Document Document Title
US08166558B2 System and method for upgrading the functionality of a controlling device in a secure manner
Secure access to a database of upgrade data is provided by storing an encryption key value in a cable used to interconnect a first device and a second device that is associated with the database of upgrade data. The second device allows access to the database of upgrade data via the cable only when the cable is first positively authenticated by the second device through use of the encryption key value stored in the cable.
US08166551B2 Automated security manager
Systems, methods, media, and other embodiments associated with automated security management are described. One example system embodiment includes logic to collect, organize, and maintain data concerning electronic information resources, data concerning security criteria to which the electronic information resources may be subjected, and data concerning security risks to which the electronic information resources may be susceptible. The system may include logic to make an automated security management decision based on analyzing the data concerning the electronic information resources, the data concerning the security criteria, and the data concerning the security risks.
US08166550B2 Detection of undesired computer files in damaged archives
Systems and methods for an anti-virus detection module that can detect known undesired computer files in damaged archives that may be encrypted, compressed and/or password-protected are provided. According to one embodiment, a damaged or incomplete RAR, CAB or ZIP archive is received. Without decrypting or decompressing the contents, an anti-virus detection module identifies the archive as a RAR, CAB or ZIP archive by assuming each of multiple possible archive types in turn and searching all of or certain parts of the archive for content consistent with a current archive type. Based on the identified type, for each contained file, descriptive information is extracted from corresponding local file headers and a threat evaluation is performed by comparing the descriptive information to signatures of known malicious or undesired files. If the threat evaluation concludes a particular contained file is a threat, then appropriate defensive actions are taken in relation to the archive.
US08166536B1 Transformation of network filter expressions to a content addressable memory format
A network device, such as a firewall, may be configured to filter network traffic. The filter may include regular expressions that are converted by the firewall into a format that can be stored in a ternary content addressable memory. In one exemplary implementation, the filter definition may include one or more input regular expressions that include variables that are compared to a result based on an equality/inequality relationship, where multiple variables are combined using logical operations selected from a set of logical operations including (but not limited to) logical AND and logical OR operations. The firewall may convert the input regular expressions into a format in which the equality/inequality relationships are converted to a pure equality relationship and the multiple variables are combined using only logical OR operations. The firewall may program the ternary content-addressable memory to implement the filter based on the converted one or more input regular expressions.
US08166534B2 Incorporating network connection security levels into firewall rules
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to establishing and/or implementing firewall rules that may employ parameters based on connection security levels for a connection between devices. A firewall may thus provide greater granularity of security and integrate more closely with other security methods to provide better overall security with fewer conflicts.
US08166533B2 Method for providing media communication across firewalls
The present invention supports a method for transmitting information packets across network firewalls. A trusted entity is provisioned with an address designation for a pinhole through the firewall during setup of a communication session between two communication devices. This pinhole address is used throughout the communication session between the two communication devices to transmit information packets onto and out of the communication network.Information packets addressed to the communication device inside the firewall are received by the trusted entity, which replaces address header information in the information packet with the address for the pinhole. The information packet is routed to the pinhole where it passes onto the network for routing to the communication device inside the firewall. Information packets transmitted from the network are also routed to the trusted entity for routing toward the communication device outside the firewall.
US08166531B2 Device registration system, device registration server, device registration method, device registration program, storage medium, and terminal device
In a device registration system, user authentication and device authentication of a CE device are executed in a single session, and the user and the CE device are associated with each other if these authentications succeed. The CE device obtains information for the user authentication from an IC card and a portable memory, and sends the information and device authentication information to a device registration unit. The device registration unit sends the information for the user authentication to a user authentication unit, and the device authentication information to a device authentication unit. The user authentication unit executes a user authentication process and sends information of the user to the device registration unit if the authentication succeeds. The device authentication unit executes a device authentication process and sends information of the device to the device registration unit if the authentication succeeds. The device registration unit associates the user information and the device information with each other.
US08166530B2 Method and system for supporting portable authenticators on electronic devices
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating access to an electronic device. Password information is stored on the electronic device, and on a portable authenticator. When a user attempts to access the electronic device, the user is prompted to enter a password at the electronic device. The portable authenticator determines the validity of the entered password. The electronic device receives the results of the validity determination from the portable authenticator, and provides access to the electronic device based on the received validity determination.
US08166524B2 Method and system for the authentication of a user of a data processing system
A method of authenticating a user's data processing terminal for granting the data processing terminal access to selected services provided by a data processing system. The method includes performing a first, SIM-based authentication of the user's data processing terminal at an authentication data processing server in the data processing system, by operatively associating with the user's data processing terminal a first subscriber identity module issued to the data processing terminal user, for example, of a type adopted in mobile communication networks for authenticating mobile communication terminals. The authentication of the user's data processing terminal in the data processing system is conditioned to a second authentication, based on identification information provided to the user at a mobile communication terminal through a mobile communication network to which the mobile communication terminal is connected, e.g. in the form of an SMS message.
US08166520B2 Method and apparatus for handling invites to a multi-user communication session
A method of handling Invite messages for a multi-user communication session utilizing the IP Multimedia Subsystem to set up and control the session. Two or more access servers control user access. A first access server receives from a session-initiating user, an Invite that identifies as a potential participant, at least one user group which is owned by a second access server. The first access server sends to the second access server, an Invite that identifies the user group. The second server resolves the group identification into a set of group member identities and sends the identities in a response to the first access server. The first access server then sends Invites to at least some of the group members identified in the response.
US08166519B2 Providing mobility management using emulation
A system and method are disclosed for providing mobility management among mobile nodes in a communication network. Emulation can be provided to allow a mobile node that uses mobile IP (MIP) to access and use a communication network that is based on proxy mobile IP (PMIP). A gateway can be used to terminate the MIP based protocol access from the mobile node and communicate with the PMIP based core network. Emulation can be provided on a gateway to provide communication from a internet protocol version 4 (IPv4) mobile node and a core network running internet protocol version 6 (IPv6). This allows the network operator to provide access to the deployed base of MIP or IPv4 mobile nodes.
US08166513B2 TV receiver using cable card for abstracting open cable application platform (OCAP) messages to and from the head end
A TV receiver such as a set-top box has an Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) programming interface that communicates with interactive digital video applications such as pay-per-view applications to enable a viewer to communicate requests, purchase orders, and the like to a head end. A cable card provides both decryption of incoming video from the head end as well as translation functionality that transforms standardized messages into a proprietary protocol recognizable to the head end. The OCAP has an API that interfaces with the application and that directs standardized messages from the application to the standardized interface of the removable cable card ensuring common reliance on the translation functionality built in to the cable card.
US08166510B1 Method and apparatus for distributing video on demand loading
A method and apparatus for distributing video-on-demand loading include processing that begins by receiving a concurrent additional request for accessing a video program (i.e., while the server associated with the video program is processing one request for access to the video program another is received). The processing continues by providing the video program to a 2nd server in response to the concurrent additional request. The 2nd server causes the video program to be stored in the redundant array of independent disks (2nd RAID) associated with the 2nd server. The 2nd server processes the concurrent additional request via the 2nd RAID such that processing of multiple requests for the same video program is distributed throughout the video on demand system.
US08166504B2 Method and apparatus for processing content in home network using TV channels
A content processing method and apparatus which can maximize user convenience by allocating content available in a home network to an empty TV channel are provided. The content processing method includes storing channel information regarding a plurality of broadcast channels to which a broadcast signal has been set, storing channel information regarding a plurality of empty channels to which no broadcast signal has been set, issuing a request for a content list to and receiving a content list from one of a plurality of server devices connected to a home network, mapping the content list to a plurality of empty channels, and selecting one of the channels to which the content list is mapped, and playing back content included in the selected channel.
US08166501B2 Scheme for use with client device interface in system for providing dailies and edited video to users
A method for use in providing video to a user includes establishing digital video data that includes images shot in relation to a making of content, uploading the digital video data to a server, and sending the digital video data from the server through a network to a client device for viewing by the user. The client device may be configured to allow the user to mark one or more portions of the digital video data for review or deletion. A system for use in providing video to a user is also disclosed.
US08166498B2 Security monitoring using a multimedia processing device
A system includes a multimedia data interface to receive data representative of one or more multimedia channels and a display interface to a display device, the display interface to provide processed multimedia data. The system further includes a security control module to receive alarm sensor data associated with one or more alarm sensors and an alarm premises display module coupled to the security control module and the display interface. The alarm premises display module includes logic to provide a premises diagram for display via the display interface, wherein the premises diagram illustrates a layout of monitored premises and logic to provide a representation of an alarm status of one or more premises locations based on the alarm sensor information.
US08166496B2 Automatic balancing spindle motor
Disclosed is a spindle motor comprising: an integral turntable including: a table on which a rotating body to be installed, and an inner side wall and an outer side wall formed to be recessed upwards at a portion therebetween on a lower surface of the table so that a predetermined hollow is formed, a surface of thereof being formed slant; a ball cover for covering a ball inserted into the hollow and the hollow; a rotation shaft an upper portion of which is inserted into a center of the integral turntable; a bearing supporting a lower portion of the rotation shaft; a coil formed on an outside of the rotation shaft; and a magnet formed on an outside of the coil.
US08166486B2 Adjusting workload to accommodate speculative thread start-up cost
Methods and apparatus provide for a workload adjuster to estimate the startup cost of one or more non-main threads of loop execution and to estimate the amount of workload to be migrated between different threads. Upon deciding to parallelize the execution of a loop, the workload adjuster creates a scheduling policy with a workload for a main thread and workloads for respective non-main threads. The scheduling policy distributes iterations of a parallelized loop to the workload of the main thread and iterations of the parallelized loop to the workloads of the non-main threads. The workload adjuster evaluates a start-up cost of the workload of a non-main thread and, based on the start-up cost, migrates a portion of the workload for that non-main thread to the main thread's workload.
US08166477B1 System and method for restoration of an execution environment from hibernation into a virtual or physical machine
This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product for restoration of a real hardware server or a Virtual Machine server from hibernation. The method starts with running the execution environment on the hardware platform and suspending the execution environment and storing a state of the execution environment; then updating the stored state with drivers corresponding to a new hardware platform; then restoring an updated state on the computing system on the new hardware platform; then continuing operation of the execution environment on the new hardware platform. The state of execution environment includes operating memory state and nonvolatile storage stage.
US08166475B1 Storage area network access for virtual machines
Detailed herein are approaches to allowing individual virtual machines executing on a single physical host to have their own substantially unique identifier for access to a storage area network (SAN). In one approach, a substantially unique identifier (SUI) is associated with a virtual machine, and the physical node is instructed to use that SUI when logging into the SAN and when performing input or output operations on behalf of the virtual machine.
US08166474B1 System and methods for implementing network traffic management for virtual and physical machines
A virtualization framework provides security between multiple virtual machines with respect to network communications between the virtual machines and between the virtual machines and a physical network coupled to the underlying physical computer platform. The virtualization framework includes a network interface controller driver that provides an interface to the platform network interface controller and supports execution of a plurality of virtual machines. Each virtual machine includes a virtual network interface controller that provides a network communications path between the virtual machines and to the network interface controller driver. Each virtual network interface controller further contains a programmable network packet filter that controls the selective transfer of network packets with respect to a corresponding virtual machine.
US08166472B2 Installation utility system and method
An installation manifest defines associations of one or more application installation files with operating system installation files. An installation manager determines an installation type for a software installation on a device and provides installation options related to the determined installation type.
US08166467B2 Automatic identification of application-specific functional units with architecturally visible storage
Instruction Set Extensions (ISEs) can be used effectively to accelerate the performance of embedded processors. The critical, and difficult task of ISE selection is often performed manually by designers. A few automatic methods for ISE generation have shown good capabilities, but are still limited in the handling of memory accesses, and so they fail to directly address the memory wall problem.We present here the first ISE identification technique that can automatically identify state-holding Application-specific Functional Units (AFUs) comprehensively, thus being able to eliminate a large portion of memory traffic from cache and main memory. Our cycle-accurate results obtained by the SimpleScalar simulator show that the identified AFUs with architecturally visible storage gain significantly more than previous techniques, and achieve an average speedup of 2.8× over pure software execution. Moreover, the number of required memory-access instructions is reduced by two thirds on average, suggesting corresponding benefits on energy consumption.
US08166466B2 Function matching in binaries
Which target functions in a target binary have target function basic blocks that match the source function basic blocks in a source function in a source binary is determined. For the target functions having matching target function basic blocks, a target function control flow graph is determined that has the greatest control flow matching strength to a source function control flow graph, wherein a node in the source function control graph represents a source function basic block, wherein a node in a target function control graph represents a target function basic block in a corresponding target function.
US08166465B2 Method and system for composing stream processing applications according to a semantic description of a processing goal
A method for assembling a stream processing application in which data source descriptions, component descriptions and a stream processing request are input and used to assemble a stream processing graph. Each of the data source descriptions includes a graph pattern that semantically describes an output of a data source, each of the component descriptions includes a graph pattern that semantically describes an input of a component and a graph pattern that semantically describes an output of the component, the stream processing request includes a goal that is represented by a graph pattern that semantically describes a desired stream processing outcome and the stream processing graph includes at least one data source or at least one component that satisfies the desired processing outcome.
US08166462B2 Method and apparatus for sorting and displaying costs in a data space profiler
A data space profiler may include a graphical user interface (GUI) for sorting, aggregating and displaying profile data associated with runtime events of a profiled software application. This profile data may include costs associated with events as well as extended address elements and other code behavior attributes associated with them. The GUI may include means for selecting a perspective from which cost data is to be presented as well as presentation options for displaying the data. The presentation options may include panning and zooming options, which may determine how the data is sorted and/or aggregated for display. The GUI may also include means for specifying filter criteria, which may be used to determine which data to display. By providing means to alternate the display of profile data according to different perspectives and filtering criteria, the GUI may facilitate identification of performance bottlenecks of the profiled application and the causes thereof.
US08166449B2 Live bidirectional synchronizing of a visual and a textual representation
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed performing a bidirectional synchronization between a visual representation and a textual representation. A visual representation of a file is synchronized with a textual representation of a file using a same delta propagation that is used to synchronize the textual representation with the visual representation. A semantic view is generated for the visual representation, and a separate semantic view is generated for the textual representation of the file. The visual representation and the textual representation follow a same semantic structure for comparison. To perform synchronization after changes are made to one of the representations, a synchronization process is performed using the semantic views to update the other representation.
US08166447B1 Power delivery network calculator tool for printed circuit board capacitors
A method of calculating a system power distribution network impedance is presented. The impedance calculation calculates the impedance as separate elements of the printed circuit board (PCB). An approximation of the power and ground via inductance of the printed circuit board is made based on the configuration of the printed circuit board. The decoupling capacitors of the PCB are modeled as a parallel combination of inductors, capacitors, and resistors, and the parallel combination is used to calculate the impedance. In addition to the impedance associated with the decoupling capacitors, the method calculates an inductance associated with a mounting orientation of the decoupling capacitors. The power and ground planes of the printed circuit board have an associated capacitance and inductance, which is calculated. The resultant simulated impedance profile illustrating the board configuration impedance over a frequency range is displayed.
US08166445B1 Estimating Icc current temperature scaling factor of an integrated circuit
An embodiment of the present invention reduces resources needed to estimate the Icc Current Temperature Scaling Factor (ITSF) of a device, and provides a method and apparatus to estimate ITSF from the device speed and performance characteristics which can be measured at room temperature. In one embodiment, a method for estimating the ITSF of an integrated circuit includes: determining a level of propagation delay of a portion of the integrated circuit; and determining an estimated Icc current temperature scaling factor from a correlation between the level of the propagation delay and a modeled Icc current temperature scaling factor.
US08166443B2 Method of shield line placement for semiconductor integrated circuit, design apparatus for semiconductor integrated circuit, and design program for semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit design apparatus includes: an association information creating unit which creates association information for associating wiring information of a signal line with wiring information of a shield line placed for the signal line; an association information storage unit which stores the thus created association information; and a shield wiring unit which, when the placement of the signal line is changed, changes in interlinking fashion with the changed placement the placement of the shield line that is associated with the signal line by the association information.
US08166439B2 Techniques for selecting spares to implement a design change in an integrated circuit
A technique for implementing an engineering change order includes determining spares that are available to implement a modification to a circuit design. One of the available spares is then selected to implement the modification to the circuit design based on performance criteria associated with each of the available spares.
US08166436B1 Early logic mapper during FPGA synthesis
Programming software defining an algorithm that provides improved power, area and frequency predictability of a logic design early in the synthesis flow process, prior to Technology Mapping, without degrading the power, speed or area of the design implementation for PLDs. The method of the algorithm involves performing a high level synthesis of the logic design to generate a netlist, performing a multilevel synthesis on the netlist to generate a gate implementation of the netlist, and performing technology mapping on the gate implementation to map the gate implementation to actual resources on the target device. During the high level synthesis of the logic design into the netlist, technology mapping is performed on a selected portion of the logic design.
US08166425B1 Validating circuit simulation results
A technique validates results from a circuit simulation estimation program. The technique determines whether the estimated results satisfy Kirchhoff's current law (KCL), Kirchhoff's voltage laws (KVL), and power conservation for the original circuit. A reporting tool shows the validation results and may be customized by the user. The tool can show in the original circuitry where the estimated results may be inaccurate.
US08166412B2 Visual cue discernment on scattered data
Displaying a visual cue is disclosed. A value of an attribute for a member of a set of data is obtained. The visual cue for the member is determined based at least in part on the value of the attribute. The visual cue for the member is displayed, where the visual cue provides an indication of an ordering associated with the set of data.
US08166407B2 Apparatus for increasing social interaction over an electronic network
In one embodiment, a system includes a server that hosts webpages facilitating user interaction between multiple endpoints. The system monitors for a user input requesting initiation of a happy hour, and when the input is detected, modifies the webpages to alert users of the happy hour. The users are notified of which user initiated the happy hour, and are also notified that interaction incentives accumulate at an increased rate during the happy hour. The system also tracks user scorings that accumulate based on the user interaction, and enables certain website features based on these user scorings. The system also tracks ratings for user-uploaded objects and identifies top rated objects for displaying on webpages viewable by other users.
US08166404B2 System and/or method for authentication and/or authorization
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to authenticating an identity of users desiring access to an application program and determining whether an authenticated user is authorized to access one or more aspects of the application program.
US08166400B2 Notifying blind users of live region updates
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are present for generating audio cues. New content is requested for a live region in a number of live regions displayed on a display device from a server. In response to receiving the new content for the live region in the number of live regions in the webpage, the live region in the number of live regions in the webpage is updated to form an updated live region displayed on the display device. An audio cue is generated on a sound generation device. The audio cue identifies the live region in the number of live regions in the webpage for which the new content has been received.
US08166394B1 Systems and methods for implementing and using event tracking and analytics in electronic content
A tool or other feature is provided during electronic content creation that allows the designer or other content creator to configure analytics for electronic content being created. For example, an analytics tool icon may be selected from a palette of other common tools used during content creation. In response, the user's mouse takes on a specific look to indicate to the content creator that he or she can now begin implementing analytics. The content creator can then click various objects within their content, select corresponding events to track, and otherwise specify the details of the analytics that he or she wishes to add to the content. As a specific example, after selecting a component on a content development canvas, a component-specific dialog box is displayed showing a menu that allows the creator to instrument various events associated with the component with analytics.
US08166383B1 System and method for sharing content based on positional tagging
Systems and methods for sharing digital content based on positional tagging on a digital platform. For example, in one embodiment, the systems and methods generally include: (a) providing a first user with an interface to tag content on a first digital platform; (b) creating a positional identifier that identifies the location of the tagged content on the first digital platform; and (c) posting, on a second digital platform, a link to the first digital platform. When a second user on the second digital platform activates the link on the second digital platform, the second user is directed to the first digital platform. The systems and methods thereafter include: (d) identifying when a second user has accessed the first digital platform via the link on the second digital platform; and (e) highlighting the tagged content on the first digital platform.
US08166381B2 Medical image management system
A method of managing medical information is disclosed. Medical image data is received, at a real-time transfer engine, at the same time that the patient is being scanned by a medical imaging device. The medical image data is then converted to a browser-compatible image format at a converter engine connected to receive the medical image data from the real-time transfer engine. The converter engine comprises a decoder engine for extracting image pixel data from the medical image data and an encoding engine for converting the image pixel data to a browser-compatible format connected to receive the image pixel data. The image pixel data may be converted to a browser compatible format without loss of diagnostic data.
US08166375B2 Radio communications device and reception method
A radio communications device includes a first error detection part configured to perform error detection on a header included in a packet; a determination part configured to determine whether there is consistency with respect to the length of the packet based on the header in response to the first error detection part detecting no error in the header; a decryption part configured to decrypt the packet in response to the determination part determining that there is consistency with respect to the length of the packet; and a second error detection part configured to perform error detection on the packet in response to the determination part determining that there is consistency with respect to the length of the packet, wherein the decryption part is configured to start to decrypt the packet before completion of the error detection by the second error detection part.
US08166371B2 Semiconductor memory system and signal processing system
A semiconductor memory device provided with a data input portion for receiving 1 page's worth of data, dividing it to a plurality of code words, generating and adding check code (parity data) for each code word, successively forming main code words and transferring the same to a bank (A) or a bank (B), and a data output portion for receiving 1 page's worth of data including main code words transferred from the data latch circuit, correcting the error data when there is within a predetermined number of error data for each main code word, adding the error information for read each read code word except check code (parity data), and transferring the same to a host side, and a signal processing system using the same.
US08166366B1 Partial configuration of programmable circuitry with validation
Partial configuration of programmable circuitry with validation for an integrated circuit is described. An integrated circuit with programmable circuitry is obtained. The programmable circuitry is configured with a first bitstream in a non-dynamic mode of operation, after which the integrated circuit includes a configuration controller coupled to a buffer, an internal configuration access port, and an error checker. A portion of a second bitstream is loaded into the buffer for a dynamic partial configuration mode of operation. The portion of the second bitstream loaded into the buffer is validated with the error checker as being acceptable, after which the portion of the second bitstream is instantiated in the programmable circuitry via the internal configuration access port.
US08166357B2 Implementing logic security feature for disabling integrated circuit test ports ability to scanout data
A method and apparatus for implementing integrated circuit security features are provided to selectively disable testability features on an integrated circuit chip. A test disable logic circuit receives a test enable signal and responsive to the test enable signal set for a test mode, establishes a test mode and disables ASIC signals. Responsive to the test enable signal not being set, the ASIC signals are enabled for a functional mode and the testability features on the integrated circuit chip are disabled. When the functional mode is enabled, the test disable logic circuit prevents the test mode from being established while the integrated circuit chip is powered up.
US08166355B2 System and method for mitigating memory requirements
A receiver is provided, which is adapted to receive MPE-FEC frames and to correct erroneous sections within a received MPE-FEC frame by detecting unreliable sections and storing in an erasure list (“ESL”) table compressed data that includes the base address of each detected erroneous section, together with the respective section's size. The size of the ESL table may be fixed, or it may correlate, or dynamically change according to the actual number of detected erroneous sections. The data stored in the erasure list may then be forwarded to a decoder to correct erroneous sections. The erroneous sections may be detected by using CRC, and the decoder may be a Reed-Solomon decoder. If the application data table of the MPE-FEC is error-free (or full or errors), in which case the erasure structure list is empty (or full of errors), in which case the erasure structure list is empty (or full), this means that no FEC reception and error corrections are required, because there are no sections to correct in the first case and the decoder is incapable of correcting too many sections in the second case. Therefore, the receiving circuitry, or at least the decoder, may be disabled to save battery power.
US08166352B2 Alarm correlation system
An alarm correlation method with rules and model is disclosed for suppression of alarms which will clear when another alarm clears. The alarm correlation method with rules and model includes a list of objects which alarms may be raised, and a list of correlation rules for each of the objects which associates objects which have correlated alarms, and a method of traversing the lists so that correlated alarms may be suppressed. The alarm correlation method with rules and model is particularly useful for overcoming operator overload due to the presence of multiple correlated alarms.
US08166351B2 Filtering redundant events based on a statistical correlation between events
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for filtering redundant fault events from an event stream generated by devices on a network based on a statistical correlation between fault events are provided. Event history data is collected from the fault events generated by devices on the network over a period of time. Statistical correlations are computed between each distinct pair of fault events in the event history data. Based on the statistical correlations, a list of redundant fault events and associated significant events is identified. The list of redundant events and associated significant events is utilized to filter the redundant fault events from the event stream generated by the devices on the network.
US08166347B2 Automatic testing for dynamic applications
Systems and methods for testing an application having a graphical user interface are disclosed. A function library having a plurality of functions is provided, each function corresponding to a user action within the graphical user interface. User actions within the graphical user interface are developed independent of the operation of the application. A test case comprising one or more functions from the plurality of functions that correspond to the one or more developed user actions is assembled, for later execution to test the application.
US08166346B2 Power-on test system and method
A power-on test system is used to test a number of blades of a blade server. The power-on test system supplies power to the number of blades. The power-on test system times for the blades after supplying power, and determines whether the blades are powered on after supplying power. If one of the blades is not powered on, the power-on test system determining whether an accumulated time is less than a set power-on time. If the accumulated time is equal to or greater than a power-on setting time, the power-on test system sends internet protocol address of the blade being not powered on to be displayed.
US08166341B2 Systems and methods for testing results of configuration management activity
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for testing results of configuration management activity. In embodiments, a configuration management server can control and maintain the configuration state of one or more targets, hosts, servers, clients, or other machines in a managed. In aspects, a testing tool hosted on the configuration management server can verify the correct implementation of configuration instructions. In embodiments, the testing tool can access or receive an anticipated or target configuration state for one or more target(s) or other machines, indicating the status of services, memory, security, storage, and/or other configuration parameters after a selected configuration command is to be transmitted and run on the recipient machine. After the configuration change or update is performed, the test tool can receive results indicating the actual configuration state achieved after running the configuration management command(s), and compare those to the anticipated configuration state. Any discrepancies can be flagged, and corrective commands can be issued.
US08166329B2 Circuit for facilitating computer system waking up from sleep state
A circuit for a computer system, includes a pulse width module (PWM) module and a control circuit. The PWM module is capable of converting a first voltage to a second voltage. The first voltage is capable of decreasing slower than the second voltage to have the PWM module entering in an unwanted state when the computer system is changed from a first state to a second state. The PWM module includes a disabling pin capable of locking the PWM module when a voltage of the disabling pin is low. The control circuit includes a control pin connected to the disabling pin, a ground pin connected to ground, and a monitoring pin capable of monitoring the computer system being changed from a first state to a second state to control the control pin and the ground pin to pull the disabling pin low to lock the PWM module to prevent the PWM module from entering in the unwanted state.
US08166328B2 Low power consumption processor
Provided is a low power consumption processor. The processor includes: a plurality of blocks; a memory storing instructions that control each of the plurality of blocks; and a multi power controller generates a signal that activates at least one of the plurality of blocks according to an address storing the instruction, and provides a normal power voltage or a reduction power voltage in response to the activation signal.
US08166315B1 Method for calculating power for data storage systems
A method for calculating power for a data storage system. The method includes: measuring power requirement for each one of a plurality of components for use in one of a plurality of possible system configurations; storing the measured power requirement in a table; entering into the table a specified one of the possible system configurations to obtain the power requirement for such one of the specified system configurations; calculating from the table the total power expected for the specified system configuration; presenting the calculated power to a user; determining whether the calculated power is acceptable or unacceptable to the user; and if determined to be unacceptable, entering into the table a new system configuration.
US08166311B1 Methods and systems for promoting authentication of technical service communications in a telecommunications system
In one embodiment of the present methods and systems, a computer-assisted method is provided for authenticating at least one service related communication with a technician in a telecommunications system. The method includes the steps of receiving at least one of a password and a user identification from an access device employed by the technician; combining a token with at least one of the password and the user identification data to form a combined authentication password; permitting access to the telecommunications system by the technician subject to an authentication of at least the combined authentication password. In another aspect, one embodiment of the present methods may include a service related communication that includes at least one wireless communication. Computer-readable media embodiments and system embodiments associated with the present methods are also provided.
US08166306B2 Semantic digital signatures
A method is provided for adding intended meaning to digital signatures. A message, being base content, is received to be signed. Assertions, ontologies, and description of a reasoner are adjoined to the message. Ontologies are a formal specification of vocabulary and rules used to state the assertions. The reasoner validates the assertions against the corresponding ontologies. A compound message is formed including the message, the assertions, the ontologies, and the reasoner. The compound message is signed using a cryptographic digital signature, where the assertions indicate an intended meaning of the digital signature. During verification of semantic signatures, a digital signature is received for a compound message, where the compound message includes assertions, ontologies, and reasoner. The digital signature is verified, and the compound message structure is checked for semantic signature conformance. In response to proper verification, the reasoner is utilized to verify a conformance of the assertions to the ontologies.
US08166305B2 Set of metadata for association with a composite media item and tool for creating such set of metadata
A set of metadata for association with the composite media item and a tool for creating a composite media item with an associated set metadata. In one embodiment, the tool comprises a component for extracting a portion of a first media item having first metadata and for extracting a portion of a second media item having second metadata, a component for combining the first portion and the second portion to form a composite media item, and a component for analyzing the first metadata and the second metadata to extract portions of the first and second metadata to form a new set of metadata for association with the composite media item. In one embodiment, the new metadata is a data container.
US08166285B2 Method and system for booting and automatically updating software, and recovering from update error, and computer readable recording medium storing method
Provided are a booting method of updating software components installed in a system and recovering from an error that occurs in an update, a method and system for automatically updating the software and recovering from the error, and a computer readable recording medium storing the method. The master boot record and the backup boot record are used to stably update a kernel and effectively recover from an update error. The component configuration database is used to update a plurality of software components including a kernel in a transaction, and perfectly recover from an update error.
US08166280B2 Microprocessor for executing byte compiled JAVA code
A microprocessor architecture for executing byte compiled Java programs directly in hardware. The microprocessor targets the lower end of the embedded systems domain and features two orthogonal programming models, a Java model and a RISC model. The entities share a common data path and operate independently, although not in parallel. The microprocessor includes a combined register file in which the Java module sees the elements in the register file as a circular operand stack and the RISC module sees the elements as a conventional register file. The integrated microprocessor architecture facilitates access to hardware-near instructions and provides powerful interrupt and instruction trapping capabilities.
US08166272B2 Method and apparatus for allocation of buffer
Provided are a method and apparatus for allocating a storage space that is to be used by a plurality of modules sequentially processing data. The method includes acquiring first capacity information regarding the capacity of a storage space needed for data processing of a first module and second capacity information regarding the capacity of a storage space needed for data processing of a second module that processes data consecutively to the first module, and allocating a first storage space to be used by both the first module and the second module based on at least one of the first capacity information and the second capacity information.
US08166271B2 Memory controller for setting page length and memory cell density for semiconductor memory
A memory controller including a type determining module and a page determining module. The type determining module is configured to determine a type of memory to which the memory controller is connected, wherein the memory includes a memory block comprising a plurality of pages, and each page includes a plurality of memory cells. The page configure module is configured to generate a memory map based on the determined type of the memory. The memory map specifies, for each page, (i) a number of memory cells for storing data, and (ii) a number of memory cells for storing overhead. The number of memory cells for storing data and the number of memory cells for storing overhead in a first page is configurable to be different from the number of memory cells for storing data and the number of memory cells for storing overhead in a second page.
US08166260B2 Method and system for managing inactive snapshot blocks
Method and system are provided for managing inactive snapshot blocks. Information regarding inactive blocks is collected and placed in a queue. After the queue reaches a threshold number of inactive blocks, the inactive blocks are compressed and stored as a compressed segment. The compressed segment may include inactive blocks for different snapshot data structures. A compression map structure stores information regarding a plurality of compressed segments, including identifiers identifying different snapshot files which may point to one or more inactive blocks. For each compressed segment, a compression information map identifies the location of each inactive block within the compressed segment and the compression state for each inactive block.
US08166254B2 Hypervisor page fault processing in a shared memory partition data processing system
Hypervisor page fault processing logic is provided for a shared memory partition data processing system. The logic, responsive to an executing virtual processor of the shared memory partition data processing system encountering a hypervisor page fault, allocates an input/output (I/O) paging request to the virtual processor from an I/O paging request pool and increments an outstanding I/O paging request count for the virtual processor. A determination is then made whether the outstanding I/O paging request count for the virtual processor is at a predefined threshold, and if not, the logic places the virtual processor in a wait state with interrupt wake-up reasons enabled based on the virtual processor's state, otherwise, it places the virtual processor in a wait state with interrupt wake-up reasons disabled.
US08166248B2 Caching of information according to popularity
A system includes logic to cache at least one block in at least one cache if the block has a popularity that compares favorably to the popularity of other blocks in the cache, where the popularity of the block is determined by reads of the block from persistent storage and reads of the block from the cache.
US08166246B2 Chaining multiple smaller store queue entries for more efficient store queue usage
A computer implemented method, a processor chip, a data processing system, and computer program product in a data processing system process information in a store cache of a data processing system. The store cache receives a first entry that includes a first address indicating a first segment of a cache line. The store cache then receives a second entry including a second address indicating a second segment of the cache line. Responsive to the first segment not being equal to the second segment, the first entry is chained to the second entry.
US08166238B2 Method, device, and system for preventing refresh starvation in shared memory bank
A multi-port memory device includes a refresh register and a refresh controller for preventing refresh starvation in a shared memory unit of the memory device. The memory device further includes a plurality of ports sharing access to the shared memory unit. The refresh register stores information regarding at least one refresh command. The refresh controller determines whether to activate an internal refresh operation at a transition in port authority according to such information stored in the refresh register.
US08166231B2 Memory controller, nonvolatile memory device, access device, and nonvolatile memory system
The access device 100 designates a file ID without relating different address spaces of an access device 100 and a nonvolatile memory device 200 with each other and manages a data storing state only in a physical address space in the nonvolatile memory device 200. The access device 100 sends a transfer rate to the nonvolatile memory device 200 by using a transfer rate sending part 121. A filling rate calculation part 251 calculates a filling rate of physical block corresponding to a guaranteed speed required by the access device 100. A remaining capacity corresponding to the transfer rate is obtained by using the calculated filling rate and is sent to a remaining capacity receiving part 122 of the access device 100.
