Document Document Title
US08171536B2 Method and apparatus for authenticating users in a network
Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for authenticating users of a network are described. Once a user has been authenticated on a first network, authentication information from the first network can be used by the user to gain access to the user's accounts on other networks using the same or different network enabled devices or consoles.
US08171533B2 Managing web single sign-on applications
A method of managing a web single sign-on (SSO) application with a common set of uniform resource locators (URLs) includes defining a first servlet mapping including a description of a protected URL resource pattern, defining a second servlet mapping including a description of an unprotected URL resource pattern, determining display logic support to establish if display logic of the web SSO application supports both the first servlet mapping and the second servlet mapping, configuring the display logic of the web SSO application based on the determination, defining an intercepting filter, and registering URL patterns for the common set of URLs in the intercepting filter, the URL patterns including definitions of the protected URL resource pattern and the unprotected URL resource pattern.
US08171532B2 Management apparatus, management method and recording medium storing program
A management apparatus which includes: a receiving unit that receives first authorization information for a first document that is already issued and contains document identification information identifying at least one document for which it is possible to issue authorization information and an issuance request requesting that second authorization information for a second document be issued; a verifying unit that verifies authenticity of the first authorization information that is received by the receiving unit; a checking unit that, in a case where the authenticity of the first authorization information is verified, checks whether or not document identification information identifying the second document is included in the first authorization information; and an issuing unit that, in a case where the document identification information identifying the second document is included in the first authorization information, issues the second authorization information.
US08171524B2 Physical access control
A system and method are disclosed for controlling physical access through a digital certificate validation process that works with standard certificate formats and that enables a certifying authority (CA) to prove the validity status of each certificate C at any time interval (e.g., every day, hour, or minute) starting with C's issue date, D1. C's time granularity may be specified within the certificate itself, unless it is the same for all certificates. For example, all certificates may have a one-day granularity with each certificate expires 365 days after issuance. Given certain initial inputs provided by the CA, a one-way hash function is utilized to compute values of a specified byte size that are included on the digital certificate and to compute other values that are kept secret and used in the validation process.
US08171509B1 System and method for applying a database to video multimedia
A system and method for applying a database to video multimedia is disclosed. One embodiment provides media content owners the capability to exploit video processing capabilities using rich, interactive and compelling visual content on a network. Mechanisms of associating video with commerce offerings are provided. Video server and search server technologies are integrated with ad serving personalization agents to make the final presentations of content and advertising. Algorithms utilized by the system use a variety of techniques for making the final presentation decisions of which ads, with which content, served to which user.
US08171506B2 Optical-system driving device effecting switchover between objective lenses for achieving focal spots
An optical-system driving device is achieved that can switch over between objective lenses and is space-saving, lightweight, and simply-configured. An optical-system driving device for recording information onto or playing it back from an optical storage medium, includes a stationary unit having a rotation axis; a movable unit pivotable about the rotation axis; pivotal movement means for pivotally moving the movable unit about the rotation axis; and the movable unit includes a holder having a plurality of optical means that is able to focus a beam of light onto the optical storage medium, and a plurality of conductive elastic members for supporting the holder, wherein an optical axis of each of the plurality of optical means is located substantially equidistant from the rotation axis, and the optical means for focusing the beam of light onto the optical storage medium is selected by pivotally moving the movable unit with the rotation means.
US08171500B2 System and method for supporting multiple users
Systems and methods that support splitting a compute resource from its input/output and sharing among one or more users are provided. In one embodiment, a system that supports one or more user devices may include, for example, a compute engine, a first user device and a second user device. The compute engine may be adapted to provide virtualization. The virtualization may provide, for example, a first instance of a particular operating system and a second instance of the particular operating system. The first user device may be coupled to the compute engine and may access the first instance of the particular operating system. The second user device may be coupled to the compute engine and may access the second instance of the particular operating system. In one example, the user devices are input/output devices that do not run applications or operating systems.
US08171495B2 Queue dispatch using deferred acknowledgement
Dispatching an incoming message from a queue into message transfer session(s) from which message consumers may draw messages. The message is reversibly received from the queue, whereupon a context of a message is identified. If the context correlates to an existing message transfer session, the message is ultimately assigned to a message transfer session. If the context does not correlate to an existing message transfer session, a new message transfer session is created, and the message is assigned to that new message transfer session. Upon receiving an acknowledgement of successful processing of the message, the removal of the message from the queue-like communication medium is assured. Upon receiving an acknowledgement of unsuccessful processing of the message, the message is restored to the queue-like communication medium.
US08171490B2 Method, apparatus, and computer program product for deferred completion of multi-step user transaction applications
Disclosed are server features for allowing a client user to defer completion of multi-step user transaction applications (“MUTAs”) and later resume the MUTA. One disclosed feature is providing a selectable deferral action in a page implementing part of the MUTA, e.g., HTML, XML, JavaScript/ECMA Script document. If the client user selects to defer completion, a state object is created by the server and stores state information including information previously entered during the MUTA. The server provides a resumption object to the user including a resource for resuming the deferred MUTA. When the user selects the resource, state information stored in the state object is loaded and the use may complete the remainder of the MUTA. An additionally disclosed aspect is automatic state saving where sate information is stored automatically during multiple steps in the MUTA; the user then need not select deferral.
US08171485B2 Method and system for managing virtual and real machines
Managing virtual and real machines through a provisioning system. The provisioning system allows a user to create and manage machines through a “self-service” approach. The provisioning system interacts with one or more agents that manage the lifecycle of a machine. The system may provide templates that enable a user to readily create a virtual machine. The system may also include interfaces for administrators to manage virtual and real machine resources.
US08171476B2 Wake-and-go mechanism with prioritization of threads
A hardware private array is a thread state storage that is embedded within the processor or within logic associated with a bus or wake-and-go logic. The hardware private array and/or wake-and-go array may have a limited storage area. Therefore, each thread may have an associated priority. If there is insufficient space in the hardware private array, then the wake-and-go mechanism may compare the priority of the thread to the priorities of the threads already stored in the hardware private array and wake-and-go array. If the thread has a higher priority than at least one thread already stored in the hardware private array and wake-and-go array, then the wake-and-go mechanism may remove a lowest priority thread, meaning the thread is removed from hardware private array and wake-and-go array and converted to a flee model.
US08171471B1 Method and system for performing initial data setup of an application
A method for initial data setup of an application that includes installing the application for execution on a computer system, submitting data to a generic edition of the application using guidance from a coach to generate application formatted data, wherein the data is submitted via a network, and storing the application formatted data on the computer system for use by the application executing on the computer system.
US08171457B2 Autonomic test case feedback using hardware assistance for data coverage
Illustrative embodiments disclose presenting coverage data relating to data access occurring during execution of code. The coverage data containing data access indicators associated with memory locations is obtained. The data access indicators that have been set by a processor in the data processing system in response to access of the memory locations during execution of the code by the processor are identified to form set data access indicators. Each set instruction access indicator is associated with a portion of the memory locations allocated for the code. A presentation for coverage data is generated, wherein the set data access indicators are identified in the presentation.
US08171449B2 Generating sequence diagrams using call trees
A software tool is provided to analyze static source code. Source Code files are selected to define the project work space. A class and a method in the class are selected from said selected source code files. The tool generates a Call Tree as an ordered recursive sequence of all method calls in different classes or their instances that are invoked by said selected method in said selected class. A Sequence Diagram is generated from said Call Tree. The tool remembers all updates to the Call Tree used to generate the Sequence Diagram. This information is used when a generated Sequence Diagram is impacted due to changes made to any source code file included in the project.
US08171440B2 Timing analyzing apparatus, timing analyzing method and program thereof
A timing analyzing apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes, a storage apparatus which stores a global clock list including information on clock paths inside and outside a partial area of an electronic circuit, and a post layout processing area netlist which is a netlist of the partial area after layout processing of circuits therein is executed; and a timing analyzing unit which calculates the clock skew between two points on the circuits in the partial area, neglecting the clock delay of a common part outside thereof of two clock paths from the clock source, located outside thereof in the electronic circuit, to the two points (CRPR calculation), to judge whether the delay of a clock path and a signal path of the electronic circuit satisfies timing constraints using the calculated clock skew.
US08171433B2 Method of calculating pattern-failure-occurrence-region, computer program product, pattern-layout evaluating method, and semiconductor-device manufacturing method
Method of calculating pattern-failure-occurrence-region comprising calculating a pattern failure occurrence region using relation information and a layout used for forming a convex section, the relation information being a relation between a distance from a formed pattern in a film to cover the convex section on a substrate to the convex section and a region in the film in which a shape of the formed pattern cannot satisfy a predetermined condition because of influence of the convex section.
US08171429B2 Application navigation
A method for operating a user interface for switching between computer applications is provided. The method may include displaying first, second and third navigation controls. The first navigation control may include entity selectors, the second navigation control may include application selectors, and the third navigation control may include sub-application selectors. The application selectors may be associated with the entities in the first navigation control and the sub-application selectors may be associated with the application selectors. An application associated with sub-application selector may be launched upon selecting the sub-application selector. The state of an application may be stored and retrieved upon switching between applications so as to enable fast switching between applications.
US08171424B1 Method, system, and graphical user interface for meeting-spot maps for online communications
A method, system, and graphical user interface for meeting-spot maps for online communications are disclosed. A “meeting spot” is a specific physical location where two or more people can arrange to meet face to face. One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which a server computer sends information corresponding to a map to a client device and sends information corresponding to a plurality of icons for meeting spots to be overlaid on the map. In some embodiments, selection of an icon in the plurality of icons by a user at the client device initiates the display of information about other users that have also selected the icon. In some embodiments, selection of an icon in the plurality of icons by a user at the client device initiates online communications with one or more other users that have also selected the icon.
US08171422B2 System and method for scrolling data
In a system and method for displaying data, a processor may simultaneously scroll at different paces through a first data and through a second data in response to a single scroll instruction.
US08171418B2 Method and system for presenting a visual representation of the portion of the sets of data that a query is expected to return
In an embodiment, a user is provided with a data representation covered by a relationship. For example, the data representation may include a collection of data objects representations. In an embodiment, the data object representations are arranged in a manner so as to indicate rows or records of different data objects that are associated with one another. In an embodiment, portions of the data objects in the collection are indicated as representing the data that is covered by the relationship. In an embodiment, a report representation that is expected to be generated by the report type defined by the user defined relationship is also provided. In an embodiment, a correspondence in indicated between elements of the report representation (e.g., columns in a thumbnail sketch of a report) and the data object representations (e.g., ovals in a Venn diagram).
US08171414B2 System and method for consolidated reporting of characteristics for a group of file systems
A system and method enables one or more storage volumes and associated devices on one or more storage appliances (filers) to be combined or consolidated into arbitrary groups so that statistical information related to performance, operational status and other usage-based parameters can be made available to interested parties associated with the group. The volumes can drawn from different storage appliances and grouped so as to allow administration and access by a common group of administrators or users. The statistical information can be compared to threshold values to generate events. The events can be e-mailed or otherwise transmitted to interested parties. The statistical information can also be organized and displayed in a variety of formats as a web page on a graphical user interface that resides on a management station and/or client display of an interested party.
US08171409B2 Interface for print control
In a printer driver 1, user interface UI-1 is displayed in the beginning and setup items are displayed in the respective display forms of the basic level on this user interface UI-1. In this state, basic explanations or detailed explanations are omitted. In addition, user interface UI-2 is displayed when the “Other Features” button is pressed in user interface UI-1 and setup items are displayed in the respective display forms of the applied level on this user interface UI-2. In this state, basic explanations or detailed explanations etc. concerning print control information entered via the setup items are displayed, which makes it possible to learn what type of information the print control information is.
US08171405B2 Information processing program, information processing method, and information processing device
The present invention is intended to improve operability in page-by-page editing operation of a document file having multiple pages using a computer. A display processor displays multiple pages of the document file in list form on a display unit, selects an item to be displayed from a plurality of items contained in attribute information allocated to each page, and displays the attribute information relating to the item that has been selected in association with each page. An editing processor receives page selection operation and editing operation, executes editing process on a selected page, and updates the attribute information by rewriting an item associated with the editing process of the attribute information allocated to the selected page. After the editing process by the editing processor, the display processor selects an item to be displayed from the plurality of items of the attribute information based on the substance of the editing process to update a display item list of the attribute information.
US08171403B2 System and method for managing acronym expansions
Systems and methods for managing acronym expansions are described. In one example, the method comprises creating from the plurality of identified expansions a case-insensitive group of identified expansions, wherein each identified expansion of the case-insensitive group match in a case-insensitive manner the other identified expansions of the case-insensitive group. The method also comprises assigning a weight to the text source location for each identified expansion in the case-insensitive group. The method further comprises creating from the case-insensitive group at least one case-sensitive group of identified expansions, wherein each identified expansion of the case-sensitive group of identified expansions match in a case-sensitive manner the other identified expansions of the group of case-sensitive identified expansions. The method also comprises for each case-sensitive group of identified expansions, determining from the weights of the text source locations for the identified expansions a total weight. The method further comprises comparing the total weights for the at least one group of case-sensitive identified expansions. The method also comprises selecting a first group of case-sensitive identified expansions from the at least one group of case-sensitive identified expansions upon comparing the total weights. The method further comprises associating an identified expansion corresponding to the first case-sensitive group of identified expansions to the potential acronym.
US08171402B2 Handheld electronic device including auto completion of punctuation in numerical entry, and associated method
A handheld electronic device has the capability to automatically output a preferred punctuation arrangement in response to determining whether a previous output has a predetermined characteristic. An alphanumeric input is detected as a first number of input member actuations. Responsive to the detecting an alphanumeric input, a first output is generated. A second number of input member actuations are detected as a punctuation input. A determination is made that the first output comprises a digit. Responsive to the determination, a preferred punctuation arrangement is identified. In certain examples, a selectable geographic location of use and an actual geographic location of use are detected and a comma is identified as the preferred punctuation arrangement.
US08171391B2 Method of describing the structure of graphical objects
The proposed technical solution allows processing of machine-readable forms of unfixed format. It comprises a method of specifying the logical structure of a document characterized by: preliminary specification of the list and descriptions of varieties of elements which may be present in the form, specifying an algorithm of setting the search constraints for every element, description of at least the following characteristics of search for every simple or compound element—the spatial characteristics of the search area and the parametric characteristics of the element, description of the method of identification of obtained elements, testing the type of the element, testing the properties which are typical of the type, testing the completeness of composition of the parts of the element.
