to any multi-layer circuit board. Layers that have an electrical property can be added above, under, or within the basic 4-layer circuit board to achieve a multi-layer circuit board. For 2-layer and 3-layer circuit boards, a deformed version of the proposed via structure based upon the same concept will be needed for a coplanar waveguide configuration.
US08084691B2 Sealant-filled enclosures and methods for environmentally protecting a connection
A sealant-filled enclosure assembly for environmentally protecting a connection includes a housing, a mass of sealant and a sealant valve mechanism. The housing includes a main cavity to receive the connection. The mass of sealant is disposed in the main cavity. The sealant valve mechanism includes an overflow chamber and a gate member between the main cavity and the overflow chamber. The gate member is selectively positionable in each of a closed position, wherein the gate member substantially prevents displacement of the sealant from the main cavity to the overflow chamber, and an open position, wherein the gate member permits displacement of the sealant from the main cavity to the overflow chamber.
US08084689B2 Hinge assembly and electronic device using the same
A hinge assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket and a shaft assembly rotatably connecting with the first bracket and the second bracket. The shaft assembly includes a shaft and an elastic member sleeved on the shaft. The shaft extends through the first bracket and the second bracket. The first bracket has a connecting end with a protrusion, the second bracket has a connecting portion defining a curved latching slot and a passing slot communicating with the curved latching slot. The width of the curved latching slot decreases along the curved extending direction, and the width of the protrusion is substantially the same as the width of one end of the curved latching slot, and wider than the other end of the curved latching slot.
US08084680B2 Sound generating device of electronic keyboard instrument
A sound generating device of an electronic keyboard instrument, which eliminates overlap between frequency bands to avoid sound wave interference to stabilize acoustic characteristic. Woofers are disposed at a bottom part of a speaker box and directed downward, and squawkers are disposed at an upper part of the speaker box and directed upward. In a DSP, waveform data selected from waveform data groups are input into a MIX, and a waveform signal containing high and low frequency band components is produced from a signal output from the MIX. In a distributor, the waveform signal is converted into an analog signal which is then separated into a musical tone signal only containing the high frequency band component and a musical tone signal only containing the low frequency band component, and these musical tone signals between which there is no frequency band overlap are supplied to the tweeter and the woofer.
US08084679B2 Electronic signal processor
An electronic signal processor for processing signals includes a complex first filter, one or more gain stages and a second filter. The first filter is characterized by a frequency response curve that includes multiple corner frequencies, with some corner frequencies being user selectable. The first filter also has at least two user-preset gain levels which may be alternately selected by a switch. Lower frequency signals are processed by the first filter with at least 12 db/octave slope, and preferably with 18 db/octave slope to minimize intermodulation distortion products by subsequent amplification in the gain stages. A second filter provides further filtering and amplitude control. The signal processor is particularly suited for processing audio frequency signals. Related methods include filtering the input signal with an input filter of the second or third order high pass type, amplifying the filtered signal and further filtering the amplified signal with a low pass filter, which may be of the second order type.
US08084678B2 Sensor bow for stringed instruments
A sensor bow system is described which generates various types of data representing various movements of and forces exerted upon a sensor bow intended for use with any of a variety of stringed instruments. The sensor bow data may be used to control a wide variety of audio, visual, and other effects.
US08084676B2 Distal structure of leg for musical instrument stand
The distal structure of a leg for a musical instrument stand is constituted of a spike member installed inside the storage of a case having a ground portion whose ground surface is placed on the floor, a rotor interconnected to the spike member, and a single operator projected above the case. Upon a first depression, a presser of the operator depresses a projection of the rotor downward so that the spike member protrudes from the ground surface. In the protruded state of the spike member, the projection of the rotor is engaged with a receptor formed in a stepped interior of the storage. Upon a second depression, the presser of the operator depresses the projection of the rotor again so as to release the engagement between the projection and the receptor, so that the spike member moves to retract inside the storage of the case.
US08084668B2 Gibberellin 2-oxidase
A nucleic acid sequence is provided which encodes a gibberellin 2-oxidase gene which catalyses the 2β-oxidation of a gibberellin molecule to introduce a hydroxyl group at C-2 and further catalyses the oxidation of the hydroxyl group introduced at C-2 to yield the ketone derivative. Such sequences can find application in the preparation of transgenic plants with altered levels of gibberellin 2-oxidase.