US08166225B2 USB interface data transmission device and USB interface data communication system
The USB interface data transmission device comprises a USB interface controller unit, a dynamic data transmission unit, a central controller unit, a transmission mode configuration unit, a driver program memory and a data transmission interface. In them: The dynamic data transmission unit includes a data input node and a data output node, wherein the data input node supports the data downloading and the data output node support the data uploading, while when necessary the data input node and the data output node support each other's functions by changing their respective data uploading and downloading functions. In a download mode both the data input node and the data output node support the data downloading operation and in an upload mode both support the data uploading operation.
US08166222B2 USB transceiver circuitry including 5 volt tolerance protection
An integrated circuit includes USB communication circuitry for communicating via a USB interface. The USB transceiver circuitry transmits data to and from the integrated circuit over the USB interface. The USB transceiver circuitry further provides protection to internal circuitry of the integrated circuit from a 5 volt short circuit on the USB interface.
US08166219B2 Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding bus signal
Provided is a bus signal encoding/decoding method and apparatus. The bus signal encoding method includes receiving a bus signal, XOR-operating all but the first byte sequence of the bus signal in a bitwise manner, inverting the even-numbered byte sequences of the XOR-operated bus signal in a bitwise manner, and serializing the inverted bus signal.
US08166215B2 Method to control delay between lanes
Method and apparatus to control delay between lanes in an I/O interface is disclosed. To control the delay between the lanes in the I/O system a programmed delay may be determined and introduced between the lanes. For this purpose the effective time “T” of the lanes is determined. The number of lanes “N” in the I/O interface is identified. The programmed lane to lane delay “D” is determined and a delay circuit having the programmed delay may be introduced between the lanes to reduce AC peak to peak noise in the I/O system.
US08166213B2 Controller with indirect accessible memory
A controller has an interface, a buffer memory, a first set of registers for accessing the buffer memory, a second set of registers independent from the first set of registers for accessing the buffer memory, and a control unit for decoding and executing buffer memory access commands received by the interface to access the buffer memory through either the first or second set of registers.
US08166210B2 Electronic device and control method therefor
According to this invention, when initialization of a storage medium such as a flash memory is erase of the data area, the processing can be stopped. When the processing is stopped, at least initialization of the management area has been completed, and processing using the storage medium can be executed. If erase processing is not stopped but proceeds to the end, no erase processing need be performed in writing new data, and high-speed write is promised. For this purpose, when complete formatting is designated, the management area of the file system is first initialized. Then, erase processing for the data area of the file system is executed by a predetermined block size. If it is determined that stop is designated during the data area erase processing, the processing ends, but the management area has already been initialized.
US08166208B2 Method and system for XML data transfer transactional coalescing
A system, method, and computer readable medium. A method includes setting a maximum translation delay. The method includes, while a current delay is less than the maximum transfer delay, repeatedly performing the steps of searching for an additional transfer having a same source and target as a current transfer, and when an additional transfer is found, adding the additional transfer to a transfer list that identifies transfers to be made together. The method includes performing a transfer of the transfers identified by the transfer list when the current delay has met or exceeded the maximum transfer delay.
US08166188B2 Protocol conversion using facilities and utilities
A protocol converter includes a computer-readable storage medium that includes operational instructions that, when executed by a processor, allows communications between a first node and a second node which use different communications protocols. In a particular embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium includes operational instructions to use a first facility to receive first data from a first node, where the first data complies with a first protocol, and where the first facility supports at least one of a first link layer and a first line layer communications protocol. The computer-readable storage medium includes operational instructions that spawn a utility in response to receiving the first data. The computer-readable storage medium also includes operational instructions that use the utility to translate the first data into second data in a second protocol and that use a second facility to send the second data to a second node.
US08166187B2 Distributed IP gateway based on sharing a MAC address and IP address concurrently between a first network switching device and a second network switching device
In one embodiment, a method comprises assigning, by a distributed gateway protocol circuit in a first network switching device, a shared Media Access Control (MAC) address to a shared Internet Protocol (IP) address, the shared MAC address and the shared IP address enabling connected network devices to reach a distributed IP gateway in a network; and sending, by a layer 2 forwarding circuit in the first network switching device, an instruction via a peer data link to a peer layer 2 forwarding circuit in a second network switching device in response to the distributed gateway protocol circuit claiming active control of the distributed IP gateway, the instruction enabling the second network switching device to operate as part of the distributed IP gateway based on concurrent use of the shared MAC address and the shared IP address by the first network switching device and the second network switching device.
US08166186B2 Content distribution method, program, and information processing apparatus
A content distribution method includes sending, by a client apparatus, distribution requests to server apparatuses via a network, the distribution requests requesting distribution of content data in a distributed manner on a packet basis; distributing, by the server apparatuses, the content data to the client apparatus in response to the distribution requests; and playing back, by the client apparatus, the content data by assembling packets distributed from the server apparatuses. The distribution requesting step includes assigning areas of each block of the content data to the server apparatuses, and sending distribution requests for the respective areas to the server apparatuses. The distributing step includes dividing the content data into blocks when distribution of the content data is requested, and distributing the areas of each block in response to the distribution requests. The playback step includes the step of reconstructing the blocks on the basis of the areas distributed from the server apparatuses.
US08166183B2 Method and system for fast virtual concatenation setup in a communication network
The invention is directed to optimizing setup of a VCAT connections using (largest) CCAT containers so as to minimize the number of cross-connection commands needed to enable data transfer. A system and method are provided for enhancing VCAT networks to include faster service restoration rates and faster connection setup times. One embodiment includes expanding available VCAT timeslots to include available CCAT timeslots. A routing and signaling control module alerts a source network element, internal network elements and a destination network element that the data transmission includes VCAT payloads rather than the expected CCAT payloads. By issuing this alert, the routing and signaling control module instructs an end-point monitoring function to overlook any mismatch between the expected CCAT rate and the received VCAT traffic. Otherwise, if the mismatch is not overlooked, then the end-point monitoring function will squelch the received VCAT traffic, which terminates the data communication.
US08166176B2 Context-aware migration of communication session
Techniques and systems are disclosed for context-aware migration of a communication network session. For example, a system for migrating a communication session established between a first entity and a second entity in accordance with an application module includes the following elements. A context monitor module supports the application module and is operative to obtain context information associated with at least one of the first entity and the second entity. A migration server module supports the application module and is operative to effectuate a transfer of the communication session from one communication device associated with the first entity to another communication device associated with the first entity. The context monitor module and the migration server module operate in cooperation with the application module to transfer the communication session.
US08166174B2 Methods and systems for providing proprietary access to a server
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing proprietary access to a server. The disclosed systems and methods may include receiving a first service request from a client. The first service request may include a client identifier. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include creating a session identifier when it is determined that the client identifier is valid and transmitting the session identifier to the client. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods may include receiving a second service request from the client. The second service request may include the session identifier and client data that may have at least one of a proprietary format and a proprietary scheme. In addition, the disclosed systems and methods may include servicing the second service request when it is determined that the session identifier received in the second service request is valid.
US08166169B2 Method of allocating resources among client work machines
A method for allocating resources among a plurality of client work machines includes representing at least one client work machine as a resource object, representing at least one manufacturing process executable at a client work machine as a process, defining at least one usage capability for a resource object, selecting one of at least two states of the usage capability, and executing at least one manufacturing process on at least one client work machine according to the selected state of the usage capability.
US08166165B1 Securing event flow in a user interface hierarchy
In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method for integrating separate software applications in an application execution environment, where the method includes providing a hierarchical structure of nodes corresponding to user interface objects representing elements of a user interface of a computer, wherein the hierarchical structure governs propagation of user interface events among the user interface objects; the providing includes enabling separate software applications to concurrently create nodes in the hierarchical structure and share the user interface; and restricting propagation of user interface events among the user interface objects, during presentation of the user interface objects in the user interface of the computer, based on node ownership information linking the user interface objects to the separate software applications. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.
US08166164B1 Application and network-based long poll request detection and cacheability assessment therefor
Systems and methods for application and network-based long poll request detection and cacheability assessment therefore are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a distributed proxy and cache system, including, determining relative timings between a first request initiated by the application, a response received responsive to the first request, and a second request initiated subsequent to the first request also by the application, and/or using the relative timings to determine whether requests generated by the application are long poll requests. The relative timings can be used to determine whether the second request is immediately or near-immediately re-requested after the response to the first request is received. The relative timings can also be compared to request-response timing characteristics for other applications to determine whether the requests of the application are long poll requests.
US08166153B2 Remote control system and controlled apparatus therein capable of sending e-mail if communication request fails
An apparatus is disclosed that can be remote controlled by a controlling apparatus via a network. The apparatus includes a communication request transmission unit configured to transmit a communication request including an operation request to the controlling apparatus. The apparatus further includes a mail transmission unit configured to transmit, if a normal operation response to the operation request has not been received, an e-mail message including the operation request to the controlling apparatus. This e-mail message ensures the controlling apparatus to receive the operation request that has not successfully received yet.
US08166152B1 Architecture and method for monitoring system resources within an enterprise network
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for monitoring of system resources. According to one embodiment, managed beans may be provided to management applications. The managed beans may be registered with a managed bean server. The managed bean server along with a monitoring server may be used to monitor the resources. Monitoring data may be collected from monitoring of the resources, and may then be provided to the management applications.
US08166149B2 Information-processing apparatus and program thereof
An information-processing apparatus which is capable of transmitting device identifiers of devices connected with LANs to terminals without using a broadcast command is provided. A server is connected with a World Area Network. A managing terminal and printers are connected with a LAN. The server receives a device identifier of the printer connected with any one of the LANs. The server receives an inquiry for a device identifier from a terminal connected with any one of the LANs. The server stores appended information, which is appended to the device identifier while the device identifier is transferred to the server, in a manner that the appended information is associated with the device identifier. The server transmits to the terminal the device identifier whose appended information as stored in a storage coincides with the appended information that is appended to the inquiry while the inquiry is transferred to the server. The managing terminal can obtain the device identifier of the printer connected with the same LAN as the managing terminal itself by transmitting the inquiry to the server.
US08166148B2 Method for distributing content data packages originated by users of a super peer-to-peer network
A method for distributing content data packages 7 originated by users of a super peer-to-peer network is proposed, wherein the content data packages 7 are to be cached in caching nodes CN1,CN2,CN3,CN4 of said network. The network comprises a plurality of caching nodes CN1,CN2,CN3,CN4 and user nodes 5 of said users and a plurality of data lines that extend between adjacent of said nodes and the users are being grouped in user groups and listed in a user group list. Content data traffic is to be delivered on traffic connections between user nodes 5 of the network. The method comprises the steps of: a) receiving a request for uploading an upload content data package 7 from a requesting user of the users by an agent network node of said network, b) looking up all user group members of the users being member of a current user group UG1 of said requesting user in said user group list and determining the user nodes of said user group members, c) determining in which of the caching nodes CN1,CN2,CN3,CN4 of the network said upload content data package 7 is to be cached by applying a decision matrix, wherein said decision matrix defines a relationship defining at which caching node content data packages 7 have to be cached for which user node, d) caching said upload content data package 7 in the determined caching nodes CN1,CN2,CN3,CN4.
US08166147B2 Power usage reduction system and method
A computer implemented method includes collecting information from multiple network devices regarding utilization over a predetermined period of time. Unused device resources are identified, along with device resources that may be consolidated. Such identifications are provided to a user for use in consolidating the network to reduce power consumption.
US08166145B2 Managing event-based conditional recurrent schedules
Managing recurrent schedules based on events and conditions. Schedules from a plurality of applications are identified based on an activation time for the schedules and a determination of whether or not conditions defined for the schedules are met. The identified schedules are activated by performing actions associated with each of the identified schedules. In an embodiment, the schedules are grouped based on functionality and prioritized to avoid conflicts within each group.
US08166132B1 Systems and methods for client-side encoding of user-generated content
Methods and systems are disclosed that facilitate client-side encoding of content. Certain embodiments involve sending a user's client device items for encoding content that will be uploaded to an upload recipient. In some cases, a client-device may receive an encoding application or application component for performing the encoding. In some cases, a client device may receive upload parameter information for the upload. The embedded content may include an identifier that allows confirmation that it was encoded according to the parameters. Embodiments provide various mechanisms for an upload recipient to guarantee or otherwise trust that uploaded content has been appropriately encoded and/or encrypted by a user. Items and instructions for uploading can be provided from the upload recipient or from a provider who is trusted by the client and the recipient with respect to encoding the content.
US08166128B1 Systems and methods for dynamically updating a virtual volume in a storage virtualization environment
A storage virtualization environment is provided that includes a system for dynamically updating a virtual volume in associated with a host system. The system may include a set of storage devices, each of which includes physical block addresses that store data associated with the virtual volume and a network switch system connecting the host system and the set of storage devices. In one embodiment, the network switch system includes a set of storage processors each maintaining virtual volume objects including at least one of (i) first tier objects reflecting a relationship between the physical block addresses and one or more logical partitions of virtual volume data, and (ii) second tier objects reflecting a logical configuration of the virtual volume. Further, the network switch system uses the virtual volume objects to dynamically update the virtual volume during runtime of the network switch system.
US08166124B2 System and method for delivery of augmented messages
The disclosure describes systems and methods delivering communications associated with delivery conditions in which the occurrence of the delivery condition is determined by monitoring information received from a plurality of sources via multiple communication channels. The message delivery systems allow messages to be delivered to any “Who, What, When, Where” from any “Who, What, When, Where” upon the detection of an occurrence of one or more “Who, What, When, Where” delivery conditions. A message (which may be any data object including text-based messages, audio-based message such as voicemail or other audio such as music or video-based prerecorded messages) is delivered in accordance with delivery conditions based on any available data, including topical, spatial, temporal, and/or social data. Furthermore, because the systems coordinate delivery of messages via multiple communication channels and through multiple devices, the communication channel for delivery of a message may be dynamically determined based on the delivery conditions.
US08166115B2 Systems and methods for electronic message content identification
An electronic message identification method and system is provided for identifying and managing electronic messages. The electronic message identification method and system may be used for sending an electronic file to a customer by receiving an approval from the customer indicating acceptable content for electronic files that are sent to the customer; receiving the electronic file from a sender, the electronic file including file content and a message content identifier corresponding to the file content; comparing the message content identifier to the approval from the customer; and delivering the file content to an electronic mailbox of the customer, if the message content identifier is consistent with the approval from the customer indicating acceptable content.
US08166113B2 Access limited EMM distribution lists
An electronic mail message (EMM) addressed to a distribution list of an enterprise is received at a server of the enterprise from a sending address outside of the enterprise. If the distribution list has no external addresses, then the EMM is blocked from being delivered to the distribution list. In an embodiment, if the distribution list has an external address and the sending address is identified in a safe sender list corresponding to the distribution list, then the EMM is delivered to the distribution list. In an embodiment, if the distribution list has an external address, the sending address is not in a safe sender list corresponding to the distribution list, and the content of the message is approved, then the EMM is delivered to the distribution list.
US08166104B2 Client-centered usage classification
User input actions from one or more user input devices can be received, and unfiltered user input information about the user input actions can be collected at a client computing environment. The unfiltered user input information can be filtered to produce filtered user input information. The filtered user input information can exclude personal information and include non-personal information. In addition, a user profile can be created using the filtered user input information.
US08166102B2 Signaling method for internet telephony
A method for creating, modifying, and terminating connections between Internet end systems, particularly, although not exclusively, for Internet telephony communication. The method relies on several request messages sent between a client and a server and the response messages sent back in response. Each request and response message may contain one or more header fields which modify or more uniquely link the messages with a given connection. On this basis, advanced telephony services, such as call forwarding, call transferring, and multiparty conferencing are provided.
US08166099B1 Method and apparatus for associating network entities
A method and apparatus for associating network entities, such as devices and services have been disclosed. By utilizing context operational modifiers, such as context rules, context definitions, and context services, entities may be associated.
US08166078B2 Design process recording
Description of works such as “requirement”, “definition”, and “confirmation” in the narrow sense in a design process is made possible. A design work recording unit (22a) records in a data storage device (6) an inputted “design work name” as one of “external requirement name”, “concept definition name”, “internal requirement name”, “detailed definition name”, and so on. An inter-work relation recording unit (22b) records in the data storage device (6) a relation between two “design work names” selected from “external requirement name”, “concept definition name”, “internal requirement name”, “detailed definition name”, and so on recorded in the data storage device (6). Here, the inter-work relation recording unit (22b) records a relation between “external requirement name” and “concept definition name”, a relation between “concept definition name” and “internal requirement name”, a relation between “internal requirement name” and “detailed definition name”, and so on.
US08166076B2 Digital media metadata management
Network-side and client-side systems and techniques for managing metadata items describing digital media content available from a number of digital media content sources are described. Disparate metadata items are collected and transcribed based on a common format. The common format facilitates computerized cataloging, searching, and presentation of relevant metadata and/or digital content via a wide variety of client-side devices. The common format includes: a portion for storing descriptive data derived from the original metadata items; a portion for storing data specific to the digital media content source supplying the original metadata; and a services specifier portion used for accessing specific digital media content. The common format may be used to identify relationships between transcribed items of metadata based on virtually unlimited selection criteria, and to facilitate the creation and presentation to users of data sets of related metadata and/or digital media content.
US08166074B2 Index data structure for a peer-to-peer network
An index data structure comprises a plurality of index keys for uniquely identifying potential data object context nodes. Each index key is, in turn, associated with one or more potential context nodes. Moreover, the index key has a label that provides semantic content to a user. The index data structure further comprises one or more routing tables associated with each index key that generally include a plurality of path references.
US08166072B2 System and method for normalizing and merging credential stores
One or more data structures are received by a computing device, wherein the one or more data structures include at least one or more user credentials. The one or more user credentials are normalized by the computing device to generate a first graph. One or more nodes of the first graph and one or more nodes of at least a second graph are analyzed by the computing device, wherein analyzing includes at least identifying a logical correlation between the one or more nodes of the first graph and the one or more nodes of at least the second graph. A third graph is generated by the computing device based, at least in part, upon the analysis of the one or more nodes of the first graph and the one or more nodes of at least the second graph. An output data structure is generated by the computing device based, at least in part, upon the third graph.
US08166069B2 Displaying aggregated new content by selected other user based on their authorization level
Enabling a content publisher and a receiving user to control access to content updates based on user relationships. The content publisher and the receiving user may assign a relationship degree, relationship category, and/or relationship rating to each other and to other users. The content publisher and/or receiving user also specify a required relationship that is needed to access or accept a content update. The content publisher and receiving user may further specify acceptable types of content updates, such as blog entries, product reviews, photos, and the like that are accessible or acceptable. Upon logon or other event, a summary of content updates is provided to each receiving user that meets each content publisher's required relationship, and the content updates are delivered according to a selected delivery method from those content publishers that meet the relationship requirements of the receiving users. Delivery includes email, instant message, RSS feeds, and the like.
US08166062B1 Search-caching and threshold alerting for commerce sites
Users can be notified when information becomes available, such as when an item is available for purchase at some point in the future. Users can indicate to receive information about the item using a desired notification type, such as an email message or text message. A notification then can be sent to the user using the indicated type of notification when the item, or information about the item, subsequently becomes available through the system.
US08166054B2 System and method for adaptively locating dynamic web page elements
A system and method for adaptively locating dynamic web page elements. The system includes an XPath refiner for refining an XPath path expression of the web page element based on an HTML knowledge database describing HTML tag relationships and attribute importance; and an enhanced XPath resolving engine, for searching an HTML DOM tree of the target web page for the web page element through the refined XPath path expression. The invention can locate required Web contents in dynamic web pages in spite of the variety of web contents by using an HTML knowledge database. Also provided is a computer readable article of manufacture embodying computer readable instructions for executing the above method.
US08166051B1 Computation of term dominance in text documents
An improved entropy-based term dominance metric useful for characterizing a corpus of text documents, and is useful for comparing the term dominance metrics of a first corpus of documents to a second corpus having a different number of documents.
US08166045B1 Phrase extraction using subphrase 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.
US08166043B2 Bit strings search apparatus, search method, and program
Using a tree configuration wherein node groups of four or more nodes composed of combinations of branch nodes, leaf nodes or empty nodes are linked into a tree form, a bit string search by a search key string is enabled by repeatedly linking to one of the nodes of a node group to which a primary node belongs in response to the bit values of keys of the search key string at the discrimination bit position included in the branch node.
US08166041B2 Search index format optimizations
A search index structure which extends a typical composite index by incorporating an index which is optimized for fast retrieval from storage and which eliminates data which is specific to phrase searching. Other data is represented in a manner which allows it to be calculated rather than stored. Associating variable length entries with logical categories allows their length to be inferred from the category rather than stored. Using delta values between document IDs rather than the ID itself generates a compact, dense symbol set which is efficiently compressed by Huffman encoding or a similar compression method. Using an upper threshold to remove large, and thus rare, delta values from the symbol set prior to encoding further improves the encoding performance.
US08166037B2 Semantic reconstruction
Determining a semantic relationship is disclosed. Source content is received. Cluster analysis is performed at least in part by using at least a portion of the source content. At least a portion of a result of the cluster analysis is used to determine the semantic relationship between two or more content elements comprising the source content.
US08166030B2 Information resource taxonomy
An information resource taxonomy system, including a data collector for collecting information resources from a communications network; and a taxonomy generator for generating a taxonomy represented by a hierarchy of resource clusters, using cluster criteria generated from the collected resources. The system includes an editor for editing the criteria, and a renderer for generating linked document data for displaying the hierarchy. A parallel cluster search system is used to evaluate clusters in parallel. The system also includes a parallel classifier for classifying further collected resources.
US08166023B2 Systems and methods for providing multi-directional visual browsing
Systems and methods for multi-directional visual browsing on an electronic device are described. In example embodiments, a primary result and a peripheral result associated with a user of a client device are determined. A display layout based on attributes associated with the primary result and the peripheral result is generated. The display layout is then formatted into rendering and display instructions, which will cause a client device to render the display layout. The rendering and display instructions are transmitted to the client device.
US08166013B2 Method and system for crawling, mapping and extracting information associated with a business using heuristic and semantic analysis
A method and system for crawling multiple websites containing one or more web pages having information relevant to a particular domain of interest, such as details about local restaurants, extracting content from such websites, such as hours, location and phone number as well as reviews, review dates and other business specific information, and associating the extracted content with a specific business entity.
US08166011B2 System and method for electronically managing individual and business information
Systems and methods for electronically managing individual and business information. The systems and methods encompass three printing stages of pre-printing, printing, and post-printing. In one embodiment, the invention provides contact information by a printer, the contact information derived from a single raw data set provided to a printer to obtain a printed contact information carrier and converted by the printer into at least one alternate format during customary creation of the printed contact information carrier. A printed information carrier including an entity-specific digital information locator is also disclosed.
US08166007B2 Failure tolerant transaction processing system
The present invention proposes a system for resending a process to a backup server farm from a client without waiting for the failure-detection, if no reply is received for a certain time. The transaction processing mechanism of the present invention has a transaction start processing mechanism in which an exclusive control using a valid processing authority token and data consistency are combined, and a commit processing mechanism in which determination on whether a commit is available or not based on a distributed agreement and replication of updated data. With the mechanisms, a system for shortening a service halt time when a failure occurs to a time as such it appears to a client that the service does not stop is provided.
US08166005B2 Pathname caching and protection of the root directory in a nested multilayer directory structure
Servers in a storage system store a nested multilayer directory structure, and a global index that is an abstract of the directory structure. The global index identifies respective portions of the directory structure that are stored in respective ones of the servers, and the global index identifies paths through the directory structure linking the respective portions. Upon performing a top-down search of the directory structure in response to a client request and finding that a portion of it is offline, the global index is searched to discover portions of the directory structure that are located below the offline portion. The global index may also identify the respective server storing each of the respective portions of the directory structure, and may indicate whether or not each of the respective portions of the directory structure is known to be offline.
US08166004B2 Verifying data consistency among structured files
A scalable comparison structure and methodology is provided that is suitable for comparing select data content in hundreds or thousands of files in an efficient manner. Section delimiters are defined to identify the sections of the files within which the select data content is located, and sets of unique sections are identified based on the select data content within the section. Thereafter, comparisons and reports are based on these unique content sections. If multiple files include a common set of data, a single unique content section is used to represent these multiple files. File groups are optionally defined, and different sets of select data content can be compared based on these file groups. The result of the comparison is presented in multiple hierarchical forms, including an identification of which files are different from each other, and an identification of the differences among the unique content segments.
US08165999B2 XML/database/XML layer analysis
An automated method for testing XML/Database/XML layers. To the extent that XML is the de facto communication standard for today's middleware products, most of the middleware products need to produce/accept XML data at some interfaces. This data either comes from or needs to be persisted into DB (database). Two end points are thus represented by XML input/output and DB. To ensure the accuracy of data at the two end points, the same data are typically converted from one format to another between the end points. Manual verification in this vein is possible for development purposes, but in practice this presents inefficiencies if done repeatedly. Accordingly, there is broadly contemplated herein an automation technique to verify the accuracy of data at the two end points.
US08165990B2 Conversion of an application database to minimize time in single-user access mode
A method and system for converting source tables of a database of the application to target tables of a new version of the database while reducing the amount of time that the database needs to be open in single-user access mode is provided. A conversion system divides the conversion into a multi-user phase and a single-user phase. During the multi-user phase, the conversion system can perform most of the conversions while the database is opened in multi-user access mode. The conversion system stores the converted data in auxiliary tables, rather than updating the source tables. During the single-user phase, the conversion system performs the remaining conversions and copies data from the source tables and the converted data from the auxiliary tables to the target tables.
US08165986B2 Method and system for real time production management and reservoir characterization
The present invention is a system and method for generating predictions for various parameters in a reservoir. The invention includes receiving input data characterizing the reservoir and determining transient areas. The transient areas are determined by receiving data from the reservoir, transforming the data using discrete wavelet transformation to produce transformed data, removing outliers from the transformed data, identifying and reducing noise from in the transformed data and then detecting transient areas in the transformed data. A computer model is produced in response to the transient data and predictions for parameters in the reservoir are determined. These predictions are verified by comparing predictive values with a reservoir model and then the predictions for the various parameters can be used.
US08165980B2 Dynamic constraint solver with cross problem constraints
A dynamic constraint solver solves a constraint satisfaction problem that includes a problem having zero or more ports, and zero or more sub-problems coupled to the zero or more ports. The solver stores a cross problem constraint template for cross problem constraints. The solver receives a request to connect a first sub-problem to a first port of a first problem. The solver then determines if the first sub-problem forms a participating problem combination for the cross problem constraint template. The participating problem combination includes all participating problems of the cross problem constraint. The solver then generates the cross problem constraint for the participating problem combination if the first sub-problem forms the participating problem combination.
US08165975B2 Methods and apparatus for monitoring abnormalities in data stream
A technique for monitoring a primary data stream comprising a plurality of secondary data streams for abnormalities is provided. A deviation value for each of two or more of the plurality of secondary data streams is determined. The two or more deviation values of the two or more secondary data streams are combined to form a combined deviation value. An abnormality signal is generated based at least in part on the combined deviation value.
US08165967B2 Request modification method and system
A modification method and system. The method includes presenting by a computing system to a requester, templates associated with a candidate request. The computing system receives from the requester, first data associated with the candidate request. The computing system generates a request document comprising the first data. The computing system transmits the request document to at least one supplier. The computing system receives from the at least one supplier, a list of candidates. The computing system receives from the requester, a request for modifying the request document. The computing system generates in response to the request for modifying the request document, a modified request document comprising a modified version of the request document. The computing system receives from the requester, approval data approving a transmission of the modified request document.
US08165965B2 Transaction method with a mobile apparatus
A transaction method between a client and a terminal (2) connected to a telecommunication network comprises the transmission of at least one client identification (IDUI), a terminal identification (POSID), and transaction-specific data to a financial server connected to the telecommunication network.The terminal identification is read or entered in the terminal and transmitted by the telecommunication network to the financial server. The client is equipped with a SIM card which can be connected functionally to a mobile apparatus. The client identification transmitted to the financial server is read in the memory of the SIM card and transmitted to the financial server via at least one interface.
US08165963B2 License scheme for use with stackable devices
A method (300), system (100) and apparatus (200) are provided that enable selected features in a group of two or more devices. A first of the devices (102A) receives a license (306) identifying features to be enabled. The first device (102A) transmits the license (308) to other devices in the group (102B, 102C). The devices in the group (102A-102C) enable selected features (312), according to the license, from features that are available in all the devices in the group. The license may be encrypted (302) and the devices decrypt the license (310) before enabling the selected features (312). The license may be modified (302) using an identifier associated with the first device (102A) of the group and the first device transmits the identifier (308) to the other devices in the group, along with the encrypted license. The devices authorize the license (310) using the transmitted identifier.
US08165955B2 Method and system for computer-implemented trading of secondary market debt securities
A computer-implemented method and system for trading of debt securities (bonds), where multiple dealers participate and compete on a single platform (100). Dealers and investors have respective interfaces (250, 230) for communicating. In one aspect, dealers announce new debt security issues (400), the investors communicate an indication of interest (IOI) (500) in purchasing the new debt security issues, and the issues are allocated to the investors. In another aspect, issues from multiple dealers are made available to investors on a secondary trading market in a searchable format (1000). In response to price inquires sent by investors (1200), the dealers provide offers (1300) which are briefly held and released to the investor concurrently to allow the investor to consider all offers together. In another aspect, the dealers post bid and offer terms for actively traded issues (1700) that are updated in real-time to avoid the need for the inquiry procedure.
US08165952B2 Electronic trading system
An electronic trading system facilitates electronic trades of fungible trading elements. Fungible trading elements are electronically displayed and the system facilitates the trading operations. A risk factor for a particular transaction may be determined and based on this risk factor, the electronic trading system may elect straight through processing (STP) operations to conclude a trade. Otherwise the risk factor may indicate avoiding the STP and allowing other settlement means. The electronic trading system also include the dematerialization of the trading elements, therefore verifying ownership prior to exchange and as such as more robust and secure trading platform.
US08165950B2 Method and a system for trading stripped bonds
In an automated trading system for matching bids and offers entered into the system by a number of traders connected to the system, a server hosts a matching processor and an associated memory forming an orderbook of the system where both fixed-income instruments paying a coupon, referred to as bonds, and fixed-income instruments not paying a coupon (zero-coupon), referred to as stripped bonds, are traded. The system derives prices for bonds using information from stripped bonds.
US08165942B1 System and method for calculating a financial market index
Systems and methods of generating a financial market index are disclosed. According to various embodiments, the index may use a fundamental economic indicator to determine a leverage factor. In various embodiments, the leverage factor is increased if the 3M USD LIBOR increases by at least ten basis points during a determined time period, otherwise the leverage factor is decreased. The leverage factor may have upper and lower bounds. The index level may be calculated daily, with the rebalancing occurring on a monthly cycle.
US08165940B2 Non-credit account credit rating
A consumer's credit rating is derived from non-credit transactions on an account. Each transaction was a purchase by the consumer from a merchant using a pre-paid card. The derived consumer's credit rating can use a total of all of the transactions, totals for each merchant and/or for categories thereof. Here, the account is issued by an issuer to the consumer. Each merchant submits each non-credit transaction to an acquirer for processing by a transaction handler who requests the issuer to obtain payment for the transaction from the account. The issuer forwards the payment to the transaction handler who forwards the payment to the acquirer to pay the merchant for the purchase of the transaction. The derived credit rating can also consider prior credit ratings based upon prior credit transactions.
US08165937B1 System and method for managing information related to securities and securities issuers
A system and method that enables a financial institution managing a money market fund to meet the requirements of SEC Rule 2a-7. The system and method may enable an issuer of an instrument or security to provide information to investors that are regulated by SEC Rule 2a-7, in such a manner that the instrument or security of the issuer may be purchased and held by money market funds. This includes enabling the money market fund to verify that one or more securities issued by one or more issuers meet the three of the basic requirements of the Rule, namely (1) portfolio maturity, (2) portfolio quality, and (3) portfolio diversification.
US08165934B2 Automated invoice processing software and services
A method and system for automated invoice processing. An improved method for invoice processing based on an application service provider model in which invoices can be accessed and approved via the Internet from anywhere in the world. This method and system allows a company to manage the process of storing, reviewing, approving, and paying invoices from a single, centralized application. The invoice processing application is integrated with an accounting or ERP system such that payment can be made automatically and redundant data entry eliminated. The approval hierarchy used by the invoice processing application can be obtained from the human resources system of the client organization.
US08165933B2 Systems, methods, and computer program products for performing item level transaction processing
The present invention provides systems, methods, and computer program products for performing validation and clearance at a transaction item level for transaction received in a batch format. Each transaction of the batch is stored separately in a storage system, such as a logical database. Typically, image data and electronic data for a transaction are stored separately in the storage system and may be linked to each other. Each transaction is separately accessible and/or updateable. Each transaction stored in the storage system is separately analyzed to validate that the transaction is at least balanced. Transactions that determined to be balanced are cleared irrespective of a balance status associated with other transactions associated with the batch of transactions, such that transactions are individually cleared as opposed to being cleared in a batch format.
US08165931B2 Automated purchase assembly conversion process to support a dynamic configure-to-order production operation
A computer implemented method, a tangible computer usable medium, and a data processing system allocate materials to an automated purchase assembly conversion process to support a dynamic configure-to-order production operation. A configure-to-order backlog order is analyzed to determine demand for a particular purchase assembly. If the demand for the particular purchase assembly can be filled with an on-hand purchase assembly in inventory, the on-hand purchase assembly in inventory is allocated to fill the demand. If the demand for the particular purchase assembly can not be filled with an on-hand purchase assembly in inventory, a determination is made as to whether the demand for the particular purchase assembly can be filled by reallocating other similar on-hand purchase assembly in inventory and on-hand individual parts. If the demand for the particular purchase assembly can be filled by reallocating other on-hand purchase assembly in inventory and on-hand individual parts, the on-hand purchase assembly in inventory and the on-hand individual parts are reallocated to fill the demand.
US08165928B2 Managing events within supply chain networks
A supply chain network system comprises a site data appliance (SDA) and a Universal Data Appliance Protocol (UDAP) adapter coupled with one or more data source equipments (DSE). The SDA collects specification information comprising event information from the one or more DSE. A server is coupled with the SDA in the supply chain network. In response to the server requesting the specification information, the SDA sends to the server the specification information in a Description Document. A data center (DC) is coupled with the server in the supply chain network. The DC receives the Description Document and maps the event information in the specification information with event handlers. A mapping of the event information with the event handlers is sent from the DC to the server. When an event is generated by the one or more DSE, the map is used to select an appropriate event handler to execute.