US08171387B2 Method of and system for collaboration web-based publishing
A system and method directed to controlling work flow for a document is disclosed. The system comprises a document control module comprising a document engine and a document portion, a workflow control module for tracking and assigning work on the document portion, and a Web-based interface coupled to the document control module and the workflow control module. The system is configured to couple to a remote host over a network such as the Internet. Preferably, the document is automatically formatted to include XML tags, which allows the document to be searched and otherwise controlled more easily. Preferably, the system also comprises a search engine for searching through the document portion using a variety of search criteria. Preferably, the system is configured to import search results into the document.
US08171382B2 Encoding system and method for encoding error control codes within bit streams
An encoding system for encoding error control codes may include a first encoder configured to encode an input bit stream to generate first bit streams of C-bits, where c is an integer greater than zero, and a second encoder may be configured to receive the first bit streams and shuffle data of the received first bit streams to generate second bit streams. The data shuffling of the first bit streams may adjust an error distribution of the second bit streams. An encoding method may include encoding an input bit stream to generate first bit streams of C-bits, and receiving the first bit streams and shuffling data of the received first bit streams to generate second bit streams. An error distribution of the second bit streams may be adjusted based on the data shuffling.
US08171381B2 Outer coding methods for broadcast/multicast content and related apparatus
Transmission techniques are provided that improve service continuity and reduce interruptions in delivery of content that can be caused by techniques that occur when the User Equipment (UE) moves from one cell to the other, or when the delivery of content changes from Point-to-Point (PTP) connection to a Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) connection in the same serving cell, and vice-versa. Such transmission techniques enable seamless delivery of content across cell borders and/or between different transmission schemes such as Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) and Point-to-Point (PTP). Mechanisms for adjusting different streams and for recovering content from each data block during such transitions are also provided so that data is not lost during a transition. In addition, mechanisms for realigning data during decoding at a receiving terminal are also provided.
US08171380B2 Adaptive systems and methods for storing and retrieving data to and from memory cells
Adaptive systems and methods that may help assure the reliability of data retrieved from memory cells are described herein. The systems may include a memory device including a plurality of memory cells, a data quality monitoring block, and an adaptive data encoding block, the data quality monitoring block and the adaptive data encoding block both being operatively coupled to the memory device. The data quality monitoring block may be configured to determine a quality value of a group of one or more memory cells included in the memory device, the determined quality value being indicative of a quality of the group of one or more memory cells. The adaptive data encoding block may be configured to select a coding scheme from a plurality of coding schemes to encode data to be written to the group of one or more memory cells in the memory device, the selection of the coding scheme being based at least in part on the determined quality value of the group of one or more memory cells.
US08171379B2 Methods, systems and media for data recovery using global parity for multiple independent RAID levels
Implementations described herein generally provide methods, systems and media for recovering data from disk failures. One method generally includes calculating a global parity for a group of disks comprising multiple independent RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) arrays; determining if a two disk failure has occurred within a single RAID array; and if so, recovering from the two disk failure using the global parity and data from the RAID arrays.
US08171373B2 Coding circuit for recording data on DVD disk
A coding circuit that includes a buffer manager and a coding block is provided for generating product codes for parity checks as error correction code and adding the product codes to digital data to be recorded in a record medium.
US08171371B2 Inspection matrix generation method, encoding method, communication device, communication system, and encoder
A regular qc matrix is generated in which cyclic permutation matrices with specific regularity are arranged in row and column directions. A mask matrix supporting multiple encoding rates is generated for making the regular qc matrix into irregular. A specific cyclic permutation matrix in the regular qc matrix is converted into a zero-matrix using a mask matrix corresponding to a specific encoding rate to generate an irregular masking qc matrix. An irregular parity check matrix with a LDGM structure is generated, in which the masking qc matrix and a matrix in which the cyclic permutation matrices are arranged in a staircase manner are arranged in a predetermined location.
US08171366B2 Method of retransmission control in wireless relay system, wireless relay station, and wireless base station
If a reception result from an MS for the previous transmission data is a reception failure, second allocation information for retransmitting the previous transmission data is generated by an RS based on allocation information on a wireless resource for transmission of new data. The second allocation information and the previous transmission data are transmitted to the MS, and the new data is buffered.
US08171358B2 Semiconductor device and method for driving the same
A semiconductor device and a method for driving the same rapidly detect failure of a through-semiconductor-chip via and effectively repairing the failure using a latching unit assigned to each through-semiconductor-chip via. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of semiconductor chips that are stacked, and a plurality of through-semiconductor-chip vias to commonly transfer a signal to the plurality of semiconductor chips, wherein each of the semiconductor chips includes a multiplicity of latching units assigned to the through-semiconductor-chip vias and the multiplicity of latching units of each of the semiconductor chips constructs a boundary scan path including the plurality of through-semiconductor-chip vias to sequentially transfer test data.
US08171353B2 System and method for initializing a memory system, and memory device and processor-based system using same
Systems, controllers and methods are disclosed, such as an initialization system including a controller that receives patterns of read data coupled from a memory device through a plurality of read data lanes. The controller is operable to detect any lane-to-lane skew in the patterns of read data received through the read data lanes. The controller then adjusts the manner in which the read data received through the read data lanes during normal operation are divided into frames. The controller can also couple patterns of command/address bits to the memory device through a plurality of command/address lanes. The memory device can send the received command/address bits back to the controller through the read data lanes. The controller is operable to detect any lane-to-lane skew in the patterns of command/address bits received through the read data lanes to adjust the manner in which the command/address bits coupled through the command/address lanes during normal operation are divided into frames.
US08171352B2 HVAC system, a method for determining a source of a reset and a HVAC controller configured for the same
An HVAC controller, a method for determining the source of a reset of a HVAC unit and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a power on reset (POR) register configured to indicate if a POR has occurred for said controller, (2) a non-volatile memory having a first reset code section and a second reset code section, wherein said first and second reset code sections are each configured to store a reset code and (3) a processor configured to deduce when a source of a reset for said controller is a watchdog reset based on content of said POR register, said first reset code section and said second reset code section.
US08171351B1 Collecting information from user devices
An information collection system may include a server and one or more user devices that are in electronic communication with each other. Information may be collected by the user devices. For example, a user device may collect information regarding an error that occurred on the device. A server may monitor the user devices and receive information reports from those devices. The server may also instruct the user devices to perform self-corrective actions based on information received from those devices.
US08171350B2 Method and system for providing automatic disabling of network debugging
An approach is provided for automatic disabling of network debugging. A debugging command is received for initiating debugging of a router that includes a processor configured to execute a debugging procedure. Utilization of the processor is monitored. A determination is made whether the utilization exceeds a utilization threshold. The debugging procedure is disabled based on the determination that the utilization threshold is exceeded.
US08171349B2 Associating a monitoring manager with an executable service in a virtual machine migrated between physical machines
A virtual machine is migrated from a source physical machine to a target physical machine, where the virtual machine has an executable service and a monitoring agent for monitoring the executable service. In response to the migrating, a monitoring manager is started that issues a command to start the executable service. It is determined whether the command is for the executable service that is already running in the migrated virtual machine. In response to such determining, the started monitoring manager is associated with the already running executable service, where the monitoring manager cooperates with the monitoring agent to detect fault of the executable service.
US08171347B2 Method and apparatus for troubleshooting a computer system
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for troubleshooting a computer system. During operation, the system receives an identifier for a suspect computer system, which is suspected of operating abnormally. The system also receives an identifier for a normal computer system, which is operating normally. Next, the system automatically sends a command to be executed to both the suspect computer system and to the normal computer system. The system subsequently receives a response to the command from both the suspect computer system and the normal computer system and compares the responses to determine differences in behavior between the suspect computer system and the normal computer system.
US08171342B2 Device and method for outputting BIOS POST code
A device and method for outputting BIOS POST code, applied to a computer system. The device includes a basic input output system (BIOS), a transfer module and a video graphics array (VGA) connector. The BIOS generates a power-on self-test (POST) code using a low pin count (LPC) interface format. The transfer module receives the POST code and transfers the format of the POST code to a system management bus (SMBus) format. The VGA connector receives and outputs the POST code transmitted from the transfer module.
US08171338B2 Method and system for enabling checkpointing fault tolerance across remote virtual machines
A checkpointing fault tolerance network architecture enables a backup computer system to be remotely located from a primary computer system. An intermediary computer system is situated between the primary computer system and the backup computer system to manage the transmission of checkpoint information to the backup VM in an efficient manner. The intermediary computer system is networked to the primary VM through a high bandwidth connection but is networked to the backup VM through a lower bandwidth connection. The intermediary computer system identifies updated data corresponding to memory pages that have been least recently modified by the primary VM and transmits such updated data to the backup VM through the low bandwidth connection. In such manner, the intermediary computer system economizes the bandwidth capacity of the low bandwidth connection, holding back updated data corresponding to more recently modified memory pages, since such memory pages may be more likely to be updated again in the future.
US08171333B2 Sub-beam forming transmitter circuitry for ultrasound system
Multi-channel pulser driver circuitry for a sub-beam forming transmitter of an ultrasound system in which sub-beam signals are formed by delaying sub-beam pulse pattern data in accordance with sub-beam pulse delay data and multiple clock signals.
US08171332B2 Integrated circuit with reduced electromagnetic interference induced by memory access and method for the same
The invention provides an integrated circuit with reduced electromagnetic interference induced by memory access. The integrated circuit includes a random code generator, a request receiver and a memory unit. The random code generator generates a plurality of random codes according to a predetermined delay parameter. The request receiver obtains an input clock signal according to a plurality of data requests and spreads the spectrum of the input clock signal based on the random codes to derive a non-periodic output clock signal. The memory unit accesses image data to be displayed in response to the data requests and the output clock signal.
US08171328B2 State history storage for synchronizing redundant processors
Embodiments of an invention for synchronizing redundant processors using state history are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes two processors, state storage for each processor, and control logic. Each processor is to execute the same instructions. The state storage is to store compressed processor state information for each instruction executed by the processors. The control logic is to synchronize the two processors based on entries from the state storage.
US08171321B2 Method and apparatus for cost and power efficient, scalable operating system independent services
A low cost, low power consumption scalable architecture is provided to allow a computer system to be managed remotely during all system power states. In a lowest power state, power is only applied to minimum logic necessary to examine a network packet. Power is applied for a short period of time to an execution subsystem and one of a plurality of cores selected to handle processing of received service requests. After processing the received service requests, the computer system returns to the lowest power state.
US08171318B2 Reporting flash memory operating voltages
Apparatus and associated systems, methods and computer program products relate to using information stored in a flash memory to adjust the operating voltage supplied to the flash memory. The voltage information indicates a minimum operating voltage at which to operate the flash memory device. In general, operating a flash memory device near a minimal operating voltage may substantially minimize power consumption. The minimum operating voltage for individual flash memory devices may vary from IC to IC, by manufacturing lot, and by manufacturer. In a product, the minimum operating voltage for a particular flash memory may be determined, for example, by a controller built-in to a flash memory reporting (automatically or in response to a query) the minimum operating voltage (e.g., 2.5 V, 3.15 V) to a memory controller or microprocessor. The stored voltage information may further include information to adjust the operating voltage based on temperature.
US08171317B2 Conserving power in a platform supporting network interfaces
A computer system may comprise a platform in which a processing block may be provisioned. The processing block may determine an optimal compression ratio such that the optimal compression ratio may cause a minimum of a total power to be consumed by the computer platform. The total power may comprise total compression power consumption and total transmission power consumption. The processing block may generate compressed frames from a plurality of frames generated by an application. The compressed frames may be generated by encoding the plurality of frames using the optimal compression ratio. The processing block may select a network interface from multiple network interfaces supported by the computer system to transmit the compressed frames.
US08171315B2 Method and apparatus for changing power class for a powered device
A method and apparatus for changing power class for a powered device are provided. During operation, a powered device, such as an IP telephone, receives power from a power source via a PoE device. In the event that the powered device detects connection to a second powered device, such as an IP telephone module, the powered device transmits a classification signal to the power source. Based upon the classification signal, the power source performs a powered device classification procedure to reclassify the powered device, such as according to an IEEE 802.3af standard, and provide an increase amount of power to the powered device. The powered device, in turn, provides a portion of the power to the modular device. The modular powered device, therefore, receives power directly from the first powered device and does not require additional equipment in order to operate.
US08171303B2 Authenticating a login
Techniques for authenticating a login that avoid the imposition of memorization burdens on users of a computer system. The present techniques include determining whether an appropriate token is stored on a client system that originates the login, authenticating a login by communicating with a user via a secondary communication channel, and authenticating a login by engaging in a private question/private answer dialogue with a user.
US08171293B2 Receiver non-repudiation via a secure device
Techniques for assuring a receiver's non repudiation of a communication are provided via cooperation with a secure device. A secure device operates within a local environment of a receiver and exchanges certificates with a sender via the receiver. The sender encrypts data in a communication with the receiver. Separately, the sender sends an encrypted version of a decryption key to the receiver. The receiver presents the encrypted version of the key to the secure device and the secure device supplies the decryption key for use by the receiver to decrypt the previously sent encrypted data.
US08171288B2 System and method for authenticating users in a computer network
A rule based biometric user authentication method and system in a computer network environment is provided. Multiple authentication rules can exist in the computer network. For example, there may be a default system-wide rule, and a rule associated with a particular user trying to log in. There may be other rules such as one associated with a remote computer from which the user is logging in, one associated with a group to which the user belongs, or one associated with a system resource to which the user requires access such as an application program or a database of confidential information. An order of precedence among the rules is then established which is used to authenticate the user.
US08171287B2 Access control system for information services based on a hardware and software signature of a requesting device
A system and method for the authorization of access to a service by a computational device or devices. A software agent generates a digital signature for the device each time it attempts to access the service and send it to an authentication server, which compares the digital signature sent with one or more digital signatures on file to determine whether access to the service is permitted. The digital signature is generated by using hashes based on software and hardware configuration data collected from the device. The system may be used in conjunction with other authorization methods and devices.
US08171284B2 Encryption device, decryption device, encryption method, and decryption method
An encryption device, a decryption device, an encryption method, and a decryption method effectively perform encryption and decryption by using a packet type judgment result. An encryption/decryption device includes a packet reception unit that acquires a packet, a first encryption engine that is formed by hardware and encrypts or decrypts a packet; and a second encryption engine that encrypts or decrypts a packet by using software. The encryption/decyption device also includes a head data identification unit that judges the real time feature of the acquired packet according to the header information on the acquired packet, and an encryption/decryption process judgment unit that decides the acquired packet encryption destination or decryption destination in accordance with the real time feature from the first encryption engine and the second encryption engine. Since it is possible to separate the encryption by hardware from encryption by software according to the packet real time feature, it is possible to effectively perform encryption and decryption.