US08084663B2 Wound dressing with absorption and suction capabilities
A wound dressing having a suction member adaptable for connection to a source of vacuum pressure. The wound dressing preferably has a hydrophobic or biodegradable base layer and one or more absorptive layers for absorbing fluid from the wound. The absorptive layers are preferably quilted with patches containing desiccant, adsorbent, or absorbent material. Alternatively, the wound dressing may allow fluid to pass through the suction member. A semi-permeable cover is provided for allowing the wound to breathe while protecting the wound from undesirable substances such as bacteria, viruses, or fluids. The cover may have a bladder for distributing contact pressure away from the wound. Various sensors may be provided in the wound dressing for sensing various physiological parameters in the wound, such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood glucose, and serous fluid turbidity. Medicine may also be applied to the wound through the wound dressing.
US08084659B2 Hexene upgrading
Embodiments disclosed herein provide processes for upgrading the hexene stream to valuable end products, including ethers, high purity 1-hexene, and, alternatively, high purity isohexene. Hexene upgrading may be performed in embodiments disclosed herein by first removing isohexene from the admixture. The isohexene may undergo etherification with one or more alcohols, facilitating the separation of the isohexene (in the form of an ether) from the normal hexenes. Second, the normal hexenes may be isomerized to convert internal hexene olefins (2-hexenes and 3-hexenes) to the desired alpha olefin, 1-hexene. The 1-hexene may then be separated from unreacted components to yield a high purity 1-hexene product.
US08084654B2 Manufacturing process for iodinated aromatic compounds
Disclosed is a method for preparing an iodinated aromatic compound. More specifically, disclosed is a method of preparing an iodinated aromatic compound by iodinating an aromatic compound in the presence of oxygen over a zeolite catalyst, in which the aromatic compound and its monoiodo compound, as raw materials, are allowed to react with iodine. In comparison with a method in which only the aromatic compound is used as a raw material without adding the monoiodo compound, the disclosed method can increase the productivity of diiodo compounds and the selectivity to a p-diiodo compound and, at the same time, suppress side reactions, thus lengthening the life span of the catalyst.
US08084653B2 Method for producing fluorinated organic compounds
Disclosed are processes for the production of fluorinated olefins, preferably adapted to commercialization of CF3CF═CH2 (1234yf). Three steps may be used in preferred embodiments in which a feedstock such as CCl2═CClCH2Cl (which may be purchased or synthesized from 1,2,3-trichloropropane) is fluorinated (preferably with HF in gas-phase in the presence of a catalyst) to synthesize a compound such as CF3CCl═CH2, preferably in a 80-96% selectivity. The CF3CCl═CH2 is preferably converted to CF3CFClCH3 (244-isomer) using a SbCl5 as the catalyst which is then transformed selectively to 1234yf, preferably in a gas-phase catalytic reaction using activated carbon as the catalyst. For the first step, a mixture of Cr2O3 and FeCl3/C is preferably used as the catalyst to achieve high selectivity to CF3CCl═CH2 (96%). In the second step, SbCl5/C is preferably used as the selective catalyst for transforming 1233xf to 244-isomer, CF3CFClCH3. The intermediates are preferably isolated and purified by distillation and used in the next step without further purification, preferably to a purity level of greater than about 95%.
US08084643B2 Water-soluble prodrugs of florfenicol and its analogs
The present invention discloses certain novel prodrugs of florfenicol and/or of florfenicol analogs, including prodrugs of salts pharmaceutically acceptable salts of florfenicol and its analogs, including nitrogen-containing esters of the secondary alcohol group of florfenicol and of its analogs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, compositions containing them, and methods of administering them to subjects. In particular embodiments the prodrugs are sufficiently water-soluble to serve the functions needed of a water-soluble prodrug of florfenicol or of a water-soluble prodrug of a florfenicol analog. A certain subclass of the compounds also possesses the hydrolytic stability needed to maintain the prodrug in solution in the subject's system until appropriate conditions exist when the prodrug can hydrolyze, releasing florfenicol or the florfenicol analog in question.
US08084633B2 Organically modified siloxanes and their use for producing preparations for water-repellent impregnations
The invention relates to organomodified siloxane compounds of the general formula (I) the use of at least one of these compounds for producing aqueous preparations for the water-repellent impregnation of organic or inorganic materials.
US08084627B2 Hydroxymethyl fluorescein derivatives for use as biological markers and dyes
Hydroxymethyl fluorescein derivatives are provided. The derivatives can be easily conjugated to other molecules, and are more permeable than other fluorescein derivatives. Methods of making the derivatives are also provided.