US08165922B2 Physical on demand testing with version support
A method for testing versions for remote manufacturing of software media from a network is described. An interface to a user is provided for creation of a physical on demand product. A product version is created for the physical on demand product that includes an electronic copy of a product and information about the product. Approval of the created product version is requested from quality assurance. A test order capability is provided to the user after approval from quality assurance such that the user may have a physical on demand product order fulfilled prior to release of the product version for general sale in a commerce engine. The delivery of the test order is processed based upon who is requesting the test order. A software system that performs the testing method described above for the creation of compact discs (CDs) or digital video discs (DVDs) containing full product files (executables, binaries, music, video, etc.) also is described.
US08165919B2 Web based product ordering method with shopping carts actions queued
Call center order system and process allows a customer service representative to make remote calls to a server to perform shopping cart actions, all on one web page. Historically, representatives would need to enter client information and product information on several different web pages to satisfy a purchase. Eventually, the representative would have “loaded” several different pages to enter product and customer information. This method resulted in a high amount of errors and increased the risk of fraud. The system utilizes AJAX and dynamic HTML technology. The representative is able to add, update, or remove products in the cart without waiting for the page to “refresh” after every action. Cart actions are flagged with a “ticking” indicator bar. Orders may be placed in a “queue” instead of loading a different page. A mild fraud mode to allow multiple orders is also described. A storefront is used in this process.
US08165915B1 Advertisement customization
Methods, systems and computer program products for customizing one or more advertisements are described. Specifically, advertisements may be customized using information from content of a web page prior to viewing by a user. For example, the rendering of the text of an advertisement may be in a same size, color, and font type as the text on the web page into which the advertisement is integrated. In addition, the advertisement may be displayed using a same color scheme as that used by the web page such that the advertisement may be enhanced in terms of notice and interaction by the user.
US08165913B2 System, method, program for assigning virtual attribute to product, and system, method, and program for tracing cause of phenomenon occurring in product
A system for tracing a cause of a phenomenon occurring in products produced in a production process chain is provided. The system is provided with a storage unit for storing a virtual attribute in association with corresponding second products, a receiving unit for receiving information for specifying third products in which a phenomenon occurs, a correlation calculation unit for calculating a correlation coefficient between the third products specified by the information for specifying the third products and the group of the second products having a common virtual attribute, for every kind of second products used in the third products, and a cause identification unit for identifying the second products belonging to the kind of the second products for which a maximum correlation coefficient is calculated as the cause of the phenomenon.
US08165912B2 Methods and systems for portfolio investment thesis based on application life cycles
The disclosure provides a product/service portfolio investment calculation methodology based on an application life cycle. The present invention defines an application life cycle with a plurality of phases, and provides a mechanism to define a location within the application life cycle improving product and service investment decisions. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention maps the application life cycle with respect to telecommunications and datacommunications products and services.
US08165908B2 Tool tip with additional information and task-sensitive direct access help for a user
An interactive software application provides workflow assistance related to the proper performance of work steps in the workflow. The workflow assistance may include step by step instructions detailing the proper operation of the user interface to complete the current work step. Additionally, the workflow assistance may include a virtual simulation demonstrating the proper operation of the user interface to complete the work step. Alternate workflow assistance may be provided for alternate manners of completing the work step. The software application also may initiate the performance of a work step via a primary operation on an icon associated with the work step. Workflow assistance associated with the work step may be presented via a secondary operation performed on the icon. Workflow assistance also may be directly accessible from the user interface or from a help menu superimposed upon other images displayed on the user interface.
US08165903B1 System, method and computer program product for facilitating informed decisions relating to family risk
A system, method, and computer program product embodied on a computer readable medium are provided. In use, an application is executed which is capable of performing decision logic. Further, information is retrieved from a database in accordance with the decision logic. Information is also received from a user in accordance with the decision logic utilizing a user interface. Still yet, the information is processed utilizing the decision logic. The executing, retrieving, receiving, and processing are carried out by a platform capable of accomplishing the executing, retrieving, receiving, and processing for different purposes by executing different applications each capable of performing different decision logic and using different databases. In one embodiment, the different applications are capable of being executed simultaneously. In another embodiment, the different applications (e.g. insurance, investments, etc.) are each related to asset risk management.
US08165902B2 Method and insurance platform for investment-type whole life insurance at autonomous interest rates
A method and insurance platform for whole life insurance implemented in the insurance field of financial e-commerce is provided. The present invention reflects the interactivity between a consumer and a platform provider in the age of network technology, and creates an insurance platform to enable the consumer to expand his/her credit on the platform and increase investment opportunities according to his/her own risk preference.The present invention provides the insurance platform to replace the savings block of the whole life insurance, such that information symmetry is created between an insurance company and the consumer and the closure of the conventional insurance product is broken to enable the insurance products to compete on the active market of financial products.
US08165899B2 System and method for managing form-generated data
A system and method for managing form-generated data related to a patient encounter involves translating location information related to a user writing on a form into a contextualized data element that includes contextual information. The contextual information helps to explain and/or give meaning to the user writing. Contextual information may include a descriptive name, an identification of data type, healthcare classification information, taxonomic information, an indication of the patient, an indication of the person that wrote on the form, and/or an indication of the date and time at which the writing occurred. The contextual information is then used by an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)/Electronic Health Record (EHR) application to perform a function such as patient/insurance billing, case management, or order fulfillment.
US08165895B2 System and method for selecting compliance related services
A comprehensive medication management system is disclosed. The comprehensive medication management system offers a number of compliance related services that may be offered to patients in to improve medication therapy compliance. The system identifies compliance barriers facing individual patents and recommends services designed to overcome those barriers. The system further provides feedback to patients to document their progress. The system proactively identifies patients who may benefit from compliance services and blocks their transactions until the services are explained. The point of sale block may be expanded to other classes of patients so that the transactions of other classes of patients blocked and other messages delivered or some other customized interactions carried out. The medication management system may serve as a central repository of information about a patient's medication treatment program and the medication management system may provide quick and easy access to a patient's entire medication history to facilitate consultations between a pharmacist and the patient. The medication management system may generate lists of tasks for pharmacists to perform in order to deliver the compliance related services to individual patients.
US08165893B1 Medical monitoring and coordinated care system
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring members of a group and providing coordinated care of the members. Monitoring devices are provided to each of the members which may take periodic health measurements of the member. The health measurement is compared to intervention criteria, which when satisfied, cause one or more interventions to be provided, such as a message sent to a member, a message sent to a health care provider or other interested individual, medical care provided to the member, or other intervention. Monitoring devices may be provided on a subscription basis. Group membership can be dynamic and based on a member's current health measurements. Health measurement information may be provided in reports.
US08165892B2 Monitoring drug packaging in clinical trial process
A method for automatically tracking compliance in a clinical trials process involving one or more operations comprising selecting a container; associating an identifier with the container, the identifier having a unique signature data item thereon; reading the unique signature data item to a relational database; performing a first operation relating to the container; checking the performance of the first operation against a compliance standard; following the successful completion of the first operation, writing an associated compliance data item to the relational database; optionally performing one or more further operations relating to the container; and following the successful completion of each optional further operation or a package thereof, writing an associated compliance data item to the database.
US08165887B2 Data-driven voice user interface
A method for developing a voice user interface for a statistical semantic system is described. A set of semantic meanings is defined that reflect semantic classification of a user input dialog. Then, a set of speech dialog prompts is automatically developed from an annotated transcription corpus for directing user inputs to corresponding final semantic meanings. The statistical semantic system may be a call routing application where the semantic meanings are call routing destinations.
US08165880B2 Speech end-pointer
An end-pointer determines a beginning and an end of a speech segment. The end-pointer includes a voice triggering module that identifies a portion of an audio stream that has an audio speech segment. A rule module communicates with the voice triggering module. The rule module includes a plurality of rules used to analyze a part of the audio stream to detect a beginning and an end of the audio speech segment. A consonant detector detects occurrences of a high frequency consonant in the portion of the audio stream.
US08165879B2 Voice output device and voice output program
A voice output device, includes: a compound word voice data storage unit that stores voice data in association with each of compound words which is formed of a plurality of words; a text display unit that displays text containing a plurality of words; a word designation unit that designates any of the words in the text displayed by the text display unit as a designated word based on a user's operation; a compound word detection unit that detects a compound word in which voice data is stored in the compound word voice data storage unit, from among the plurality of words in the text containing the designated word; and a voice output unit that outputs voice data corresponding to the compound word detected by the compound word detection unit as a voice.
US08165877B2 Confidence measure generation for speech related searching
A voice search system has a speech recognizer, a search component, and a dialog manager. A confidence measure generator receives speech recognition features from the speech recognizer, search features from the search component, and dialog features from the dialog manager, and calculates an overall confidence measure for voice search results based upon the features received. The invention can be extended to include the generation of additional features, based on those received from the individual components of the voice search system.
US08165875B2 System for suppressing wind noise
A voice enhancement logic improves the perceptual quality of a processed voice. The voice enhancement system includes a noise detector and a noise attenuator. The noise detector detects a wind buffet and a continuous noise by modeling the wind buffet. The noise attenuator dampens the wind buffet to improve the intelligibility of an unvoiced, a fully voiced, or a mixed voice segment.
US08165872B2 Method and system for improving speech quality
A method and system for improving speech quality may include estimating at least one component of a distorted portion of a speech signal from at least one component of an undistorted portion of the speech signal and reinforcing the component of the distorted portion based on the estimating. The components may include the pitch, spectral envelope and spectral energy of the speech signal. The undistorted portion of the speech signal may be delayed and the components of the distorted portion may be interpolated from the components of a delayed undistorted portion and a current undistorted portion of the speech signal. The components of the distorted portion of the speech signal may be extrapolated from a current undistorted portion of the speech signal. Components of the distorted portion of the speech signal may be estimated from frequency bands other than the frequency band affected by the distortion.
US08165871B2 Encoding method and apparatus for efficiently encoding sinusoidal signal whose magnitude is less than masking value according to psychoacoustic model and decoding method and apparatus for decoding encoded sinusoidal signal
Provided are an encoding method and apparatus for efficiently encoding a sinusoidal signal whose magnitude is less than a masking value according to a psychoacoustic model, a decoding method and apparatus for decoding an encoded sinusoidal signal, and a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the encoding method/the decoding method. By using a particular code indicating that the magnitude of a first sinusoidal signal is less than a masking value according to a psychoacoustic model to encode the first sinusoidal signal, difference coding for a third sinusoidal signal of a next frame, which is connected to the first sinusoidal signal, is performed using a sinusoidal signal or sinusoidal signals selected according to a method to use the particular code, and a decoding apparatus obtains a sum with a transmitted difference using the selected sinusoidal signal(s).
US08165868B2 Speech translating system
Disclosed is a speech translating system for translating speech from a first language to a language selected from a set of second languages. The system includes an input unit, a processor, and an output unit. The input unit is capable of receiving the speech in the first language. The processor is operatively coupled to the input unit and is capable of converting the speech in the first language to the speech in the selected language. The output unit is operatively coupled to the processor. The output unit is capable of outputting the speech in the selected language.
US08165867B1 Methods for translating a device command
An item of information is transmitted to a distal computer, translated to a different sense modality and/or, language and in substantially real time, and the translation is transmitted back to the location from which the item was sent. The device sending the item is preferably a wireless device, and more preferably a cellular or other telephone. The device receiving the translation is also preferably a wireless device, and more preferably a cellular or other telephone, and may advantageously be the same device as the sending device. The item of information preferably comprises a sentence of human speech having at least ten words, and the translation is a written expression of the sentence. All of the steps of transmitting the item of information, executing the program code, and transmitting the translated information preferably occurs in less than 60 seconds of elapsed time.
US08165863B2 Visualization method for electrical machine operation models based on mechanical machine operation models
A visualization of an electrical machine operation model of logic controller behavior is displayed on a display such as a two-dimensional computer display. The display includes separate spaces representing separate devices in the model. For each device, several characteristics are shown in the model, including mechanical steps, electrical steps and electrical signal outputs. The electrical steps are shown superimposed on the mechanical steps, and electrical transitions link sequential electrical steps in time. Representations of conditions link the electrical transitions with signal outputs upon which the electrical transitions are conditioned.
US08165860B2 Thermodynamic process control based on pseudo-density root for equation of state
A system for thermodynamic modeling is provided. The system comprises a computer having a processor, a thermodynamic process simulation application, and a thermodynamic equation of state application. When executed by the processor, the thermodynamic equation of state application determines a density root based on a first and second point of departure from an equation of state and based on a first and a second extrapolation equation. The first departure point satisfies the equation ∂ P ∂ ρ = β ⁢ P ρ + Ω . The second departure point satisfies the equation α ⁡ ( ∂ P ∂ ρ - R ) + ( 1 - α ) ⁢ ( ∂ P ∂ ρ ) ⁢ | dp ⁢ ⁢ 1 = 0. The density root is determined as a pseudo-density in a phase two when the specified pressure is greater than the second departure point pressure and in a phase one when the specified pressure is less than the first departure point pressure. When executed by the processor, the thermodynamic process simulation application invokes the thermodynamic equation of state application to determine a result based on the density root.
US08165852B2 Simulation apparatus for a semiconductor device
A simulation apparatus of semiconductor device includes a first calculator, a second calculator, a third calculator, a fourth calculator, and a controller. The first calculator applies a voltage to an area which functions as a virtual electrode, and setting a pseudo-Fermi level of a first carrier in the area functioning as the virtual electrode to calculate a first carrier density. The second calculator analyzes continuous equation of a second carrier to calculate a second carrier density. The third calculator uses the first carrier density as a function of an electrostatic potential, and solving a first equation of the function and a Poisson's equation to calculate an electrostatic potential and the first carrier density expressed by the function. The fourth calculator calculates a current density of the first carrier to calculate a current flowing. The controller controls the voltage applied to the virtual electrode.
US08165844B2 Motion tracking system
A system is provided for capturing motion of a moving object via a plurality of motion sensor modules placed on various body segments. The sensor modules capture both 3D position and 3D orientation data relating to their respective body segments, thereby gathering motion data having six degrees of freedom with respect to a coordinate system not fixed to the body. Each body sensor collects 3D inertial sensor data and, optionally, magnetic field data. In embodiments, either DSP circuitry within the sensor modules or an external computing device, processes the sensor data to arrive at orientation and position estimates by using an estimation algorithm, such as a Kalman filter or a particle filter. The processing includes biomechanical model constraints that allow flexibility in the joints and provide characteristics for various joint types. To improve estimation accuracy, the system may be integrated with various types of aiding sensors.
US08165843B2 Method and apparatus for judging position shift
Time-course data that has been obtained by measuring, in time series, a change in the density of a sample material by a color reaction thereof is input. A regression curve generation unit generates a regression curve that approximates the time-course data. A standard deviation obtainment unit obtains the value of a standard deviation representing the distribution of the approximation error of the regression curve with respect to the time-course data. A standard deviation comparison judgment unit compares the value of the standard deviation and a predetermined threshold value that is stored in a standard deviation storage unit with each other. When the value of the standard deviation is greater than the threshold value, the standard deviation comparison judgment unit judges that a position shift of the sample material with respect to a sample table is present and outputs the result of the judgment.
US08165842B2 Measuring device for vehicle data, in particular for the speed of a vehicle running on wheels
A measuring device for measuring the speed of a vehicle running on wheels has a first sensor and a second sensor. The two sensors are arranged on the same wheel of a vehicle and rotate with this wheel. Both sensors are arranged in such a way that they measure forces which are each perpendicular to the axis of the wheel and at an angle to one another, and act on the same point. An evaluation device is provided to which the measured values of the two sensors are fed, with the evaluation device obtaining the acceleration of the vehicle in the direction of travel therefrom, and calculating the current vehicle speed from it.
US08165839B2 Calibration of an instrument location facility with an imaging apparatus
A method is proposed for calibrating an instrument location facility with an imaging apparatus. The instrument location apparatus and the imaging apparatus are synchronized temporally with one another. According to such synchronization at least three points of the position of a medical instrument relative to a tracking coordinate system of the instrument location apparatus and/or relative to an image coordinate system of the imaging apparatus are measured simultaneously both by the instrument location apparatus and by the imaging apparatus. The instrument and/or the imaging apparatus are moved relative to one another between the measurements. The measured points parameterize a predetermined transformation rule for mapping the tracking coordinate system onto the image coordinate system.
US08165834B2 High density metering system
A method of monitoring the electrical power in multiple branch circuits of an AC electrical power distribution system comprises monitoring at least one voltage common to said multiple branch circuits using a main meter unit, monitoring currents of the multiple branch circuits using multiple current cards that receive a plurality of current inputs from current transducers in the multiple branch circuits, sampling the monitored voltage in the main meter unit and the monitored currents in the current cards multiple times in each cycle of the AC power signal, determining the magnitudes and angles of spectral components of the sampled current in the current cards, sending data representing the magnitudes and angles of at least selected spectral components from the current cards to the main meter unit, and storing the voltage samples and the magnitudes and angles of at least the selected spectral components in the main meter unit.
US08165833B2 Wireless sensor network systems, method for placing a plurality of sensor nodes in wireless sensor network system, and methods for computing sensing energy consumption per area of a plurality of sensor nodes
A wireless sensor network system, a method for placing a plurality of sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network, and a method for computing sensing energy consumption per area of a plurality of sensor node are disclosed. The wireless sensor network system includes a plurality of sensor nodes which are deployed at the same distance in a two-dimensional plane and have sensing areas of the same size, and an extra sensor node which has a sensing area of a smaller size than the size of the sensor nodes to sense a gap area which is not covered by the sensing areas of the sensor nodes.
US08165831B2 Water level measuring apparatus and measuring method
A water level measuring apparatus and a water level measuring method, in which a water level L0 of a liquid is read from a water level indicator secured to a liquid tank, and a filter value FLT is calculated by applying a filter with a time constant greater than one second to the water level L0, and the filter value FLT is output as a final water level L. Accordingly, even if the surface sloshes and the water level L0 fluctuates up and down, the water level L0 is smoothed by the filter. Hence there is little influence of the liquid sloshing, and the water level measurement accuracy can be improved.
US08165830B2 Meter electronics and methods for determining a phase difference between a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal of a flow meter
Meter electronics (20) for processing sensor signals in a flow meter is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) for receiving a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal and a processing system (203) in communication with the interface (201) and configured to receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, generate a ninety degree phase shift from the first sensor signal, and compute a frequency from the first sensor signal and the ninety degree phase shift. The processing system (203) is further configured to generate sine and cosine signals using the frequency, and quadrature demodulate the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal using the sine and cosine signals in order to determine the phase difference.
US08165829B2 Method of diagnosing system, method of operating aggregating system for system diagnosis, and aggregating system for system diagnosis
The invention provides a method of diagnosing a system, a method of operating an aggregating system for system diagnosis and an aggregating system for system diagnosis, which are effective for achieving comprehensive and effective system cost reduction. For a target system 1, at least two or more kinds of diagnoses selected from a trap operation diagnosis, a fluid leakage diagnosis, a system improvement diagnosis and maintenance improvement diagnosis are effected in a batch and in reporting the results of these diagnoses in a batch, there are reported an economic advantage MQt″ obtained by reduction in a trap-passed seam loss Qt″, an economic advantage MQs, MQp, MQn obtained by reduction in fluid leakage loss Qs, Qp, Qn, an economic advantage Ma obtained by system improvement and an economic advantage Mb obtained by method improvement in a maintenance method.
US08165811B2 Computer-implemented system and method for determining point-to-point correlation of sky clearness for photovoltaic power generation fleet output estimation
A computer-implemented system and method for determining point-to-point correlation of sky clearness for photovoltaic power generation fleet output estimation is provided. A physical distance between two points is obtained, each point being suitable for operation of a photovoltaic station. A temporal distance that includes the physical distance between the two points in proportion to cloud speed is determined. A correlation between sky clearness over the two points is evaluated as an empirically-derived exponential function of the temporal distance. A set of input clearness indexes for one of the points is correlated into a set of output clearness indexes indicating the sky clearness for the other of the points using a coefficient of the clearness index correlation.
US08165809B1 System and method for optimized flight planning
A computer-implemented system and method for the processing and optimization of flight plans is disclosed. Information regarding a plurality of previous flight plans is received over a digital network and is stored in at least a database. The database preferably includes aviation fuel price information, aircraft performance information, and aviation weather information as well. Upon receiving a request, a server generates at least an optimized portion of a flight plan. In one form, historical flight plan data of others is automatically used to aid in the determination of the optimized route offered to the user for review, with the resulting final flight plan being electronically filed with the FAA upon approval. In a further form, the user may arrange fuel transactions at intermediate destinations with the service provider receiving a fee in exchange for facilitating the transaction.
US08165798B2 System for evaluating POI and method thereof
The present invention relates to a system for evaluating a point of interest (POI) and a method thereof. The system includes a vehicle information center that stores position information of a POI, and a POI evaluation unit for determining whether a user uses the POI or not by using the POI position information, and sends an evaluation result to the vehicle information center after receiving an evaluation of the POI from the user.
US08165793B1 System and method for route representation with waypoint storage
A method is provided, which optimizes a represented route of a traveling object. The method herein provides route representation compatible with various sampling protocols and accounts for high velocity states and near stand still states. In addition, route representation can be optimized for a given number of waypoints, accommodating a maximum waypoint storage file size. Waypoints are captured and significance scores are calculated and compared. The least significant waypoint is discarded in favor of a subsequently captured waypoint and the significance of waypoints surrounding the discarded waypoint are recalculated. By quantified waypoint selection the user can obtain an optimized route representation with quantified errors from a manageable number of waypoints.
US08165777B2 Method to compensate for transmission spin loss for a hybrid powertrain system
A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to an input member of a hybrid transmission. The hybrid transmission is operative to transmit torque between the input member and a torque generating machine and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining an output torque command and an output speed of the output member, iteratively selecting candidate input speeds to the input member, determining mechanical power loss in the hybrid transmission for each of the candidate input speeds and the output speed, and selecting a preferred input speed comprising the candidate input speed that achieves a minimum mechanical power loss in the hybrid transmission at the output speed.
US08165776B2 Drive assist system
A drive assist system includes an assist starting part starting assist, a detection part detecting relative distances and speeds between a vehicles, a calculation part calculating collision risks when changing a lane by the basis of the relative distances and speeds, a first judgment part judging whether the lane can be changed by the relative distances, speeds and the collision risks, a decision part deciding a target space for lane change by the relative distances and speeds when the lane cannot be changed, a second judgment part judging whether a lane changeable space is in the target space, a setting part setting a target speed for the vehicle go to a lane change waiting position when no space and to setting a target speed the vehicle enters a lane changeable position when there is the space, and a control part controlling a speed of the vehicle reaches the target speed.
US08165770B2 Trailer oscillation detection and compensation method for a vehicle and trailer combination
A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, generating an oscillation signal indicative of trailer swaying relative to the vehicle, generating an initial weighted dynamic control signal for a vehicle dynamic control system in response to the oscillation signal, operating at least one vehicle dynamic system according to the dynamic control signal, and thereafter, iteratively generating a penalty function for the weighted dynamic control signal as a function of the oscillation signal response. A neural network with an associated trainer modifies the dynamic control signal as a function of trailer sway response.
US08165767B2 Traction control system for 4WD/AWD vehicles
A method controls a powertrain that directs power from an engine and a transmission to all four wheels or to just front wheels or to just rear wheels. The method includes monitoring information transmitted over a communications network. The method determines whether one or more components of the powertrain are in an active condition or in an inactive condition. The one or more components of the powertrain are in the inactive condition when not connected to the transmission and not connected to the front wheels or the rear wheels. The one or more components of the powertrain are in the active condition when connected to the transmission and connected to the front wheels and the rear wheels. The method switches the one or more components of the powertrain between the inactive condition and the active condition based only on the information from the communications network and without intervention from a user.
US08165758B2 Vehicular seatbelt apparatus
A seatbelt apparatus for a vehicle includes a control device for controlling an amount of electric current fed to a motor for winding a seatbelt. The control device controls the motor such that a predetermined amount of electric current is applied to the motor in a behavioral state of the vehicle requiring emergency measures, and such that when the seatbelt is wound a predetermined amount, the predetermined amount of winding is maintained.
US08165754B2 Steering control system
A steering control system is connectable to a motor configured to control a steering and a LAN (Local Area Network) and is allowed to receive a control signal for controlling said motor from the LAN is received. The steering control system includes: a motor configured to control a steering; a main calculation unit connectable to the LAN; a motor drive circuit connected to the main calculation unit and configured to drive the motor; a sub calculation unit connectable to the LAN; and a motor drive limiting unit connected to the sub calculation unit and configured to limit a drive of the motor.
US08165744B2 Methods, program products, and systems for controlling for improper installation of vehicle sensors
A method for controlling for improper installation of sensors of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the steps of determining a first indication of direction based at least in part on a yaw value, determining a second indication of direction based at least in part on a steering angle value, and changing the second indication of direction, if the first indication of direction and the second indication of direction are inconsistent with one another.
US08165741B2 Off-board device with read/scroll actuator
A single input having multiple functions is provided. The single input having multiple functions may be used on off-board tools. In accordance with one embodiment, an off-board tool having a read/scroll actuator is provided. The read/scroll actuator, upon being actuated, performs either a read function or a scroll function. Another embodiment of an off-board tool having a display and capable of receiving information is provided. The off-board tool includes a contextual actuator having a first and a second mode. Actuation of the actuator in the first mode effectuates retrieval of information. Actuation of the actuator in the second mode effectuates display of at least a portion of the retrieved information. In accordance with another embodiment, an off-board device is provided. The off-board tool includes a display, read logic, scroll logic and a read/scroll actuator. Another embodiment of an off-board tool includes a display, a read means, a scroll means and a read/scroll means.
US08165739B2 Malfunction diagnosis system and malfunction diagnosis method for electric vehicle on-board device
A malfunction diagnosis system includes: a malfunction diagnosis section that performs a malfunction diagnosis for an on-board device of an electric vehicle when supplied with electric power from either an electric storage section or an external power source; a malfunction diagnosis request section that requests the malfunction diagnosis section to carry out malfunction diagnosis; an external power source connector that supplies electric power from the external power source; and an external power source connection determination section that determines whether the external power source connector is connected to the external power source. The malfunction diagnosis request section changes at least either the number of times that the malfunction diagnosis section is requested to carry out malfunction diagnosis or the period of time the malfunction diagnosis section is requested to carry out malfunction diagnosis depending whether the external power source connector is connected to the external power source.
US08165738B2 Industrial vehicle and power control method for the same
An industrial vehicle having a hybrid system controls a distribution of power generated by an engine and power generated by an electric motor. The vehicle includes an engine for supplying power to one of a running unit and a loading-and-unloading unit; a first motor for supplying power to one of the running unit and the loading-and-unloading unit; a second motor for supplying power to the running unit; a required-power calculating unit for calculating running power, and loading-and-unloading power; a clutch unit for controlling the power transmitted from the engine to the running unit; and a power-distribution calculating unit for selecting a destination to be supplied with power from the engine and the first motor based on the control status of the clutch unit, and for calculating a distribution of power which the engine, the first motor, and the second motor supply based on the calculating running power and loading-and-unloading power.
US08165737B2 Method and system for controlling a power inverter in electric drives of vehicles with two-mode transmissions
Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in automobiles utilizing two-mode transmissions are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to a commanded torque of the electric motor being below a first torque level, controlling the power inverter to set a switching frequency of the power inverter at a first set frequency; and, responsive to the commanded torque of the electric motor being between the first torque level and a second torque level, controlling the power inverter to determine the switching frequency of the power inverter as a function of the commanded torque of the electric motor while maintaining the switching frequency above a dynamic frequency limit. The method reduces switching frequencies in the inverter at high commanded torques, while maintaining the switching frequencies above dynamic frequency limit that provides effective control over the motor.
US08165730B2 Flight recorder having integral reserve power supply within form factor of enclosure and method therefor
A flight recorder includes an enclosure having a notch formed on one side or corner of the enclosure. An electronic interface is disposed within the enclosure. The electronic interface is coupled for receiving flight data, video data, and audio data. A memory unit is disposed within the enclosure and electrically connected to the electronic interface for storing the data. The memory unit contains a non-volatile memory device. A reserve power supply is physically disposed within the notch of the enclosure. The reserve power supply contains a rechargeable battery. A clamp secures the reserve power supply to the enclosure to make the reserve power supply removable from the enclosure. The reserve power supply has an electrical connector coupled to the enclosure for providing an operating voltage to the electronic interface and memory unit. The reserve power supply and electrical connector physically reside within a form factor of the enclosure.
US08165715B2 Substrate processing system, substrate detecting apparatus, and substrate detecting method
A substrate processing system 1 comprises a first detecting part 40 configured to detect unprocessed wafers W, and a second detecting part 50 configured to detect processed wafers W. The first detecting part 40 is configured to detect whether the unprocessed wafers W are respectively accommodated in respective accommodating portions 82 of a container 80 or not, and to detect accommodated conditions of the respective unprocessed wafers W accommodated in the respective accommodating portions 82. The second detecting part 50 is configured to collectively detect whether the processed wafers W are respectively accommodated in the respective accommodating portions 82 of the container 80.
US08165709B1 Four pad self-calibrating electronic lapping guide
Lapping guides for use in fabrication of a magnetic recording head are provided. The lapping guides comprise a first differential electronic lapping guide (ELG) disposed in a first layer of the magnetic recording head. The first differential ELG has a first resistive element and a second resistive element between which is disposed a first common electrical lead. The lapping guides further comprise a second differential ELG disposed in a second layer of the magnetic recording head. The second differential ELG has a third resistive element and a fourth resistive element between which is disposed a second common electrical lead. The first and second differential ELGs share a common ground and a common current injection source. Remaining lapping distances at the first and second layers of the magnetic recording head are determined by measuring changing voltages across the first, second, third and fourth resistive elements, respectively.
US08165707B2 Enterprise factory control method and system
A system, method, service and media for managing both supplier-owned and non-owned manufacturing asset types utilizing a supplier model of a product which goes across the manufacturing asset types. The invention maps the model to instances of the asset types and uses a network to control and monitor the assets. The monitoring and control occur according to the model, rules and services and does not require the vendors of non-owned manufacturing asset types to change their manufacturing execution systems.
US08165706B2 Methods for generating representations of flatness defects on wafers
Methods are disclosed for generating a representation of flatness defects on a wafer. Data is received describing the thickness of the wafer at a plurality of points on a wafer divided into a plurality of sites. A reference plane is defined for each of the plurality of sites. For each of the sites, an upper plane and a lower plane are defined relative to the reference plane. A determination is made as to which of the plurality of points on the wafer represents a flatness defect by identifying which points are not disposed between the upper plane and lower plane. A representation is then generated depicting a location of each of the flatness defects on the wafer. In some embodiments, a single representation is generated depicting the location of flatness defects on a plurality of wafers.
US08165703B2 Computer assisted method for the advanced design of bent parts of composite material
Computer assisted method for the advanced design of bent parts of composite material using a computer assisted CAD system comprising the following stages: a) Supplying the 2D mesh model (11) of the part; b) Generating the 3D outer surface (19) of the part; c) Obtaining the 3D mesh model (51) by adapting the 2D mesh model (11) to the geometry of the 3D outer surface (19) by bending the contour lines (17) of the patterns (13) of the 2D model (11) with respect to some bending lines (23) set up in relation to a bending surface (31) similar to that of the tool provided for bending the part; d) Generating the solid model (53) of the bent part. The invention also relates to a computer program that when it is executed on a computer together with a CAD system it causes the execution of the method.
US08165685B1 System and method for therapeutic neuromuscular electrical stimulation
A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy includes one or more sensors for sensing the position or the muscle contractions of a body part, such as an arm, hand, finger, leg, etc.; a stimulator in communication with the sensor or sensors; and two or more electrodes that can be positioned to activate the paralyzed body part. Based on signals from the one or more sensors, the stimulator can regulate the stimulation provided through the electrodes, including the intensity and duration of the electrical stimulation signal. The sensors can be assembled in a wearable article, such as a glove, sock, or sleeve, to monitor the position or muscle contractions of the healthy body part. The electrodes also may be assembled in a wearable device that allows customized placement of those electrodes.
US08165683B2 Method and apparatus for detection of nervous system disorders
Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Other embodiments include prediction of seizure activity based upon analysis of physiological signal levels. An embodiment of the invention monitors the quality of physiological signals, and may be able to compensate for signals of low signal quality. A further embodiment of the invention includes detection of seizure activity following the delivery of therapy.
US08165681B2 Method for blocking activation of tissue or conduction of action potentials while other tissue is being therapeutically activated
A desired effect is produced by therapeutically activating tissue at a first site within a patient's body and a corresponding undesired side effect is reduced by blocking activation of tissue or conduction of action potentials at a second site within the patient's body by applying high frequency stimulation and/or direct current pulses at or near the second site. Time-varying DC pulses may be used before or after a high frequency blocking signal. The high frequency stimulation may begin before and continue during the therapeutic activation. The high frequency stimulation may begin with a relatively low amplitude, and the amplitude may be gradually increased. The desired effect may be promotion of micturition or defecation and the undesired side effect may be sphincter contraction.
US08165676B2 Optical sensor and method for detecting a patient condition
An implantable medical device for monitoring tissue perfusion that includes a light source emitting light having a light wavelength corresponding to a blue to ultraviolet light spectrum and a light detector receiving light emitted by the light source and scattered by a volume of body tissue. The light detector emits a signal correlated to the received light wavelength, and a processor receives the signal from the light detector and determines a patient condition in response to the signal.
US08165675B2 Systems and methods for use with an implantable medical device for discriminating VT and SVT based on ventricular depolarization event timing
Techniques are described for discriminating ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) using an implantable medical device capable of multi-site ventricular sensing. In one example, ventricular depolarization events are detected within a patient by the implantable device during a tachyarrhythmia, at both a left ventricular sensing site and a right ventricular sensing site. Ventricular event timing differences are then ascertained. The device compares the ventricular event timing differences detected during the tachyarrhythmia with predetermined supraventricular event timing differences for the patient, such as event timing differences previously detected within the patient during sinus rhythm or extrapolated from sinus rhythm values. The device then distinguishes VT from SVT based on the comparison of the event timing differences detected during the tachyarrhythmia with the predetermined supraventricular event timing differences. Morphological waveform analysis can also be performed, when needed, to further distinguish VT from SVT.