US08171279B2 Multi processor system having direct access boot and direct access boot method thereof
A multiprocessor system having a direct access boot operation and a direct access boot method are provided to substantially reduce a boot error of processor that does not provide a memory link architecture in the multiprocessor system. In an embodiment of the invention, a multiprocessor system includes: a first processor configured to perform a first predetermined task; a second processor configured to perform a second predetermined task; a multiport semiconductor memory device coupled to the first processor and the second processor, the multiport semiconductor memory device including at least one shared memory area, the multiport semiconductor memory device configured to provide access to the at least one shared memory area by the first processor and the second processor; and a non-volatile memory device coupled to the first processor and the second processor, the non-volatile memory device storing a first boot code associated with the first processor and a second boot code associated with the second processor, the multiprocessor system configured to provide the first processor direct access to the non-volatile memory area during a boot operation and indirect access to the non-volatile memory area otherwise.
US08171274B2 Method and system of executing stack-based memory reference code
A method and system of executing stack-based memory reference code. At least some of the illustrated embodiments are methods comprising waking a computer system from a reduced power operational state in which a memory controller loses at least some configuration information, executing memory reference code that utilizes a stack (wherein the memory reference code configures the main memory controller), and passing control of the computer system to an operating system. The time between executing a first instruction after waking the computer system and passing control to the operating system takes less than 200 milliseconds.
US08171269B2 Branch target buffer with entry source field for use in determining replacement priority
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for branch prediction. As an example, some embodiments of the present invention provides processor circuits that include a program address circuit, a branch target buffer, a branch prediction replacement circuit, and an execution pipeline. The branch target buffer includes a plurality of entries each associated with a respective change of flow instruction. Each entry includes an indication of an entry source and a next program address corresponding to the respective change of flow instruction. The branch prediction replacement circuit is operable to determine replacement priorities of the plurality of entries based at least in part on the entry source for each of the plurality of entries. The execution pipeline receives an executable instruction corresponding to one of the next program addresses.
US08171263B2 Data processing apparatus comprising an array controller for separating an instruction stream processing instructions and data transfer instructions
A parallel data processing apparatus using a SIMD array of processing elements is disclosed. The apparatus makes use of a register in order to control issuance of instructions to the processing elements in the array.
US08171259B2 Multi-cluster dynamic reconfigurable circuit for context valid processing of data by clearing received data with added context change indicative signal
A dynamic reconfigurable circuit includes multiple clusters each including a group of reconfigurable processing elements. The dynamic reconfigurable circuit is capable of dynamically changing a configuration of the clusters according to a context including a description of processing of the processing elements and of connection between the processing elements. A first cluster among the clusters includes a signal generating circuit that when an instruction to change the context is received, generates a report signal indicative of the instruction to change the context; a signal adding circuit that adds the report signal generated by the signal generating circuit to output data that is to be transmitted from the first cluster to a second cluster; and a data clearing circuit that, when output data to which a report signal generated by the second cluster is added is received, performs a clearing process of clearing the output data received.
US08171255B1 Optimization of paging cache protection in virtual environment
A system, method and computer program product for virtualizing a processor include a virtualization system running on a computer system and controlling memory paging through hardware support for maintaining real paging structures. A Virtual Machine (VM) is running guest code and has at least one set of guest paging structures that correspond to guest physical pages in guest virtualized linear address space. At least some of the guest paging structures are mapped to the real paging structures. A cache of connection structures represents cached paths to the real paging structures. The mapped paging tables are protected using RW-bit. A paging cache is validated according to TLB resets. Non-active paging tree tables can be also protected at the time when they are activated. Tracking of access (A) bits and of dirty (D) bits is implemented along with synchronization of A and D bits in guest physical pages.
US08171251B2 Data storage management method and device
A storage device includes a local memory, wherein data are locally stored, and a controller that is operative, in accordance with a reduction policy, to modify the data on the local memory, thereby freeing storage area on the local memory.
US08171250B2 Method and apparatus for delivering content based on receivers characteristics
Media distribution systems may include methods and apparatus to perform memory management on a wireless devices configured to receive non-real time portions of media services. Such methods and apparatus may be based upon an allowable capacity of presentations storable in device memory, as well as on a required memory associated with each presentation in a media service. Such methods and apparatus allow a device to subscribe to a media service based upon sufficient available memory in the device to support the service.
US08171247B2 Method for backup storage device selection
A method and system for backing up computer data uses a network device to select a storage device in a manner that enhances at least one parameter associated with the backup process.
US08171245B2 Data migrating method taking end time into consideration
There is provided a data migrating method including the steps of: calculating, in a case where data stored in a volume is migrated to another volume, a required period of time for migrating the data based on a size of data to be migrated and volume configuration information on the volume in which the migrated data is stored and the volume to which the data is to be migrated; determining a start time at which the data migration starts to generate a volume migration plan; setting a priority of the generated volume migration plan; prioritizing, in a case where a periods of time during which the generated volume migration plan is executed and a period of time during which an existing volume migration plan is executed are overlapped with each other, and changing the start time of at least one of those volume migration plans having a lower priority.
US08171244B2 Methods for implementation of worm mode on a removable disk drive storage system
Embodiments provide systems and methods for maintaining immutable data in an archiving system using random access memory. To ensure data is immutable, novel pointers are maintained in the hardware/firmware of the drive ports and on the removable disk drives. For example, a hardware/firmware in a modular drive bay maintains a pointer to a memory address in the removable disk drive memory that cannot write to a memory block that precedes the pointer. Data may only be stored after the pointer in the removable disk drive. As such, once data is written to the removable disk drive, the data cannot be overwritten although the removable disk drive employs random access memory.
US08171240B1 Misalignment predictor
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a circuit coupled to receive an indication of a memory operation to be executed in the processor. The circuit is configured to predict whether or not the memory operation is misaligned. A number of accesses performed by the processor to execute the memory operation is dependent on whether or not the circuit predicts the memory operation as misaligned. In another embodiment, a misalignment predictor is coupled to receive an indication of a memory operation, and comprises a memory and a control circuit coupled to the memory. The memory is configured to store a plurality of indications of memory operations previously detected as misaligned during execution in a processor. The control circuit is configured to predict whether or not a memory operation is misaligned responsive to a comparison of the received indication and the plurality of indications stored in the memory.
US08171232B2 Stored value accessors in shared memory regions
Instruction sets in computing environments may execute within one of several domains, such as a natively executing domain, an interpretively executing domain, and a debugging executing domain. These domains may store values in a shared region of memory in different ways. It may be difficult to perform operations on such values, particularly if a domain that generated a particular value cannot be identified or no longer exist, which may obstruct shared accessing of values and evaluative tasks such as stack walks. Instead, accessors may be associated with a stored value that perform various operations (such as low-level assembly instructions like Load, Store, and Compare) according to the standards of the value-generating domain, and domains may be configured to operate on the value through the accessors. This configuration may promote consistent accessing of values without having to identify or consult the value-generating domain or reconfiguring the instruction sets.
US08171226B2 Method and apparatus for execution of a process
Techniques are provided for enabling execution of a process employing a cache Method steps can include obtaining a first probability of accessing a given artifact in a state Si, obtaining a second probability of using a predicate from a current state Sc in the state Si, determining a benefit of prefetching the given artifact using the predicate based on at least the first probability and the second probability, and whether and/or when a cache replacement should be conducted, based at least on the benefit determined.
US08171225B2 Cache for a multi thread and multi core system and methods thereof
A method includes storing a plurality of data RAM, holding information for all outstanding requests forwarded to a next-level memory subsystem, clearing information associated with a serviced request after the request has been fulfilled, determining if a subsequent request matches an address supplied to one or more requests already in-flight to the next-level memory subsystem, matching fulfilled requests serviced by the next-level memory subsystem to at least one requester who issued requests while an original request was in-flight to the next level memory subsystem, storing information specific to each request comprising a set attribute and a way attribute configured to identify where the returned data should be held in the data RAM once the data is returned, the information specific to each request further including at least one of thread ID, instruction queue position and color, and scheduling hit and miss data returns.
US08171219B2 Method and system to perform caching based on file-level heuristics
A method and system to perform caching based at least on one or more file-level heuristics. The caching of a storage medium in a caching device is performed by a cache policy engine. The cache policy engine receives file-level information of input/output access of data of the storage medium and caches or evicts the data of the storage medium in the caching device based on the received file-level information. By utilizing information about the files and file operations associated with the disk sectors or logical block addresses of the storage medium, the cache policy engine can make a better decision on the data selection of the storage medium to be cached in or evicted from the caching device in one embodiment of the invention. Higher cache hit rates can be achieved and the performance of the system utilizing the cache policy engine is improved.
US08171214B2 Storage subsystem, storage system, and method of controlling power supply to the storage subsystem
Provided is storage subsystem including: a storage unit containing multiple disk groups; and a control device for controlling the storage unit. The storage unit includes at least one redundant disk group composed of at least a first disk group and a second disk group for redundancy. The control device is configured to: put the first disk group into a power-on state; put the second disk group into a power-off state; read/write data stored in the first disk group; turns on power of the second disk group at a predetermined timing; write, in the second disk group, data that has been written in the first disk group while the second disk group has been in the power-off state; and put one of the first and second disk group into the power-on state and the other one of the first and second disk group into the power-off state after the writing.
US08171213B2 Information processing apparatus and method, and program
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus, including: setting means for setting, a maximum transfer size; calculation means for subtracting a second data amount from a first data amount to calculate a third data amount; boundary determination means for determining whether this transfer will involve a page boundary being extended across; buffer boundary determination means for determining whether this transfer will involve a buffer size being exceeded; transfer size determination means for determining whether or not the third data amount is equal to or less than the maximum transfer size; and determination means for determining a data amount of data to be transferred within limits of the third data amount, based on a first determination made by the boundary determination means, a second determination made by the buffer boundary determination means, and a third determination made by the transfer size determination means.
US08171207B2 Adaptive hybrid density memory storage device and control method thereof
The present invention discloses a control method of an adaptive hybrid density memory storage device suitable for locating a data to the storage device. The storage device includes a high density memory unit and a low density memory unit. The method is characterized in that the property of the data is determined by its length, and the data is written to the high density memory unit or the low density memory unit according to the property of the data and the relative wearing rate and the amount of data processed by the storage device.
US08171199B2 Multiprocessor gateway
A multiprocessor gateway for multiple serial buses includes: multiple communication modules that are each provided for connection of one serial bus; multiple processors for processing data that are transferred in word-based fashion, via an internal system bus appurtenant to the respective processor, between the processor and the communication modules, the internal system buses of the multiprocessor gateway being connected to the communication modules, which have a respective appurtenant interface unit for each system bus, each processor exchanging data, via its appurtenant system bus and the interface unit, appurtenant to the system bus, of a communication module, with the serial bus connected to the communication module, independently of the other processors and without waiting time.
US08171196B2 Serial bus system, node device and input/output card that can be connected to the node device
There is described a node device of a serial bus system, a bus system with a node device of this type, and an input/output card. In serial bus system, in which individual node devices can have only a limited address space, and in which a number of input/output cards can be connected in order to control and/or regulate an item of external peripheral equipment, limitations arise for the individual input/output cards with regard to the available address space. Normally, the input/output cards, which are connected to the node device, are required to divide the address space of the node device among each other. In order to rectify this problem, the invention provides that a node device of a serial bus system, which has slots for input/output cards, is additionally equipped with a splitter for duplicating a received bus signal and for injecting the duplicated bus signal into another data line, the additional data line serially connecting the node device to input/output cards connected via the slots.
US08171190B2 Direct image formation method and apparatus
Provided are a direct image formation method and apparatus in which a predetermined image file that is transmitted from a host computer is directly received and printed or transmitted. The direct image formation method includes setting a USB class of the direct image formation apparatus to a mass storage class (MSC) and connecting the direct image formation apparatus to the host device in an MSC connection mode; transmitting the image file from the host device to the direct image formation apparatus in the MSC connection mode; and converting the image file to data in a predetermined printing format and printing the data into which the image file is converted.
US08171179B2 Apparatus supporting plurality of interfaces and method of setting up network connection of the same
A method of setting up a network connection of an image forming device connectable to a network via a first interface and a second interface, the method including setting up a network connection via the second interface, stopping operation of the first interface and initiating operation of the second interface after the setting up of the network connection via the second interface is completed, determining whether the second interface is connected to the network, and, stopping operation of the second interface and initiating operation of the first interface if determined that the second interface is connected to the network.
US08171178B2 Scaling of small computer system interface input output (SCSI I/O) referrals
A command is issued to a first data storage system for addressing a set of data and at least one of a first referral response including a referral to at least a second data storage system or at least a first subset of the set of data and the first referral response including the referral to the at least the second data storage system. The at least one of a first referral response is accessed. A command is issued to the second data storage system for addressing the set of data and a second referral response including a referral to at least one of the first data storage system and a third data storage system, the second data storage system including at least a second subset of the set of data. The second subset of the set of data and the second referral response including the referral to the at least one of the first data storage system or the third data storage system is accessed.
US08171169B2 Method and apparatus for updating a graphical display in a distributed processing environment
A system and method for updating a display unit remotely located from a computing system are described. The method includes copying display information from a video buffer of a computing device executing an application to generate a display update, calculating a size of the display update, and determining an amount of available bandwidth of a network connecting the computing device and the display unit. The method also includes calculating a time period required to communicate the display update from the computing device to the display unit, transmitting the display update to the display; and repeating the method after the time period has elapsed.
US08171166B1 Method and a computer program product for modifying or generating a multiple program transport stream
Methods and computer program products for modifying a multiple program transport stream, generating a multiple program transport stream and extracting a single program transport stream, the method for modifying the multiple program transport stream includes: receiving a multiple program transport stream; and inserting a decoding time stamp equivalent value program clock reference in a transport stream packet of a program; wherein the transport stream packet is positioned so as the value of the inserted decoding time stamp equivalent value program clock reference is substantially equal to a decoding time stamp of an elementary stream of the program.
US08171163B2 Method for tracking transmission status of data to entities such as peers in a network
A method for tracking a transmission status of one or more data elements to one or more devices. In one example, the method includes providing a list including one or more devices and one or more data elements; processing the list to determine a data element of the one or more data elements to transmit to a device of one of the one or more devices; and upon successfully transmitting the data element to the device, adjusting the list so that the list indicates that the device has received the transmitted data element. In this manner, the status of whether a particular data element has been sent to a particular device can be easily derived from the list.
US08171153B2 Adaptive variable fidelity media distribution system and method
A layered media stream comprising media information layers of different priorities may be adaptively distributed by transmitting at least one of the media information layers to a client on a time-windowed basis. A client device obtains different media information layers during various time windows, and different portions of the media stream may be rendered using different combinations of layers obtained in each time window. In various embodiments, different layers may be obtained from different hosting devices using differing distribution models.