US08084626B1 Processes for the production of hydrogenated products
A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth; distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion in contact with a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; recovering the solid portion; hydrogenating the solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product including at least one of THF, GBL or BDO; and recovering the hydrogenated product.
US08084625B2 Crosslinking agent, crosslinking method, method of controlling gene expression, and method of examining gene function
The present invention provides a crosslinking agent which have photodegradable protective groups at two ends to crosslink double-stranded nucleic acid, a nucleic acid and a protein or a polypeptide, or proteins or polypeptides, in particular, double-stranded RNA; a method for crosslinking a double-stranded RNA or the like using the same; a method for regulating gene expression, which can control the expression of a target gene at an arbitrary timing and location; and a method for examining a gene function.According to the present invention, crosslinking between double-stranded nucleic acids between a nucleic acid and a protein or a polypeptide, or between proteins or polypeptides, in particular, between double-stranded RNA can be easily formed, and in addition, the crosslinking can also be easily removed, so that the expression of a target gene can be easily controlled at an arbitrary timing and location with high efficiency. Hence, as a result, function examination and/or identification of a gene that is expressed at a specific timing and location can be performed. In addition, the RNAi effect of a double-stranded RNA (siRNA) that cannot be easily inhibited by a conventional caged compound can be inhibited, and the expression of a target gene can be easily controlled at an arbitrary timing and location.
US08084617B2 Ionic liquids having fluoroalkyltrifluoroborate anions
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I), in which X, -Q1-Q2- and RF have the meaning indicated in Claim 1, as ionic liquids, and to a process for the preparation thereof.
US08084615B2 Antibacterial agents
Antibacterial compounds of formula I are provided: As well as stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of treating bacterial infections by the administration of such compounds; and processes for the preparation of the compounds.
US08084614B2 Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonists and methods relating thereto
GnRH receptor antagonists are disclosed which have utility in the treatment of a variety of sex-hormone related conditions in both men and women. The compounds of this invention have the structure, wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, R1d, R2, R2a, and A are as defined herein, including stereoisomers, esters, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use thereof for antagonizing gonadotropin-releasing hormone in a subject in need thereof.
US08084613B2 Tetrazoyloxime derivative and plant disease control agent
The present invention provides a tetrazoyloxime derivative or salt thereof, represented by the following formula (1): [wherein, R1 represents an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl group etc., q represents an integer of 0 to 5, A represents a tetrazoyl group represented by the following formula (2) or (3): and D represents a group represented by the following formula (4) or (5): (wherein, R2 represents a halogen atom etc., n represents an integer of 0 to 3, R3 represents a hydrogen atom etc., R4 represents a hydrogen atom etc., Q represents an optionally substituted C1-C20 alkyl group etc.)], and a plant disease control agent.
US08084600B2 Short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) with improved pharmacological properties
Short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for oral administration, said siRNA comprising two separate RNA strands that are complementary to each other over at least 15 nucleotides, wherein each strand is 49 nucleotides or less, and wherein at least one of which strands contains at least one chemical modification.
US08084596B2 Regulated apoptosis
We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells.
US08084593B2 Polynucleotide encoding a TRIM-Cyp polypeptide, compositions thereof, and methods of using same
The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a TRIM—cyclophilin A fusion sequence encoding a TRIMcyp fusion protein which is active as an anti-viral agent, and in particular an anti-HIV-1 agent. The invention provides for a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having both TRIM activity and cyclophilin activity. The invention provides for an isolated polynucleotide encoding a TRIM-cyclophilin fusion protein, or variants thereof retaining the TRIM and cyclophilin activities. The invention provides for compositions thereof, antibodies that specifically bind thereto, and vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid or polypeptide. In addition, the invention provides for methods for treating or preventing viral infection, or reducing viral load in a subject comprising administering the nucleic acid, polypeptide, vector, or composition to the subject in an amount effective to treat or prevent the viral infection. In some embodiments, the viral infection is HIV-1 infection, hepatitis C infection, pox virus infection, vaccinia virus infection, or HTLV infection.
US08084592B2 Multivalent entrain-and-amplify immunotherapeutics for carcinoma
The present invention provides a method of treating a cell proliferative disease such as cancer by providing to a subject in need thereof an immunogenic composition comprising plasmid and peptide(s) or analogues thereof. In embodiments of the present invention there is provided methods and compositions for inducing, entraining, and/or amplifying the immune response to MHC class-I restricted epitopes of carcinoma antigens to generate an effective anti-cancer immune response.