US08165672B2 Therapeutic method with pain relief
A desired effect is produced by therapeutically activating tissue at a first site within a patient's body and a corresponding undesired side effect is reduced by blocking activation of tissue or conduction of action potentials at a second site within the patient's body by applying high frequency stimulation and/or direct current pulses at or near the second site. Time-varying DC pulses may be used before or after a high frequency blocking signal. The high frequency stimulation may begin before and continue during the therapeutic activation. The high frequency stimulation may begin with a relatively low amplitude, and the amplitude may be gradually increased. The desired effect may be defibrillation of the patient's atria or defibrillation of the patient's ventricles, and the undesired side effect may be pain.
US08165671B2 Automatic therapy advisor
A method of automatically determining which type of treatment is most appropriate for (or the physiological state of) a patient. The method comprises transforming one or more time domain measurements from the patient into frequency domain data representative of the frequency content of the time domain measurements; processing the frequency domain data to form a plurality of spectral bands, the content of a spectral band representing the frequency content of the measurements within a frequency band; forming a weighted sum of the content of the spectral bands, with different weighting coefficients applied to at least some of the spectral bands; determining the type of treatment (or physiological state) based on the weighted sum.
US08165669B2 System for magnetic modulation of neural conduction
Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with magnetic stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed.
US08165662B2 Implantable tissue perfusion sensing system and method
A medical device for sensing cardiac events that includes a plurality of electrodes sensing cardiac signals utilized to identify a cardiac event, a plurality of light sources capable of emitting light at a plurality of wavelengths, and a detector to detect the emitted light. A processor determines a plurality of light measurements in response to the emitted light detected by the detector, and generates a blood volume index in response to a light source of the plurality of light sources emitting light at an isobestic wavelength. The blood volume index is then utilized to verify the identifying of the cardiac event.
US08165656B2 Systems and methods for measuring pulse wave velocity with an intravascular device
The systems and methods described herein allow measurement of the velocity of a pulse wave propagating within a body lumen using an intravascular elongate medical device. The elongate medical device can include a data collection device configured to collect pulse wave data at a location within the lumen. The data collection device is communicatively coupled with a velocity measurement system and configured to output the collected data to the velocity measurement system. The velocity measurement system is configured to calculate the velocity of the pulse wave based on the collection data. The velocity of a pulse wave over a region of the lumen can be used for tissue characterization, diagnosis and the like.
US08165651B2 Analyte sensor, and associated system and method employing a catalytic agent
An analyte sensor for use in connection with a biofluid is described. The analyte sensor may comprise any suitable interface between the biofluid and a derivative of the biofluid and any suitable transducer of information concerning an analyte. At least one catalytic agent is provided in a locale or vicinity of the interface. The catalytic agent, such as a proteinaceous agent or a non-proteinaceous, organic-metal agent, is sufficient to catalyze the degradation of reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species that may be present in the vicinity of the interface. An analyte-sensing kit and a method of sensing an analyte are also described.
US08165646B2 Earphone line retracting device, automatic line retracting earphone, non-radiation wire mobile phone and electronic device
The present invention provides an earphone line retracting device, and an automatic line retracting earphone having the earphone line retracting device, a non-radiation wire mobile phone having the earphone line retracting device, and an electronic device having the earphone line retracting device. The earphone line retracting device at least comprises: a winder, drive means driving the winder, and signal connector means, characterized in that the earphone line retracting device further comprises shift gear means, by which the drive means drives the winder.
US08165636B2 Integrated circuit board with wireless circuitry
An IC Card comprises a first device, including a first processor and a first memory unit, to communicate with a handset, and a second device. The second device includes a second processor and a second memory unit, to communicate via a wireless communication with an electronic apparatus external to the handset, the second device providing predetermined services. Each predetermined service is programmed to receive a wireless message from a respective electronic apparatus, to execute a predetermined elaboration, and to return a result to the respective electronic apparatus. The second memory unit stores a plurality of additional programs for executing additional elaborations, each program being associated to one of the predetermined services. The second device has a run-time environment for executing the additional programs when the corresponding predetermined services receives the wireless message.
US08165634B2 Female receptacle connector
A media player system is disclosed. One aspect of the media player system pertains to a docking station that allows a media player to communicate with other media devices. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a hand held music player that includes a transmitter for transmitting information over a wireless connection. Yet another aspect of the media player system pertains to a connector that includes a housing and a plurality of spatially separated contacts mounted within the housing. A first set of contacts are directed at a first functionality and a second set of contacts are directed at a second functionality that is different than the first functionality.
US08165632B2 Position reporting microphone
A position reporting microphone, adapted for use in an existing communication system is disclosed. The position reporting microphone communicatively networks with the existing communication system channels to send and receive information such as for example audio, position, and/or identification information regarding the position reporting microphone.
US08165628B1 Device, system and method for multi-profile wireless communication
Briefly, some embodiments of the invention may provide devices, systems and methods for multi-profile wireless communication. For example, a wireless communication module may include first and second ports, and may be able to selectably operate in either a first mode of operation, in which said first port is used as an input port for incoming signals and said second port is used as an output port for outgoing signals, or a second mode of operation, in which said second port is used as an input port for incoming signals and said first port is used as an output port for outgoing signals.
US08165625B2 Mobile communication device capable of performing group communication between a cellular communication system and a VoIP system
A mobile communication apparatus capable of performing group communication between a cellular communication system and a VoIP system includes a first wireless communication module for processing signals of a cellular network corresponding to the cellular communication system, a second wireless communication module for processing signals of a WLAN corresponding to the VoIP system, and a control module coupled to the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module, for establishing voice communications with the cellular network and the WLAN through the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module, and for exchanging signals of the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module when the mobile communication apparatus operates in a first operation mode.
US08165612B2 Methods and apparatus for accessing computer network accessible service applications via a mobile terminal
Methods and systems for accessing computer network accessible services, such as internet based service applications, via a mobile terminal of a mobile telecommunication system using a mediation layer between a person's mobile terminal and the IT world. The mobile terminal in response to receiving user inputs interacts with this mediation layer via text messages. The mediation layer turns around and executes the appropriate IT services on behalf of the mobile terminal user.
US08165609B2 Storage and access of digital content
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method, comprising providing a first communications channel to transmit digital content to a notes-access application for storage against a particular user, the first communications channel being selected from the group consisting of an SMS channel, an MMS channel, a fax channel, an e-mail channel, and an IM channel; responsive to receiving digital content from said user via the first communications channel storing said digital content in the database associated with said notes-access application; and providing a second communications channel to the notes-access application whereby the digital content stored by the notes-access application against said user is provided to said user, the second communications channel being selected from the group consisting of an SMS channel, an MMS channel, a fax channel, an e-mail channel, and an IM channel.
US08165603B2 Personal location code
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for receiving a request from a requestor to locate a user. The request identifies a personal location code (PLC) for the user. It is determined if the request is allowed based on the PLC. If the request is allowed, the current location of the user is obtained based on the location of one or more devices associated with the user. The current location of the device is then provided to the requestor.
US08165601B2 Positional information system
In an indoor positioning system, for establishment of a cost sharing system, the positioning information transmission device does not directly transmit positional information but performs concealment and variablization on the device ID and transmits the concealed and variablized device ID. The positioning information management server stores and manages correspondence between the device IDs and positional information, and performs conversion from the device ID to the positional information in accordance with the correspondence. Further, the problem of conflict between concealed IDs upon concealment of positioning identification information by the positioning information transmission devices, which occurs when all the positioning information transmission devices use the same secret key, can be prevented. The system can be operated even when the bit length of the device ID is short.
US08165592B2 System and method for creating a wireless picocell
A system and method are provided for creating a picocell service alternate to a wireless network service. The method comprises: detecting a multiple access (MA) wireless communications network, such as a terrestrial or satellite network; and, generating a first picocell in response to detecting the MA wireless network. Typically, the method comprises receiving requests for picocell service from mobile stations, in response to generating the first picocell. In one aspect, the service requests made by the mobile stations are denied. In another aspect, the method further comprises: establishing a first picocell MSC; and, providing network services to mobile stations via the first picocell, in response to the requests for picocell service. For example, the first picocell MSC may provide the same network services that are provided by a conventional terrestrial network, for example. Alternately, the method establishes an alternative wireless network (a second picocell) to provide services.
US08165591B2 Process to allocate channels in a sectorized cellular network
The invention disclosed is a process to allocate channels in a sectorized cellular network. A system of allocating cellular frequencies (channels) to the sectors among the cells within a tile is disclosed which maximizes channel set usage within the tile while avoiding co-channel interference between cells. According to the present system, no infrastructure rebuild is required. The disclosed approach further supports all currently used cellular technology. By alternating and rotating the channel assignments across sectors, what is a seemingly locally poor algorithm utilizing additional local channels is actually a globally good algorithm which is efficient in terms of the total number of channels used owing to short reuse distance and low number of cell types.
US08165589B2 Wireless terminal, wireless communication system and method for controling wireless terminal to switch between networks in wireless communication system
The invention provides a mobile terminal having a first network module for connecting to a wireless wide area network (WWAN) and a second network module for connecting to a wireless local area network (WLAN). The WWAN and the WLAN connect to a control center. The mobile terminal connects to the WLAN and detects a WWAN signal level of a WWAN signal transmitted by the WWAN and a WLAN signal level of a WLAN signal of a WLAN signal transmitted by the WLAN. The mobile terminal calculates a modified signal level according to a first compensation value and the WLAN signal level and sends the modified signal level and the WWAN signal level to the control center. If the modified signal level is smaller than a first threshold and the WWAN signal level is greater than a second threshold, the control center sends a switch command to the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal switches the connection from the WLAN to the WWAN.
US08165584B2 Multi-MVNO wireless service
Systems and methods for determining an optimal range of frequencies of electromagnetic waves are described. In some embodiments, mobile voice communications devices measure average power received from certain ranges of such frequencies, each range associated with a communications service provider. A cost may be associated with each range. An optimal range of frequencies may be determined based on these factors. Each device may also receive a set of data identifying the location of the device. Each device may transmit one or more communications signals to a CIP with such measurements and location information, and some of this information may be stored in a database.
US08165581B2 Selective channel scanning for networked devices
Selectively scanning available channels for a network connection. A computing device defines a preferred channel list for a network along with a scan ratio. The scan ratio relates the frequency that the preferred channels are scanned versus the frequency that all the channels are scanned. In an embodiment, the preferred channel list reflects channels on which the computing device has recently connected. Employing the scan ratio thereby balances power consumption with fast connection establishment. The scan ratio is also adjustable to affect power consumption and battery life of the computing device.
US08165576B2 Method and system for extending services to cellular devices
A system is provide for extending services to cellular devices. The system includes a wireless gateway having a client side with an intelligent client agent and a server side with an intelligent server agent, a wireless device having a first mode operable in a cellular system and a second mode operable in a wireless local area network and including an intelligent client agent for determining operation mode and for communicating with the intelligent client agent of the wireless gateway and a communications protocol for communication between the wireless gateway intelligent client agent and the wireless device intelligent client agent to effect services. The services include one or more of voice, directory, presence, and media services. The voice service includes at least one of call waiting, call forwarding conferencing, and caller identification. The media service includes at least one of interactive voice response (IVR), text-to-speech, speech recognition, play, record. The directory service includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) directory, a cellular network directory, an Internet directory and a private branch exchange (PBX) directory. The communications protocol includes encapsulation for at least one of directory, mobility and security services and other protocols. The other protocols include at least one of Internet protocol (IP), session initiation protocol (SIP), and lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP).
US08165575B2 Wireless router system and method
A wireless router employing a technique to couple a plurality a host services or host systems and a plurality of wireless networks. A method to route data items between a plurality of mobile devices and a plurality of host systems through a common wireless router. A point-to-point communication connection is preferably established between a first host system and a common wireless router, a mobile network message at a mobile device is generated, the mobile network message is transmitted via a wireless network to the common wireless router which in turn routes a data item component of the mobile network message to the appropriate host service.
US08165573B2 System and method for managing mobile-terminated (MT) calls in IMS network environment using alternative signaling
In one embodiment, a scheme is disclosed for managing delivery of a Mobile-Terminated (MT) call via an IMS network, wherein the MT call is originated by a calling party towards a User Equipment (UE) device that is CS-attached. An IMS-capable network node is operable to associate the received call information with an IP Multimedia Routing Number (IMRN) and provide the call information and the IMRN via alternative signaling (e.g., USSD or SMS messaging) to the UE device. A Mobile-Originated (MO) call process is initiated by the UE device using the received IMRN as the destination number, which terminates at the network node. Upon verifying that the returned IMRN is valid, the network node bridges the access and remote legs to establish the end-to-end path for the MT call between the UE device and the calling party.
US08165571B2 Anonymous call blocking in wireless networks
Wireless networks and methods are disclosed that provide for anonymous call blocking in wireless networks. A wireless network of the invention includes an MSC system and an HLR system. When a calling party initiates a call to a called party, the MSC system receives the call and generates a call setup message for the call. The call is anonymous, so the call setup message does not include caller ID information for the calling party. The MSC system receiving the call transmits the call setup message to the HLR system. The HLR system determines if the call setup message includes caller ID information, and determines if the called party subscribes to anonymous call blocking. Responsive to determining that there is no caller ID information in the call setup message and that the called party subscribes to anonymous call blocking, the HLR system instructs the MSC system to block the call.
US08165566B2 Functionality distribution for a mobile endpoint
In an embodiment, a method includes identifying a first component device of a plurality of component devices in a communication network and determining that the first component device is operable to perform a first function of a plurality of functions associated with a mobile endpoint. The method also includes distributing the first function from the mobile endpoint to the first component device in response to determining that the first component device is operable to perform a first function of the plurality of functions associated with the mobile endpoint.
US08165565B2 Method and system for recursive authentication in a mobile network
Under a system referred to as GAA in the 3G protocol, authentication of devices in a network that is usually performed by a home subscriber server can be transferred to a third party element known as a bootstrapping server function. However, the use of a bootstrapping server function does not completely address the problem of reducing authentication traffic at the home subscriber server. Such a problem is alleviated by utilizing the original session key generated under GAA and using that key in a recursive process to authenticate and generate further session keys at other network elements. This generation of further keys can be performed independently of the home subscriber server, and thus reduces traffic at the home subscriber server.
US08165561B2 IMS networks providing business-related content to wireless devices
IMS networks and methods are disclosed for providing business-related content to wireless devices that are located within a business. For a business that has a WLAN, wireless devices within range of the wireless access point of the business receive an identifier for the wireless access point. The wireless devices then register with the IMS network using the access point ID. Through the access point ID, the IMS network identifies an application server that is associated with the business. The application server may then initiate sessions with the wireless devices, and transmit business-related content to the wireless devices while they are within range of the wireless access point of the business.
US08165556B2 High dynamic range time-varying integrated receiver for elimination of off-chip filters
A receiver circuit includes an amplifier, an output impedance, and a mixer. The amplifier is arranged to generate an amplifier output. The mixer has an input and an output respectively coupled to the amplifier and the output impedance. The output impedance sets frequency selectivity provided at the input of the mixer, and the mixer is arranged to down-convert a signal derived from the amplifier output and accordingly generate a down-converted signal at the output of the mixer for further signal processing.
US08165554B2 Quadrature correction method for analog television reception using direct-conversion tuners
A direct conversion radio frequency (RF) tuner includes a mixer generating I and Q quadrature components. A phase detection circuit generates a phase error measurement between the I quadrature component and the Q quadrature component. A phase correction circuit corrects a phase of the Q component based on the phase error measurement, and outputs a phase-corrected Q quadrature component. An I quadrature component gain control circuit receives the I quadrature component and outputting an amplitude corrected I quadrature component. A Q quadrature component gain control circuit receives the phase corrected Q quadrature component and outputs an amplitude corrected Q quadrature component.
US08165552B2 Method and system for identifying radio frequency identification (RFID) tag location using a switchable coil
Aspects of a method and system for identifying a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag location using a switchable coil are presented. Aspects of the systems may include one or more processors that enable selection of an inductor coil from a plurality of inductor coils. The selection of the inductor coil may be based on a change in an electromagnetic field, with respect to an initial electromagnetic field, as detected by the selected inductor coil. The processors may enable transmission of a signal, having a transmitter frequency in the UHF frequency band, via the selected inductor coil.
US08165548B2 Receiving apparatus
A receiving apparatus includes an analog demodulation unit, a digital demodulation/decoding unit, a delay unit, a reception state detecting unit, first/second processing units, and a mixing processing unit. The analog demodulation unit demodulates a first audio signal. The digital demodulation/decoding unit demodulates and decodes a second audio signal. The delay unit delays at least one of the first and second audio signals, to be outputted as third and fourth audio signals. The reception state detecting unit outputs an analog reception state signal. The first/second audio processing units control at least one of volume and quality of the third/fourth audio signals, to be outputted as fifth and sixth audio signals. The mixing processing unit mixes the fifth and sixth audio signal at a predetermined ratio, outputted according to a reception state of at least one of a broadcast wave of analog broadcasting and the broadcast wave of digital broadcasting.
US08165547B2 Apparatus and method for acquiring synchronization to support multi-frequency in mobile communication terminal
An apparatus and a method for acquiring synchronization to support multi-frequency in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a frequency generator, a control signal generator and at least two modems for operating respective Frequency Allocations (FAs) by sharing the frequency generator and the control signal generator. In an embodiment, the frequency generator respectively receives first reference frequency clock signals from an oscillator of each of the at least two modems and generates a second reference frequency clock signal and the control signal generator outputs a signal for controlling the oscillator of each of the at least two modems according to a frequency offset value estimated in each of the at least two modems.
US08165539B2 Apparatuses and a method for reducing peak power in telecommunications systems
The present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing peak power in a transmitter for use in telecommunications systems. The invention also relates to a method for reducing peak power in a transmitter for use in telecommunications system and to a base station including such an apparatus. An apparatus according to the invention includes n subsequent interconnected stages (10), where n is larger than or equal to 2; and where each stage (10) of said n stages has an input main signal (1) and an output main signal (2). Each stage of said apparatus further includes an extractor (30) for extracting an overshooting part or peaks (31) of the input main signal (1) based on a predetermined clipping level; a filter (50) having a frequency response, for generating a filtered overshooting part signal (51) wherein the frequency response on at least one reserved frequency of at least one of said n stages (10) is smaller than the frequency response on said at least one reserved frequency of a previous stage and a combiner (70) arranged to generate the output main signal (2) by subtracting the filtered overshooting part signal (51) from a delayed version (61) of the input main signal (1).
US08165535B2 Systems, methods and apparatuses for complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) antenna switches using switched resonators
Systems and methods may be provided for a CMOS RF antenna switch. The systems and methods for the CMOS RF antenna switch may include an antenna that is operative to transmit and receive signals over at least one radio frequency (RF) band, and a transmit switch coupled to the antenna, where the transmit switch is enabled to transmit a respective first signal to the antenna and disabled to prevent transmission of the first signal to the antenna. the systems and methods for the CMOS RF antenna switch may further include a receiver switch coupled to the antenna, where the receiver switch forms a filter when enabled and a resonant circuit when disabled, where the filter provides for reception of a second signal received by the antenna, and where the resonant circuit blocks reception of at least the first signal.
US08165527B2 System and method for short-range communication for a vehicle
A system for communicating information and/or instructions includes a transmitter and receiver configured for wireless communication with a user interface. The information and/or instructions may be audibly communicated to the user. The system includes voice activation and controls. The wireless communication may utilize Bluetooth communication protocol.
US08165524B2 Devices, methods, and programs for identifying radio communication devices
Devices, methods, and programs for identifying radio communication devices in a subject vehicle perform a first search and second search for radio communication devices in a vicinity of an in-vehicle device and store addresses of the radio communication devices identified by the first search and the second search. The devices, methods, and programs compare the addresses of the radio communication devices searched by the second search with the addresses of the radio communication devices searched by the first search, and determine that a particular radio communication device is inside the subject vehicle if that particular radio communication device's address is identified by both the first search and the second search.
US08165516B2 Cleaning device with solid lubricating member and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A cleaning device cleans a toner forming surface of a rotating image bearing member. The cleaning device includes: a cleaning member for cleaning the image forming surface, the cleaning member having a first length in a width direction which is perpendicular to a rotational direction of the image bearing member, and being capable of coming in contact with and separating from the image forming surface; and a solid lubricating member which comes in contact with the cleaning member to give a lubricity to the image forming surface through the cleaning member, the solid lubricating member having a second length in the width direction which is shorter than the first length.
US08165506B2 Image forming apparatus and developer container therefor
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing units respectively including developer inlets, the developing units are arranged side by side in a first direction, a plurality of developer containers to contain developers to be supplied to the plurality of developing units and respectively including developer outlets, the developer units are arranged side by side in the first direction to face the plurality of developing units, and a plurality of developer supplying paths respectively to connect the developer inlets to the developer outlets, wherein the plurality of developer containers include first and second developer containers, and a position of the developer outlet of the second developer container is different from position of the developer outlet of the first developer container.
US08165502B2 Belt driving controller, belt rotating device, and image forming apparatus
A belt driving controller is disclosed. The belt driving controller controls driving of a belt that is wound around plural sustaining rollers by controlling a driving sustaining roller that transmits a driving force to the belt. In two sustaining rollers, a calculating method for recognizing a PLD (pitch line distance) of the belt is used. In the calculating method, the delay period during which the belt moves a distance from a driven sustaining roller having a large diameter to a driven sustaining roller having a small diameter is determined to be shorter than before in the belt moving direction.
US08165500B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes: a belt unit that includes a first roller member, a second roller member provided above the first roller member, a belt member rotating while laid around these roller members, and a positioning member rotatably holding the first roller member and used for positioning the first roller member; a pressure member provided below the first roller member and coming into pressure-contact with an outer peripheral surface of the belt member at a position where the pressure member faces the first roller member, thereby to form a fixing pressure portion; a first housing that supports the positioning member and includes a concave portion opening toward a lateral direction and a sloping portion sloping downward from a lower edge portion of the concave portion; and a second housing pressing the positioning member to fit into the concave portion, along with a closing operation with respect to the first housing.
US08165493B2 Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge that is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a drum unit supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing unit supporting a developing roller. The developing unit is movable relative to the drum unit between a contacting position in which the developing roller is contacted to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and a spaced position in which the developing roller is spaced from the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The process cartridge further includes a positioning portion and a space maintaining member, with the space maintaining member retracting from the positioning portion to move the developing unit from the spaced position to the contacting position.
US08165485B2 Fixing apparatus having heating element and image forming apparatus having the fixing element
A fixing apparatus includes a heating element with an NTC characteristic in which an electric resistance value decreases as a temperature increases, which extends (i) in a direction parallel to a recording paper and (ii) in a width direction perpendicular to a carrying direction of the recording paper, and which has a longer length, in the width direction, than a width of the recording paper. The fixing apparatus further includes electrode sections provided in close proximity to both ends of the heating element in the width direction), the electrode sections being connected to the heating element, so that a current flows in the heating element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the carrying direction of the recording paper. This makes it possible to restrain excessive increase in temperature at the both ends of the heating element and to obtain a uniform temperature distribution.
US08165467B2 Optical transmission system and optical node
Where an integrated monitoring and controlling unit is to control an optical add-drop unit so as to cause transmit signals from the optical transceiver of a first optical node to be received by the optical transceivers of plural different optical nodes, this purpose can be achieved by an optical transmission system provided with an alarm inhibiting device that can inhibit the optical transceiver, which is a source of transmission, from issuing any unexpected alarm.
US08165455B2 Data processing apparatus and data processing method, and computer program
Division editing of a movie stream file picked up for a recording application is executed while conforming to a predetermined standard format.When a stream file is divided at an arbitrary division point, a preceding chapter is created by giving padding in an end region of a GOP including the division point in accordance with a length alignment restriction. Furthermore, a first extent of a succeeding chapter is created by copying the GOP including the division point and a GOP immediately succeeding it, a region formed of GOPs after the copied portion is used as a second extent of the succeeding chapter, and padding is given to an end region of the second extent in accordance with the length alignment restriction.
US08165451B2 Methods and apparatus for displaying information regarding interstitials of a video stream
Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for presenting information regarding interstitials of a video stream. A recording of a television show may include segments of the show interspersed with interstitials (e.g., commercials). The location of the interstitials within the recording is identified, and the locations of the interstitials are presented in progress bar during presentation of the video stream. The location of the interstitials may also be utilized to determine durations of the interstitials, and provide a user with information regarding the lengths of the interstitials of a recording, and/or the length of the other content of a recording (e.g., segments of a television show).
US08165444B2 System and device for hauling fibre optic cable along a conduit
A system, device, fiber optic cable and/or method for hauling fiber optic cable along a conduit to a location. The system includes a fiber optic cable including an optic fiber, at least one first strengthening element and at least one second strengthening element, an optic connector attached to the at least one first strengthening element and able to be optically aligned with the optic fiber; and, a hauling shroud, including a cavity to receive the optic connector, a locking mechanism to removably hold the at least one second strengthening element and a member for attaching a hauling rope or cable to pull the fiber optic cable along the conduit.
US08165441B2 Ultra small core fiber with dispersion tailoring
Various embodiments of optical fiber designs and fabrication processes for ultra small core fibers (USCF) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the USCF includes a core that is at least partially surrounded by a region comprising first features. The USCF further includes a second region at least partially surrounding the first region. The second region includes second features. In an embodiment, the first features are smaller than the second features, and the second features have a filling fraction greater than about 90 percent. The first features and/or the second features may include air holes. Embodiments of the USCF may provide dispersion tailoring. Embodiments of the USCF may be used with nonlinear optical devices configured to provide, for example, a frequency comb or a supercontinuum.
US08165430B2 Optical element and method for its manufacture
An optical element includes a substrate having a passive waveguide and a laser waveguide disposed therein. The laser waveguide is in direct contact with the passive waveguide over a surface of contact so as to provide a butt coupling between the passive waveguide and the laser waveguide. A step extends between an upper edge of the passive waveguide and an upper edge of the laser waveguide. A covering is disposed on the passive waveguide so that the covering and the substrate together provide a cladding of lower refractive index around the passive waveguide and so that a hollow space is disposed between a lower edge of the covering and the upper edge of the laser waveguide.
US08165429B2 Optical interconnection structure and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to an optical interconnection structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention provides an optical interconnection structure comprising: a substrate on which a hole penetrating through a predetermined region is formed; and an optical guide member fixed to the inside of the hole of the substrate, wherein the optical guide member and the substrate are fixed by metal oxide. The present invention provides the optical interconnection structure that can facilitate the optical interconnection between the active optoelectronic devices that transmit/receive the optical signals and the optical waveguide, making it possible to enhance heat dissipation efficiency and improve operation speed.
US08165426B2 Workflow-based management of medical image data
A method, an arrangement and a product are disclosed, where a multiplicity of nodes are provided which are designed for processing medical image data. Following determination of the specific workflow for processing the image data in at least one embodiment, local, relevant nodes are determined which have the functionality to execute the particular workflow. The image data are then split into image data subsets, on the basis of the workflow, and are forwarded in dedicated fashion to the relevant nodes for the purpose of processing.
US08165423B2 Portable device having vibration reduction function and vibration reduction methode thereof
A portable device includes a central processing unit, a vibration sensor to sense vibration of the portable device, an image processing unit to process image data, and a memory unit storing a vibration reduction module. The vibration reduction module includes a vibration signal collecting sub-module to collect a vibration signal of the portable device, a filter sub-module to filter noise of the vibration signal, a vibration offset calculating sub-module to calculate a vibration offset of the portable device according to the filtered vibration signal, a vibration compensation calculating sub-module to calculate a compensation value corresponding to the vibration offset of the portable device, and an image controlling sub-module to control images of the portable device to move a distance which is equal to the compensation value via the image processing unit, to make the images of the portable device keep a fixed position.
US08165417B2 Visual processing device, visual processing method, visual processing program, integrated circuit, display device, image-capturing device, and portable information terminal
The invention provides a visual processing device that has a hardware configuration that does not depend on the visual processing to be achieved. A visual processing device 1 is provided with a spatial processing portion 2 and a visual processing portion 3. The spatial processing portion 2 performs predetermined processing with respect to an input signal IS that has been received as input, and outputs the result as an unsharp signal US. The visual processing portion 3 outputs an output signal OS, which is the input signal IS after visual processing, based on a two-dimensional LUT 4 that lists the relationship between the input signal IS that has been received as input and the unsharp signal US, and the output signal OS.
US08165414B1 Vector transformation for indexing, similarity search and classification
A feature vector is encoded into a sparse binary vector. The feature vector is retrieved, for example from storage or a feature vector generator. The feature vector represents a media object or other data object. One or more permutations are generated, the dimensionality of the generated permutations equivalent to the dimensionality of the feature vector. The permutations may be generated randomly or formulaically. The feature vector is permuted with the one or more permutations, creating one or more permuted feature vectors. The permuted feature vectors are truncated according to a selected window size. The indexes representing the maximum values of the permuted feature vectors are identified and encoded using one-hot encoding, producing one or more sparse binary vectors. The sparse binary vectors may be concatenated into a single sparse binary vector and stored. The sparse binary vector may be used in the similarity search, indexing or categorization of media objects.
US08165412B2 Method for decoding binary image at high speed
A method for decoding a binary image at a high speed, wherein blocks having same pixel values are decoded in clock units, such that a decoding speed increases. The method includes: determining whether a predetermined number of sequential pixels corresponds to any one of a white_run, a black_run, and a combined_run; and if the predetermined number of sequential pixels corresponds to any one of the white_run, the black_run, and the combined_run, decoding the sequential pixels in a block per clock unit.
US08165399B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
A feature point detection unit (153) and feature amount extraction unit (154) extract a plurality of features of an object from input image data. When there are unextracted features of the plurality of features, a weight setting unit (155) sets weights for the extracted features. A facial expression determination unit (156) executes recognition processing of the object based on the features weighted by the weight setting unit (155).
US08165398B2 Method and device for handwriting detection
The invention relates to a method for handwriting detection using a handwriting tool (2) being arranged for communicating with a further device (2) and comprising the following steps: recognizing characters using detection of movements carried out by means of said handwriting tool (2); determining the probability factor of at least one input character corresponding to a given character; and using said probability factor in a step for correction, completion and prediction of words being formed by said characters. The invention also relates to a device for such handwriting detection.
US08165393B2 High dynamic range texture compression
A method for compressing a high dynamic range (HDR) texture. A first block of texels of the HDR texture in a red-green-blue (RGB) space may be transformed to a second block of texels in a luminance-chrominance space. The first block may have red values, green values and blue values. The second block may have luminance values and chrominance values. The chrominance values may be based on a sum of the red values, a sum of the green values and a sum of the blue values. The luminance values and the chrominance values may be converted to an 8-bit integer format. The luminance values may be modified to restore a local linearity property to the second block. The second block may be compressed.
US08165392B2 Image decoder and image decoding method for decoding color image signal, and image decoding method for performing decoding processing
The present invention makes it possible to include, when encoding processing is applied to three color components using a 4:0:0 format, data for one picture in one access unit and makes it possible to set the same time information or the same set encoding modes among the respective color components. In an image encoding system for applying compression processing to an input image signal including a plurality of color components, encoded data obtained by independently subjecting an input image signal of each of the color components to encoding processing and a parameter indicating which color component the encoded data corresponds to are multiplexed with a bit stream. In an image decoding system for inputting a bit stream in which an image signal including a plurality of color components is compressed to perform decoding processing, decoding processing of the encoded data of each of the color components is performed using a parameter indicating which color component the encoded data corresponds to.
US08165390B2 Image data processing device and image data processing method
N-band image data are output from an N-band image capture device, being capable of N>4 multiband image capturing, to an image data processing device. An image data evaluation information provision unit provides a determination unit with evaluation information on the basis of the input N-band image data. On the basis of the evaluation information, the determination unit determines whether to set the N-band image data or M-band image data having a smaller band number than the N-band image data as image data to be output. On the basis of a determination result of the determination unit, an output image data selection unit selects either the N-band image data or the M-band image data as the image data to be output to an image data recording unit.
US08165384B1 Defect classification
A method for classifying images from a set of test images, including comparing each of the test images to reference images. Each of the test images is grouped with one of the reference images. All of the images in each group can be classified with a single classification.
US08165380B2 Method, apparatus and program for processing mammographic image
Provided are a method, an apparatus, and a program for processing a mammographic image, whereby the file size of the mammographic image can be remarkably reduced while retaining the original breast portion sufficient for diagnosis. A controlling unit divides an original mammographic image into a breast portion and a background portion based on a predetermined value (whether each pixel value of the original mammographic image is greater or smaller than a predetermined value). It determines the breast boundary line between the breast portion and the background portion (operation S2). It shifts and expands the breast portion upward, downward and forward to result in a secondary boundary line, wherein the breast portion side of the secondary boundary line has a size larger than that of the breast portion (operation S3). In addition, the controlling unit cutting off the background portion of the mammographic image vertically and/or horizontally at the secondary boundary line so that the original breast portion side remains, thereby obtaining the finally processed mammographic image (operation S4). Thus, the controlling unit generates the final image smaller in file size than the original mammographic image.
US08165374B1 System and method for capsule camera with capture control and motion-compensated video compression
Systems and methods for a capsule camera having on-board storage or wireless transmission to control image capture using motion information and to encode captured images based on motion compensated video compression are disclosed. In order to conserve the precious storage and power resources, the capsule camera measures motion metric to select a skip mode or a capture mode. In order to reduce computations related motion metric derivation, the motion metric is based on sub-images corresponding to a current frame and a previous captured frame instead of full-size images. When the skip mode is selected, the capsule camera exercises storage space/power conservation by skipping unnecessary image capture and/or reducing luminous energy of a light source or other means for power conservation. When the capture mode is selected, a full-size full-resolution frame is captured and compressed using motion-compensated video compression to achieve high compression ratio.