US08171150B2 Data transfer system and method
A method is disclosed of data transfer between a source computer and multiple target computers. The method includes: receiving a user data and format request from one or more target computers; transmitting a multi-media formatted transmission from the source computer over a first network to a server configured to receive the multi-media formatted transmission; extracting a data stream from the multi-media formatted transmission; transmitting the data stream in an Internet format over a second network to the target computers, the target computers each configured to receive the data stream in a finite set of protocols over the second network, the finite set of protocols including Internet protocols but excluding multi-media protocols; and extracting data from the data stream and reformatting the extracted data into a multi-media format at each target computer, wherein each target computer is able to reformat the extracted data into different multi-media formats.
US08171149B2 Communication system, terminal device, and method of controlling terminal devices in communication system
In a communication system, a first terminal device and a second terminal device are connected via a wireless network and perform communications with each other. Each of the first and second terminal devices includes an interface unit which accesses a memory-card type recording medium detachably mounted to the interface unit. Information needed for one of the first and second terminal devices to communicate with the other terminal device is transferred between the first terminal device and the second terminal device using the recording medium.
US08171141B1 Provisioning system including stack manager
Systems and methods of executing and/or provisioning an application in an application specific runtime environment are disclosed. The application specific runtime environment is defined by an application environment specification to include a minimal or reduced set of software resources required for execution of the application. These software resources are optionally stored in a resource repository that includes resources associated with a plurality of operating systems and/or executable applications. Various embodiments of the invention include the development of hierarchical resource metadata configured to characterize the various files, packages and file families included in the resource repository. In some embodiments this metadata is used to select between files and different versions of files when provisioning an application specific runtime environment. Various embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for dynamically and/or manually determining which resources should be included in the provisioning of an executable application.
US08171136B2 System and method for transmitting pollution information over an integrated wireless network
A pollution information message system provides a system and method for generating and transmitting pollution information messages. In one embodiment, the pollution information message system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to monitoring devices. Control room operators receive a pollution information message from an identifiable transceiver. The transceiver, identified by an identification code, indicates a location and the nature of the detected pollution. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.
US08171135B2 Accumulator for prefetch abort
The present invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods of determining whether to abort a prefetch operation. Embodiments include accumulator functionality for accumulating object data prior to making an abort determination. Certain embodiments compress the accumulated data to more accurately reflect the cost of pushing the data to the client as part of the prefetch operation. Accumulation and/or compression of the data may provide sufficient data relating to the size of the object to make a useful prefetch abort determination, even where the size of the object cannot be otherwise determined (e.g., from the object data header). Other embodiments store accumulated data (e.g., in compressed or uncompressed form) for use in further optimizing prefetch operations. For example, if an accumulated prefetch is aborted before the object is forwarded to the client, and the client later requests the object, the object may be pushed to the client from server-side storage, rather than retrieving (e.g., and compressing) the object from the content server redundantly.
US08171133B2 Management apparatus and management method for computer system
A computer system according to the present invention is provided with a request classification tool generating a request classification log which describes a number of web requests handled by the computer system for each predetermined measurement period and for each type of the web requests; a system unification processing tool for generating a system log which describes a status of resources of the computer system for the each predetermined measurement period; and resource usage status analysis tool. The resource usage status analysis tool calculates a request handling resource usage amount per web request by using the request classification log and the system log for each type of the web requests, the request handling resource usage amount being a usage amount of resources used for handling the web requests per web request.
US08171123B2 Network bandwidth detection and distribution
In a node configured to communicate with one or more other nodes over a network, available bandwidth for network traffic may be distributed among two or more distinct channels of communication within a single application running on the node. An available bandwidth may be detected for communication between the first node and a second node. A distribution may be determined for the available bandwidth among the two or more communication channels. A sending rate may be adjusted for data sent from the first node to the second node over one or more of the two or more communication channels in response to a detected change in the available bandwidth.
US08171117B2 Workflow manager for a distributed system
A workflow manager handles the communication between a workflow-enabled provider and a workflow-enabled client. The workflow manager maintains a directory of clients, translates a transaction from a provider into multiple transactions suitable for the client, and handles security. In one embodiment, the workflow manager connects with the workflow-enabled client by registration and with the workflow-enabled provider by advertising and activation. Subsequent communications between the workflow manager and the workflow-enabled provider and the workflow-enabled client are with a request/response protocol. The workflow manager also comprises data storage for storing data for transmission to the workflow-enabled client or the workflow-enabled provider, and workflow storage for storing information related to registered clients. The present invention also includes a number of novel methods including a method for a method for registering a client and a method for activating a provider.
US08171113B2 Management of bandwidth allocation in a network server
A server is connected to a plurality of connected client devices, and is configured to transfer information between any selected one of the client devices and a memory for static storage of information. The method comprises increasing the defined delay period after each execution of a packet transfer cycle, thereby discouraging the transfer of unacceptably large files. The delay period may be initiated, and the amount of increase or other adjustment to the delay period during the transfer cycle may be controlled, by selected a predetermined value from a table, or by calculating a value based on variable input parameters such as the file size, server load, network response time, and number of transfer requests from the client device within a defined prior period.
US08171108B2 System and method for providing remote forensics capability
A system and method for performing a forensic analysis of a subject computer having a non-volatile memory with a second computer is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes executing on the subject computer a first code segment configured to provide communications via a non-proprietary communication protocol such as the Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) protocol; establishing a connection between the second computer and the subject computer via the non-proprietary communication protocol. The non-proprietary communication protocol includes one or more write operations for writing data to a non-volatile memory in response to one or more write commands and the first code segment is configured to not write data to the non-volatile memory of the subject computer in response to receipt of the one or more write commands. The method may include performing a first forensic analysis of the subject computer via the connection. In addition, the method may further comprise establishing a secure connection, such via the Internet, between the second computer and a remote computer, wherein performing the first forensic analysis is initiated by the remote computer. A pre-defined forensic instruction set may be stored on the second computer and executed to perform the first forensic analysis.
US08171099B1 Network acceleration device having persistent in-memory cache
A network acceleration device includes a persistent, in-memory cache of network content. For example, the cache may store content in a manner that allows a software process to map virtual memory to specific, known regions of an underlying physical memory. Upon detecting a failure of a process executing within the network device, the network acceleration device may restart the software process and remap data structures of the cache to the known regions of the physical memory without necessarily requiring that the cache content be reloaded from a non-volatile memory, such as a hard drive. In this manner, the network acceleration device may accelerate download speeds by avoiding timely cache content restoration in the event of a software process failure.
US08171095B2 Speculative distributed conflict resolution for a cache coherency protocol
A conflict resolution technique provides consistency such that all conflicts can be detected by at least one of the conflicting requestors if each node monitors all requests after that node has made its own request. If a line is in the Exclusive, Modified or Forward state, conflicts are resolved at the node holding the unique copy. The winner of the conflict resolution, and possibly the losers, report the conflict to the home node, which pairs conflict reports and issues forwarding instructions to assure that all requesting nodes eventually receive the requested data. If a requested cache line is either uncached or present only in the Shared state, the home node provides a copy of the cache node and resolves conflicts. In one embodiment, a blackout period after all responses until an acknowledgement message has been received allows all conflicting nodes to be aware of conflicts in which they are involved.
US08171092B2 Method for delivering CPM message and server thereof
Disclosed is a method for delivering a message in a converged IP messaging (CPM) server. The message delivery method may include determining whether to reject a CPM message based on the access policy if the CPM message is received; checking a user preference of a target terminal to determine processing of the CPM message if it is determined that the CPM message is not rejected; determining whether to reject, defer or store the CPM message based on the user preference if the target terminal is not registered or in an unreceivable state; storing the CPM message in a queue if it is determined that a transmission of the CPM message is deferred; determining whether to discard or store the CPM message based on the user preference if a timer for the CPM message is expired; requesting to store the message to a message storage server if it is determined to be stored; receiving a response message including information on the stored message from the message storage server; and transmitting a message including the information on the store message to the terminal.
US08171087B2 Thread-based conversation management
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with thread-based conversation management are described. One system embodiment includes a conversation manager that provides access to communication applications, that provides lifecycle management for an electronic conversation carried on over the communication applications, and that organizes conversation elements belonging to a conversation carried on using the communication applications. The conversation lifecycle may include pausing and resuming a conversation carried on, at least in part, over a synchronous, online, real-time, communication application. The system embodiment may also include a thread manager to provide thread-based storage for conversation elements.
US08171084B2 Custom emoticons
Methods and devices for creating and transferring custom emoticons allow a user to adopt an arbitrary image as an emoticon, which can then be represented by a character sequence in real-time communication. In one implementation, custom emoticons can be included in a message and transmitted to a receiver in the message. In another implementation, character sequences representing the custom emoticons can be transmitted in the message instead of the custom emoticons in order to preserve performance of text messaging. At the receiving end, the character sequences are replaced by their corresponding custom emoticons, which can be retrieved locally if they have been previously received, or can be retrieved from the sender in a separate communication from the text message if they have not been previously received.
US08171081B1 Internal electronic mail within a collaborative communication system
Techniques for exchanging internal electronic mail over an open data network within a collaborative communication system are disclosed. The exchanging of the internal electronic mail does not rely upon an email address commonly known to include an @ sign. Each of registered users in the collaborative communication platform is assigned an identifier. The identifier is used for delivering the internal mail so authored similarly to a traditional email, except that the internal mail is delivered without relying upon an email address or the domain name therein. The identifier of a recipient cannot be used as an email address for someone other than any of the registered users to send a message to a user in collaborative communication system.
US08171079B2 Metasearch engine for ordering items returned in travel related search results using multiple queries on multiple unique hosts
Process and system for metasearching on the Internet performed by a metasearch engine, comprising: receiving an HTTP request from a client device for the metasearch engine to send a plurality of search queries to a plurality of unique hosts that provide access to information to be searched, the HTTP request associated with a plurality of travel related items that may be ordered comprising at least one airline ticket and at least one other type of travel related item; sending the plurality of search queries to the plurality of unique hosts in response to the HTTP request; receiving search results from the plurality of unique hosts; incorporating the received search results into a response; communicating the response from the metasearch engine to the client device; receiving another HTTP request from the client device for placing an order for at least one of the plurality of travel related items; processing the order.
US08171066B2 Techniques for accessing remote files
Techniques for accessing remote files are presented. A local user, via a local client, requests access to a file. A local file system determines that the file is associated with a junction. The junction is resolved and an associated remote file system is contacted by the local file system to acquire results for the request. The local file system then delivers the results to the local user via the local client.
US08171061B2 File-system based data store for a workgroup server
A system and method for storing workgroup objects on a file-system based data store in a workgroup server is disclosed. The present invention implements a file-system based workgroup system in which a workgroup object is stored in one or more files. The present invention further includes a workgroup object list comprising object identifiers, each object identifier uniquely mapping to a workgroup object and each object identifier including a property of the workgroup object based on which the workgroup object list is sorted.
US08171051B2 Quantum-based oblivious transfer and private data sampling protocols and systems for performing the same
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to oblivious transfer protocols and to system for performing oblivious transfer. Embodiments of the present invention include a private data sampling protocol that is designed to balance the competing privacy interest of a database user and a database owner. Protocol embodiments enable the database user to obtain a fixed size random sample of the available data held by the database owner without the database owner learning which bits of data were accessed.
US08171032B2 Providing customized electronic information
This invention relates to customized electronic identification of desirable objects, such as news articles, in an electronic media environment, and in particular to a system that automatically constructs both a “target profile” for each target object in the electronic media based, for example, on the frequency with which each word appears in an article relative to its overall frequency of use in all articles, as well as a “target profile interest summary” for each user, which target profile interest summary describes the user's interest level in various types of target objects. The system then evaluates the target profiles against the users' target profile interest summaries to generate a user-customized rank ordered listing of target objects most likely to be of interest to each user so that the user can select from among these potentially relevant target objects, which were automatically selected by this system from the plethora of target objects that are profiled on the electronic media. Users' target profile interest summaries can be used to efficiently organize the distribution of information in a large scale system consisting of many users interconnected by means of a communication network. Additionally, a cryptographically-based pseudonym proxy server is provided to ensure the privacy of a user's target profile interest summary, by giving the user control over the ability of third parties to access this summary and to identify or contact the user.
US08171029B2 Automatic generation of ontologies using word affinities
In one embodiment, generating an ontology includes accessing an inverted index that comprises inverted index lists for words of a language. An inverted index list corresponding to a word indicates pages that include the word. A word pair comprises a first word and a second word. A first inverted index list and a second inverted index list are searched, where the first inverted index list corresponds to the first word and the second inverted index list corresponds to the second word. An affinity between the first word and the second word is calculated according to the first inverted index list and the second inverted index list. The affinity describes a quantitative relationship between the first word and the second word. The affinity is recorded in an affinity matrix, and the affinity matrix is reported.
US08171020B1 Spam detection for user-generated multimedia items based on appearance in popular queries
A system, a method, and various software tools enable a video hosting website to automatically identify posted video items that contain spam in the metadata associated with a respective video item. A spam detection tool for user-generated video items based on appearance in popular queries is provided that facilitates the detection of spam in the metadata associated with a video item.
US08171011B2 Content identification expansion
Content of a first type, such as web pages, are identified in response to a query. One or more correlated entities are identified based on the content of the first type. Content of a second type, such as advertisements, are identified based on the one or more of the correlated entities.
US08171008B2 Data retrieval
To facilitate obtaining up-to-date data over a slow connection, reference search results are stored on a requesting side and on a responding side, and only changes to reference searches are transmitted. To achieve this, the requesting side indicates in a data request an applicable reference search or reference searches to be used, and the responding side retrieves up-to-date data, compares it with search results of corresponding applicable reference search(es) and sends only changes to the requesting side.
US08171005B2 Database quiesce operations
A technique to quiesce a database without causing after-arriving access requests to abnormally terminate interrogates database management system control structures associated with the database. Specified modifications to these control structures can be made so that subsequent access requests to the database (i.e., during quiesce operations) are not abnormally terminated. Once quiesced, regular or special purpose maintenance or testing operations, the starting or stopping of log keeping operations or similar operations may be made to the database. Once these are complete, the database control structures may be updated again to permit pending/scheduled access requests to proceed.
US08171004B1 Use of hash values for identification and location of content
Surrogate hashing is described, including initializing one or more variables in a collection, evaluating an address associated with a host, comparing the address to the collection to determine if the address is stored in the collection, and processing the address to hash a file identified by the address if the address is not stored in the collection or determining if another address is indicated by the address if the address is stored in the collection.
US08171002B2 Matching engine with signature generation
A system and a method generates at least one signature associated with document. In one embodiment, a document comprised of text is received and parsed to generate a token set. The token set includes a plurality of tokens. Each token corresponds to the text in the document that is separated by a predefined character characteristic. A score is calculated for each token in the token set based on a frequency and distribution of the text in the document. Each token is then ranked based on the calculated score. A subset of the ranked tokes is selected and a signature is generated for each occurrence of the selected tokens. The selected list of signatures is then output.
US08170999B2 Online incremental deferred integrity processing and maintenance of rolled in and rolled out data
A system and a method for the deferral and incremental performance of integrity processing for data rolled into a table of a data warehouse and for the deferral and incremental performance of maintenance on data rolled out of a table of the data warehouse while permitting general users online access to other data contained in the table. The rolled in and rolled out data are contained within specific data partitions of the table. Each data partition in the table has an associated distinguishable partition ID. Each data partition can also have associated attributes corresponding to containing rolled-in and rolled-out data respectively. Table operation mechanisms are arranged such that general users of the table do not access rolled in data in a partition for which integrity processing has not yet been performed and do not access rolled out data.
US08170996B2 Storage subsystem
The data up to a point of time whereat failure has occurred will be restored at high speed at a remote site without imposing any burden on a host. The first storage system on the master side processes an I/O request from the host, and as a result of I/O processing to the second storage system on the remote side, transmits the update data. The second storage system retains data received from the first storage system as update log data. The host transmits a command for settling a state of an application to the first storage system as data, and the first storage system transmits the data to the second storage system. The host and the second storage system both retain an identifier corresponding to the command, and relate the identifier to the log data. Thereby, the host designates the identifier at any given time, whereby the second storage system restores the data at any given time.
US08170993B2 Page grouping for site traffic analysis reports
Website administrators can specify page groups and/or single pages as checkpoint nodes for site analysis reporting purposes, and can configure the system of the invention to provide information as to a particular visitation path through the checkpoints. Any group of pages can be designed as a single checkpoint node for website traffic analysis and reporting purposes. Page groups can be used in place of or in addition to individual web pages in any context where site traffic analysis is being presented or performed.
US08170992B2 Method and system for batch processing form data
The input and batch processing of data for insertion in a database. In one aspect of the invention, processing input data includes receiving data for insertion into a database, the data including data fields holding data entries. At least one of the data fields is determined to be a standard field having a standard data entry, and at least one different data field is determined to have been designated a batch mode field, where each batch mode field has a plurality of associated batch mode data entries. A data record is created for each batch mode data entry of the batch mode field, where each data record includes a different batch mode data entry, and each data record includes a copy of the standard data entry.
US08170986B2 Information processing device
An information processing device may be connected with an external memory and may be provided with a contents data storage device, an obtaining device, and an outputting device. The storage device may store an internet address and contents data downloaded therefrom. The obtaining device may obtain an internet address stored in the external memory. The outputting device may output, when the internet address obtained is identical to the internet address stored in the storage device, the contents data combined with the internet address to the external memory. Furthermore, the information processing device may be provided with an obtaining device, an internet communication device, and an outputting device. The obtaining device may obtain an internet address stored in the external memory. The communication device may download contents data from the obtained internet address. The outputting device may output the contents data downloaded by the internet communication device to the external memory.
US08170982B2 Computer readable medium and information processing apparatus
A computer readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute information processing is provided, wherein plural pieces of management object information are stored in a storage device with unique identification information and non-unique name information, the information processing including: receiving a process request that specifies management object information of a process object by using location information which is represented by a sequence of name information assigned to respective pieces of management object information; selecting one piece of management object information corresponding to the location information with reference to history information which is registered with the location information and the management object information being associated with each other; and sending back a result of a process that is executed for the selected management object information of the process object in accordance with the process request.
US08170970B2 Constraint based system that identifies top constraint expressions
A constraint solver solves a constraint satisfaction problem (“CSP”) that includes a network of variables and constraints. The solver receives a sub-expression and determines if the sub-expression is an internal constraint of the CSP. The internal constraint has a supporting operator expression. If the sub-expression is an internal constraint, the solver determines any or all top constraint expressions associated with the supporting operator expression.
US08170962B2 Method and apparatus for an algorithm development environment for solving a class of real-life combinatorial optimization problems
The invention pertains to an algorithm development environment for solving a class of combinatorial optimization problems. Many practical real-life applications can be formulated as combinatorial optimization problems. Over the years, there have been algorithms proposed to solve these problems. The effort in customizing algorithms to fulfill a particular domain-specific application is still significant. Furthermore, conventional approaches towards codes generation and modification are tedious and thus inefficient. To address the need for rapid generation of algorithms that are efficient in solving a given class of real-life problems, embodiments provide a hierarchical tree structure for managing a procedure modules library. Based on the preferred management and object-oriented design concept, users configure and generate a genetic algorithm (GA) via an intuitive graphical user interface. The goal-seeking customization of the generated GA can be easily carried out for solving various optimization problems. This way, the efficiency of algorithm development is enhanced significantly.
US08170960B1 User behavior-based remotely-triggered automated actions
An action is triggered by receiving information related to a predicted destination of a user, accessing a library that maps user actions to destinations, determining that at least one of the destinations in the library corresponds with the predicted destination of the user and at least one of the destinations in the library, identifying a user action, within the library, that is associated with the destination determined to correspond with the predicted destination of the user, and triggering the user action.
US08170957B2 System and method for managing digital interactions
A system for managing digital interactions comprising an identity module for creating an identity, wherein the identity includes a unique identifier associated with a first party and a plurality of proposed terms for a relationship with a second party; and a relationship module, in communication with the identity module, for receiving and evaluating the plurality of proposed terms, including accepting or rejecting the plurality of proposed terms and, if accepted, for allowing the first party to communicate with the second party in accordance with the plurality of proposed terms.
US08170954B2 Secure and efficient payment processing system with account holder defined transaction limitations
A method for carrying out commercial transactions includes establishing a transaction processing system on an electronic communications network, and establishing an account within the transaction processing system for a corresponding account holder. One or more descriptions of acceptable future commercial transactions related to the account are obtained from the account holder. Commercial transactions carried out via the transaction processing system are administered, and it is verified that administered commercial transactions related to the account meet one or more of the descriptions obtained.
US08170940B2 System and method for the automated brokerage of financial instruments
Disclosed herein in a preferred embodiment is an automated financial instrument brokerage system wherein a front end layer interacts with customers to generate activity requests for an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer preferably processes the activity requests and places financial instrument orders on a financial market if appropriate. A backend layer preferably provides data to the intermediate layer for processing activity requests. Multiple heterogeneous front end customer applications may be supported by the same intermediate layer. Further, multiple backend layer applications may interact with the intermediate layer in a manner transparent to the front end layer. Further, scalability can be achieved be partitioning various tasks of the intermediate layer onto separate servers, and more preferably on separate redundant servers. Load balancers may then be used in the intermediate layer to provide distributed access to these servers. Also disclosed herein is a caching technique whereby turnaround time for processing activity requests can be reduced by reducing the number of times that the intermediate layer needs to interact with the backend layer.
US08170935B2 Systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of a model portfolio of a financial instrument
System and methods for checking portfolios used to model the behavior of actively managed funds to facilitate intra-day trading of actively managed exchange traded funds (AMETFs) without revealing the fund assets. Exchange traded notes based on an underlying actively managed fund without revealing the fund assets. Computer means are used to perform a statistical comparison between a model portfolio and the AMETF, and a statistical comparison compares the periodic values, returns, or risk characteristics of the model portfolio and the financial instrument over some period of time, periodically sending or publishing the results of the statistical comparison. The model portfolio does not reveal the assets of the financial instrument.
US08170933B1 Method and system for providing a customized start-up budget for a new business
A method and system for providing a customized start-up budget for a new business leverages actual business start-up data associated with one or more actual businesses in one or more locations collected by various financial management systems to provide a customized start-up budget for a new business that includes a listing of the business start-up budget categories and/or business start-up budget sub-categories associated with starting up a proposed business in a particular area and the average, or otherwise weighted, amounts spent in each of the business start-up budget categories and/or business start-up budget.
US08170931B2 Configuring user-customized services for networked devices
Systems and methods for managing one or more aspects of a user's relationship with one or more media devices or other information handling systems and one or more media content providers. In some embodiments, a service center functions as a central management point and includes various modules configured to provide the management services.
US08170925B1 Computer-implemented methods and systems for automatic merchandising
One embodiment of the instant invention is a computer-implemented method for processing transaction-related data that includes at least the following steps of: receiving seller data about a seller; receiving buyer data about a buyer; generating a seller profile; generating a buyer profile; receiving transaction data about a current transaction between the seller and the buyer for an offering; generating a transaction composite for the current transaction; determining a classification rule for each transaction composite class; and classifying the transaction composite into a particular transaction composite class based on comparing the classification rule to: i) the generated seller profile, ii) the generated buyer profile, or iii) the current transaction.
US08170921B2 Dynamic hosted shopping cart
Systems and methods are provided for a Dynamic Hosted Shopping Cart. According to one embodiment, a method comprises configuring a Dynamic Hosted Shopping Cart (DHSC) at a remote server based on communications with a buyer device and at least one seller's server that hosts one or more seller websites. The method also comprises embedding in or floating a widget above the one or more seller websites in connection with the DHSC. The method further comprises dynamically updating contents of the DHSC implemented by the widget according to communicated transaction information. In addition, the method comprises offering checkout across all enabled pages of the one or more seller websites.
US08170916B1 Related-item tag suggestions
Tag suggestions enable a hosting entity such as a website to determine one or more tags to suggest to a user for association with a particular item within an electronic catalog. After this determination, the hosting entity may suggest the determined tags to the user. To determine these tags, the hosting entity may employ techniques to determine items related to the particular item. The hosting entity then suggests some or all of the tags associated with the related items. Additionally or alternatively, the hosting entity may determine certain metadata associated with the particular item. The entity then may suggest this metadata, or some related phrase or tag, to the user for association with the particular item. However the tag suggestions are determined, the hosting entity may rank the tag suggestions to determine which tags to present to the user or to determine an order in which to present the tags.
US08170914B2 Inventory control system for digital signage network having a plurality of screen zones associated with a plurality of displays
An inventory control system for a digital signage network is provided that uses a denormalized relational database to maintain a record of each of a plurality of screen zones for displays of the network. An inventory column in the database may be used to track scheduling assignments for each day of a calendar year. A screen zone may be given a collective duration limit that prevents assignment of media content items to that screen zone if the assignment would cause the limit to be exceeded for any of the days in the scheduling request. A screen zone may also be designated as overbookable to allow a scheduling assignment even if the limit is exceeded, or may be designated as partially bookable to allow the assignment of media content items for only those days specified in the request for which the limit would not be exceeded.
US08170911B1 Incentive program awarding points per-mile-driven
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to incentive programs awarding loyalty points based at least in part upon the number of miles driven in a motor vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, reward points can be earned by having the vehicle serviced at authorized locations, such as a dealership. At the time of servicing, the authorized location notes the current vehicle odometer reading, and this odometer reading is communicated to an administrator of the loyalty program. The odometer reading in turn serves as the basis for calculating the number of miles driven since the last authorized servicing, and for conversion of this mileage figure into loyalty points to be credited to the owner, lessor, or renter of the vehicle. In this manner, a manufacturer of an automobile or other sponsor of a co-branded payment card can provide incentives for servicing only at manufacturer-authorized locations such as dealerships, thereby enhancing profitability of the dealership and promoting relations between manufacturer and dealer.
US08170900B2 Supply chain discovery services
A discovery server is provided for tracking an object in a supply chain in accordance with a plurality of predefined events. The object is identifiable by an object identifier. The discovery server comprises the following elements. A communication interface is configured to communicate with each of a plurality of partners in the supply chain using a predefined protocol. A data store is configured to store events for the object, the events being received from the plurality of partners. Each event stored in the data store an object identifier, a life cycle step, a partner identifier and an timing identifier. Also, a processor is configured to search the data store in response to an inquiry regarding the object.
US08170886B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus to generate an energy consumption index
Systems, methods, and apparatus to generate an energy consumption index are disclosed. In one described example, a method to generate an energy consumption index is disclosed, the method including measuring resources consumed at a home associated with a first person and calculating a home energy value indicative of the resources consumed at the home and measuring resources consumed by the person while located outside the home and calculating an out of home energy value indicative of the resources consumed by the person while located outside the home. The example method further includes identifying goods purchased by the person and calculating a purchase energy value indicative of the resources associated with the purchased goods, and generating an energy consumption index associated with the person based on the home energy value, the out of home energy value, and the purchase energy value.
US08170877B2 Printing to a text-to-speech output device
A method for producing speech output can include the step of selecting a TTS output device from a plurality of available output devices. The selected output device can be associated with outputting content of an application responsive to a print command. According to the method, the print command can be detected, which results in the content of the application being conveyed to the selected TTS output device. The TTS output device can be associated with at least one text-to-speech engine. Upon content conveyance to the TTS output device, at least a portion of the content can be automatically converted using the text-to-speech engine. The speech converted content can be outputted.
US08170873B1 Comparing events in word spotting
An approach to comparing events in word spotting, such as comparing putative and reference instances of a keyword, makes use of a set of models of subword units. For each of two acoustic events and for each of a series of times in each of the events, a probability associated with each of the models of the set of subword units is computed. Then, a quantity characterizing a comparison of the two acoustic events, one occurring in each of the two acoustic signals, is computed using the computed probabilities associated with each of the models.
US08170867B2 System for extracting information from a natural language text
In the method of extraction, the words of the text are encoded by comparing them with the contents of a lexicon of tool words (essentially articles, prepositions, conjunctions, and verbal auxiliaries), and nominal groups are then identified by searching subsets of the resulting succession of encoded words to look for groups of encoded words that comply with predefined syntactical rules.
US08170860B2 Method and device for emulating control and/or regulating functions of a control or regulating device
A method and an emulation device for emulating control and/or regulating functions of a control or regulating unit, in particular of a motor vehicle. For emulation, the functions are swapped out into an external emulation computer, a data circuit is produced before the beginning of the emulation via a software interface of the emulation computer and a software interface of the control/regulating unit. In order to significantly accelerate the development and programming of new control/regulating functions of the control/regulating unit, the software interfaces are configured for the emulation of different control/regulating functions before the beginning of the emulation without changing the software.