US08165371B2 Enhanced contrast MR system accommodating vessel dynamic fluid flow
A system enhances MR imaging contrast between vessels containing dynamically flowing blood and static tissue using an MR imaging system. The MR imaging system, in response to a heart rate synchronization signal, acquires an anatomical preparation data set representing a spatially non-localized preparation 3D volume in response to a first magnetization preparation pulse sequence. The MR imaging system acquires a spatially localized anatomical imaging data set representing a second imaging volume. The MR imaging system subtracts slice specific MR imaging data of the spatially localized anatomical imaging data set from spatially and temporally corresponding slice specific imaging data of the anatomical preparation data set to derive blood flow indicative imaging data. The temporally corresponding slice specific imaging data comprises data acquired at a substantially corresponding cycle point within a heart beat cycle determined in response to said heart rate synchronization signal. The MR imaging system iteratively repeats the subtraction step for multiple adjacent slices individually comprising a spatially localized anatomical imaging data set to provide a three-dimensional imaging data set.
US08165356B2 Apparatus and method for determining the acceptability of a fingerprint image to be analyzed
A method of determining acceptability of an image of a fingerprint to be analyzed, includes dividing the image into a plurality of blocks, determining a focus for each block, determining a validity of a block, the block being valid if the focus is sufficient, otherwise the block being invalid, totaling a number of valid blocks in the image, and determining a validity of the image, the image being valid if a number of valid blocks is sufficient.
US08165355B2 Method and apparatus for fingerprint motion tracking using an in-line array for use in navigation applications
The invention provides an independent relative motion sensor for use in navigation operations using a fingerprint that do not require the power demanded by conventional devices. The independent relative motion sensor includes a linear array of sensing elements that captures a narrow string of data that is indicative of fingerprint features along a relatively narrow sample. This string of data is used to determine the velocity of travel for use in navigation operations. Using multiple sensors, motion and direction data can be computed and used to provide two-dimensional direction for navigating an object, such as a cursor on a monitor. The invention can be incorporated in an electronic device to provide improved navigation operations that demand less power.
US08165353B2 Computer system and method for calculating straightness of facial
A computer system and a method for calculating straightness of facial are provided. In the method, an image is processed to obtain a facial area and eyes locations. The facial area is divided into two sub-areas. Then, each of the sub-area and the corresponding symmetric image thereof are coupled together to form two reference images. Finally, the characteristic values of the facial area and two of the reference images are used for calculating the straightness of the facial area based on the principle of facial symmetry. As a result, the judgment on the straightness of the facial in an image can be more correct and objective, and the situation of taking an image with a tilted angle of facial can be avoided.
US08165345B2 Method, system, and computer program for detecting and characterizing motion
A method for motion detection/characterization is provided including the steps of (a) capturing a series of time lapsed images of the target, wherein the target moves between at least two of such images; (b) generating a motion distribution in relation to the target across the series of images; and (c) identifying motion of the target based on analysis of the motion distribution. In a further aspect of motion detection/characterization in accordance with the invention, motion is detected/characterized based on calculation of a color distribution for a series of images. A system and computer program for presenting an augmented environment based on the motion detection/characterization is also provided. An interface means based on the motion detection/characterization is also provided.
US08165328B2 Hearing aid
A hearing aid is provided which comprise an audio signal input device (11), a signal processor (12) a signal output device (13) which presents a processed audio signal perceivable as sound to an ear of a user, where the signal processor comprises fast acting level estimators (8) and slow acting level estimators (8). According to the invention the fast acting level estimators has attack time constants around 10 ms, and release time constants in the range from 25 ms to 250 ms, and are implemented in a number of frequency bands not exceeding 8 bands and preferably 4 frequency bands, the slow acting level estimators (7) have attack time constants around 10 ms, and release time constants which are 4 to 5 times the release time constants of the fast acting level estimators (8), and are implemented in a number of frequency bands comprising no less than 10 bands and preferably 16 frequency bands. In an embodiment a communication link between two hearing aids at each their ear of a user allows the level estimators between the two hearing aid to synchronize their output.
US08165327B2 Method for generating acoustic signals of a hearing aid
Acoustic signal tones of a hearing aid need to be adjusted to the particular situation so as to be easy to hear, i.e. on the one hand they should not be too loud in quiet situations, and on the other hand they should not be too quiet in noisy situations. In order to fulfill these requirements, the acoustic signals of the hearing aid according to the invention are shifted up or down in frequency if the ambient noises are extremely pronounced, particularly in the frequency band range of the acoustic signals.
US08165322B2 Circuit for processing sound signals
A circuit for processing sound signals includes an input amplifier for amplifying an input signal, wherein the amplified input signal is supplied to an output amplifier unchanged via a primary path configured as a bypass line and processed via one or several secondary paths configured as a circuit for processing the amplified input signal for amplifying and outputting the processed signal, wherein respective signal portions of the amplified input signal, which are supplied to the output amplifier via the primary path and the secondary path(s), can each be adjusted with an adjusting device, and wherein the secondary path includes a corresponding equalizing filter for filtering a corresponding frequency range with a dynamic circuit for optionally dynamically changing frequency, amplitude and phase depending on the signal and concurrent with a static control.
US08165317B2 Method and system for position detection of a sound source
A position detection method, system, and computer readable article of manufacture tangibly embodying computer readable instructions for executing the method for detecting the position of a sound source using at least two microphones. The method includes the steps of: emitting a reproduced sound from the sound source; observing the reproduced sound and an observed sound at the microphones; converting the reproduced sound and the observed sound into electrical signals; transforming the signals of the reproduced sound and of the observed sound into frequency spectra by a frequency spectrum transformer apparatus; calculating Crosspower Spectrum Phase (CSP) coefficients of the frequency spectra of the signals by a CSP coefficient calculator apparatus; and calculating distances between the position of the sound source and the positions of the microphones based on the calculated CSP coefficients by a distance calculating apparatus, thereby detecting the position of the sound source.
US08165314B2 Audio output apparatus and audio output method
An audio output apparatus includes a masking band determining unit configured to determine a first frequency band in which masking due to environmental sounds is likely to occur in audio signal output sounds; a band-component extracting unit configured to extract a signal component from an input audio signal in the first frequency band determined by the masking band determining unit; a pitch shift unit configured to perform pitch shifting of the signal component in the first frequency band extracted by the band-component extracting unit and generate a pitch shift signal containing a signal component of at least a doubled frequency; and a signal output unit configured to supply an audio signal containing the pitch shift signal acquired by the pitch shift unit to a connected speaker.
US08165310B2 Dereverberation and feedback compensation system
A dereverberation and feedback compensation system reduces the echo received by a first audio device while reducing the speech feedback received from a second audio device. A decorrelation logic decorrelates audio signals from the first audio device. A first processor generates a noise compensation signal based on the decorrelated audio signals and system determined filter coefficients. The second processor generates an enhanced noise correlation signal based on speech signals of a second audio device and the filter coefficients used by the first processor.
US08165306B2 Information retrieving method, information retrieving device, information storing method and information storage device
A sound characteristic parameter is obtained for an audio signal to be analyzed by analyzing the signal by means of a sound characteristic parameter analyzing section arranged upstream relative to a similarity determining section. A sound signal operation as retrieving key is read out from a retrieving key storage area of a retrieving key memory by a retrieving key audio signal reading section and analyzed by a retrieving key sound characteristic parameter analyzing section to obtain a retrieving key sound characteristic parameter. The similarity determining section compares the sound characteristic parameter obtained from said sound characteristic parameter analyzing section and the retrieving key sound characteristic parameter obtained from said retrieving key sound parameter reading section and determines the similarity of them to retrieve a part of the audio signal to be analyzed that resembles the audio signal operating as retrieving key and obtained from the sound source of the retrieving key.
US08165299B2 Network authentication
An existing communications device, such as a WAP-enabled mobile phone or other device, can be used as an authentication token. This has the advantage that WAP-enabled devices include components which are used in public key/private key cryptographic systems as a part of their standard communication functions. These components therefore advantageously allow the device to be used as an authentication token when communicating with a remote server.
US08165296B2 Time of day encryption using TDMA timing
Embodiments of the invention provide for encryption and decryption of data in a TDMA network using TDMA time values. In some embodiments, TDMA time values can be transmitted to terminals from a network controller using a burst time plan. These TDMA time values along with other data and/or counters can be combined to create a one-time key, which can be used to both encrypt data and/or decrypt data. Embodiments of the invention can decrease communication overhead by using the TDMA time value for TDMA purposes as well as for encryption purposes.
US08165293B2 Method and system providing scrambled content
A method of providing a stream of data units with scrambling state identifying data and providing a stream of key messages, synchronized with the stream of data units. The scrambling state identifying data includes an identifier value associated with the first decryption key that associates the data units in a third section. Then separating the first and second sections, with scrambling state identifying data lacking an identifier value associated with the decryption key, and providing in a key message coinciding with first or third sections key information. Thereby enabling an authorized decoder to obtain a value of the first decryption key corresponding with the second value of the first encryption key. Encryption of at least part of the clear data units uses the first encryption key is suspended for each data unit in the sequence included in the third section.
US08165283B2 Advanced ADSL splitter
A telecommunication filter arrangement comprising two similar filter cells (T1, S1a, S1b, R1a, R1b; T2, S2a, S2b, R2a, R2b) coupled in cascade to provide a POTS/ADSL splitter. The filter arrangement further comprises at third filter cell (C3, R3, S3) coupled in-between the two other filter cells and comprising a cell capacitor (C3) series coupled with the parallel connection of a cell coil (S3) and a cell resistor (R3). A 3rd order filter is so provided and the filter arrangement behaves as known 5th order filter but with a fixed “switchable insertion loss circuit”. This filter arrangement is thereby cheap, simple and has a small size with respect to the known filter arrangements, while providing good performances.
US08165262B2 Shift register of a display device
A shift register includes a plurality of serially-coupled shift register units each including a first node, a second node, an input circuit, a pull-up circuit and a pull-down circuit. The shift register unit receives an input voltage at an input end, and provides an output voltage at an output end. The input circuit controls the signal transmission path between a first clock signal and the first node according to the input voltage. The pull-up circuit controls the signal transmission path between a second clock signal and the output end according to the voltage level of the first node. The voltage level of the first node or the output end is maintained according to the voltage level of the second node. The voltage level of the second node is maintained according to the first clock signal, the second clock signal and the voltage level of the first node.
US08165259B2 Method and device for processing the frequency shift of the carrier frequency of a signal modulated with a quadrature continuous single-carrier modulation
A frequency shift of a carrier frequency of an input signal is estimated with a frequency estimator in order to obtain an estimate value. Then, the estimate of the frequency shift is refined, and the carrier frequency is corrected in consequence, with a phase-locked loop that is initialized with the estimate value. The phase-locked loop has a locking frequency range that is narrower than a locking frequency range of the frequency estimator.
US08165250B2 Automatic gain control device, signal receiving apparatus, and signal receiving method
An apparatus and method of receiving signal are provided. The apparatus includes an amplifier that controls a gain according to a gain control signal and amplifies a received signal to generate an amplified signal, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter that converts the amplified signal into a digital signal, a Fourier transform unit that performs Fourier transform of the digital signal to a frequency domain signal to generate a Fourier transform signal, a demodulator that demodulates the Fourier transform signal to generate a demodulated signal, and an automatic gain control unit that divides the Fourier transform signal into a noise period and a symbol period, calculates the signal level of the noise period based on the signal level of the symbol period, and generates the gain control signal according to the signal levels of the symbol period and the noise period.
US08165243B2 Method and system for generating wavelets
A method (1300) is provided for generating one or more waveforms (130, 140). The method includes: generating a first toggle signal (1130, 1330) in response to a clock signal (1110), the first toggle signal having one of a first positive shape, a null shape, and a first negative shape for each cycle of the clock signal; multiplying the first toggle signal by a first coefficient signal to create a first intermediate signal (1440); generating a second toggle signal (1140, 1330) in response to the clock signal, the second toggle signal having one of a second positive shape, the null shape, and a second negative shape for each cycle of the clock signal; multiplying the second toggle signal by a second coefficient signal to create a second intermediate signal (1440); and generating a first output signal (1170) by adding the first intermediate signal and the second intermediate signal together (1350).
US08165239B2 Method for coding data symbols
Data symbols, transmitted by OFDM radio using at least two transmission antennae, are coded by a DSTBC coding and a DSTFBC coding. Two adjacent data symbols of a selected sub-carrier are provided for initializing a DSTFBC coding in a sub-carrier direction and are used for DSTFBC coding of similarly positioned data symbols in further sub-carriers in the sub-carrier. The DSTFBC coding is carried out from the data symbols of the first sub-carrier direction. In each sub-carrier the two data symbols formed by DSTFBC coding are used for initializing a DSTBC coding in the OFDM symbol direction. In the reverse direction, two sequential DSTBC coded data symbols on a first sub-carrier for initializing a DSTFBC coding in a sub-carrier direction and are used for DSTFBC coding of similarly positioned data symbols in further sub-carriers for DSTFBC coding from the data symbols of the first sub-carrier over the adjacent sub-carriers.
US08165233B2 Multi-element antenna beamforming in a wireless access network
A communication node of a wireless local area network utilizes a multi-element array antenna to estimate an angle-of-arrival for one or more signal sources which may communicate on symbol-modulated orthogonal subcarriers. Channel coefficients may be estimated from the angle-of-arrival for the one or more signal sources to increase channel capacity, improve channel equalization and reduce the effects of multipath fading. Beamforming based on the angle-of-arrival may also be performed for directional reception and/or transmission of communications with the one or more signal sources.
US08165220B2 Method and apparatus for implementing reduced memory mode for high-definition television
A method and apparatus are provided for implementing an enhanced reduced memory mode (RMM) of decoding HDTV MPEG-2 video stream. In one instance, the RMM mode is adaptively enabled with up/down conversion by using the picture-type information. In another instance, the RMM mode is provided by performing anchor-frame compression/decompression by using adaptive DPCM technique with picture-type information. The quantization (PCM) tables are generated using the Lloyd algorithm. Further, the predictor for each pixel is determined by a use of the Graham rule.
US08165217B2 Image decoding apparatus and method for decoding prediction encoded image data
An image data decoding method for decoding compression encoded image data which includes a plurality of image pictures, includes: a selection step of selecting, when one of the plurality of image pictures are to be decoded, and when a first reference picture to be referred to by that image picture to be decoded is not decoded, a second reference picture from a picture already decoded as an alternative reference; and a decoding step of decoding the image picture to be decoded with reference to the second reference picture as an alternative to the first reference picture.
US08165214B2 Circuit and method for generating fixed point vector dot product and matrix vector values
An integrated circuit (102) and method computes fixed point vector dot products (424) and/or matrix vector products using a type of distributed architecture that loads bit planes (add 00-add30) and uses the loaded bit planes to generate a plurality of partial products (416-422) directly, such as without a lookup table, and the plurality of partial products are computed in real time and are not read out of addressable memory. In one example, pixel coefficients and corresponding data are loaded such that, for example, a bit plane is loaded to generate partial product results on a per bit plane basis. The plurality of partial products are then summed (414) or accumulated to produce fixed point vector dot product data (424).
US08165209B2 Method and apparatus for providing a fast motion estimation process
A process performs a search on a base reference frame in a video signal to determine a first motion vector for each of the possible partitions of a current macroblock. The first motion vector for a partition provides the most optimal match for the partition in the base reference frame. An optimal partition for the current macroblock, which gives a minimum motion estimation cost among all the possible partitions in the base reference frame, is determined. The process performs the search on the optimal partition over a non-base reference frame in the video signal to determine a second motion vector that provides the most optimal match for the corresponding partition in the non-base reference frame. A simplified search is performed on each partition other than the optimal partition over the non-base reference frame to determine the second motion vector for the corresponding partition.
US08165206B2 Method and apparatus for entering/leaving film mode when processing video data
A method for controlling a video data to enter a film mode for processing is disclosed, the video data including a plurality of target fields, the method including: determining whether a target field of the target fields is capable of being merged with a first neighboring field of the target field; if the target field can be merged with the first neighboring field, adding one to a merging number; and repeating the above steps until the merging number is determined to be not less than N, and then entering the film mode to process the video data; wherein N is a positive integer not less than two.
US08165205B2 Natural shaped regions for motion compensation
A method of irregular motion compensation includes using contours of objects in a reference image to tile the reference image into a plurality of irregular shapes, and mapping each irregular shape to a location in a target image by assigning a motion vector to each irregular shape.
US08165202B1 Video compression rate
The video encoding rate control with the quantization parameter for basic units of macroblocks of a picture adapting to deviation from the average quantization parameter over pictures of the same type (i.e., I-pictures, P-pictures, and B-pictures).
US08165196B2 System, method, and apparatus for display manager
A system, method, and apparatus for decoding and displaying images utilizing two processors and two memory units. The decode process receives images which are encoded according to a predetermined standard. Included with the encoded images are parameters which facilitate the decode and display processes. The decode process decodes the encoded images and the encoded parameters and stores each image in a separate image buffer, and each set of associated parameters in a buffer descriptor structure associated with the image buffer. The decode process is carried on by the first processor. The display process utilizes the parameters associated with the image to determine the appropriate display order for each image, and then display the image accordingly on a display device, based on the associated parameters. The first processor carries on the display of the image on the display device. The second processor determines the display order for the images. The second processor and the second memory are off-chip.
US08165195B2 Method of and apparatus for video intraprediction encoding/decoding
Provided is a method of and apparatus for video intraprediction encoding/decoding. The method of video intraprediction encoding includes dividing pixels of an input block into a plurality of groups, performing intraprediction encoding on pixels of a first group among the plurality of groups using pixels of a previously processed neighbor block, reconstructing the intraprediction-encoded pixels of the first group, determining a directivity of each pixel of the remaining groups using the reconstructed pixels of the first group and reconstructed pixels of previously processed other groups, and performing predictive encoding on the pixels of the remaining groups using the reconstructed pixels of the first group and the reconstructed pixels of the previously processed other groups according to the determined directivities and sequentially processing the pixels of the remaining groups in units of a group according to a predetermined order.
US08165194B2 Space-time encoding method for a multi-antenna communication system of the UWB pulse type
The present invention relates to a space-time coding method for a UWB transmission system comprising at least two radiated elements. This method codes a block of information symbols S=(a1, a2 . . . , aP2)) belonging to a 2-PPM modulation or 2-PPM-M′-PAM composite modulation alphabet with M′≧2, into a sequence of vectors (sl,j,Ωsi,j), the components of a vector being intended to modulate a UWB pulse signal for a radiative element of said system and for a given transmission interval (Tƒ).
US08165190B2 Apparatus and method for sample rate conversion in a software defined radio communication system
A method for converting a sample rate in a Software Defined Radio (SDR) communication system is provided. The method includes setting a sampling frequency range depending on a maximum sampling frequency and a minimum sampling frequency so as to enable support of a plurality of sample rates; if a required sampling frequency is set, determining a control value for converting the maximum sampling frequency to the required sampling frequency; and receiving a signal having the maximum sampling frequency, and converting the signal having the maximum sampling frequency to a signal having the required sampling frequency depending on the control value. The control value is determined taking into account a maximum sampling frequency for setting the sampling frequency range.
US08165187B2 Periodic calibration for communication channels by drift tracking
A method and system that provides for execution of a first calibration sequence, such as upon initialization of a system, to establish an operation value, which utilizes an algorithm intended to be exhaustive, and executing a second calibration sequence from time to time, to measure drift in the parameter, and to update the operation value in response to the measured drift. The second calibration sequence utilizes less resources of the communication channel than does the first calibration sequence. In one embodiment, the first calibration sequence for measurement and convergence on the operation value utilizes long calibration patterns, such as codes that are greater than 30 bytes, or pseudorandom bit sequences having lengths of 2N−1 bits, where N is equal to or greater than 7, while the second calibration sequence utilizes short calibration patterns, such as fixed codes less than 16 bytes, and for example as short as 2 bytes long.
US08165184B2 Apparatus and method for synthesizing and generating an SSC modulated signal
An Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) synthesizes and generates an SSC modulated signal by generating a modulating waveform with a frequency of an SSC modulation frequency, calculating the number of samples per data bit (SPUI) as a ratio of an upsampling frequency to a data rate of a data stream, calculating an amplification factor as the ratio of SSC deviation frequency to data rate of the data stream, generating the array of SSC Edges containing the edge variation with respect to single sample per bit, multiplying the amplification factor to the modulating waveform, generating an array of SSC Edges Upsampled, containing edge variations with respect to an Upsample factor per bit, and multiplying SSC Edges with SPUI; calculating the resultant bit duration SSC Bit Duration as the sum of SSC Edges Upsampled and SPU, and calculating the successive summation of SSC Bit Duration, to get SSC Bit Position.
US08165181B2 Polarization purity control device and gas laser apparatus provided with the same
A degree of polarization control device includes: a calcium fluoride crystal substrate for transmitting a laser beam; a polarization monitor for measuring the degree of polarization of a laser beam transmitted through the calcium fluoride crystal substrate; and a controller for controlling the rotation angle of the calcium fluoride crystal substrate according to the degree of polarization measured by the polarization monitor; the calcium fluoride crystal substrate being formed by a flat plate having a laser beam entering surface and a laser beam exiting surface running in parallel with the (111) crystal face, the Brewster angle being selected for the incident angle, the rotation angle around the [111] axis operating as a central axis being controlled by the controller.
US08165180B2 Waveguide device having delta doped active region
Embodiments of the invention include a laser structure having a delta doped active region for improved carrier confinement. The laser structure includes an n-type cladding layer, an n-type waveguide layer formed adjacent the n-type cladding layer, an active region formed adjacent the n-type waveguide layer, a p-type waveguide layer formed adjacent the active region, and a p-type cladding layer formed adjacent the p-type waveguide layer. The laser structure is configured so that a p-type dopant concentration increases across the active region from the n-type side of the active region to the p-type side of the active region and/or an n-type dopant concentration decreases across the active region from the n-type side of the active region to the p-type side of the active region. The delta doped active region provides improved carrier confinement, while eliminating the need for blocking layers, thereby reducing stress on the active region caused thereby.
US08165178B2 Method and apparatus for pumping and operating optical parametric oscillators using DFB fiber lasers
An optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is described that efficiently converts a near-infrared laser beam to tunable mid-infrared wavelength output. In some embodiments, the OPO includes an optical resonator containing a nonlinear crystal, such as periodically-poled lithium niobate. The OPO is pumped by a continuous-wave fiber-laser source having a low-power oscillator and a high-power amplifier, or using just a power oscillator. The fiber oscillator produces a single-frequency output defined by a distributed-feedback (DFB) structure of the fiber. The DFB-fiber-laser output is amplified to a pump level consistent with exceeding an oscillation threshold in the OPO in which only one of two generated waves (“signal” and “idler”) is resonant within the optical cavity. This pump source provides the capability to tune the DFB fiber laser by straining the fiber (using an attached piezoelectric element or by other means) that allows the OPO to be continuously tuned over substantial ranges, enabling rapid, wide continuous tuning of the OPO output frequency or frequencies.
US08165168B2 Zone synchronization in wireless communication networks
A communication terminal includes a Radio Frequency (RF) unit and a baseband processor. The RF unit is operative to receive signals from a Base Station (BS) of a wireless communication network using a communication protocol that defines time frames divided in a time domain into zones. Each zone corresponds to a respective communication mode between the BS and the terminal and occupies respective time intervals within the frames.The baseband processor is coupled to receive from the BS via the RF unit synchronization information indicating whether the time intervals allocated to at least a given zone by the BS and by at least one other BS of the wireless communication network are synchronized with one another, and to process the signals received from the BS so as to cancel, responsively to the synchronization information, interference caused to the signals by the at least one other BS.
US08165154B2 Systems and methods for reliable broadcast and multicast transmission over wireless local area network
Broadcast and multicast (BM) systems have not been reliable in the wireless local area networks. Higher bandwidth and more reliable BM transmissions are necessitated by video and audio applications. A class of BM reliable frames is transmitted at a higher rate. The access point performs some rudimentary collision avoidance to enhance reliability, and individual stations are given the ability to send feedback to the access point regarding the quality of the transmission.
US08165153B2 Method and apparatus for concurrent operation of wireless communication protocols
A method and apparatus of coordinating operation of two or more subsystems implementing different wireless communication protocols is disclosed. The method comprises coordinating operation of a first subsystem implementing a first wireless communication protocol and at least one other subsystem implementing at least one other wireless communication protocol by merging requests from the first subsystem for pre-scheduled access and real time access into a single request for access for the first subsystem. The method comprises merging requests from the at least one other subsystem for pre-scheduled access and real time access into a single request for access for the at least one other subsystem and arbitrating between the single requests for access for each subsystem to allocate access to the first subsystem and/or the at least one other subsystem.
US08165146B1 System and method for storing/caching, searching for, and accessing data
A system for persistently maintaining data using a network for data packets is provided. The system includes a transmission medium associated with the network, a plurality of switches operatively connected to the transmission medium. Each switch has an intelligent network controller adapted for delivering the data packets to a device operatively connected to the intelligent network controller in response to a request for the data packets from the device and further adapted for re-transmitting unexpired data packets over the network.
US08165145B1 Switching device
A switching device in a network system for transferring data includes one or more source line cards, one or more destination line cards and a switching fabric coupled to the source line cards and the destination line cards to enable data communication between any source line card and destination line card. Each source line card includes a request generator to generate a request signal to be transmitted in order to obtain an authorization to transmit data. Each destination line card includes a grant generator to generate and send back a grant signal to the source line card in response to the request signal received at the destination line card to authorize the source line card to transmit a data cell to the destination line card.
US08165135B2 Methods, computer networks, and computer program products that facilitate providing broadband services wirelessly to third party users via a mesh network of customer premise equipment
Methods, computer networks, and computer program products that facilitate providing broadband service wirelessly to third party users via a mesh network of customer premise equipment are provided. A mesh network of customer premise equipment is connected to the central office of a broadband service provider. Each customer premise equipment includes a micro-internet service provider (MISP) platform configured to provide broadband service from the broadband service provider wirelessly to third party users. The broadband service provider rewards the customer premise equipment owners based on broadband service usage by third party users. The mesh network is configured to distribute third party user traffic across multiple customer premise equipment in the mesh network and reassemble the distributed traffic at the central office so as to optimize use of idle customer premise equipment bandwidth.
US08165124B2 Message compression methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus for compressing messages used to support mobile communications are described. After transmission of a first mobile IP message which may be a conventional mobile IP message, a compressed mobile IP message is transmitted. The compressed message includes a new “compressed message” indicator and information which is to replace information in the previous message or to be added to the previous message to construct a new message. In some embodiments, the compressed message includes a mask field, e.g., a sequence of bits, each bit corresponding to one field of a standard registration request message or binding update message. If the mask flag bit corresponding to a field is set, it indicates that the compressed message includes information to replace the content in the corresponding field of the previous message or to be added to the previous message as a field corresponding to the asserted bit.
US08165120B2 Buffering architecture for packet injection and extraction in on-chip networks
This method for transferring data through a network on chip (NoC) between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, comprising: retrieving from the first device request packets comprising request control data for controlling data transfer and actual request data to be transferred; storing said request control and data to be transferred in memory means provided in an network interface (NI); and elaborating data packets to be transferred to the second device through said network, said data packets comprising a header and a payload elaborated from said control data and said actual data, respectively; The control data and the actual data to be transferred are stored in separate first and second memory means.
US08165119B2 System and method of enabling a transparent Ethernet switch
A system and method of enabling a transparent Ethernet switch are disclosed. According to an aspect, a network switch is disclosed. The network switch can include a plurality of physical ports configured to communicate data via a network. The network switch can further include a memory configured to store a first forwarding database, and a plurality of aggregate zone entries within the first forwarding database. The aggregate zone entries can also include a port identifier of first port of the plurality of physical ports to be used as a transparent port within a first aggregate zone.
US08165117B2 Trunking in a matrix
A multistage switch includes a matrix of coupled switch devices. A logical link comprising a plurality of physical links couples a destination through the plurality of physical links to a plurality of ports in the multistage switch. Each switch device performs trunk aware forwarding to reduce the forwarding of received frames through the matrix of coupled switch devices to the destination in order to reduce unnecessary traffic in the multistage switch.
US08165108B1 Graphical communications device using translator
A communication system includes a plurality of network devices that communicate using one or more protocols, such as SIP. Graphical terminals (30) communicate with the network devices. Graphical servers (32) provide a graphical user interface for the graphics terminals (30) responsive to signaling messages received by the graphical terminals (30) and forwarded to the graphical server (32) in a service request. As the user operates the interface to perform functions, graphical information on the user's actions is sent to the associated graphical server (32). The graphical server (32) interprets the graphical information and updates the graphical interface and/or generates service requests for signaling messages to create, modify and terminate communication sessions as desired by the user, using the appropriate protocol.
US08165105B2 Apparatus and method for cell searching in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for mapping a cell IDentifier (ID) for cell searching in a transmitter of a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes generating a single type of complex sequences mapped with a cell ID, and transmitting the complex sequences mapped with the cell ID to synchronization channels periodically transmitted in each slot of a physical frame.
US08165101B2 Automatic detection of hidden networks
It is determined whether a mobile user device is within transmission range of one or hidden networks. A list of known networks may be accessed, the list including broadcast and hidden networks. For the hidden networks, the network connection component may instruct a network interface to actively probe for the hidden networks. If the response is received for a communication corresponding to a particular network, then it may be considered that the mobile user interface is within transmission range of the hidden network. If auto-connection logic is activated, a preference order may be applied to select which of the detected broadcasts and/or hidden networks to connect. A user interface displays broadcast and hidden networks determined to be within transmission range of the mobile user device. The user device also displays hidden networks for which it has not yet been attempted to determine whether the hidden networks are in range.
US08165100B2 Time division duplexed digital distributed antenna system
A Time Division Duplexed (TDD) digital distributed antenna system (DDAS) that performs simulcast distribution to multiple simulcast groups while using TDD time advanced burst to negate the data rate reducing effects of transport delays. The User Plane data is adapted for eliminating time delay ambiguities across multiple simulcast digital radios. In addition, the Control and Management Plane is aggregated across multiple remote units to allow a non-modified donor digital base station to control simulcast groups.
US08165095B2 System and method to improve RF simulations
A system (100) and method (400) for improving Radio Frequency (RF) Antenna Simulation is provided. The method can include determining (402) a proximity of an antenna (250) to a scattering structure (210), determining (410) a switching distance to the scattering structure that establishes when to switch the antenna on (416) and off (418) from a composite antenna pattern to a free space antenna pattern, and predicting RF coverage of the antenna responsive to the switching. The switching distance can be a function of a material type and a surface geometry of the scattering structure and a wavelength of the antenna. The method can also include evaluating a sensory mismatch in the antenna, and using a composite antenna pattern corresponding to the sensory mismatch.
US08165086B2 Method of providing improved integrated communication system data service
Some embodiments provide a method and apparatus for seamlessly providing voice and data services across a licensed wireless network while accessing a second different communication network through a user equipment. The first and second communication networks include licensed wireless networks, unlicensed wireless networks, or Internet Protocol (IP) networks, to name a few. Furthermore, some embodiments of the second communication network include a modified interface for directly interfacing with components of the first communication network in order to pass and retrieve data packets from the user equipment.
US08165085B2 Wireless communication base station apparatus and control channel allocation method
A wireless communication base station apparatus that allows the number of times of blind decodings at a mobile station to be reduced without increasing the overhead caused by notifying information. In this apparatus, a CCE allocation part (104) allocates allocation information allocated to a PDCCH received from modulation parts (103-1 to 103-K) to a particular one of a plurality of search spaces that is corresponding to a CCE aggregation size of the PDCCH. A placement part (108) then places the allocation information in one of downstream line resources, reserved for the PDCCH, that is corresponding to the CCE of the particular search space to which the allocation information has been allocated. A radio transmission part (111) then transmits an OFDM symbol, in which the allocation information has been placed, to the mobile station from an antenna (112).
US08165073B2 Relay-station assignment/re-assignment and frequency re-use
A prospective relay station sends a report indicative of radio resource sets/preamble sequences used by its neighbors. Where the reported radio resource sets comprise less than all available radio resource sets, a radio resource set that is not indicated in the report is assigned; else where the reported radio resource sets comprise all available radio resource sets, a resource set indicated in the report is assigned. A message is sent to the prospective relay station indicates the assigned radio resource set and an identifier for use as an enabled relay station. The message may include signal strength and IDs. Apparatus, methods and computer programs are detailed for both a base station and the relay node. Radio resource set re-assignment, managed mode relay operations (where the base station schedules traffic among relays using the same radio resource set), and power control of relays and associated mobile stations are also described.
US08165066B2 Method and apparatus for performing buffer status reporting
A method for performing buffer status reporting (BSR) in a user equipment of a wireless communication system comprises forming a MAC PDU comprising a padding field with a size smaller than a first predefined value, selecting a first logic channel group from a plurality of logic channel groups of the user equipment according to priorities and data amounts of uplink buffers of the plurality of logic channel groups, carrying information about a data amount of an uplink buffer of the first logic channel group with a short-format BSR control element, and carrying the short-format BSR control element with the padding field of the MAC PDU for a network of the wireless communication system.
US08165065B2 Ad-hoc network acquisition using chaotic sequence spread waveform
Method and system for identifying neighbor nodes in an ad-hoc wireless network including two or more nodes. The method involves generating a beacon signal at a first node of the network for alerting other nodes in the network of the presence of the first node. A digitally generated first spreading sequence is also generated at the first node. Thereafter, the beacon signal is modulated with the first spreading sequence to produce a spread spectrum signal which is then transmitted. The spreading sequence is selected to be a chaotic sequence.
US08165059B2 Multi-hop communication method, a multi-hop communication terminal and communication program
The degradation of the communication characteristics and the throughput of the entire network can be improved. The failures of sending and receiving are reduced and the transmission time is reduced. In a multi-hop communication method how the source terminal 11 transmits and receives the packets with destination terminal 12 through at least one relay terminal 13, the relay terminal 13 and/or the destination terminal 12 includes a table TBL of use channel candidates that is issued by the source terminal 11, and the relay terminal 13 and/or the destination terminal 12 selects a use channel for sending the data packets from the channel candidates registered in the table and sends the data packets.
US08165052B2 Method and device for multiplexing broadcast service channel and non-broadcast service channel
A method for multiplexing a broadcast service channel and a non-broadcast service channel includes: reserving TF resources for carrying non-broadcast service data on a sub-frame for carrying broadcast service data, and multiplexing the broadcast service data and the non-broadcast service data to the sub-frame for carrying the broadcast service data. Correspondingly, a device for multiplexing a broadcast service channel and a non-broadcast service channel is disclosed. Hence, the system signaling overhead occupied during a TDM process between broadcast service and Unicast service is reduced, and the transmission delay of Unicast service is reduced.