US08170858B2 Characterization and modeling of ferroelectric capacitors
Simulation of an electronic circuit including a model of a ferroelectric capacitor. The model of the ferroelectric capacitor includes a multi-domain ferroelectric capacitor, in which each of the domains is associated with a positive and a negative coercive voltage. A probability distribution function of positive and negative coercive voltages is defined, from which a weighting function of the distribution of domains having those coercive voltages is defined. The electrical behavior of the ferroelectric capacitor is evaluated by evaluating the polarization of each of the domains, as weighted by the weighting function. A time-dependent factor can be included in the polarization expression evaluated for each domain, to include the effect of relaxation. The effects of longer-term mechanisms, such as imprint, can be modeled by deriving a probability distribution function for the domains after an accelerated stress.
US08170856B2 Systems and methods for real-time advanced visualization for predicting the health, reliability and performance of an electrical power system
A system for real-time three-dimensional (3D) visualization of an electrical system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component acquires real-time data output from the electrical system. The power analytics server is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine, a machine learning engine and a 3D visualization engine. The virtual system modeling engine generates predicted data output for the electrical system. The analytics engine monitors real-time data output and predicted data output of the electrical system. The machine learning engine stores and processes patterns observed from the real-time data output and the predicted data output to forecast an aspect of the electrical system. The 3D visualization engine renders the virtual system model and the forecasted aspect into a 3D visual model.
US08170855B2 System for simulating PET gantry
A system for simulating a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) gantry has a computer system having a bus system for receiving expansion cards, a mass data storage support system, the mass storage system being operable to store coincidence-event and tag packet data, and a data transfer simulation card for said bus system, wherein the data transfer simulation card is operable to simulate transfer timing of the stored coincidence-event and tag packet data.
US08170850B1 Graphical functions
A method, system and computer program product to define and utilize functions graphically is provided which may be used in the simulation of finite state machines. The functions may combine mathematical, logical, non-linear and comparative operations. The graphical elements of the function may be hidden for ease of display of various portions of a model.
US08170848B2 System and method for providing simulation model penetration presentation
A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.
US08170847B2 System and method for evaluating simulation model penetration
A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. (original) The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page.
US08170844B2 Estimation of probability of lambda failure through employment of lookup table
A method for estimating a probability of failure of a least-squares ambiguity decorrelation adjustment (LAMBDA) method is provided. The LAMBDA method is used for estimation of double difference carrier phase integer ambiguity. A plurality of condition sets are selected. Each condition set comprises a probability of failure (Pboot-fail) for a boot-strap method of estimation of the double difference carrier phase integer ambiguity, a number of space vehicles (Nsv), and a ratio test tolerance for the LAMBDA method. A plurality of Monte Carlo simulations are run on the plurality of condition sets to obtain a plurality of result sets. Each result set comprises a probability of lambda fail (Pλ-fail) and a probability of lambda reject (Pλ-reject) for one condition set of the plurality of condition sets. A lookup table is created with the plurality of result sets. A value of Pλ-fail for given values of Pλ-reject, Pboot-fail, and Nsv is estimated through employment of the lookup table.
US08170840B2 Pitch determination systems and methods for aerial roof estimation
User interface systems and methods for roof estimation are described. Example embodiments include a roof estimation system that provides a user interface configured to facilitate roof model generation based on one or more aerial images of a building roof. In one embodiment, roof model generation includes image registration, image lean correction, roof section pitch determination, wire frame model construction, and/or roof model review. The described user interface provides user interface controls that may be manipulated by an operator to perform at least some of the functions of roof model generation. In one embodiment, the user interface provides user interface controls that facilitate the determination of pitch of one or more sections of a building roof. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08170836B1 Low-power triggered data acquisition system and method
A low-power triggered data acquisition system and method utilizes low-powered circuitry, comparators, and digital logic incorporated into a miniaturized device interfaced with self-generating transducer sensor inputs to detect, identify and assess impact and damage to surfaces and structures wherein, upon the occurrence of a triggering event that produces a signal greater than a set threshold changes the comparator output and causes the system to acquire and store digital data representative of the incoming waveform on at least one triggered channel. The sensors may be disposed in an array to provide triangulation and location of the impact.
US08170831B2 Apparatus and method for measuring dimension of circular object
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for measuring a dimension of a circular object. First to third sensors arranged in a straight line are disposed above a track to respectively measure time instants when the circular object moves past the first to third sensors. The dimension of the circular object is calculated according to distances between the first and second sensors and between the second and third sensors.
US08170828B2 Test method using memory programmed with tests and protocol to communicate between device under test and tester
In an embodiment, a test method is implemented to test an integrated circuit that includes at least one processor. The method may include programming a memory to which the integrated circuit is coupled during testing with one or more test programs. The integrated circuit may be booted, and the processor may execute the test programs from the memory. In one embodiment, the memory may also store a control program that may manage the execution of the tests. In an embodiment, the control program may also implement a protocol to communicate with the ATE to perform the testing. The protocol may be implemented over a set of general purpose input/output (I/O) pins, for example. Using the protocol and test vectors on the ATE, the tests may be selected and executed, and test results may be reported.
US08170825B2 Method and apparatus for calibrating seeders
A calibration device for calibrating a metering system that dispenses a product to a seeder towed by a farm vehicle is provided for obtaining and maintaining a desired rate of delivery of the product from the seeder. The calibration device includes a first console port positioned at or near the farm vehicle and a second console port at or near the metering system, each operative to receive at least one a calibration console for calibrating the rate of product delivery and adjust the metering system accordingly.
US08170823B1 Jitter estimation in phase-locked loops
A phase-locked loop is characterized by analyzing phase noise in its output signal while known levels of input phase noise are provided. The resulting data provides intrinsic phase noise and gain of the phase-locked loop. These values provide a general relationship between input phase noise and output phase noise for the phase-locked loop, which allows estimation of output phase noise corresponding to a given level of input phase noise, and allows estimation of input phase noise corresponding to a given level of output phase noise.
US08170820B2 Virtual probing
A method and apparatus for generating one or more transfer functions for converting waveforms. The method comprises the steps of determining a system description, representative of a circuit, comprising a plurality of system components, each system component comprising at least one component characteristic, the system description further comprising at least one measurement node and at least one output node, each of the at least one measurement nodes representative of a waveform digitizing location in the circuit. One or more transfer functions are determined for converting a waveform from one or more of the at least one measurement nodes to a waveform at one or more of the at least one output nodes. The generated transfer functions are then stored in a computer readable medium.
US08170812B2 Method and system for detecting deposit buildup within an ultrasonic flow meter
Methods and systems for detecting deposit buildup within an ultrasonic flow meter are disclosed. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are ultrasonic flow meters comprising a spool piece configured to couple within a flow of fluid, a first transducer pair mechanically mounted to the spool piece and configured to fluidly couple to the flow of fluids (wherein the first transducer pair comprises an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer in operational relationship to the upstream transducer and defines a first chord there between), and electronics electrically coupled to the first transducer pair. The electronics is configured to detect deposit buildup over an inner surface of the ultrasonic flow meter.
US08170810B2 Method for monitoring the load on rotor blades of wind energy installations
In a method for monitoring the load on rotor blades of wind energy installations by measuring acceleration on at least one rotor blade of a wind energy installation and determining load on the rotor blade from the picked-up acceleration signals, dynamic, even uncritical load states can be detected, in differentiated fashion, and combined in a suitable form for evaluation in order to influence, if possible prior to the onset of damage to the rotor blade, the mode of operation of the wind energy installation, in particular the design of the pitch control or angle setting of stall-regulated rotor blades, on the basis both of all of the rotor blades together and of a single rotor blade. Frequency of occurrence of the load values over a certain period of time is determined from amplitudes of the acceleration signal or amplitudes of selected natural oscillations of the frequency spectra are obtained by Fourier transformation.
US08170809B2 Guided waves for nondestructive testing of pipes
A method for the nondestructive testing of pipeline, and internal or external coatings, using guided ultrasonic waves excited from the inside or outside diameter, wherein at least two transducers are employed to send and receive ultrasound, wherein a data normalization scheme is employed to account for transducer variability, and wherein the hardware arrangement has a number of pulser channels and a number of receiver channels for the collection and storage of signals.
US08170799B2 Method for determining in-situ relationships between physical properties of a porous medium from a sample thereof
A method for determining in-situ relationships between physical properties of a porous medium from a sample thereof includes acquiring a three-dimensional image of the sample and segmenting the image into pixels representing pore space and pixels representing rock grain. A plurality of sub-volumes are selected from the segmented image, and a porosity is calculated for each of the sub-volumes. A digital simulation is conducted on each of the sub-volumes to obtain a selected physical property for the sub-volume. A relationship is determined between porosity and the selected physical property using relationship data comprising the calculated porosity and the simulated physical property for each of the sub-volumes. The method includes at least one of storing and displaying the relationship.
US08170798B2 Navigation system and operation guidance display method for use in this navigation system
A navigation system according to the present invention includes a control device 1 equipped with an automatic operation management means 10 for, when acquiring an operation guidance display request which is generated by a user's manipulation of an input device 2, making a direct transition to a final operation screen which is required to judge the user's intention among operation screens which are developed to implement navigation, and for combining the above-mentioned final operation screen which is reduced and a corresponding operation guidance to display them on a display device 5.
US08170795B2 Navigation system with animated intersection view
A vehicle navigation system helps guide a driver to a destination by enhancing visualization of upcoming intersections. The navigation system stores animation data that depicts the intersection as it will appear to the driver. The animation data may be a sequence of images (e.g., digital camera images) taken at intervals before and after the intersection. The navigation system may show the images in synchronism with the progress of the vehicle to provide an animated display of the intersection for the driver. The animated display aids the driver with following a recommended navigation route to the destination.
US08170788B2 Method and apparatus for using an automated lane keeping system to maintain lateral vehicle spacing
A method and apparatus for piloting a vehicle is herein disclosed. The method entails first using a lane keeping system to detect objects in lanes adjacent to the lane currently occupied by the vehicle and then adjusting the position of the vehicle within the occupied lane-relative to a detected object.
US08170781B2 Inverted wheel type moving body and method of controlling the same
An inverted wheel type moving body according to the present invention includes a right chassis 17 and a left chassis 19 rotationally supporting wheels, motors 34 and 36 rotationally driving a right driving wheel 18 and a left driving wheel 20, a body 12 rotatably supported on the right chassis 17 and the left chassis 19 through a right arm 14 and a left arm 16, lower joint motors 65 and 95 disposed in the right arm 14 and the left arm 16 and varying vehicle height, a travel control module 81 controlling the motors 34 and 36 so as to follow calculated accelerations, and a posture control module 82 controlling the lower joint motors 65 and 95 to lower the vehicle height and change a position of a center of mass of the body 12 with respect to an axle in a front-back direction in accordance with the accelerations when the accelerations exceeds a certain range.
US08170780B2 Apparatus and method for control of a vehicle
An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle.
US08170776B2 Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine
In order to control an internal combustion engine with self-ignition of the air/fuel mixture, at least one injection parameter with respect to fuel metering is determined as a function of at least one operating variable, assuming a steady-state operating state. If a transient operating state is present, a target combustion chamber temperature is determined for the steady-state operating state as a function of at least one of the operating variables. An actual combustion chamber temperature is determined as a function of a physical model for the transient operation, depending on the target combustion chamber temperature and at least one of the operating variables. A correction value is determined for the at least one injection parameter as a function of the target and actual combustion chamber temperatures. The fuel valve is controlled as a function of the at least one injection parameter and the associated correction value.
US08170768B2 Slip ratio estimating device and slip ratio control device
The present invention provides a slip rate estimating device measuring a slip ratio without the need for a body speed and a slip ratio control device using the slip ratio estimating device. A motor torque measured by a torque measuring instrument is input to each of a vehicle model (601) and an SRE (602) that performs calculations including time differentiation of the slip ratio. The vehicle model (601) derives a wheel rotation speed, a wheel rotation acceleration, and a body speed. The vehicle model (601) outputs the wheel rotation speed and the wheel rotation acceleration to the SRE (602). The SRE (602) outputs the slip ratio based on the motor torque, the wheel rotation speed, and the wheel rotation acceleration.
US08170763B2 Method for controlling a drive system and/or wheel braking system
A method is provided for controlling a drive system and/or a wheel braking system of a vehicle, in which a total braking power to be exerted on the wheels of a motor vehicle is composed of a drive braking power and/or a wheel braking power. The instantaneously set drive braking power is frozen when, starting from a steady state operating mode, the gradient of the required total braking power exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08170752B2 Parking assistance apparatus, vehicle-side apparatus of parking assistance apparatus, parking assist method, and parking assist program
A parking assistance apparatus makes it easy for a driver to grasp a relative positional relation between a vehicle and a target parking position and makes it possible to park the vehicle at the target parking position in a parking space with accuracy.An image of a mark M in a parking space S is taken by a vehicle-side camera 7. A relative position calculation portion 8 calculates a relative positional relation between the vehicle and a target parking position T based on the taken image of the mark M. A backward locus calculation portion 9 calculates an expected locus when the vehicle moves based on the relative positional relation and based on a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor 15. An image of the parking space S is taken by a parking-space-side camera 3 and transmitted to a vehicle-side apparatus 1. An image composition portion 12 composes the image of the parking space S from the parking-space-side camera 3 and the expected locus calculated by the backward locus calculation portion 9. The composed image is displayed on the monitor 14 located in the vicinity of a drivers seat of the vehicle.
US08170751B2 Detection of driver intervention during a torque overlay operation in an electric power steering system
A method for controlling an assisted steering maneuver in an electric power steering (EPS) system includes modeling steering dynamics during a torque overlay operation to generate a dynamic steering model (DSM), measuring vehicle operating values, and detecting a driver intervention in the torque overlay operation based on the DSM and the vehicle operating values. The torque overlay operation is overridden when driver intervention is detected, allowing the driver to regain control of the steering maneuver. A vehicle includes a steering wheel, a steering assist mechanism, and an EPS system having an electronic control unit (ECU) adapted to determine a present intent of a driver of the vehicle to interrupt application of the TOC based on a vehicle operating value transmitted by the driver to the steering wheel. The ECU is operable for interrupting the torque overlay operation when the present intent of the driver is determined.
US08170738B2 Performance inspection method for autonomous mobile apparatus, and performance inspection sheet therefor
An autonomous mobile apparatus (R) at a reference position (1) is confronted to a subject (T) with a predefined distance. The autonomous mobile apparatus (R) is rotated at the reference position (1) to confront plural directions sequentially. The subject (T) is detected every time when the autonomous mobile apparatus (R) is rotated to confront each direction to determine whether or not it is functioning normally.