US08165048B2 Wireless communication system, terminal station, and wireless communication method
The invention includes a wireless communication system including a control station which transmits a wireless signal by one of a plurality of schemes, and a terminal station which receives the transmitted wireless signal using a plurality of directional antennas by one of a plurality of schemes. The control station repeatedly transmits a wireless signal while sequentially switching the plurality of schemes. The terminal station switches the plurality of schemes at a cycle different from the switching cycle of the control station, changes the directivity direction of the directional antenna every time the terminal station receives all wireless signals transmitted by the plurality of schemes, and detects the reception state of each of the wireless signals which have been transmitted by the plurality of schemes and received in the directivity directions of the directional antenna.
US08165047B2 Apparatus and method for forward link outer loop rate control using hybrid automatic repeat request in mobile communication systems
An apparatus and method for Forward link Outer Loop Rate Control (FOLRC) using Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) in a mobile communication system are provided. The method includes receiving information, which indicates success or failure in receiving a packet transmitted in a previous frame, from Mobile Stations (MSs); and decreasing an offset value for changing a CINR value in a link table of each MS when Acknowledgement (Ack) is received as the information indicating success or failure in receiving the packet, and increasing the offset value when a signal received as the information indicating success or failure in receiving the packet is other than the Ack. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that a link table adaptive to a channel condition can be obtained.
US08165046B2 Framing for an adaptive modulation communication system
A system and method for mapping a combined frequency division duplexing (FDD) Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)/Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) downlink subframe for use with half-duplex and full-duplex terminals in a communication system. Embodiments of the downlink subframe vary Forward Error Correction (FEC) types for a given modulation scheme as well as support the implementation of a smart antennae at a base station in the communication system. Embodiments of the system are also used in a TDD communication system to support the implementation of smart antennae. A scheduling algorithm allows TDM and TDMA portions of a downlink to efficiently co-exist in the same downlink subframe and simultaneously support full and half-duplex terminals. The algorithm further allows the TDM of multiple terminals in a TDMA burst to minimize the number of map entries in a downlink map. The algorithm limits the number of downlink map entries to not exceed 2n+1, where n is the number of DL PHY modes (modulation/FEC combinations) employed by the communication system.
US08165045B2 Mobile wireless communications device including a power divider connecting an LNA to multiple receive signal chains
A mobile wireless communications device may include an antenna, a wireless radio frequency (RF) receiver, a wireless RF transmitter, and a duplexer connecting the wireless RF receiver and the wireless RF transmitter to the antenna. More particularly, the wireless RF receiver may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected to the duplexer, a first receive signal chain for wireless communications signals having a first signal type downstream from the LNA, a second receive signal chain for wireless communications signals having a second signal type different than the first frequency band downstream from the LNA, and a power divider connecting the LNA to the first and second receive signal chains.
US08165037B2 Method for switching communication networks
A method for switching communication network used in a first electronic device which is able to access many kinds of communication networks is disclosed. If the first electronic device receives a switching instruction at a time when a communication link and a data transmission have been established between the first electronic device and a second electronic device via a first communication network. Firstly, the first electronic device obtains an identification number of a third electronic device for use in a second communication network. Then, the communication link is established between the first electronic device and the third electronic device via the second communication network according to the identification number. Finally, the data is transmitted using the communication link between the first electronic device and the third electronic device via the second communication network, and disconnects the original communication link via the first communication link.
US08165036B2 Network device, information processing device, and computer readable storage medium therefor
A network device is provided. The network device includes a communicating unit, configured to communicate with an information processing device via a network to make an operational setting for encrypted communication to be established between the network device and the information processing device, a searching packet receiving unit to receive a searching packet to search for network devices transmitted from the information processing device, a judging unit to judge the status of the operational setting for the encrypted communication, a reply packet generating unit to generate a reply packet including information regarding the result of the judgment made by the judging unit in response to the searching packet which is received by the searching packet receiving unit, and a reply packet transmitting unit to transmit the reply packet generated by the reply packet generating unit to the information processing device via the network.
US08165023B2 Methods for the secured interconnection of VNET sites over WAN
One embodiment provides a method to interconnect virtual network segments (VNETs) defined for a local-area network (LAN) infrastructure separated by a wide-area network infrastructure. The technique involves the routing device at the LAN-WAN interconnection points to impose or dispose the VNET-shim, which encodes the VNET-id information in a Layer 4 portion of the packet. In a data plane, a new IP protocol value may be used to signify the presence of the VNET-shim followed by cryptography specific information in an IP packet. In a control plane, the routing protocol is expanded to exchange the routing information along with the VNET information.
US08165015B1 Modifying a rate based on at least one performance characteristic
Network operating methods provide a first packet switch configured to send a plurality of packets from the first packet switch to a second packet switch via a network path traversing one or more intermediate packet switches, access data describing at least one performance characteristic of the network path, and based on the data, modify a rate at which the first packet switch sends the plurality of packets to the second packet switch via the path. Network management methods receive data describing at least one performance characteristic of a network path having a first endpoint on a first packet switch, a second endpoint on a second packet switch, the network path traversing one or more intermediate packet switches and, based on the received data, instruct the first packet switch to modify a rate at which the first packet switch sends packets to the second packet switch via the network path.
US08165013B2 Networked computer with gateway selection
A networked computer system in which a gateway is selected for efficient transmission over a network using a layered protocol. When a transmission over the network fails, information at multiple protocol layers indicates the usability of the gateway through which the failed transmission was made. In a layered protocol with an application or connection layer, a path layer and a link layer, information at the link layer is used to determine whether retransmission through the same gateway should be attempted. Information at the path layer is used to determine whether the gateway is faulty. Information from the application or connection layer is used to determine whether responses are received to transmissions. These determinations are used in setting the status of the gateway, which in turn is used to prioritize gateways when selecting a gateway for future transmissions. The system also temporarily raises the priority associated with a gateway so that it will be used in a transmission, which can reveal that the state of the gateway should be changed.
US08165010B2 OFDMA preambles system and method
A preamble code usable in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) for the physical layer (PHY), selected for improved PAPR in a 1024, 512 or 128 FFT OFDMA mode. Tables 2 to 7 detail code sequences having improved PAPR performance. The disclosed codes may be used in cellular wireless.
US08165006B2 Optical disc device and data reproduction method for the same
Prevention of deletion of data in an unintended recording layer of an optical disc is ensured even when servo deviation occurs while controlling data reproduction. A light source outputs a light beam with light intensity according to a driving current on which a high frequency signal is superimposed. The light beam is collected on a recording layer of an optical disc. As triggered by detection of servo deviation during data reproduction, a light intensity controller adjusts a superimposed amount of the high frequency signal in the driving current to suit to a specific recording layer with the lowest reproduction tolerance in the optical disc and thereby controls the light intensity of the light beam output from the light source.
US08164986B2 Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head and thermally-assisted magnetic recording method
A magnetic recording head capable of a satisfying thermally-assisted magnetic recording without depending on the use of a near-field light generator is provided. The head comprises a waveguide and a main magnetic pole having a main pole tip. Further, at least a portion of the main pole tip is embedded in a groove provided in the upper surface of the waveguide. Further, a second clad layer is provided on the first clad layer and on a rear side from the main pole tip. This configuration of the first and second clad layers suppresses the absorption of the light propagating through the waveguide by the main magnetic pole. Further, the configuration in which at least a portion of the main pole tip is embedded in the groove can cause the distance between the light spot center of the waveguide and the main magnetic pole to be sufficiently small.
US08164980B2 Methods and apparatuses for data collection and communication in drill string components
A drill string component includes a box-end and a pin-end. Each end includes a signal transceiver, which are operably coupled together. Each signal transceiver communicates with another signal transceiver in another component to form a communication network in the drillstring. An end-cap may be placed in the central bore of the pin-end of a component to form an annular chamber between a side of the end-cap and a wall of the central bore of the pin-end when the end-cap is disposed in the central bore. In some embodiments, an electronics module may be placed in the annular chamber and configured to communicate with one of the signal transceivers. Accelerometer data, as well as other sensor data, at various locations along the drillstring may be sampled by the electronics module and communicated to a remote computer. Drillstring motion dynamics, such as vibration, may be determined based on the accelerometer data.
US08164979B2 System and method for acquisition and processing of elastic wavefield seismic data
A system and method of acquiring and processing full elastic waveform data from a vertical-force source comprises providing seismic waves into the earth from the vertical-force source, sensing reflections of the seismic waves at multi-component geophones placed along the surface of the earth, and processing the reflections of the seismic waves to generate full elastic waveform data.
US08164977B2 Simulating up-going pressure wavefield
Various methods for simulating up-going pressure wavefield data. In one implementation, a processing apparatus may receive pressure data from pressure sensors that may be installed on a first and second streamer of an over/under streamer pair. The processing apparatus may also receive velocity data from velocity sensors that may be installed on the second streamer of the over/under streamer pair. Using the pressure and velocity data obtained from the sensors installed on each streamer, the processing apparatus may simulate the pressure and velocity data that would have been obtained by a streamer in a calm sea at a depth equal to the vertical distance between the first and second streamers. The simulated pressure and velocity data may then be combined to estimate the up-going pressure wavefield data.
US08164975B2 Data capture system and method, and memory controllers and devices
Embodiments of a data capture system and method may be used in a variety of devices, such as in memory controllers and memory devices. The data capture system and method may generate a first set of periodic signals and a second set of periodic signals that differs from the first set. Either the first set of periodic signals or the second set of periodic signals may be selected and used to generate a set of data capture signals. The selection of either the first set or the second set may be made on the basis of the number of serial data digits in a previously captured burst of data. The data capture signals may then be used to capture a burst of serial data digits.
US08164972B1 Address decoder
An address decoder that includes a plurality of predecoders configured to (i) receive and logically combine a clock signal and address signals and (ii) generate addresses and complementary addresses. At least one of the plurality of precoders includes a first logic gate configured to receive the clock signal and one of the address signals, and a second logic gate configured to receive the clock signal and an output of the first logic gate. The address decoder further includes a decoder configured to generate a decoder output based on the addresses and complementary addresses.
US08164970B2 Third dimensional memory with compress engine
An integrated circuit and method for modifying data by compressing the data in third dimensional memory technology is disclosed. In a specific embodiment, an integrated circuit is configured to perform compression of data disposed in third dimensional memory. For example, the integrated circuit can include a third dimensional memory array configured to store an input independent of storing a compressed copy of the input, a processor configured to compress the input to form the compressed copy of the input, and a controller configured to control access between the processor and the third dimensional memory array. The third dimension memory array can include one or more layers of non-volatile re-writeable two-terminal cross-point memory arrays fabricated back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) over a logic layer fabricated front-end-of-the-line (FEOL). The logic layer includes active circuitry for data operations (e.g., read and write operations) and data compression operations on the third dimension memory array.
US08164969B2 Ultra-low power hybrid circuits
The present invention provides a solution to avoid the robustness problems of sub-threshold circuits by switching small parts of circuits to nominal-voltage only when they are being used, and switching them back to sub-threshold levels when the operation finishes. Such “hybrid sub-threshold” approach is capable of supporting ultra-low power operation without the disadvantages of sub-threshold circuits. Hybrid power saving mode for logic circuits provide significant power saving and fast recovery time without performance degradation.
US08164962B2 Semiconductor memory apparatus
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes an SRAM circuit having first SRAM cells that store data and second SRAM cells that amplify a potential difference of the data and store the potential difference, a word line driver circuit that outputs a first control signal for selecting one of the first SRAM cells to be read/written the data and a second control signal for selecting one of the second SRAM cells to be read/written the potential difference, a sense amplifier circuit that amplifies a potential difference of a read signal output from a bit line pair of the second SRAM cell selected according to the second control signal, and a write driver circuit that outputs a write signal to the bit line pair of the second SRAM cell selected according to the second control signal, and the write signal has a potential difference between bit lines larger than the read signal.
US08164959B2 Method and system for programming non-volatile memory cells based on programming of proximate memory cells
A multi-level non-volatile memory device programs cells in each row in a manner that takes into account the coupling from the programming of cells that are proximate the row to be programmed. In one example of the invention, after the row has been programmed, the proximate cells are verified by read, comparison, and, if necessary, reprogramming operations to compensate for charge added to proximate memory cells resulting from programming the row. In another example of the invention, a row of memory cells is programmed with charge levels that take into account the charge that will be added to the memory cells when proximate memory cells are subsequently programmed.
US08164955B2 NOR flash memory device and method for fabricating the same
Embodiments of a NOR flash memory and method for fabricating the same are provided. Bit lines can be formed as self-aligned source and drain regions between adjacent first polysilicon patterns. Contacts for the source and drain regions can be provided according to bit line instead of per cell. Word lines can be formed as second polysilicon patterns, which are used as control gates, and are provided perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bit lines. During formation of the second polysilicon patterns, a dielectric film and exposed regions of the first polysilicon patterns can be etched to form floating gates below the second polysilicon patterns.
US08164950B2 Reduction of punch-through disturb during programming of a memory device
A punch-through disturb effect in a memory device can be reduced by biasing a selected word line at a program voltage to program a selected memory cell, biasing word lines on the drain side of the series string with a Vpass voltage, turning off an adjacent memory cell to the selected memory cell, and biasing remaining word lines on the source side of the turned-off memory cell with a Vlow voltage that is less than Vpass.
US08164949B2 Reducing drift in chalcogenide devices
Chalcogenide materials conventionally used in chalcogenide memory devices and ovonic threshold switches may exhibit a tendency called drift, wherein threshold voltage or resistance changes with time. By providing a compensating material which exhibits an opposing tendency, the drift may be compensated. The compensating material may be mixed into a chalcogenide, may be layered with chalcogenide, may be provided with a heater, or may be provided as part of an electrode in some embodiments. Both chalcogenide and non-chalcogenide compensating materials may be used.
US08164948B2 Spintronic devices with integrated transistors
The semiconductor industry seeks to replace traditional volatile memory devices with improved non-volatile memory devices. The increased demand for a significantly advanced, efficient, and non-volatile data retention technique has driven the development of integrated Giant-Magneto-resistive (GMR) structures. The present teachings relates to integrated latch memory and logic devices and, in particular, concerns a spin dependent logic device that may be integrated with conventional semiconductor-based logic devices to construct high-speed non-volatile static random access memory (SRAM) cells.
US08164946B2 Magnetic memory element, magnetic memory device, information recording/reproducing apparatus
A magnetic memory element includes a pair of electrodes, a junction layer, at least one carbon nanotube, and at least one nanowire. The at least one nanowire is made of a ferromagnetic material and extends through a hole of each the at least one carbon nanotube with both ends being electrically connected to the pair of electrodes, respectively. The junction layer is made of a non-magnetic material and disposed between one of the pair of electrodes and one end of each the at least one nanowire. The one of the pair of electrodes is made of a ferromagnetic material. Magnetization of the at least one nanowire is reversed by spin injection performed through the junction layer with the one of the pair of electrodes. When a DC bias current and a detection current having a frequency coinciding with a magnetic resonance frequency of the nanowire are applied in a superimposed manner, between the electrodes, within a range not reaching a critical current density of the magnetization reversal, the pair of electrodes have a voltage corresponding to a magnetization direction of the nanowire.
US08164934B2 Content addressable memory
An entry including multiple bits of unit cells each storing data bit is coupled to a match line. The match line is supplied with a charging current having a restricted current value smaller than a match line current flowing in a one-bit miss state in one entry, but larger than a match line current flowing in an all-bit match state in one entry. A precharge voltage level of a match line is restricted to a voltage level of half a power supply voltage or smaller. Power consumption in a search cycle of a content addressable memory can be reduced, and a search operation speed can be increased.
US08164933B2 Power source circuit
A semiconductor device is provided, which comprises a rectifier circuit configured to generate a first voltage from a first signal inputted from an input terminal, a comparing circuit configured to compare a reference voltage and the first voltage inputted from the rectifier circuit and to output a second signal to a switch, and a voltage generation circuit configured to generate a second voltage from the first signal inputted from the input terminal. The rectifier circuit includes a transistor including at least a control terminal, and the voltage generation circuit inputs the second voltage to the control terminal when the switch is turned on in accordance with the second signal.
US08164925B2 Non-contact power feeder
[Problems]To provide a non-contact power feeder that is high efficient and high power factor and has no load dependence.[Means for Solving Problems]A series capacitor Cs1 is connected to a primary winding 1 driven by an AC power supply 3 and a parallel capacitor Cp2 is connected to a secondary winding 2. The capacitance Cp is set to Cp≈1/{2πf0×(x0+x2)} and the capacitance Cs converted to the primary side is set to Cs≈(x0+x2)/{2πf0×(x0×x1+x1×x2+x2×x0)}, where f0 is the frequency of the power supply, x1 is a primary leakage reactance of the primary winding 1, x2 is a secondary leakage reactance of the secondary winding 2 converted to the primary side and x0 is an excitation reactance converted to the primary side. By setting Cp and Cs to the above values, the transformer of the non-contact power feeder is substantially equivalent to an ideal transformer. If it is driven by a voltage type converter, the output voltage (=load voltage) becomes substantially constant voltage regardless of the load. In case of a resistive load (ZL=R), the power factor of the power supply output always remains 1 even if the load may vary.
US08164922B2 Heat management in an electronic module
In one example, a heat management system suitable for use in connection with an electronic module is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment the heat management system includes a module guide configured to receive an electronic module. At least two heat sink elements are configured and arranged for movement independent of each other. At least two retention elements are configured to bias a respective heat sink element against any electronic module that is positioned within the module guide.
US08164919B2 Motherboard and relay device thereon
A motherboard includes a main body and two relay devices attached on the main body. The main body includes a signal output terminal, a signal input terminal, a first connector module, and a second connector module. Each relay device includes a circuit board, a relay, and a third connector module. The input terminal outputs an input signal to the corresponding relay via the first and the third connector modules in turn. The relay corresponding to the signal input terminal outputs the input signal to the signal output terminal via the third connector module corresponding to the signal input terminal, the first connector module, the second connector module and the third connector module corresponding to the signal output terminal in turn.
US08164913B2 Fastener and electronic device having the same
A fastener includes a cylinder and a draw hook. The cylinder includes a main body, two resilient arms extending from an end of the main body, and a flange extending from a circumference of an opposite end of the main body. A number of protrusions spaced in the axial direction of the main body extends from an inside surface of each of the resilient arms. The draw hook includes a post slidably received in the cylinder, a taper-shaped engaging portion extending from an end of the post and exposed out of distal ends of the resilient arms, and a handle extending from an opposite end of the post. A diameter of the engaging portion gradually grows larger along a direction away from the post.
US08164905B2 Heat sink assembly
An exemplary heat sink assembly includes a heat sink and a clip resiliently clamping the heat sink on a printed circuit board. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of first fins and two central second fins extending upwardly from the base. The clip includes a locating portion fixed between the second fins of the heat sink, a pair of elastic portions extending outwardly from opposite ends of the locating portion and oriented towards substantially opposite directions, and two hooks extending outwardly from ends of the operating members, respectively. An acute included angle is formed between each elastic portion and the locating portion of the clip in an original relaxed position, and the acute included angles become approximately right angles when the clip is preassembled in the heat sink with the elastic portions abutting the second fins.
US08164901B2 High efficiency heat removal system for rack mounted computer equipment
An efficient method of heat removal from rack mounted computer equipment, network gear and other electronic equipment, consisting of solid heat conducting components in direct contact with the heat generating sources. In particular, this invention is primarily focused on the ability to efficiently and effectively cool computer equipment in standard computer rack cabinets.This invention utilizes a design that retains the general existing form factor of the rack mounted computer equipment, but uses direct contact heat transfer to a metal heat transfer conduit (Copper, Aluminum or other metal or efficient heat conducting material) contained within the computer equipment chassis. Furthermore, it is thermally coupled to an external rack mounted solid-to-fluid heat exchanger as an efficient method of heat transfer and removal. This is much more efficient than air as heat transfer medium which it the common method of heat removal from existing standardized rack mounted computer equipment.This invention covers the design of the heat transfer components within the chassis of rack mounted computer server and the heat transfer system components external to the server within rack enclosure, as well as the external cooling system components necessary to connect to existing fluid based heat transfer and removal systems and processes.
US08164898B2 Housing assembly for a portable electronic device
A housing assembly for an electronic device includes a mounting assembly, an engaging assembly, a first housing, and a guiding member. The mounting assembly includes an accommodation room having an opening therein. The engaging assembly includes a first elastic member and a first engaging member mounted in the accommodation room. The first engaging member includes a first force receiving portion and a first engaging portion corresponding to the opening. The first housing is coupled with the mounting assembly and includes an assembling portion to be connected with the first engaging portion. The guiding member has a first guiding portion corresponding to the first force receiving portion. When the first guiding portion of the guiding member is applied by a force to move the first force receiving portion of the first engaging member to a position, the first engaging member is disengaged from the assembling portion of the first housing.
US08164893B2 Hard disk drive tray and computer having the same
A computer includes a cabinet, a plurality of hard disk drives (HDDs), and a plurality of HDD trays. The cabinet defines a plurality of groups of screw holes therethrough. Each of the HDDs defines a group of screw holes in the bottom surface thereof respectively. Each of the HDD trays includes a loading bracket and a plurality of supporters, and the supporters extending outward from the loading bracket; the loading bracket defines a plurality of arrays of screw holes, each array of screw holes having a unique size to allow a corresponding size of HDD to be secured thereon, the supporters define a group of screw holes corresponding to the screw holes defined on the cabinet.
US08164891B2 Electronic device with covered expansion card bay
An electronic device includes a housing, an expansion card holder, and a protective cover assembly. The housing defines an opening. The expansion card holder is located inside the housing. The protective cover assembly includes a rotary shaft unit, and a cover rotatably connected to the main body via the rotary shaft unit. The cover includes a main body made of soft material, and an elastic member embedded in the main body. The main body includes a cover portion covering the opening, a resisting portion resisting against the housing, and a connecting portion interconnecting the cover portion and the resisting portion. The elastic member includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. The first and the second elastic arms are embedded in the cover portion and the resisting portion, respectively. The elastic member provides a resilient force to the cover portion to open or seal the opening automatically.
US08164876B2 Transient voltage protection circuit and system incorporating the same
A transient voltage protection circuit that protects a load from transient voltages is disclosed. The circuit includes a series combination of a thyristor surge protection device (TSPD), a resistor and a transorb coupled for coupling in parallel with the load, and a fuse coupled between an AC input and the series combination. The TSPD and the transorb are configured to enter a transient mode upon application of a transient voltage to the circuit to shunt current from the load and provide an AC output voltage to the load less than the transient voltage without opening the fuse.
US08164864B2 Method and system for fabricating magnetic transducers with improved pinning
A method and system for providing a magnetic transducer are disclosed. The method and system include providing a magnetic element that includes a free layer, a pinned layer, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the pinned layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is a tunneling barrier layer. The free layer is configured to be biased in a first direction. The pinned layer has a pinned layer magnetization configured to be pinned in a second direction that is at a first angle from perpendicular to the ABS. The first angle is nonzero and different from ninety degrees. The second direction and the first direction form a second angle that is different from ninety degrees.
US08164863B2 Current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) read sensor with multiple ferromagnetic sense layers
The invention provides a current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) or giant magnetoresistance (GMR) read sensor with multiple ferromagnetic sense layers. In one embodiment of the invention, a CPP TMR read sensor comprises a first sense layer formed by a ferromagnetic polycrystalline Co—Fe film, a second sense layer formed by a ferromagnetic interstitial-type amorphous Co—Fe—B film, a third sense layer formed by a ferromagnetic substitute-type amorphous Co—Fe—X film where X is Hf, Zr or Y, and a fourth sense layer formed by a ferromagnetic Ni—Fe film. The third sense layer acts as a diffusion barrier layer to suppress Ni diffusion, thus allowing the incorporation of the Ni—Fe fourth sense layer for improving ferromagnetic properties of the multiple sense layers. The multiple sense layers induce spin-dependent scattering, thus facilitating the CPP TMR read sensor to exhibit a strong TMR effect.
US08164854B2 Magnetic recording head with spin oscillation device and magnetic recording apparatus including the magnetic recording head
A magnetic recording head includes a recording magnetic pole, and a spin oscillation device including a first magnetic layer having at least one magnetic material layer, a second magnetic layer having at least one magnetic material layer, and a first nonmagnetic layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer are antiferromagnetically coupled and/or magnetostatically coupled to each other. The first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer are laminated in a direction generally parallel to a medium facing surface and generally parallel to a side surface of the recording magnetic pole intersecting with the medium facing surface.
US08164850B2 Fluid dynamic bearing device, spindle motor, and disk drive apparatus including nickel coated bearing housing
A fluid dynamic bearing device includes a sleeve having a bearing hole into which a shaft is inserted, the sleeve rotatably supporting the shaft to make relative rotation about a center axis and a bearing housing made of a cold-rolled steel plate or a galvanized steel plate, the sleeve being received within the bearing housing. The bearing housing is filled with lubricating oil mainly composed of ester. A radial dynamic pressure bearing portion is provided between an outer circumferential surface of the shaft and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, the radial dynamic pressure bearing portion having radial dynamic pressure grooves for holding the lubricating oil as working fluid and for inducing a fluid dynamic pressure in the lubricating oil during the relative rotation. At least a surface region of the bearing housing remaining in contact with the lubricating oil is coated with a layer mainly composed of nickel.
US08164845B1 Method and apparatus for asymmetry correction in magnetic recording channels
A circuit for compensating asymmetry in a waveform of an input signal using a piecewise approximation of a saturation curve, the circuit including a first circuit configured to output a first compensation for a first section of the saturation curve using a first function and a second circuit configured to output a second compensation for a second section of the saturation curve using a second function. The second function is different than the first function. The first compensation and the second compensation provide the piecewise approximation of a region of the saturation curve. The region includes at least the first second and the second section.
US08164842B2 Lens driving device, camera, and camera-equipped cellular phone
A lens driving device 1 is provided, in which a spring 11 includes an outer ring portion 11b that is fixed to a body 5, an inner ring portion 11a that is fixed to a lens support 7, and an arm portion 11c that connects the outer ring portion 11b and the inner ring portion 11a, and the lens support 7 is moved in an optical axis direction of a lens by way of an electromagnetic force that is generated by applying electric current to a coil 15 from a terminal member 6, the terminal member 6 including a superimposed portion 6a that is superimposed on the outer ring portion of 11b of the spring 11, and a power supply terminal 6b that protrudes from the superimposed portion 6a, and the terminal member 6 disposing the superimposed portion 6a between the outer ring portion 11b of the spring and the body 5.
US08164839B2 Endoscope and objective lens for the same
An objective lens for an endoscope, including a negative front lens group and a positive rear lens group arranged such that an aperture stop is positioned therebetween, wherein the front lens group has at least a front-side negative lens and a front-side positive lens arranged in this order from an object side, and the rear lens group has at least a rear-side positive lens and a cemented lens arranged in this order from the object side, the cemented lens being configured by cementing together negative and positive lenses. The objective lens satisfies following conditions: −4.5≦fF/f≦−2.0 and 1.5≦fRP/f≦2.5, where fF (unit: mm) represent of the front lens group, f (unit: mm) represents a total focal length of the front lens group and the rear lens group, and fRP (unit: mm) represents a focal length of the rear-side positive lens.
US08164835B2 Optical systems employing compliant electroactive materials
The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive films to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device/system.
US08164828B2 Observable centrifugal apparatus and observation apparatus
Disclosed is an observable centrifugal apparatus capable of checking in real time a state of a sample during reaction of separation or synthesization in the form of a stable and high-quality image at a high frame rate. An observable centrifugal apparatus A has a rotary disc 4 rotating about a rotary shaft 2, a reactor 6 disposed on the rotary disc and rotating together with the rotary disc while accommodating a sample, and a microscope 8 for observing a state of the sample within the reactor, in which predetermined substances of the sample are separated or synthesized by applying a centrifugal force to the sample within the reactor. The microscope is fixed in a predetermined position on the rotary disc so as to enable the state of the sample within the reactor to be observed, and the rotary disc is fitted with an imaging device 19 for photographing the state of the sample, caught by the microscope, within the reactor and a microscope image, and with an image wireless transmission device 12 for wirelessly transmitting in real time the photographed image of the microscope image photographed by the imaging device as a dynamic image.
US08164827B2 Infrared window assembly
A lens assembly 10 for an infrared window through which infrared inspection of an apparatus within a housing is performed when the lens assembly is mounted in an aperture provided in the housing. The lens assembly includes an infrared transmitting pane 11 having two generally opposed surfaces 14; and a first protective grille 12 lying against one of the opposed surfaces 14 and having an array of holes 20 formed therethrough that permit infrared inspection of the apparatus through the pane. A second protective grille 12 may be provided on the opposite face and there can be alignment means 21, 32 to ensure correct alignment of each with respect to the other.
US08164821B2 Microelectromechanical device with thermal expansion balancing layer or stiffening layer
An interferometric modulating device is provided with a thermal expansion balancing layer on a side of the movable flexible layer opposite the movable reflector such that when temperature changes the distance between the movable reflector and the optical stack does not change significantly, thereby leading to stable color. Additionally, an interferometric modulating device is provided with a stiffening layer between the movable flexible layer and the movable reflector and at least one hollow void exists on the surface where the movable reflector and the stiffening layer contact each other so that the movable reflector is more rigid to bending, thereby reducing the temperature sensitivity of the movable reflector.
US08164818B2 Electrochromic window fabrication methods
Methods of manufacturing electrochromic windows are described. An electrochromic device is fabricated to substantially cover a glass sheet, for example float glass, and a cutting pattern is defined based on one or more low-defectivity areas in the device from which one or more electrochromic panes are cut. Laser scribes and/or bus bars may be added prior to cutting the panes or after. Edge deletion can also be performed prior to or after cutting the electrochromic panes from the glass sheet. Insulated glass units (IGUs) are fabricated from the electrochromic panes and optionally one or more of the panes of the IGU are strengthened.
US08164815B2 MEMS cavity-coating layers and methods
Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties.
US08164813B1 Non-circular continuous variable aperture or shutter for infrared cameras
A continuous variable non-circular aperture for an infra-red camera is formed by a plurality of positionable metal blades arranged to define there between an aperture of non-circular shape. A rotatable actuator plate positions the blades. Actuator rotation in one direction moves the metal blades to increase the size of the non-circular aperture without changing the non-circular shape of the aperture and vice-versa when the actuator plate is rotated in the opposite direction also maintaining the non-circular aperture shape. A preferred non-circular shape for a continuous variable aperture now possible is a rectangle; another is configured as a racetrack.
US08164805B2 Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus therewith
An image reading apparatus includes: a lamp shining light on a target original document to be read; a lamp operating circuit for turning on the lamp; an image sensor receiving light shone from the lamp to the original document and reflected from the original document, for generating image data; a control section outputting a lamp control signal for controlling turning-on and -off of the lamp to the lamp operating circuit; and a lamp control circuit, separate from the control section, outputting a lamp control signal for controlling turning-on and -off of the lamp and, when a main power switch of the apparatus is turned on, permitting the lamp to be turned on before the control section is activated.
US08164799B2 Digitally printed color anti-copy document in any resolution and processes and products therefor
The present invention relates to a method and product resulting from the application of distortion security images in a digitally printed color anti-copy document, printed on demand, which may be variable use laser printers or printer/copiers and/or ink-jet printers and/or digital presses at any resolution.
US08164793B2 Image processing apparatus and method
In a multipass printing that performs a plurality of printing scans over a unit area of a print medium by using a leading head and a follower head, the multivalued image data for the leading head is distributed according to the print volume information for up to the preceding printing scan. Then, the multivalued image data for the leading head is subjected to the grayscale level reduction operation to generate binary data. Based on the binary data, the print volume information is updated, after which the multivalued image data for the follower head is distributed according to the print volume information. This causes a plurality of printing scans or a plurality of print heads, that print the same unit area, to have a correlation among them, with the result that dots on a plurality of planes when overlapped have an excellent scattering characteristic.
US08164791B2 Image recording apparatus and method
An image recording apparatus includes: a recording head having plural recording elements; a characteristics information acquisition device; a correction calculation device which corrects image data using recording point positional deviation information within acquired characteristics information, and generates image data suppressing a non-uniformity streak in an output image; a nearest recording point specifying device specifying, when image density is outside an output image density range, a second recording element concerning a recording position nearest to a recording position of a first recording element corresponding to first image data outside the output image density range; a sum density calculation device calculating sum density of the first image data and second image data; an image data modification device which preserves the calculated slim density; and a drive control device controlling driving of the recording head in accordance with the corrected image data and modified image data.
US08164782B2 Transforming partially specified processing instructions and PDL data into a product description
A rule based system can produce a formal product description when only partially specified processing instructions and page description language (PDL) files are available. The PDL files contain product content data and can contain product description data. The partially specified processing instructions can be obtained from PDL file metadata or from other sources such as a Job Definition Format (JDF) Graybox. A knowledge based reasoning module can use the product description data and partially specified processing instructions to produce a formal product description from which a process network can be automatically produced.
US08164766B2 Electronic format file content sensitive user interface
A method is provided for enabling adaptive print job content processing as a function of the electronic format and content of files, received by a digital print production environment providing access to a display in the form of a user interface able to select job content processing options. The method includes receiving a print job in one or more electronic format files, with the print job including supplementary information for one or more electronic format files. Depending on the electronic format of the files, job programming options are structured, with options including parameter(s), parameter value(s), and parameter selectability. Programming options are presented on the user interface for review and possible modification by an operator. A determination is made as to whether any operator modifications have been indicated. If operator modifications have been indicated, the parameter value(s) affected are adjusted.
US08164764B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing system
When an instruction to execute an image processing from a user is accepted through an operation panel, a control section temporarily stores image data read from an original or externally received image data in an HDD, and then, outputs processing information related to the image processing based on the accepted execution instruction and the image data stored in the HDD from a communication section to a server apparatus as historical data. When an obtaining completion signal representative of the completion of obtaining of the historical data is obtained from the server apparatus through the communication section, the control section performs the image processing on the image data stored in the HDD according to the accepted execution instruction. Then, the control section erases the image data subjected to the processing from the HDD.
US08164762B2 Intelligent text driven document sizing
A method for automatically magnifying a copy job to result in a copied text that is not smaller than a user specified minimum size. An original document is automatically scanned and an analysis performed to determine, the smallest text size within the original document. A magnification for rendering the document can then be set. Media size can then be selected appropriately, and an image magnification ratio and output document size selections optimized to create a text size in the resulting rendering document which are as close as possible to a user's minimum text size selection when the user selected minimum text size cannot be achieved.