US08170734B2 Marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus and marine vessel including the same
A marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion system and a steering mechanism. The marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus includes an operational unit, operated by an operator, arranged to control movement and turning of a marine vessel, a target value computing unit having a plurality of computing modes and arranged to compute target values including a target propulsive force for the propulsion system and a target steering angle for the steering mechanism in accordance with an operational input from the operational unit, and a switching unit arranged to switch the computing modes of the target value computing unit.
US08170726B2 System and method for road angle estimation
A system and method for estimating road angles of a road on which a moving body is traveling are disclosed. The road angle estimation system includes: a sensing module adapted to be mounted on the moving body to detect a plurality of pieces of measurement information associated with the moving body; and a calculating module coupled to the sensing module to receive the pieces of measurement information therefrom. The calculating module simultaneously calculates an estimated bank angle and an estimated grade angle on the basis of the pieces of measurement information, a plurality of support parameters, and a plurality of user control parameters.
US08170718B2 Multiple priority operational space impedance control
A system and method for providing multiple priority impedance control for a robot manipulator where impedance laws are realized simultaneously and with a given order of priority. The method includes a control scheme for realizing a Cartesian space impedance objective as a first priority while also realizing a joint space impedance objective as a second priority. The method also includes a control scheme for realizing two Cartesian space impedance objectives with different levels of priority. The method includes instances of the control schemes that use feedback from force sensors mounted at an end-effector and other instances of the control schemes that do not use this feedback.
US08170717B2 Microsurgical robot system
A surgical robot that includes at least one robotic arm having multiple joints and at least six degrees of freedom, the robotic arm also including: a magnetic resonance (MR) compatible structural material; multiple MR-compatible joint motors; and multiple MR-compatible joint encoders.
US08170715B1 Methods and devices for automated work in pipes based on impedance control
Methods and tools for automatically performing work within a pipe or pipe network based on sensed impedance information. A robot, which may be tethered or un-tethered, includes a computer controller and a work tool for performing work within the pipe. With or without impedance-based calibration, the robot senses environmental and tool-based impedance characteristics and determines, using said software, ways in which the current work performance can be altered or improved based on the impedance information. The operation of the work tool is then altered in line with the control software. Many different types of work related to the inspection, cleaning and rehabilitation of pipes can be accomplished with the present robots including reinstating laterals after lining, cutting or clearing debris, sealing pipe joints and/or other heretofore manual pipe-based processes.
US08170714B2 Integrated suite of medical tools
The present disclosure is directed to a tool that can be used to order, dispense, locate, request and administer medications as well as locate, issue and administer medical items and supplies for patients from a plurality of entry points into the system, e.g. handheld devices, mobile cart, etc. New workflows and functionality for various devices such as dispensing devices (automated dispensing cabinets) and issuing devices (e.g. open shelving) are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
US08170710B2 Method and arrangement for feeding, with yarn of constant absorbed length, a textile machine operating on a plurality of yarns
A method for feeding a plurality of yarns with constant values of fed length to a textile machine, each yarn unwinding from a spool and cooperating with a feed device, arranged to maintain the tension of the yarn at a predefined constant value before being directed to the textile machine. At least one control unit controls the feed to this machine such that an absorbed yarn length value to be maintained for each yarn fed to the textile machine is set or self-learnt. After measuring an actual value of the yarn length absorbed by this machine and comparing it with this predefined value, the control unit acts upon one or more feed devices and modifies the tension value of the corresponding yarn in order to make these absorbed yarn length values equal to the predefined value. A method for implementing this method is also claimed.
US08170709B2 Method for introducing a weft thread in a weaving machine
Method for introducing a weft thread in a weaving machine which comprises a device (10) for introducing a weft thread (3, 64), which method comprises adjusting a control parameter and adapting the number of insertions for determining the mean deviation of an insertion parameter. Weaving machine which comprises a device (10) for employing an abovementioned method.
US08170700B2 Portable sound reproducing system and method
A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data includes a plurality of inputs, a non-removable data storage, a display, an audio output, at least one processor, and a battery. The plurality of inputs includes a forward input, a play control input, and a random input. The non-removable data storage stores compressed digitized audio data. The at least one processor is responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs to convert selected compressed digitized audio data stored in the non-removable data storage for reproduction by the audio output and to provide information to the display.
US08170697B2 System and method for repairing and re-aligning damaged vehicle body and frame structures
Systems and methods for evaluating damage to a vehicle and controlling a vehicle repair process to bring all aspects of the damaged vehicle back within manufacturer's specification during repair. Processes for evaluating, measuring and repairing specified reference points on a vehicle are described. The processes include an incremental examination and repair of affiliated reference points to bring them back into specified positions with respect to a datum, each other and the centerline of the vehicle. The processes also include the determinations of the three-dimensional dislocations of reference points from their specified positions and make a three-dimensional determination of a force vector to direct the application of force to return each reference point to its specified position. A computer system implementing the vehicle control processes provides automated or semi-automated systems of vehicle repair.
US08170691B2 Medical implantable lead
A medical implantable lead has a proximal end and a distal end, a biostable and biocompatible polymeric header, which is arranged at the distal end and has a first tubular portion, a helical fixation element located within the first tubular portion and being extendable from a distal end of the header, and a radiopaque ring. The header further has a second tubular portion, which is arranged coaxially of the first tubular portion and is attached to the first tubular portion at a distal end of the second tubular portion, while having a free proximal end. The tubular portions form a circumferential pocket, wherein the first tubular portion extends from the proximal end of the header at least to said distal end of the second tubular portion. The radiopaque ring is arranged around the first tubular portion and is received in the circumferential pocket.
US08170686B2 Heatable sling support for an anatomical location
The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to employing thermal treatment of tissue in combination with an implantable sling to treat urinary incontinence.
US08170683B2 Dermatome stimulation devices and methods
A nerve stimulation device includes a first waveform generator adapted to generate a first waveform having a first frequency capable of stimulating nerves within a dermatome, a second waveform generator adapted to generate a first carrier waveform having a second frequency capable of passing through tissue of a mammal, and a third waveform generator adapted to generate a second carrier waveform having a third frequency different than the second frequency and being capable of passing through the tissue of the mammal. The device includes a modulator electrically coupled to the first, second and third waveform generators and adapted to modulate the first waveform, the first carrier waveform, and the second carrier waveform to generate a modulated signal package capable of stimulating the nerves at different depths within the dermatome. The device also has an electrode electrically coupled to the modulator for applying the modulated waveform to the dermatomic region.
US08170675B2 Selective high frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects, and associated systems and methods
Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
US08170671B2 Method and system for overdriving a heart chamber during a threshold search according to an AV delay
An implantable medical device includes a lead, a pulse generator, an autothreshold module and a control module. The lead includes electrodes positioned within a heart. At least one of the electrodes senses cardiac signals. The pulse generator delivers a stimulus pulse through at least one of the electrodes. The autothreshold module performs a threshold search when operating in an autothreshold mode and causes atrial stimulus pulses to be delivered in an atrium of the heart at an overdrive rate during the threshold search. The control module determines an AV conduction time and applies an overdrive AV adjustment to the AV conduction time to generate an AV delay. The autothreshold module uses the AV delay in connection with delivering ventricular stimulus pulses to a ventricle of the heart.
US08170665B2 Quantum dot labeled stem cells for use in providing pacemaker function
The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to the labeling of target cells with nanometer scale fluorescent semiconductors referred to as quantum dots (QDs). Specifically, a delivery system is disclosed based on the use of negatively charged QDs for delivery of a tracking fluorescent signal into the cytosol of target cells via a passive endocytosis-mediated delivery process. In a specific embodiment of the invention the target cell is a stem cell, preferably a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Such labeled MSCs provide a means for tracking the distribution and fate of MSCs that have been genetically engineered to express, for example, a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (“HCN”) channel and administered to a subject to create a biological pacemaker. The invention is based on the discovery that MSCs can be tracked in vitro for up to at least 6 weeks. Additionally, QDs delivered in vivo can be tracked for up to at least 8 weeks, thereby permitting for the first time, the complete 3-D reconstruction of the locations of all MSCs following administration into a host.
US08170664B1 Monitoring heart disease using implantable sensors and slopes determined therefrom
Specific embodiments of the present invention use an implanted sensor, during a period of time, to measure a physiologic property when the patient's heart is not stressed, and when the patient's heart is stressed. A slope is determined, where the slope is indicative of a change in the physiologic property during the period of time. Heart disease is monitored based on a magnitude of the slope. In further embodiments of the present invention, a slope indicative of a change in a physiologic property during a period of time is determined, for each of a plurality of periods of time. Changes in the patient's heart disease are monitored based on changes in the slope.
US08170651B2 Imaging volumes with arbitrary geometries in non-contact tomography
A method for tomographic imaging of diffuse medium includes directing waves into a diffusive medium, solving a surface-bounded inversion problem by forward field calculations through decomposition of contributions from the multiple reflections from an arbitrary surface within the diffusive medium or outside the diffusive medium into a sum of different orders of reflection up to an arbitrary order, and using contact or non-contact measurements of waves outside said diffusive medium to generate a tomographic image.
US08170644B2 Method for fast multi-slice mapping of myelin water fraction
Mapping of myelin water content in white matter may provide important information for early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and the detection of white matter abnormality in other diseases. It is disclosed here that free induction decay (FID) of each voxel at multiple slice locations is acquired in the brain using an echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) pulse sequence. The multi-slice EPSI acquisition is designed to have a short first echo time (˜2 ms) and echo-spacing (˜1 ms) in order to acquire multiple sampling points during the fast decay of the myelin water signal. Multi-compartment analysis is then applied to the FID in each pixel using a 3-pool model of white matter to obtain quantitative maps of the myelin water fraction. Using this technique, the MR data for whole brain mapping of the myelin water can be acquired in less than 10 minutes, making this technique feasible for routine clinical applications.
US08170642B2 Method and system for lymph node detection using multiple MR sequences
A method and system for detecting lymph nodes in multiple complementary magnetic resonance (MR) sequences is disclosed. Anatomical landmarks, such as blood vessels, are extracted in a first MR sequence, such as an MR angiography (MRA) image. A search area is defined in at least one second MR sequence, such as a T1 weighted VIBE image, based on the anatomical landmarks extracted the first MR sequence. Lymph nodes are then detected in the search area of the second MR sequence. The lymph nodes can be detected by segmenting the search area into homogenous regions and determining whether each region is a lymph node using feature analysis.
US08170636B2 Optical sensor confidence algorithm
An implantable medical device system including an optical sensor monitors for the presence of overgrowth on the sensor by sensing light scattered by a measurement volume, the sensed light corresponding to a first wavelength, and deriving an overgrowth metric in response to the sensed light. The overgrowth metric is correlated to the presence of overgrowth on the sensor and is compared to a predetermined threshold. The presence of overgrowth on or near the sensor is detected in response to the overgrowth metric crossing the threshold.
US08170634B2 Polypod antenna
Embodiments of the present invention include antennas for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals. The antennas are configured to transmit a first electromagnetic signal at full power via a first set of radiating elements and to transmit the first electromagnetic signal at an attenuated power via a second set of radiating elements to decrease side lobes associated with the transmission of the first electromagnetic signal. The antennas are configured to receive a second electromagnetic signal having an associated first power level via the second set of radiating elements and to form an aggregated electromagnetic signal having a second power level that is a multiple of the first power level. The antennas are configured to attenuate the aggregated signal to form an attenuated electromagnetic signal having a third power level to facilitate uniform reception of the second electromagnetic signal and tapered transmission.
US08170624B1 Enhanced host sleep for WLAN devices
In a method and apparatus for controlling operation of a wireless device, a host assembly of the wireless device enters into a handshaking procedure with firmware of the wireless device to initiate entry into or exit from a host sleep mode. Before such entry or exit, the handshaking procedure may require the host assembly to send an initiation handshake signal to the firmware, and require the firmware to send a confirmation handshake signal back to the host assembly. Entry or exit may be delayed until after the confirmation signal is received. The confirmation signal may vary depending on the handshaking configuration and activation data, and the confirmation signal may vary depending on whether the wireless device is in a power save mode or not.
US08170618B1 Measuring signal strength in a multiple-input multiple-output antenna environment
A wireless communication device is operated in a M by N multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode. M is the number of antennas transmitting to the communication device from a first base station. N the number of receiving antennas and receivers. M and N are integers greater than one. The wireless communication device is operated in an M by N−1 MIMO mode while a first one of the N receiving antennas and a first one of the N receivers receives wireless communication from a second base station.
US08170611B2 Internal accessory antenna system and method for wireless network
Described is a method and system which includes an arrangement including an internal wireless communication antenna and a wireless communication device couplable to one of an external wireless communication antenna and the arrangement. When the arrangement is attached to the device, the device is capable of unitizing either first or second wireless channels. When the arrangement is not attached to the device, the device utilizes only the second channel.
US08170608B2 Transmission/reception channel matching apparatus and method for mobile communication terminal and mobile phone test equipment
Disclosed herein is a transmission/reception channel matching apparatus and method for a mobile communication terminal and a mobile phone test equipment. The apparatus includes mobile communication terminal-side terminals, transmission and reception terminals, a connection detection unit, a switching unit, and a control unit. The mobile communication terminal-side terminals are connected to the option pins of a serial communication port in a one-to-one correspondence. The transmission and reception terminals correspond to the transmission and reception channels of the mobile phone test equipment. The connection detection unit detects the state of connection between the mobile communication terminal-side terminals and the option pins. The switching unit connects the mobile communication terminal-side terminals to the transmission and reception terminals. The control unit automatically sets the transmission and reception channels of the mobile communication terminal and the transmission and reception channels of the mobile phone test equipment with reference to the state of the connection, and outputs the channel matching command.
US08170606B2 Dynamic thermal control for wireless transceivers
Methods and apparatus for dynamic thermal management and control within, e.g., small form-factor wireless devices such as laptop computers or cellular “smartphones”. In one embodiment, a thermal management system monitors the temperature (or other relevant criteria) for one or more components, and implements different operating states within the wireless transceiver (e.g., Wi-Fi™ or WiMAX transceiver) so as to both reduce thermal output and minimize disruption to the wireless link and/or user experience. In another embodiment, a wireless client may communicate with other clients, and/or access points, so as to cooperatively provide more options for thermal management. In addition, methods and apparatus employing “high performance” (e.g., high power output or high data rate) radios within aggressively small industrial designs are also disclosed.
US08170597B2 Method and apparatus for jointly controlling transmit power in cognitive radio communication system
Provided is an apparatus and method for controlling power in a cognitive radio wireless communication system, the method comprising: performing channel scheduling and the first power control for at least one terminal; checking whether the at least one terminal exist within constraint area, and determining whether the at least one terminal within constraint area cause interference to incumbent system; and performing the secondary power control so that an allocating power may be less than the maximum tolerable interference.