US08164759B2 Imaging microoptics for measuring the position of an aerial image
An imaging microoptics, which is compact and robust, includes at least one aspherical member and has a folded beam path. The imaging microoptics provides a magnification |β′| of >800 by magnitude. Furthermore, a system for positioning a wafer with respect to a projection optics includes the imaging microoptics, an image sensor positionable in the image plane of the imaging microoptics, for measuring a position of an aerial image of the projection optics, and a wafer stage with an actuator and a controller for positioning the wafer in dependence of an output signal of the image sensor.
US08164753B2 Alignment mark arrangement and alignment mark structure
An alignment mark arrangement includes: a first alignment pattern comprising a plurality of parallel first stripes on a substrate, wherein each of the first stripes includes a first dimension; and a second alignment pattern positioned directly above and overlapping with the first alignment pattern, the second alignment pattern including a plurality of parallel second stripes, wherein each of the second stripes of the second alignment pattern has a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension of each of the first stripes of the first alignment pattern.
US08164750B2 Method and apparatus for detecting colored foreign particles in quartz powder material
Colored foreign particles contained in quartz powder material are detected in a high precision with the specified detection apparatus even when the colored foreign particles are pale colored foreign particles such as iron-based refuse, organic refuse and carbon-based refuse.
US08164742B1 Photopolarimetric lidar dual-beam switching device and mueller matrix standoff detection system and method
An optomechanical switching device, a control system, and a graphical user interface for a photopolarimetric lidar standoff detection that employs differential-absorption Mueller matrix spectroscopy. An output train of alternate continuous-wave CO2 laser beams [ . . . L1:L2 . . . ] is directed onto a suspect chemical-biological (CB) aerosol plume or the land mass it contaminates (S) vis-à-vis the OSD, with L1 [L2] tuned on [detuned off] a resonant molecular absorption moiety of CB analyte. Both incident beams and their backscattered radiances from S are polarization-modulated synchronously so as to produce gated temporal voltage waveforms (scattergrams) recorded on a focus at the receiver end of a sensor (lidar) system. All 16 elements of the Mueller matrix (Mij) of S are measured via digital or analog filtration of constituent frequency components in these running scattergram data streams (phase-sensitive detection). A collective set of normalized elements {ΔMi,j} (ratio to M11) susceptible to analyte, probed on-then-off its molecular absorption band, form a unique detection domain that is scrutinized; i.e., any mapping onto this domain by incoming lidar data—by means of a trained neural network pattern recognition system for instance—cues a standoff detection event.
US08164731B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which can obviate cutting off of a peripheral region of the liquid crystal display device which is provided with an inspection circuit and can surely perform the inspection of an image display even when the peripheral region is narrowed. On a substrate of the liquid crystal display device, a pixel region which is comprised of a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of drain lines and a peripheral region which surrounds the pixel region are formed. A turn-on inspection terminal of the liquid crystal display device are formed on the peripheral region and a semiconductor chip for driving liquid crystal is formed on the inspection terminal. The semiconductor chip is electrically insulated from the inspection terminal.
US08164718B2 Liquid crystal display device
To provide a liquid crystal display device having high visibility and high image quality by relieving color phase irregularity. A light-shielding layer is selectively provided so as to overlap with a contact hole for electrical connection to a source region or a drain region of a thin film transistor. Alternatively, by providing an opening portion of a colored layer (color filter) with an opening so as to overlap with a contact hole, uneven alignment of liquid crystal molecules does not influence display, and a liquid crystal display having high image quality can be provided.
US08164703B2 Optical module and positioning frame thereof
An optical module with an optical film and a positioning frame is disclosed. The positioning frame firmly fixes the optical film of the optical module so as to prevent the deviation of the optical film. The optical film has at least a first lug with a base portion and an expansion portion extending outwardly, wherein the width of the expansion portion is wider than the base portion. The positioning frame has a side wall and a flange. The flange is disposed on the side wall and has a first opening. The flange located at one side of the first opening has a first protrusion extending outwardly the side wall on the two sides of the first opening. The first opening is used to contain the base portion of the first lug, and the expansion portion of the first lug can be disposed under the first protrusion.
US08164690B2 Image display device for expanding and displaying part of an image
An image display device includes an MPEG decoder configured to generate image signals based on digital signals received by a tuner unit, an image segmenting unit configured to extract image signals included in a segment area being an arbitrary area portion from image signals outputted from the MPEG decoder, a display position adjusting unit configured to set a display area being an arbitrary area portion displaying the extracted image signals, an expansion display producing unit configured to allocate the extracted image signals to the display area to generate an expanded image, and a video synthesizing unit configured to synthesize image signals outputted from the expansion display producing unit and image signals outputted from the MPEG decoder.
US08164677B2 Lens module with gas pressure control device and camera module having same
An exemplary lens module includes a barrel, a first lens fixedly disposed in the barrel, a second lens movably received in the barrel, and a pressure control device. The barrel includes a peripheral side wall. A hole is defined in the peripheral side wall. The first lens, the second lens, and the barrel together define a chamber. The chamber communicates with the hole. The pressure control device communicates with the hole so as to change the gas pressure of the chamber, thereby moving the second lens relative to the first lens.
US08164676B2 Camera module providing reliable long term adherence
An camera module includes a substrate, an image sensor chip, and a lens module. The image sensor chip is disposed on and electrically connected to the substrate. The lens module is mounted on the base via an adhesive layer. The lens module includes a bottom surface contacting with the substrate. The bottom surface defines at least one sloped surfaces thereon. At least one gap is defined between the substrate and the at least one sloped surface. The adhesive layer is disposed between the bottom surface and the substrate, the gap is capable of accepting adhesive when the lens module and substrate are pressed together.
US08164672B2 System and method for displaying an image stream
A system and method may display an image stream (200), where an original image stream may be divided into two or more subset images streams, each subset image stream being displayed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously in each time slot (210A-240D) may be variably adjusted based on a predetermined criterion. The images may be collected from an ingestible capsule traversing the GI tract.
US08164642B2 Image-capturing device with a destructive read-type image sensor
An image-capturing device includes: a destructive read-type image sensor that executes photoelectric conversion of a light flux from an optical system at a plurality of pixels, stores electrical charges resulting from the photoelectric conversion at the plurality of pixels, and outputs a signal corresponding to each of the stored electrical charges; a read unit that reads out the signal from the image sensor over a specific cycle; a display unit at which display is brought up based upon the signal read out by the read unit each time the read unit reads out the signal; a storage unit that individually stores signals read out by the read unit, each in correspondence to a read operation; an adding unit that adds up a plurality of signals obtained sequentially over time among the signals stored in the storage unit; and a focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state of the optical system based upon adding results provided by the adding unit.
US08164640B2 Camera control means to allow operating of a destined location of the information surface of a presentation and information system
The invention concerns a control device for controlling an information device arrangement. Control device includes camera means (CAM) and display means (VF) to allow operating of a destined location (21) of the information surface. Destined location is adapted for determination from the control information being in the image information (IMAGE) formed by the camera means (CAM). The control device is arranged at least to determine from the control information of the image information (IMAGE) data (x1, y1, hei, wid, gx, gy) in order to determine a continuous stream of locations pointed by the control device. System, method and program products are also targets of the present invention.
US08164634B2 Vibrating device and image equipment having the same
A vibrating device includes a drive unit configured to drive a vibrating member to produce vibration Z(x,y) at a dust-screening member, the vibration being expressed as follows: Z(x,y)=Wmn(x,y)·cos(γ)+Wnm(x,y)·sin(γ) where Z(x,y) is vibration at a given point P(x,y) on the dust-screening member, m and n are positive integers including 0, indicating the order of natural vibration corresponding to a vibrational mode, W mn ⁡ ( x , y ) = sin ⁡ ( n ⁢ ⁢ π · x + π 2 ) · sin ⁡ ( m ⁢ ⁢ π · y + π 2 ) , ⁢ W nm ⁡ ( x , y ) = sin ⁡ ( m ⁢ ⁢ π · x + π 2 ) · sin ⁡ ( n ⁢ ⁢ π · y + π 2 ) , and γ is +π/4 or ranges from −π/8 to −π/4. LP/LF is 0.5 or more, but less than 1, where LF is the length of the sides to which the vibrating member is arranged in a virtual rectangle having the same area as the surface of the dust-screening member and sides including the one side, and LB is the longitudinal length of the vibrating member of the sides parallel to the one side.
US08164632B2 Method and apparatus for measuring moving picture response curve
A picture is scrolled on a display 5 to be measured, and the scrolling moving picture is pursuit-captured by a color camera 3 so as to obtain a pursuit-captured moving picture image. A moving picture response curve using received light intensity data obtained based upon the pursuit-captured moving picture image is converted into a color moving picture response curve using emission intensity of display elements of the display 5 to be measured. The coloration of an edge part of the pursuit-captured moving picture image is decomposed into the respective color components, by which objective quantitative evaluations of color shifting can be made.
US08164629B1 Linear system based, qualitative independent motion detection from compressed mpeg surveillance video
The present invention features a qualitative method to detect independent motion revealed in successive frames of a compressed surveillance MPEG video stream using linear system consistency analysis without decompression of the stream, identifying the segments containing independent motion in a real-time or faster manner, for the retrieval of these segments. The linear system is constructed using the macroblocks of MPEG compressed video frames. The normal flow value of the macroblock is obtained by taking the dot product between the macroblock gradient vector, computed by averaging the four block gradient vectors, and the motion vector of this macroblock. The normal flow value is filtered for inclusion in the linear system, and the statistic of the matrices of the resulting linear system is determined, filtered to screen out false negatives and outliers, and used to determine the presence or absence of independent motion.
US08164627B1 Camera system for vehicles
The invention relates to a camera system for vehicles comprising a camera with variable orientation for capturing the course of the road in front of a vehicle. The control of the camera by a controller is disclosed, which guarantees a good spatial resolution when travelling around corners as well as when travelling straight ahead. The controller receives vehicle dynamic travel parameters or satellite information on the current location of the vehicle, the course and/or geographical position of the road.
US08164621B2 Image display device
An image display device includes an optical scanning part, a drive control part which supplies an electric current to lasers, and a light detecting part. The drive control part supplies an electric current to the lasers while changing a current value at two points or more when a scanning position of the light scanned by the optical scanning part is at a predetermined position outside an effective scanning range. Based on intensity of an inspection-use light detected by the light detecting part, current-light emitting quantity characteristics of the lasers are calculated, and electric currents supplied to the lasers are adjusted based on a result of the calculation.
US08164617B2 Combining views of a plurality of cameras for a video conferencing endpoint with a display wall
A telepresence apparatus, a method of operating a telepresence apparatus, and a tangible computer readable storage medium in a telepresence apparatus that is configured with instructions that when executed cause operating of the telepresence apparatus. The telepresence apparatus includes video cameras districted co-planar with a display wall and capturing camera views of a scene. The camera views from the video processor combined to form a video signal for transmission to one or more remote endpoints, the video signal corresponding to a synthetic view from a point that is substantially behind the wall and as if the wall was not there.
US08164611B2 Multibeam image forming
A first beam splitter splits each laser beam into a first beam and a second beam. A deflecting unit deflects a direction of the second beam. A second beam splitter splits the second beam into multiple split beams. A first photoelectric converting unit measures intensity of the first beam and outputs first voltage. A second photoelectric converting unit measures intensity of each split beam and outputs second voltage. A control unit updates a driving-current correction value using the first voltage and the second voltage, corrects a driving current, and controls intensity of the laser beam based on corrected driving current.
US08164608B2 Thermal printer
A thermal printer comprising a printing control unit for correcting current dot printing data supplied from a host based on a previous dot history, and supplying the dot printing data to a print head unit. In accordance with the invention, the printing control unit comprises a line buffer unit for accumulating the current dot printing data; a shift register unit for getting and passing the current dot printing data and previous dot history data from the line buffer unit to a logic circuit unit, which is capable of changing data logic for driving the print head unit based on output from the shift register unit; a configuration registration unit for storing configuration data for setting the data logic of the logic circuit unit according to an energizing pattern; a node control circuit unit for switching the logic circuit unit to output data to the print head unit; and a sequencer unit for controlling the timing of the shift register units, the logic circuit units, and the node control circuit unit.
US08164607B2 Printing apparatus and method
A printing apparatus is provided which uses, as a print head, a thermal head having heating elements arrayed in a line perpendicular to the traveling direction of a printing medium. Correspondingly pixel data, at either end, or near the end, of each line of image data going to be printed, data on heat storage in the thermal head (108) is calculated for each line on the basis of data on heat storage in the print head for a preceding line, and the data on heat storage in the print head for each line is compared with predetermined-temperature data. When any of the stored-heat data is larger than the predetermined-temperature data, energy to the heating element (113) is decreased. The image data is printed on the printing medium (104) with the energy for application to the heating element (113) being kept decreased. Thus, even when high-speed printing is done, it is possible to prevent a high temperature from developing at either end of the thermal head, to thereby preventing print-density nonuniformity from resulting in a printed image.
US08164598B2 Display assemblies and computer programs and methods for defect compensation
The range of embodiments includes systems, methods, and apparatus for defect compensation that may be applied to displays having multiple imaging layers, such as high dynamic range displays, and/or to stereoscopic displays, such as autostereoscopic displays.
US08164588B2 System and method for MEMS array actuation including a charge integration circuit to modulate the charge on a variable gap capacitor during an actuation cycle
An actuator and method for MEMS array actuation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the actuator having a pixel coupled to a charge integration circuit, the pixel comprising a voltage bias, a variable gap capacitor, and a switch, all in series, the charge integration circuit configured to modulate charge on the variable gap capacitor during an actuation cycle. In one embodiment, the MEMS actuator having a unit cell with parasitic capacitance and coupled to a negative feedback sampling circuit, the unit cell comprising a variable gap capacitor, a voltage bias, a modulated current source, and a voltage-to-current converter, the negative feedback sampling circuit configured to receive an output current from the unit cell, convert the output current from the unit cell to a low voltage signal, sample the low voltage signal, and provide a feedback signal to the modulated current source to compensate for the parasitic capacitance in the unit cell.
US08164580B2 Input apparatus and method using optical masking
An input apparatus and method using optical masking which enable a user to intuitively manipulate a menu by mapping light sources of an optical masking sensing unit and icons displayed on a display panel to corresponding positions. The input apparatus includes a display panel displaying a plurality of icons and functions of the icons, and an optical masking sensing unit including a plurality of optical devices as light sources, turning on optical devices located at positions corresponding to positions of the displayed icons.
US08164570B2 Condensed keyboard for electronic devices
Apparatuses and systems for generating characters for electronic devices using condensed keyboards are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a keyboard that monitors two sets of keys, one for each hand, for manipulation and desired character generation. The keyboard generally has four or more keys for each hand, and the keyboard may be located on the back and/or sides of a portable electronic device. One or several of the keys may generate multiple characters, depending on how the user manipulates the key while depressing it. A further embodiment may display cues of help information on a display screen of the system, assisting users in typing with the keys since the users may be unable to easily observe their fingers. That is to say, some embodiments may provide support for people with no touch-typing skills and accommodate key configurations on the back of devices with an embodiment keyboard.
US08164568B2 Computer mouse
A computer mouse includes a mouse body and a hood. The hood is adjustably attached to a top of the mouse body.
US08164565B2 Display apparatus and driving method for display panel
A display apparatus and the driving method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel and a gate driver electrically connected to the display panel. The display panel has N scan units. Here, N is a positive integer, and each of the scan units has a first scan line and a second scan line. The gate driver provides N gate control signals to the scan units. The i-th gate control signal corresponds to the i-th scan unit, and i is less than N. When the i-th gate control signal and the (i+1)-th gate control signal are simultaneously enabled, the pixel elements corresponding to the first scan line and the second scan line of the i-th scan unit are simultaneously scanned. When the i-th gate control signal is enabled, the pixel elements corresponding to the first scan line of the i-th scan unit are scanned.
US08164547B2 Semiconductor device, display device, and electronic device
A pixel includes a load, a transistor which controls a current supplied to the load, a storage capacitor, and first to fourth switches. By inputting a potential in accordance with a video signal into the pixel after the threshold voltage of the transistor is held in the storage capacitor, and holding a voltage of the sum of the threshold voltage and the potential, variations of a current value caused by variations of threshold voltage of a transistor can be suppressed. Consequently, a predetermined current can be supplied to the load such as a light-emitting element. Further, by changing the potential of a power supply line, a display device with a high duty ratio can be provided.
US08164545B2 Organic electro-luminescent display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic electroluminescence device which includes a power line formed on the same layer as source and drain electrodes of a thin film transistor (TFT) and formed on a substrate on which the TFT is formed, a first insulating layer formed on the TFT, a lower electrode that electrically connected to one of the source and drain electrodes of the TFT and disposed on the first insulating layer, a first auxiliary power line and a second auxiliary power line formed on the same layer as the lower electrode in the second insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on an edge portion of the lower electrode and not formed on the second auxiliary power line, wherein an opening that exposes a portion of the lower electrode is formed, an organic film formed on a substrate; and an upper electrode formed on the substrate.
US08164540B2 Antenna device
An improved antenna device is has an external length compensation device, permitting a differing length expansion of the housing/radome relative to at least one of the at least two external mounting devices for fixing the antenna device. At least one of the two mounting devices has an external length compensation device, which covers at least one mounting device and a guide device by means of which the housing/radome may be adjusted relative to the mounting device in one direction of the antenna housing/radome. At least for one path length and the external length compensation device with the guide device is designed such that even with fastened screws, play remains between a section of the housing/radome and a section of the mounting device in order to permit an unhindered compensation movement between the mounting device and the housing/radome.
US08164528B2 Self-contained counterpoise compound loop antenna
The present invention relates to a self-contained counterpoise compound field antenna. Improvements relate particularly, but not exclusively, to compound loop antennas having coplanar electric field radiators and magnetic loops with electric fields orthogonal to magnetic fields that achieve performance benefits in higher bandwidth (lower Q), greater radiation intensity/power/gain, and greater efficiency. Embodiments of the self-contained antenna include a transition formed on the magnetic loop and having a transition width greater than the width of the magnetic loop. The transition substantially isolates a counterpoise formed on the magnetic loop opposite or adjacent the electric field radiator.
US08164520B2 Master antenna controller
A Master Antenna Controller is provided comprising a RET Master which may replace several devices, provide full RET control based on the AISG 1.1 and 2.0 standards, provide extensive, screen-guided, intuitive RET diagnostics functionality, and provide an alignment tool free from the problems of magnetic deviation and cumbersome differential GPS antennae. The RET diagnostics functionality may include measurements of voltage, current, and AISG protocol commands. The RET Master may also include multiple different pre-defined tests (e.g. test one actuator, test one RET cable, test AISG signal from TMA) and also some standard electrical tests, e.g. measuring voltage, current etc. Users will be guided on the screen about how to test and what steps to do and the software will guide the user through several steps for an easy and quick trouble-shooting process.
US08164519B1 Fast acquisition engine
A method of fast acquisition of a location of a device is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) repeatedly powering up automatically (i) a radio receiver and (ii) a given subset of a plurality of correlators in some of a plurality of search engines in the device, (B) buffering first data of a plurality of position signals received through the radio receiver over a first period, each of the position signals comprising a respective one of a plurality of code sequences, (C) searching through the first data with the correlators to find at least one of the code sequences, each of the correlators using a search window comprising a fraction of a code length of the code sequences and (D) generating an output signal carrying a location of the device based on the position signals corresponding to the code sequences that were found.
US08164511B2 Signal processing device, radar device, vehicle control device, and signal processing method
In order to prevent delays in output of detection results, even when a plurality of frequency modulation methods with different frequency change rates are used, an FM-CW radar device employing frequency modulation with two different frequency change rates, has distance/velocity detection unit for detecting the relative distance or relative velocity of a target object based on beat signals of transmission signals with the same frequency change rate and for detecting the relative distance or relative velocity using beat signals when the frequency change rates are different, and distance/velocity confirmation unit for adding evaluation values for relative distances or relative velocities detected in the detection processing, and for confirming the relative distance or relative velocity based on the evaluation value which has reached a criterion value. As a result, more data can be obtained in one detection cycle, and the same advantageous results as when executing a plurality of detection cycles can be obtained. Consequently, delay of output of detection results from the radar device to a vehicle control device can be prevented.
US08164510B2 Quantity smoother
In an embodiment, a quantity smoother includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is operable to receive a sequence of raw samples of a quantity and to generate from the raw samples intermediate samples of the quantity, the intermediate samples having a reduced level of fluctuation relative to the sequence of raw samples. The second stage is coupled to the first stage and is operable to generate from the intermediate samples resulting samples of the quantity, the resulting samples having a reduced level of fluctuation relative to the sequence of intermediate samples. For example, such a quantity smoother may be part of a target-ranging system on board a fighter jet, and may smooth an error in an estimated target range so that the fighter pilot may more quickly and confidently determine in his head a range window within which the target lies.
US08164506B2 Electromagnetic absorber using resistive material
An electromagnetic absorber using resistive material includes a ground plane of a conductive material; a dielectric layer formed on the ground plane; and a pattern layer in which specific unit cell patterns made of a resistive material are periodically arranged on the dielectric layer. The electromagnetic absorber is applied to an electronic toll collection system, a transportation device, a building structure, an electronic device and an anechoic chamber.
US08164505B2 Structure for reducing scattering of electromagnetic waves
A structure made of in certain frequency bands invisible material includes a transmission line network. The structure has a matching layer at the boundary of the material, supporting structures inside the transmission line network and that the transmission line network has been matched with the surrounding space.
US08164495B2 Integrated non-linearity (INL) and differential non-linearity (DNL) correction techniques for digital-to-analog converters (DACS)
INL values are determined for a plurality of sub-segments of a DAC that is adapted to accept N bit digital input codes, and a first set of correction codes that can be used to reduce to a range of INL values (to thereby improve linearity of the DAC) are determined and stored. Additionally, DNL values are determined for the plurality of sub-segments for which INL values were determined, and a second set of correction codes that can be used to ensure that all values of DNL>−1 (to thereby ensure that the DAC is monotonic) are determined and stored. This can include using one or more extra bits of resolution to remap at least some of the 2^N possible digital input codes (that can be accepted by the DAC) to more than 2^N possible digital output codes, to ensure that all values of DNL>−1. Such stored first and second sets are thereafter used when performing digital to analog conversions.
US08164493B2 High-resolution circular interpolation time-to-digital converter
A time-to-digital converter includes a circular delay chain, a phase interpolator, and a time-to-digital (TDC) core. The circular delay chain receives a first input clock and generates a first set of multi-phase clocks by propagating the first input clock through delay cells in the delay chain. The phase interpolator performs phase interpolation with a second input clock and another clock to generate a second set of multi-phase clocks. The other clock may be a delayed version of the second input clock. The TDC core uses the first and second set of multi-phase clocks to determine the time difference between the first and second input clocks.
US08164488B2 Apparatus and method for generating a message based on traffic flow
A method includes determining a first flow characteristic of a flow, the flow comprising at least one targeted user. The method also includes generating for display a first message based on the first flow characteristic of the flow.
US08164478B2 Data logger having detachable battery for supplying power for outer sensors and rebroadcasting system using thereof
A data logging apparatus is provided with a separate power supply for driving external sensors, a main module including an acceleration sensor, a memory unit, a control unit embedded with a clock unit for operating a measurement value of the acceleration sensor and storing the operated measurement value into the memory unit in a time series, and a first battery for supplying power to the acceleration sensor, the memory unit, and the control unit; a second battery detachably installed at one side main unit; and a sensor mounting module installed with a plurality of sensor resting units so that sensors can be attached and detached, for receiving the second battery inside so that power of the second battery can be supplied to the sensors installed in the sensor resting units, and transferring measurement signals of the sensors to the control unit.
US08164474B2 Intelligent patching infastructure management system
A connection management system comprises a plurality of sockets 1, 2 for receiving complement plugs provided on ends of cables for effecting interconnections between said sockets. Each said socket 1, 2 has an input contact 1a, 2a and an output contact 1b, 2b being electrically connected upon inserting a plug A, B into the socket 1, 2 so as to transmit the logic state. Detection of a change of said logic state at said other of said input 1a, 2a and output 1b, 2b terminals is then indicative of the presence of a plug A, B therein. A signal is then provided to one of the input and output contacts of a socket 1, 2 and the other of said input and output contacts is then monitored for the presence of said signal in order to confirm the presence of a plug A, B in the socket 1, 2.
US08164467B2 Power saving mode for remote controller
A method, system and apparatus provide for enhanced power savings of a remote controller. Power savings are achieved by automatically entering a power saving mode of the remote controller, based upon user usage of the remote controller. A usage condition associated with use of the remote controller is detected; the usage condition has associated with it a predetermined period of time. Upon detection of the occurrence of the usage condition, the remote controller automatically enters a power saving mode from its normal operational mode after the predetermined period of time of the usage condition.
US08164452B2 Post office box electronic notification system
A system for and method of generating a notification regarding post office box contents. The system comprises at least one indicator transmitter arranged to generate and transmit a notification signal regarding contents of the post office box responsive to an operator actuation, and at least one receiver/network interface communicatively coupled with the at least one indicator transmitter and arranged to transmit a first signal responsive to receipt of the notification signal from the at least one indicator transmitter. The method comprises generating a notification signal responsive to an operator actuation responsive to a change of the contents of a post office box, and transmitting the generated notification signal to a client device.
US08164449B2 Clip alarm
The clip alarm (100) is a retaining clip attachable to personal items in order to function as a loss prevention device capable of emitting an audible and/or visual alarm in response to the clip and attached item being dislodged from a user's person. Upon dislodgment from a person or other support, a top clip member (105) of the device is pivoted towards an opposing, bottom clip member (110) through spring tensioning to make electrical contact with a battery (118) powering the alarm. The bottom surface of the bottom clip member (110) may have a permanently attached hook and loop fastener (200) to enable attachment of the clip to an item having a complementary hook and loop fastener. A recessed switch (120) is provided to turn the unit off when the user desires to intentionally remove it from his/her person or other object.
US08164447B2 Closing system having a force sensor
The invention relates to a closing system comprising at least one door provided with at least one displaceable closure element and a closure element receiving member. The at least one closing element of the door lock projects into the closing element receiving member when the closing system is in the closed state. The invention also relates to a keyless entry system for controlling the access of a chamber door, and to a method for controlling the closing state of the closing system comprising at least one door provided with a displaceable closing element and a closing element receiving member, whereby the at least one closing element of the door lock projects into closing element receiving member when the closing system is in the closed state, a force sensor and an evaluation unit. The closing system can be switched, in the closed state, from a first operational state to a second operational state.
US08164443B2 Group aware tracking of personal property within a bounded zone
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to personal articles tracking and provide a method, system and computer program product for group aware tracking within a bounded zone. In an embodiment of the invention, a group aware tracking method can include recording an association in a table in a computing system between individuals within a geographically bounded zone and at least one target object within the geographically bounded zone. The method also can include sensing an individual from amongst the individuals exiting the geographically bounded zone and further sensing a target object exiting the geographically bounded zone. The method yet further can include comparing the sensed individual with the further sensed target object to determine whether or not an association exists in the table and triggering an alarm when an association is determined not to exist in the table between the sensed individual and the further sensed target object.
US08164439B2 Ultrasonic compliance zone system
A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone. Based on the interaction criteria the wearable device determines and records compliance with the interaction criteria. The recorded data is optionally used to set off real-time alerts. The recorded data is also optionally used in subsequent analysis and documentation of compliance with protocols.
US08164432B2 Apparatus, method for detecting critical areas and pedestrian detection apparatus using the same
An apparatus, method for detecting critical areas and a pedestrian detection apparatus using the same are provided. An application of the pedestrian detection system is provided to help limit critical urban environment to particular areas. Contrary to traditional pedestrian detection systems that localize every pedestrians appearing in front of the subject vehicle, the apparatus first finds critical areas from urban environment and performs a focused search of pedestrians. The environment is reconstructed using a standard laser scanner but the subsequent checking for the presence of pedestrians is performed by incorporating a vision system. The apparatus identifies pedestrians within substantially limited image areas and results in boosts of timing performance, since no evaluation of critical degrees is necessary until an actual pedestrian is informed to the driver or onboard computer.
US08164429B2 Operational-state responsive audiovisual systems
A children's ride-on vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include at least one driven wheel and a drive assembly adapted to selectively drive the rotation of the at least one driven wheel. The drive assembly may include at least one electric motor, a battery assembly including at least one battery and adapted to provide a plurality of voltages to the at least one electric motor, and at least one user input device positioned to receive inputs from a child sitting on the at least one seat, and adapted to select among the plurality of voltages and to apply that selected voltage to the at least one electric motor; and an electronics system adapted to detect the applied voltage to the at least one electric motor and to generate at least one of an audio output and a visual output based, at least in part, on the applied voltage.
US08164422B2 Radio-frequency tag communication device, and radio-frequency tag communication system
Radio-frequency tag communication system and radio-frequency tag communication device, which permit highly efficient coordinated operations of the communication devices while preventing overlapping of communication. The communication system includes a positional-relationship determining portion configured to determine relative positions of the plurality of radio-frequency tag communication devices, and a transmission control portion configured to control transmission of the transmitted signal from each of the plurality of radio-frequency tag communication devices, according to a result of determination of the relative positions by the positional-relationship determining portion, so that a sufficiently long time is provided for the mutually adjacent communication devices to transmit the transmitted signals. Namely, the present invention provides a radio-frequency tag communication system wherein the radio-frequency tag communication devices are operable in a coordinated fashion with high efficiency, while preventing overlapping of communication.
US08164416B2 Programmable selective wake-up for radio frequency transponder
A remote keyless entry (RKE) transponder has a programmable selective wake-up filter for determining whether the RKE transponder should wake-up to process a received signal. The wake-up filter correlates the timing of an input signal's carrier amplitude on and off time periods to a predefined programmable time period profile for a desired signal which has a certain carrier on time (time period on) and a certain carrier off time (time period off) arranged into a coded “header.” When a received signal matches the predefined time period profile, then the RKE transponder will wake-up to process the incoming signal data. The predefined time period profile may be programmable and may be stored in a header configuration register. Each RKE transponder has unique predefined time period on and time period off profiles.
US08164415B2 PTC device
There is provided a PTC device which allows compact connection as much as possible. Such PTC device includes a polymer PTC element (102) including (A) a polymer PTC component (112) an electrically conductive filler, and a polymer material; and (B) a metal electrode (104) placed on at least one surface of the polymer PTC component. Also present are a lead (106) of which at least a part is positioned on the metal electrode of the PTC element; a protective coating (108) which surrounds an exposed area of the PTC element, and a hardened solder paste which is present as a connection area (110) which electrically connects the metal electrode and said at least a part of the lead.
US08164413B2 Electric insulation arrangement
An electric insulation arrangement including a field grading material including a matrix including a dielectric material. A plurality of micro varistor particles is distributed in the matrix. A plurality of bridge particles include an electrically conducting material and form electrically conducting bridges between individual micro varistor particles. The bridge particles form a percolating network together with the micro particles but do not form a percolating network by interconnection between themselves.
US08164411B2 Fuse structure with power disconnection light indicating function
A fuse structure includes a casing, a fuse component and a light emitting element having pins. The casing includes a top plate, a containing space disposed below the top plate and two openings formed on the top plate. The fuse component includes two electrically conductive plates and a fuse filament, and each electrically conductive plate has a conducting portion protruded from an upper end of the electrically conductive plate, and the conducting portions are inserted into the two openings respectively. The top plate includes two compressing portions protruded from the bottom of the top plate and arranged alternately with the two conducting portions, such that an interval is formed between an external edge of each compressing portion and an internal edge of each corresponding conducting portion, and the pins of the light emitting element are clamped in the interval.
US08164409B2 Coil component
A coil component ensuring adhesive bonding between first and second cores. The coil component also includes an inductive component and a pair of terminal electrodes. The first core has a first adhesion surface. The second core is connected to the first core by an adhesive agent and has a second adhesion surface in confrontation with the first adhesion surface. At least one of the first adhesion surface and the second adhesion surface is formed of a glass surface layer to which the adhesive agent is applied. The inductive component is wound over the first core. The pair of terminal electrodes are provided at one of the first core and the second core. The inductive component has one end portion electrically connected to one of the terminal electrodes and has another end portion electrically connected to remaining one of the terminal electrodes.
US08164399B2 Thin film piezoelectric vibrator, thin film piezoelectric bulk acoustic wave resonator, and radio-frequency filter using such resonator
A thin film piezoelectric bulk acoustic wave resonator has a multilayer structure including a piezoelectric thin film, a first metal electrode film, and a second metal electrode film. At least a part of the piezoelectric thin film is interposed between the first and second metal electrodes. A resonance part and a connection part are formed on an insulating substrate as films by a thin film forming apparatus. The resonance part vibrates in radial extension mode with a center of the piezoelectric thin film used as a node, the piezoelectric thin film of two resonance parts is polarized in a direction perpendicular to a film surface, and a width of the connection part is one-fourth or less of a width of two resonance parts.
US08164392B2 Error-free startup of low phase noise oscillators
An isolation switch is used to isolate the output of an oscillator, during startup of the oscillator, from the circuitry that uses the periodic signal generated by the oscillator. In one implementation, a device may include an oscillator to generate a periodic signal and a switch connected to receive an output of the oscillator. The switch may include a control input that controls whether the switch is in an open or closed state. Switch control circuit may control the switch so that the switch is in an open state during startup of the oscillator and the switch is in a closed state thereafter.
US08164391B2 Synchronization of multiple high frequency switching power converters in an integrated circuit
A phase locked loop is used to synchronize the switching frequency of a high frequency switching power converter to a clock signal. A switching power converter integrated circuit is a tile-based power management unit and includes an oscillator and multiple tiles of switching power converters. The oscillator generates a clock signal having a clock frequency. A first switching power converter includes a switch and a phase locked loop and switches at a first frequency. The switch has a gate that receives a gate signal. The phase locked loop synchronizes the first frequency to a first integer multiple of the clock frequency. A second switching power converter switches at a second frequency that is a second integer multiple of the clock frequency. The first frequency is synchronized to a multiple of the clock frequency when a second edge of the gate signal coincides with a first edge of the clock signal.
US08164390B1 Regulating an operating condition of an integrated circuit to compensate for a manufacturing variation
An integrated circuit has operational circuitry to perform an operation. An operational regulator regulates an operating condition of the operational circuitry. The operational regulator has a sample clock to generate a sample clock signal. The sample clock signal correlates to a manufacturing variation of the electronic circuitry. The operational regulator also includes a configurator to evaluate the sample clock signal and generate a configuration signal according to the evaluation. A controller is provided to receive the configuration signal and control an operating condition of the operational circuitry according to the configuration signal.
US08164386B2 Methods and apparatus to control rail-to-rail class AB amplifiers
In one example, an amplifier for providing stable output quiescent current comprising includes a number of supply rails, an output device configured for providing an output voltage, the output device coupled to the plurality of supply rails, and an output quiescent current controller coupled to the plurality of supply rails and the output device, the output quiescent current controller to regulate the voltage in the output device to provide a consistent quiescent current in the output device.
US08164382B2 Concept, method and apparatus of improved distortion switched-mode amplifier
Systems and methods for switched-mode amplifiers having improved harmonic distortion are disclosed. High order in-band filtering is enabled without undue trade-off of distortion due to intermodulation/aliasing. A pre-modulation block is introduced, deployed between a loop filter block and a pulse-width modulation block, performing uniform pulse-width modulation. The pre-modulation block attenuates/removes amplitude dependent high frequency ripples before pulse-width modulation. The pre-modulation block in conjunction with the pulse-width modulation block performs double sampling of the input signals.
US08164379B2 Voltage generator capable of preventing latch-up and method thereof
A voltage generator capable of preventing latch-up is disclosed. The voltage generator includes a positive charge pump unit, a negative charge pump unit, a second stage charge pump unit, and a control unit. The positive charge pump unit is utilized for generating a positive charge pump voltage according to a first enable signal. The negative charge pump is utilized for generating a negative charge pump voltage according to a second enable signal. The second stage charge pump unit is utilized for generating a gate-on voltage and a gate-off voltage according to a third enable signal and a fourth enable signal. The control unit is utilized for generating the first enable signal, the second enable signal, the third enable signal, and the fourth enable signal and make the second stage charge pump unit generate the gate-on voltage (or the gate-off voltage) in a successively-increasing (or decreasing) manner.
US08164369B2 Techniques for minimizing control voltage noise due to charge pump leakage in phase locked loop circuits
Techniques for adaptively control of a loop filter sampling interval to mitigate the effects of charge pump output noise in an apparatus including a phase lock loop circuit are provided. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a phase frequency detector (PFD) providing a phase comparison operation, a loop filter providing a control voltage to lock the VCO to a desired operating frequency, and a charge pump configured to provide an output signal to the loop filter in response to at least one of an UP pulse and a DOWN pulse. The apparatus further includes a sampling switch, coupled between an input of the loop filter, an output of the charge pump, and characterized by a sampling interval. A sampling switch controller is configured to adaptively control the width of the sampling interval in order to mitigate the effects of output noise from the charge pump by closing the sampling switch in advance of the phase comparison operation and opening the sampling switch when the phase comparison operation is completed.
US08164364B2 Circuitry and method for preventing base-emitter junction reverse bias in comparator differential input transistor pair
A differential input circuit (1-1) includes first (Q0) and second (Q1) input transistors having control electrodes coupled to first (Vin+) and second (Vin−) input signals, respectively. A pass transistor (P3) is coupled between first electrodes of the first and second input transistors. First (N1) and second (N2) level shift transistors have control electrodes coupled to the first and second input signals, respectively. A voltage selector circuit (22) selects a voltage on a first electrode of one of the first and second level shift transistors according to which is at a higher voltage, and produces a corresponding control voltage (V19) on a control electrode of the pass transistor so as to limit a voltage difference between the first electrode and the control electrode of the first input transistor (Q0) when it is turned off in response to a large difference between the first and second input signals.
US08164357B2 Digital noise protection circuit and method
A method of protection from noise of a digital signal generated by a comparator, including the steps of generating an output signal that switches from a first logic state to a second logic state at a first switching of logic state of the digital signal; detecting a change from the first logic state to the second logic state of the output signal; and inhibiting further switchings of the output signal for a first time interval after the change from the first logic state to the second logic state.
US08164356B2 Testing apparatus and method for testing a semiconductor devices array
A testing apparatus and a method for testing a semiconductor devices array, which includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, are provided. The testing apparatus includes a first testing circuit and a second testing circuit. The first testing circuit connects and transmits a clock signal, an input command signal and a data signal to at least one of the rows of the semiconductor devices array. The second testing circuit connects and transmits a selecting signal to at least one of the columns of the semiconductor devices array. Between two devices in a row, a difference in arrival times of the clock signal, a difference in arrival times of the input command signal, and a difference in arrival times of the data signal are equal.
US08164353B2 RF-biased capacitively-coupled electrostatic (RFB-CCE) probe arrangement for characterizing a film in a plasma processing chamber
A method for characterizing deposited film on a substrate within a processing chamber during processing is provided. The method includes determining voltage-current characteristic for a probe head when measuring capacitor is set at a first capacitance value. The method also includes applying RF train to the probe head when measuring capacitor is set at a capacitance value greater than first capacitance value. The method further includes providing an initial resistance value and an initial capacitance value for the deposited film. The method yet also includes employing initial resistance value, initial capacitance value, and voltage-current characteristic to generate simulated voltage-time curve. The method yet further includes determining measured voltage-time curve, which represents potential drop across the deposited film for one RF train. The method more over includes comparing the two curves. If the difference is less than predefined threshold, employ initial resistance value and initial capacitance for characterizing the deposited film.
US08164342B2 System and method for cascade information handling system manufacture
Information handling system manufacture through a burn rake that burns images and tests information handling systems is managed with a cascade first-in-first-out manufacture by allowing a predetermined burn time for each information handling system at each burn location. The predetermined burn time includes a projected burn time, a burn variation buffer and a standard repair time buffer that ensures a complete burn for substantially all information handling systems. Increasing the number of systems having a complete burn supports first-in-first out loading and unloading of information handling systems at burn locations so that the burn manufacture process occurs in a consistent cascade that proceeds down the length of the burn rack from a first end to a second end.
US08164338B2 Localization system for an earthmoving machine
The invention relates to a localization system for localizing an underground object for an Earthmoving machine comprising a working part. Said localization system comprises a fastening component and a detector component. The fastening component can be arranged on the working part for example by means of magnets. The detector component is adapted to detect the object using an electromagnetic field that can be associated with the object and is arranged on the fastening component so as to swing like a pendulum, thereby effecting an alignment of the detector component under the effect of gravity. Optionally, the localization system comprises an arithmetic component for deriving a distance information of the object from the detected value. The localization system also comprises a display component for displaying and/or forwarding the detected value and/or the distance information.
US08164333B2 Magnetic resonance force detection apparatus and associated methods
A magnetic resonance force detection apparatus, comprising a sample carrier for carrying a sample to be tested, a magnetic field source and a support for supporting either the sample carrier or the magnetic field source. The magnetic field source is configured to expose the sample to a magnetic field by simultaneously providing a plurality of volumes in which the magnetic field is configured to cause the spins of one or more nuclei or electrons in the sample to flip, and wherein the flipping of spins exerts a force on the support. The apparatus also comprises a support displacement measuring sensor configured to measure the displacement of the support and generate a signal representative of the displacement of the support, and a processor configured to process the signal representative of the displacement of the support in order to determine a component of the displacement of the support caused by one or more of the plurality of volumes.
US08164328B2 Eddy current system and method for crack detection
An eddy current system and method enables detection of sub-surface damage in a cylindrical object. The invention incorporates a dual frequency, orthogonally wound eddy current probe mounted on a stepper motor-controlled scanning system. The system is designed to inspect for outer surface damage from the interior of the cylindrical object.
US08164326B2 Non-contact sensor system and method for velocity determination
A non-contact sensor system is provided that comprises a first sensor element disposed within a first member having an axis Y, and a second member configured to rotate about the axis Y at a value X. The second member is configured to interface with the first member. The non-contact sensor system further comprises a second sensor element disposed on the second member proximate the first sensor element without physically contacting the first sensor element, and the first sensor element and the second sensor element are operatively coupled to facilitate sensing the value X. The non-contact sensor system may be configured to sense velocity, acceleration, and other values.
US08164325B2 Displacement sensor
An oscillator circuit outputs an oscillator signal with a frequency corresponding to an inductance of a displacement detector coil. An oscillation cycle measurement circuit measures a cycle of the oscillator signal output from the oscillator circuit, and outputs a signal corresponding to the measured cycle. A squaring circuit calculates and outputs a square of the signal output from the oscillation cycle measurement circuit. By the calculation and output of the square of the oscillator signal cycle, a square root component of the product of inductance and capacitance components is eliminated, so that the output signal changes linearly relative to the displacement of a displacement body. As a result, the linearity of the output signal relative to the displacement of the displacement body can be improved.
US08164324B2 Rotation sensor
A rotation sensor includes a detecting portion, a rotational state determining portion and a pulse generating portion. The detecting portion detects a rotation of a rotational member and outputs a detection signal. The rotational state determining portion determines a rotational state of the rotational member on the basis of the detection signal in a predetermined period. The pulse generating portion generates and outputs a first pulse and a second pulse, of which waveforms differ from each other, in response to a rotational direction of the rotational member after the predetermined period. The pulse generating portion further generates and outputs a third pulse regardless of the rotational state of the rotational member in the predetermined period.
US08164316B2 DC/DC converter
A conventional DC/DC converter with both a step-up function and a step-down function has a drawback that its output voltage will be discontinuous when its operations are switched. An error signal, which is representative of a difference between a target voltage and a present voltage, is inputted to both a step-down switching control circuit and a step-up switching control circuit. When the difference between the target voltage and the present voltage is below a predetermined value, the switching of the step-down and step-up converters by the step-down and step-up switching control circuits, respectively, are caused to concurrently run in a time division manner.
US08164315B2 Power supply circuit
When an output of an overall output terminal (18) of a power supply circuit (10) is switched from a series regulator section (14) to a switching regulator section (12), a fifth switch (55) is switched OFF, to temporarily open a feedback loop of the switching regulator section (12), a sixth switch (56) is maintained at an ON state, to output the output of the series regulator section (14) to the overall output terminal (18), and an artificial feedback loop is formed between an output terminal of an error amplifier (24) and a second terminal of the error amplifier (24), to output a voltage corresponding to the output of the series regulator section (14) to the output terminal of the error amplifier (24) and charge a phase compensating capacitor (26) of the switching regulator section (12).
US08164312B1 Reduction in generator-sourced fault current contribution
An approach for reduction in generator-sourced fault current contribution is disclosed. In one aspect, automatic excitation control of a generator is coordinated with a generator step-up transformer operating on maximized tap selection to reduce generator fault current contribution to an electrical power distribution network.
US08164303B2 Charging socket
A charging socket has a base and a holding body covering the base. The holding body has an opening receiving recess, and a first holding plate. A gear element has a ring-like body mounted in the base. The ring-like body has gear teeth at an outer periphery thereof, and a connecting portion connected with the base by a connecting spring for forcing the ring-like body to rotate. A swingable arm pivoted to the base has a ratchet tooth engaged with the gear teeth for stopping the ring-like body from being pulled by the connecting spring to rotate. A movable element has a basic plate slidably received in the receiving recess, and a second holding plate. A side of the basic plate is connected with a rack parallel to a sliding direction of the movable element and is lower than a bottom of the basic plate, engaging with the gear teeth.
US08164302B2 System for replenishing energy sources onboard different types of automatic vehicles
A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle. In another embodiment, the service station facility may also stock replaceable batteries for selective delivery onboard battery-operated automotive vehicles.
US08164297B2 Power converter and motor driving system
An object of the present invention is to provide a power converter in which the open-phase can be detected in a broader frequency region even if a predetermined relation is kept between the output voltage and the frequency. In order to achieve the above objects, a power converter including: an inverter unit having phase unit inverters provided with a plurality of multiple connected single-phase cell inverters for every phase; an inverter controller for controlling the inverter unit so that a predetermined relation is kept between an output voltage and a frequency; and a plurality of transformers for detecting output voltages of the plurality of phase unit inverters, in which the inverter controller is provided with a fault detection unit for detecting whether a phase-to-phase voltage deviation calculated by the output voltage is within range of an allowable voltage deviation calculated as a function of the frequency is provided.
US08164291B2 Control apparatus for starting a direct current brushless motor and method thereof
An apparatus for starting a direct current brushless motor and a method thereof are provided. The direct current brushless motor comprises a plurality of windings. The control apparatus comprises a sense amplifier, a differential circuit, and a control circuit. The sense amplifier is configured to detect a first back electro-motive force of a non-electrified first winding. The differential circuit is configured to calculate a differential value of the first back electro-motive force. The control circuit is configured to provide a current to two of the windings and to switch the current to another two of the windings to start the direct current brushless motor.
US08164288B2 Motor control device and generator control device
To estimate a fluctuation component of the torque generated at the motor accurately, a motor control device (3) which controls a motor with a stator having armature winding and a rotor having a permanent magnet is provided to include a torque fluctuation component estimation unit for estimating a torque fluctuation component generated at the motor based on flux-linkage of the armature winding and an armature current that flows the armature winding. The torque fluctuation component estimation unit estimates the torque fluctuation component (Trp) based on an inner product (Fd·id+Fq·iq) of a flux-linkage vector which is a vectorial representation of the flux-linkage and a current vector which is a vectorial representation of the armature current.
US08164282B2 Motive power output apparatus and vehicle with the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a motive power output apparatus including a motor with a permanent magnet and a motor without a permanent magnet. A boost device (10) is connected to a power storage device (B). A first drive device (30) is connected to the boost device (10). A first rotating electric machine (35) with a permanent magnet is connected to the first drive device (30). A second drive device (40) is connected to the power storage device (B). A second rotating electric machine (45) without a permanent magnet is connected to the second drive device (40). A third drive device (20) is connected in parallel to the first drive device (30). A third rotating electric machine (25) with a permanent magnet is connected to the third drive device (20). The second rotating electric machine (45) is formed of a reluctance motor or an induction motor. The first rotating electric machine (35) and the second rotating electric machine (45) of the present invention may be linked to wheels of a vehicle.
US08164279B2 Method for controlling light source driving circuit
A method for controlling a light source driving circuit is provided. The method includes driving a plurality of serially-connected light sources, and measuring a working parameter of the light sources; shorting the light sources sequentially to find out at least a failed light source, when the working parameter is not measured; and remaining shorting the failed light source, and regulating a brightness of the light sources without having the failed light source according to a newest working parameter.
US08164278B2 Output buffer and source driver using the same
An output buffer and a source driver using the same are provided. The output buffer includes an input stage module, a first output stage module, a second output stage module, and a first control module. The input stage module generates a first bias signal via a first connection terminal according to a driving signal and a output signal. The first output stage module generates the output signal in response to the first bias signal via an output terminal of the output buffer. The second output stage module generates a second bias signal in response to the first bias signal via a second connection terminal, and controls a first switch in the second output stage module. The first control module selectively connects a first current source to the output terminal of the output buffer or to the second connection terminal of the second output stage module according to an indication signal.
US08164276B2 LED drive device, LED drive method and lighting system
A drive circuit drives LED groups each of which has a plurality of LEDs connected in series. The drive circuit includes nMOSFETs which drive the LED groups, current regulating circuits which determine drain currents of the nMOSFETs, and subtracters which control the current regulating circuits to keep the sum of the current values of adjacent two nMOSFETs constant. The LEDs can be switched on/off efficiently even when there are differences between forward voltages of the LEDs.
US08164266B2 High pressure discharge lamp lighting apparatus
A high pressure discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes a high pressure discharge lamp and a power supply apparatus, wherein in a steady state lighting operation, an alternating current of a steady state lighting frequency and alternating current of a low frequency are supplied by turns to the high pressure discharge lamp, and wherein in a small electric power lighting in which electric power to be applied is smaller than that of the steady state lighting, alternating current of a small electric power lighting frequency and direct current are supplied by turns to the high pressure discharge lamp.
US08164260B2 Dielectric composition and plasma display panel including the same
A dielectric composition for plasma display panel and a plasma display panel including the same are disclosed. The dielectric composition includes about 38 to 68 parts by weight of Bi2O3, about 10 to 35 parts by weight of B2O3, about 1 to 17 parts by weight of SiO2, and about 1 to 15 parts by weight of Al2O3.
US08164254B2 Light-emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
A light-emitting device of the present invention includes: a light-emitting element; and a phosphor layer containing phosphors that absorb light from the light-emitting element and wavelength-convert the absorbed light to emit light. The phosphor layer has a structure in which the phosphors are disposed on an applied adhesive with a thickness equal to or less than an average particle size of the phosphors. A thickness of the phosphor layer is equal to or less than five times the average particle size of the phosphors, and an occupancy ratio of the phosphors in the phosphor layer is 50% or more. Further, the phosphors disposed on the adhesive has an adjusted particle size.
US08164250B2 Light emitting device with improved conversion layer
A light emitting device includes a substrate layer and a light conversion layer located on said substrate layer. The light conversion layer is a polycrystalline ceramic layer, and is positioned on the substrate layer by sintering.
US08164249B2 Display device
A display device including a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a fiber layer, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer is provided. The fiber layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and includes a plurality of fibers and a display medium disposed therein. The first electrode layer is disposed adjacent to the first substrate, and the second electrode layer is disposed adjacent to the second substrate. The display medium is driven by the change of electric field between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer to be moved in the fibers for displaying a frame.
US08164243B2 Spark plug for internal combustion engine
A spark plug having a center electrode; an insulator having an axial hole extending in the direction of an axis; a metallic shell; a ground electrode extending from a front end portion of the metallic shell; a center-electrode-side noble metal chip joined to a distal end surface of the center electrode; and a ground-electrode-side noble metal chip joined to a distal end surface of the ground electrode, the ground-electrode-side noble metal chip having a distal end surface facing toward a side surface portion of the center-electrode-side noble metal chip, and the ground electrode being bent at an angle that falls within a range of 120° to 140° inclusive.
US08164239B2 Excimer lamps
To avoid a decline in the reflectivity of an ultraviolet reflection film caused by lighting for an extended period of time and providing a uniform illuminance an excimer lamp has a silica glass discharge vessel with electrodes on opposite sides of the discharge vessel, wherein excimer discharge is generated in the discharge space of the discharge vessel, wherein an ultraviolet reflection film made of silica particles and alumina particles is formed on a surface exposed to the discharge space and wherein the mean particle diameter of silica particles is at least 0.67 times as large as the mean particle diameter of the alumina particles. The alumina particles in the ultraviolet reflection film preferably constitute at least 5 wt % and more preferably at least 10 wt % of the sum of silica particles and alumina particles.
US08164236B2 Lamp assembly
A lamp assembly is provided, including a light source, a thermal module, a connecting member, and an adapter electrically connected to the light source. The thermal module includes a first thermal member and a second thermal member which are formed by a die casting process, wherein the light source is disposed on the second thermal member. The first and second thermal members respectively have a plurality of first and second fins which are arranged in a staggered manner. The connecting member is formed by a metal extrusion process and extends through the first thermal member to connect the second thermal member with the adapter.
US08164230B2 Stator
A stator includes a core holder and a stator core configured by split cores arranged so as to form the annular shape, and press-fitted into the core holder. Each of the split cores is configured so that a plurality of metal plates is layered and fixed to each other by dowel-fastening. Each of the split cores includes an outer circumference groove portion and a dowel-fastening portion, the outer circumference groove portion being formed at a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the split core radially outer than the dowel-fastening portion so as to be recessed in a radially inward direction of the stator core to include a predetermined depth.
US08164224B2 Vibration motor
A vibration motor comprises a permanent magnet supported by a spring and an electromagnet. The electromagnet generates an alternating second magnetic field which exerts a torque on the permanent magnet and causes said permanent magnet to rotate and vibrate. The supporting spring transfers the vibration energy from the permanent magnet to the housing and ultimately to the user.
US08164222B2 Laptop and portable electronic device wireless power supply systems
The present invention provides wireless power supply systems intended primarily for use in powering and charging laptops and other portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the power supply system includes a laptop cradle that can be used in upright or reclined positions. The cradle may be generally J-shaped and may house the wireless power supply circuit with the channel defined in the cradle. The cradle may includes a plurality of primaries to provide the ability to supply power to more than one device and/or to permit flexibility in placement of devices on or in the cradle. The present invention may also provide handheld cradles sized to power handheld devices that can be separate, standalone power supply stations or they can receive power from the laptop cradle. In an alternative embodiment, the power supply station may be incorporated into an adjustable height desktop pedestal. In yet another embodiment, the power supply station may be incorporated into a flexible desktop mat. The power supply station may be incorporated into a power block having one or more magnets that draw the power block into alignment. In another alternative embodiment, the power supply station is incorporated directly into items of luggage.
US08164220B2 Apparatus, system and method for a UPS
According to one aspect of the invention, a UPS includes an input configured to be coupled to an AC power source, a DC power source, an output configured to receive power from at least one of the AC power source and the DC power source, a first switched receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a first electrical load and a second receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a second electrical load. According to some embodiments, the UPS also includes a control unit configurable to provide a first configuration associated with the first switched receptacle outlet, where the first configuration is employed by the control unit to control a connection of the first switched receptacle outlet to the output independent of the second receptacle outlet.
US08164218B2 Power converters and associated methods of control
SIMO power converters and associated methods of control are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of converting a signal input signal into multiple output signals includes supplying power to a plurality of output terminals based on a signal input signal, detecting a voltage at individual output terminals, determining an arithmetic relationship between the detected voltages of the output terminals, and adjusting the power supplied to the plurality of output terminals based at least in part on the determined arithmetic relationship between the detected voltages of the output terminals.
US08164213B2 Orbital track wind turbine
An orbital track wind turbine for generation of electrical energy from wind power is provided. The wind turbine includes a plurality of spaced vertical supports to which at least two parallel spaced circular tracks are fixedly secured. These circular tracks are coaxial with one another and are positioned in parallel horizontal planes. A plurality of trucks extend between the circular tracks, the trucks having at least two grooved rollers which partially surround the circular tracks and operate in rolling engagement therewith. A circular power takeoff ring is coaxial with said circular tracks, and the power takeoff ring is attached to the truck which is rotatable in a horizontal plane about its central axis. A plurality of vertical airfoils extends around the circular power takeoff ring, with each of the airfoils being attached to a truck and the power takeoff ring. One or more generators are connected to the power takeoff ring, thereby converting wind generated rotation of the power takeoff ring to electrical energy.
US08164211B2 Wind turbine generator
A wind-driven generator whose yaw system (10A) installed at the upper part of a support (2) is reduced in the number of its components and weight. The wind-driven generator has the yaw system (10A) equipped with a yaw driving device (30), a yaw slewing ring, and a yaw brake and slewing a nacelle installed at the upper part of the support (2) according to the direction of the wind. A yaw slewing ring fixed to a nacelle table plate (12) through a bracket (23A) having a nearly L-shaped cross section functions as the slide bearing (20A). Thus, the slide bearing (20A) slidably supports a flange part (2a) formed at the upper end of the support (2) with slide pads (22) held by the bracket (23A).
US08164208B2 Systems involving multi-spool generators and variable speed electrical generators
A system comprises a turbine engine having a first spool connected to a compressor portion, a power turbine spool, a first generator connected to the power turbine spool, and a second generator connected to the first spool.
US08164205B1 Power generation for a cellular tower
Generating electrical power for a cellular tower using solar troughs. Unlike typical long, straight solar troughs, the solar troughs are formed into circular or other shapes such that they at least surround the cellular tower and may be attached to it at different heights. One or more tubes are positioned within each of the solar troughs such that a heat-transfer fluid flowing through the tubes is heated by sunlight reflected from the solar troughs. One or more energy-conversion devices receive the heat-transfer fluid or a byproduct of the heat-transfer fluid to generate electrical power. One or more power-storage devices store and deliver the electrical power.
US08164190B2 Structure of power grid for semiconductor devices and method of making the same
An embodiment of the invention provides a semiconductor structure, which may include a stud of a first conductive material formed inside a dielectric layer; a via of a second conductive material having a bottom and sidewalls with the bottom and the sidewalls being covered by a conductive liner, and the bottom being formed directly on top of the stud and being in contact with the via through the conductive liner; and one or more conductive paths of a third conductive material connecting to the via through the conductive liner at the sidewalls of said the. A method of making the semiconductor structure is also provided.
US08164186B2 BGA semiconductor device having a dummy bump
A BGA semiconductor device includes a semiconductor package and a mounting board mounting thereon the semiconductor package, wherein an array of signal electrodes of the semiconductor package and an array of signal electrodes of the mounting board are coupled together via signal bumps. The BGA semiconductor device also includes a dummy bump, which reinforces the bending strength of the BGA semiconductor device and is broken by a shearing force caused by thermal expansion to alleviate the stress for the signal bumps.
US08164184B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming conductive pillars in recessed region of peripheral area around the device for electrical interconnection to other devices
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die each having a peripheral area around the die. A first insulating layer is formed over the die. A recessed region with angled sidewall is formed in the peripheral area. A first conductive layer is formed over the first insulating layer outside the recessed region and further into the recessed region. A conductive pillar is formed over the first conductive layer within the recessed region. A second insulating layer is formed over the first insulating layer, conductive pillar, and first conductive layer such that the conductive pillar is exposed from the second insulating layer. A dicing channel partially through the peripheral area. The semiconductor wafer undergoes backgrinding to the dicing channel to singulate the semiconductor wafer and separate the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die can be disposed in a semiconductor package with other components and electrically interconnected through the conductive pillar.
US08164175B2 Stackable semiconductor device assemblies
A semiconductor device assembly includes a substrate and a semiconductor die adjacent to a first surface of the substrate. The substrate also includes a second surface opposite from the first surface, an opening extending from the first surface and the second surface, contact pads on the first surface, and substrate pads on the second surface, adjacent to the opening. Bond pads of the semiconductor die are aligned with the opening through the substrate. Intermediate conductive elements, such as bond wires, extend from bond pads of the semiconductor die, through the opening, to substrate pads on the opposite, second surface of the substrate. An encapsulant, which fills the opening and covers the intermediate conductive elements, protrudes beyond a plane in which the second surface of the substrate is located. Another electronic device, such as another semiconductor device package, may communicate electrically with the die of the semiconductor device assembly through the contact pads on the first surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the other electronic device may be stacked with the semiconductor device assembly.
US08164173B2 Panel, semiconductor device and method for the production thereof
A panel has a baseplate with an upper first metallic layer and a multiplicity of a vertical semiconductor components. The vertical semiconductor components in each case have a first side with a first load electrode and a control electrode and an opposite second side with a second load electrode. The second side of the semiconductor components is in each case mounted on the metallic layer of the baseplate. The semiconductor components are arranged in such a way that edge sides of adjacent semiconductor components are separated from one another. A second metallic layer is arranged in separating regions between the semiconductor components.
US08164170B2 Devices with faraday cages and internal flexibility sipes
A computer or microchip comprising an outer chamber and at least one inner chamber inside the outer chamber. The outer chamber and the inner chamber being separated at least in part by an internal sipe, and at least a portion of a surface of the outer chamber forming at least a portion of a surface of the internal sipe. The internal sipe has opposing surfaces that are separate from each other and therefore can move relative to each other, and at least a portion of the opposing surfaces are in contact with each other in a unloaded condition. The outer chamber including a Faraday Cage. A computer, comprising a semiconductor wafer having a multitude of microchips. The multitude of microchips forming a plurality of independently functioning computers, each computer having independent communication capabilities.
US08164169B2 Cooling devices in semiconductor packages
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to fabricate a cover assembly. A cover has a base plate and sidewalls attached to perimeter of the base plate. The sidewalls have a height. A plurality of devices is attached to underside of the base plate. The devices have length corresponding to the height such that the devices are sealed within the cover when the cover is attached to a surface.
US08164167B2 Integrated circuit structure and a method of forming the same
An integrated circuit structure is disclosed. The integrated circuit structure includes a first package substrate including a radiating element, the radiating element having a radiating element connection extending from the radiating element. The integrated circuit structure further includes a first chip positioned adjacent to the radiating element connection, the first chip having a first chip connection on a surface of the first chip, wherein the first chip connection forms a capacitive coupling with the radiating element connection. A method of forming an integrated circuit structure is also disclosed.
US08164160B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device according to the present invention has a multilayer wiring structure laminating and disposing a plurality of with sandwiching an insulating film and includes: a copper wire having copper as a main component; an insulating film formed on the copper wire; an aluminum wire having aluminum as a main component and formed on the insulating film to be electrically connected to the copper wire via a via hole formed to penetrate through the insulating film; and a surface protective film formed on the aluminum wire; and the surface protective film formed with a pad opening exposing a portion of the aluminum wire as an electrode pad for electrical connection with an external portion.
US08164151B2 Thin active layer fishbone photodiode and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention is directed toward a detector structure, detector arrays, and a method of detecting incident radiation. The present invention comprises a photodiode array and method of manufacturing a photodiode array that provides for reduced radiation damage susceptibility, decreased affects of crosstalk, reduced dark current (current leakage) and increased flexibility in application.
US08164146B2 Substrate symmetrical silicide source/drain surrounding gate transistor
Field effect transistors described herein include first and second terminals vertically separated by a channel region. The first and second terminals comprise first and second silicide elements respectively. The first silicide element prevents the migration of carriers from the first terminal into the underlying semiconductor body or adjacent devices which can activate parasitic devices. The first silicide element is also capable of acting as a low resistance conductive line for interconnecting devices or elements. The second silicide element provides a low resistance contact between the second terminal and overlying elements.
US08164134B2 Semiconductor device
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. At least one mold structure defining at least one first opening is formed on a substrate, wherein the mold structure comprises first mold patterns and second mold patterns that are sequentially and alternatingly stacked. Thereafter, side surfaces of the first mold patterns are selectively etched to form undercut regions between the second mold patterns. Then, a semiconductor layer is formed to cover a surface of the mold structure where the undercut regions are formed, and gate patterns are formed, which fill respective undercut regions where the semiconductor layer is formed.
US08164130B2 Nonvolatile memory device comprising one switching device and one resistant material and method of manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile memory device including one transistor and one resistant material and a method of manufacturing the nonvolatile memory device are provided. The nonvolatile memory device includes a substrate, a transistor formed on the substrate, and a data storage unit connected to a drain of the transistor. The data storage unit includes a data storage material layer having different resistance characteristics in different voltage ranges.
US08164129B2 Semiconductor device enabling further microfabrication
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of MOS transistors and wiring connected to a source electrode or a drain electrode of the plurality of MOS transistors and, the wiring being provided in the same layer as the source electrode and the drain electrode in a substrate, or in a position deeper than a surface of the substrate.
US08164120B2 Semiconductor device with capacitor and fuse and its manufacture
An upper electrode of a capacitor has a two-layer structure of first and second upper electrodes. A gate electrode of a MOS field effect transistor and a fuse are formed by patterning conductive layers used to form the lower electrode, first upper electrode and second upper electrode of the capacitor. In forming a capacitor and a fuse on a semiconductor substrate by a conventional method, at least three etching masks are selectively used to pattern respective layers to form the capacitor and fuse before wiring connection. The number of etching masks can be reduced in manufacturing a semiconductor device having capacitors, fuses and MOS field effect transistors so that the number of processes can be reduced and it becomes easy to improve the productivity and reduce the manufacture cost.
US08164119B2 Semiconductor device including conductive lines with fine line width and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate including a first core region and a second core region between which a cell array region is interposed, a first conductive line and a second conductive line extending to the first core region across the cell array region, and a third conductive line and a fourth conductive line extending to the second core region across the cell array region, wherein a line width of the first through fourth conductive lines is smaller than a resolution limit in a lithography process.
US08164117B2 Nitride semiconductor device
A nitride semiconductor device includes: a main semiconductor region comprising a first nitride semiconductor layer having a first band gap, and a second nitride semiconductor layer having a second band gap larger than the first band gap, a heterojunction being formed between the first nitride semiconductor layer and the second nitride semiconductor layer such that a two-dimensional electron gas layer can be caused inside the first nitride semiconductor layer based on the heterojunction; a source electrode; a drain electrode; a third nitride semiconductor layer formed on the first nitride semiconductor layer and between the source electrode and the drain electrode; a fourth nitride semiconductor layer formed on the third nitride semiconductor layer and having p-type conductivity; and a gate electrode formed on the fourth nitride semiconductor layer. The third nitride semiconductor layer has a third band gap smaller than the first band gap.
US08164115B2 Nitride semiconductor device
A nitride semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a first nitride semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a second nitride semiconductor layer formed on the first nitride semiconductor layer and having a larger band gap energy than the first nitride semiconductor layer; a third nitride semiconductor layer formed on the second nitride semiconductor layer and including a p-type nitride semiconductor with at least a single-layer structure; a gate electrode formed on the third nitride semiconductor layer; and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed in regions located on both sides of the gate electrode, respectively. The third nitride semiconductor layer has a thickness greater in a portion below the gate electrode than in a portion below the side of the gate electrode.
US08164108B2 Light emitting diode chip and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting diode chip includes a thermal conductive substrate, an epi-layer, a thin-type ohmic contacting film, a transparent conducting layer, and an electrode pad. The epi-layer includes a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-type semiconductor layer, and an active layer. The n-type semiconductor layer includes a stepped surface at a side thereof facing away from the substrate, and the stepped surface includes a central portion and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion. The n-type semiconductor layer has a thickness decreasing along directions from a center thereof to opposite lateral peripheries thereof. The ohmic contacting film is arranged on the stepped surface. The conducting layer is arranged on the ohmic contacting film. The electrode pad is arranged on the conducting layer and located corresponding to the central portion of the stepped surface.
US08164103B2 Multiple circuit power supply interface for light-emitting-diode color mixing
The present invention discloses an light emitting diode (LED) light source and an interface for providing power to the LED. The LED light source includes an LED unit and a second coupling unit. The LED unit includes a base, one or more LED, and a first coupling unit. The LED are attached to the base. The joining of the first and second coupling units provides a mechanical support and electricity to the LED. The LED, are connected with independent circuit loops and controlled by controller to change the brightness of the LED. This structure allows the second coupling unit to be applied to any luminaries or replacement of a traditional light source, thus making the LED unit a universal LED light source for mass production and cost reduction. With the use of various types of LED and electric current control, modulation of brightness, color, and color temperature may be achieved.