US08170595B2 Hands-free mode for a half-duplex communications system
A half-duplex communication system is embodied in a push-to-talk cellular system such as a GPRS system. The system includes two or more terminals (1 A, 1 B, 1 C) one or more of which can operate in a hands-free mode. When in hands-free mode, a terminal (1 A) is offered the right-to-speak by a controller (11 A, 13 A, 15 A, 17 A) within the system without the need for a talk request from a user. This allows a hands-free user to participate safely in a communications session.
US08170591B2 Proximity-based mobile message delivery
Proximity-based mobile message delivery is described. In an embodiment, a first user stores a message intended for a second user on a first mobile terminal, while the first mobile terminal is located remote from a second mobile terminal of the second user. Subsequent to this, the first mobile terminal detects that it is now in proximity with the second mobile terminal, and this triggers the first mobile terminal to transmit the message to the second mobile terminal. In embodiments, authentication of the second mobile terminal can be performed before transmitting the message. In another embodiment, a mobile terminal comprises a short-range wireless transceiver that can detect that a further mobile terminal is in proximity, and trigger the transmission of a pre-stored message to the further mobile terminal.
US08170590B2 Method, system and apparatus for forking transmission of short message service
The present disclosure provides method, system, and apparatus for forking transmission of Short Message Service (SMS) messages in IP Multimedia Subsystems (IMS) networks. The method includes: receiving an SMS message, constructing a SIP message in which the SMS message is encapsulated or in which the SIP message carries the content of the SMS message and further includes a forking indication indicating whether forking shall be employed, sending the SIP message to a Service-Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF) in an IMS network, and determining by the S-CSCF whether forking shall be employed according to the forking indication. The method and system of the present disclosure enables the control over the SMS message from the Circuit Switched (CS) domain so that the SMS message can be sent through forking in the IMS domain to more than one user terminal.
US08170589B2 Mobile station and application server for providing a service to the mobile station and operation methods for the same
A mobile station, application server and wireless communication system are disclosed to provide for improved service related information distribution. The application server provides a service to a group of mobile stations, wherein the mobile stations comprise applications associated with the service. A communicating unit of the application server communicates with an application active on a mobile station and a determining unit determines another mobile station with an inactive application and the address of the other mobile station is provided to the mobile station. The mobile station comprises a communication section to receive the address of the other mobile station and comprises an SMS mailer causing an SMS message to be addressed to the other mobile station to start on the other mobile station the inactive application.
US08170587B2 Method for operating a cellular telecommunication network, and method for operating a personal cellular telecommunication device
For use in a cellular telecommunications network including a plurality of individually addressable Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) providing bidirectional signal coverage over a predefined geographical area, capable of transmitting Point-To-MultiPoint (PTMP) messages over a Point-To-MultiPoint Service (PTMPS) functionality, and capable of transmitting Point-To-Point (PTP) messages, streaming of a substantially continuous stream of mostly different content, at least some interactive display messages on at least one personal cellular telecommunications device prior to their automatic discarding irrespective of their having been displayed or not.
US08170582B2 Extended positioning reporting
A method of transferring positioning information using a set of data having a standardized set of formats for a single position entity comprises inclusion (212) of data representing at least two separate position entities or an entity having information beyond the standardized set of formats in data containers intended for points defining corners of a single polygon. The method further comprising arranging (214) of data within the set of data according to predetermined rules as an indication of an existence of such data. The set of data is transferred (230) over a communication network. In the transferred set of data, the indication of an existence of such data is detected (224) and data representing the original position is extracted (226) from the data containers intended for points defining corners of a single polygon. A communication network node performing at least a reception part or a transmission part of the method above is also presented.
US08170581B2 Systems for tracking kidnapped hostage tracking systems, transmitters used in the same, sensor network gateways used in the same, and methods of tracking kidnapped hostage
A system for tracking location of person having signal transmitter includes at least one receiver for receiving unique ID signal transmitted by signal transmitter that transmits ID signal uniquely determined for respective mobile signal transmitter at at least one predetermined period. The receiver receives unique ID signal near circumference of the person having signal transmitter spaced apart from the receiver by given distance, and stores the received unique ID signal in ID store unit. The receiver, when search request for specific ID is received from external server, searches for the requested ID in ID store unit and transmits transmission information including ID corresponding to requested ID to external server. The person, such as abducted person, has only small signal transmitter, and thus the current location of the abducted person and path along which the abducted person moved can be tracked using the signal continually transmitted by the signal transmitter.
US08170574B2 Method and apparatus for controlling interference between cells in mobile communication network
A method and apparatus for controlling interference between cells for non-real time data transfer in a mobile communication network is provided. The method of controlling interference between cells in a mobile communication system including a plurality of cells includes: dividing each cell into at least one segment based on density of terminals within each cell and distance from the center of each cell; allocating rise over thermal (RoT) with respect to each segment based on the distance from the center of each cell, an attenuation ratio according to the distance, and a shadowing factor; and providing data services to terminals within each segment according to the allocated RoT. Accordingly, it is possible to improve system throughput.
US08170566B2 Telecommunications network
A method of controlling selection of a data transmission network node, such as a base station, node B, eNodeB, GGSN or LTE PDN-GW, for a mobile device in a telecommunications network is disclosed. The mobile telecommunications network includes a plurality of mobility management nodes, such as SGSN and LTE MME. When the mobile terminal moves from a first one of the mobility management nodes to a second of the nodes, it is determined at the second node whether to cause the mobile terminal to re-select a data transmission network node. The determining step may be performed in response to a periodic routing area/periodic tracking area update request generated by the mobile terminal or in response to the mobile terminal being in an idle communication state. When the data transmission network node is re-selected, a data transmission network node that is relatively geographically near to the mobile terminal is selected.
US08170558B2 Method and system for performing a handoff in a wireless communication system, such as a hard handoff
A method for minimizing search time and disruption of current service on an originating frequency during a frequency search excursion to a target frequency as part of an inter-frequency hard handoff between cells on different RF CDMA channels. Disruption of service on the current frequency during the frequency search excursion to the target frequency is minimized by increasing the amount of power allocated to other symbols of two consecutive frames impacted by the search excursion as a function of the search excursion time. The mobile station tunes to a target frequency and collects chip samples, which are stored in a memory buffer. The mobile station returns to the originating frequency to process the collected samples.
US08170553B2 Cash card system interface module
A wireless device, for each of a plurality of wireless networks, establishes communications with each wireless network and transmits SIM card information to the wireless network. The plurality of wireless networks transmit SIM card authentication information requests to a cash card SIM server computer and, if a service agreement exists with an operator of the cash card SIM server, receives SIM card authentication challenge information. At least two of the wireless networks then authenticate the wireless device and prepare and transmit wireless service terms to the wireless device. The wireless device selects a servicing wireless network from the at least two wireless networks based upon the corresponding received wireless service terms and receives wireless service from the selected wireless network. The wireless network and cash card SIM server coordinate billing for such service and deduct appropriate amount(s) from the account of the SIM card.
US08170551B2 Plus code dialing in a mobile device
A mobile device include processes that allow the mobile device to make international calls using network-based plus code dialing even when the current network does not inherently support network-based plus code dialing. The mobile device obtains, via a set-up process, state information describing whether the network supports network-based plus code dialing. The mobile device transmits, in response to a request from a user and when the state information indicates the network supports network-based plus code dialing, a message to the network to initiate the international call based on a network-based plus code dialing scheme. The mobile device transmits, in response to the request from the user and when the state information indicates the network does not support network-based plus code dialing, a message to the network to initiate the international call using a handset-based plus code dialing scheme.
US08170550B2 Wireless mobile call location and delivery for non-geographic numbers using a wireline SSP+SCP/wireless HLR interface
A system and method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number which is either a non-geographic directory number or a non-dialable directory number. A call is initiated from a wireline telephone to a geographic-based local access directory number. A signaling node associated with the dialed local access DN sends a location request that includes the local access DN to an HLR. The HLR obtains the wireless DN from an internal database in which the wireless DN is associated with the local access DN. The HLR utilizes the wireless DN to receive a temporary local directory number (TLDN) from visitor location register, associates the TLDN with the local access DN and forwards the TLDN to the signaling node, which relays the TLDN to the originating switching node. The call connection is then established directly from the originating switching node to a visited cellular switch using the TLDN.
US08170547B1 Dynamic adjustment of a base transceiver station in a wireless communication system
A system is provided for dynamic communication adjustment. The system includes a server that obtains data associated with a base transceiver station. The server also compares the data to at least one threshold. Additionally, the server promotes adjustment of an operational parameter of a base transceiver station based on the comparison. Furthermore, the server promotes readjustment of at least one operational parameter based on an at least weekly comparison of subsequently obtained data associated with the base transceiver station to at least one threshold.
US08170537B1 Playing local device information over a telephone connection
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for playing local device information over a telephone connection. In one aspect, a method includes establishing, by a first electronic client communication device, an audio connection between the first electronic client communication device and a remote second electronic client communication device, determining that a user has selected a control of the first electronic client communication device, selecting, with a computer system and in response to determining that the user selected the control, text data that is associated with the user or the first client communication device, translating, with the computer system, the text data into a speech signal, and playing the speech signal to the remote second client device over the audio connection by electronically inserting the speech signal into the audio connection.
US08170532B2 Method and system for identification using a portable wireless communication device of a person
A method for identification using a portable wireless communication device of a person, the method comprising: activating (62) an application installed on the device to enable wireless transmission of an identification code associated with the person; receiving (67) the identification code by a receiver; and performing (68) a predetermined operation by the receiver in response to the received identification code; wherein the identification code is transferable to another device and a privacy level is applied on the identification code to control the visibility of the identification code to other devices; and wherein the identification code is transmitted directly by a wireless transmitter of the portable wireless communication device to the receiver.
US08170530B2 Managing wireless devices using access control
An improved solution for managing wireless devices that uses access control is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for managing wireless devices includes receiving a notification for one of the plurality of wireless devices, the notification indicating at least one of: an access attempt threshold is exceeded or the wireless device is displaced; and remotely locking the wireless device based on the notification.
US08170525B2 System and method for initiating communication
A system and method for initiating communications with a called party using a wireless device. The wireless device comprises an input element and a microprocessor. In one embodiment, when a specific input is entered using the input element, the wireless device performs the following tasks: disabling one or more components of the wireless device; establishing a wireless communication session with the called party; communicating with a location system to generate location information of the location of the wireless device; and providing the location information to the called party. In other embodiments, the wire device performs additional tasks, including: capturing content during the wireless communication; communicating with the location system to generate subsequent location information; and providing one or more of the subsequent location information and the content to the called party. The called party may then use the location information and the content to perform one or more actions, including providing help to the user of the wireless device.
US08170518B2 Dual antenna system having one phase lock loop
Circuits, systems, and methods are disclosed for controlling multiple antenna receive paths in a wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the circuit may include a pair of receiving antennas, a first receive path including a VCO coupled to receive a PLL signal and a first mixer coupled to receive a first signal from the VCO and a signal from one of the antennas, and a second receive path integrated separately from the first receive path including a second mixer coupled to receive a second signal from the VCO and a signal from the other antenna. By utilizing the output of the VCO to tune the first and second mixers in the first and second receive paths to the same phase and frequency, control of the multiple antenna receive paths may be optimized.
US08170508B2 Pre-distortion for a radio frequency power amplifier
Coefficients of a pre-distorter are determined for correction of distortion of a signal amplified by a radio frequency amplifier by sampling the signal at the input to the pre-distorter to generate a plurality of input samples and sampling the signal at the output of the amplifier to generate a plurality of output samples, each of the plurality of output samples corresponding to one of the plurality of input samples, calculating a figure of merit for one or more of said plurality of input samples on the basis of the one or more of said plurality of input samples, selectively updating a previously selected set of input samples with said one or more of said plurality of input samples on the basis of the calculated figure of merit, whereby to generate an updated selected set and determining the coefficients of the pre-distorter on the basis of the input samples in the updated selected set and the corresponding output samples.
US08170506B2 Direct current (DC) offset correction using analog-to-digital conversion
Techniques for reducing or eliminating DC (direct current) offset in transmitters are disclosed. An apparatus for DC offset reduction may include a converter, a digital engine, and a plurality of programmable current supplies. The converter is configured to provide digital representations of a plurality of DC currents associated, respectively, with a plurality of differential signal legs. The digital engine is configured to receive the digital representations and to produce instructions for generating compensating currents for the plurality of differential signal legs based on comparisons, respectively, between each of the digital representations and a calibration current. The programmable current supplies correspond, respectively, to the differential signal legs. The current supplies are configured to inject the compensating currents into the differential signal legs, respectively, to reduce DC offset between the differential signal legs, based upon the instructions. The instructions allow one-shot DC offset correction, instead of successive approximation for DC offset correction.
US08170495B2 Collaborative pairing transceiver with space hopping phased array antenna and methods for use therewith
A wireless transceiver includes at least one phased array antenna, that transmits an outbound RF signal containing outbound data to a remote transceiver and that receives an inbound RF signal containing inbound data from the at least one remote RF transceiver, wherein the at least one phased array antenna is configurable based on a control signal. An antenna configuration controller generates the control signal to configure the phased array antenna to hop among a plurality of selected radiation patterns that are collaboratively selected by the wireless transceiver and the remote transceiver via a pairing procedure. At least one RF transceiver section generates the outbound RF signal based on the outbound data and that generates the inbound data based on the inbound RF signal.
US08170484B2 Synchronized UWB piconets for SOP (simultaneously operating piconet) performance
Synchronized UWB piconets for SOP (Simultaneously Operating Piconet) performance. A common backbone (either wired or wireless) is employed that provides a common CLK (clock signal) to all of the various PNCs (piconet coordinators) of various piconets that may operate within a sufficiently close region such that interference could undesirably occur. By providing a very reliable CLK signal from a common backbone to all of the PNCs of the various piconets operating within a substantially close proximity to one another, very precise synchronization may be ensured for all of the communications performed therein. The various piconets may then even operate using TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)—whose performance would be substantially compromised without effective synchronization. In addition, combined TFC (time frequency code) and TDMA may also be employed to support the communications therein thereby providing even another degree of orthogonality that provided by TDMA alone.
US08170481B2 Techniques for discovering services provided in a wireless network
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for discovering services provided in a wireless network, comprising enabling devices equipped with radio interfaces to advertise the services it provides and discover services offered by other nearby devices without establishing a network connection with the devices.
US08170478B2 Cell phone terminal, method for starting data processing, method for transferring data
The present invention provides a portable terminal which can easily start processing for data selected to be processed, a method for starting data processing, and a method for transferring data.A cell phone terminal 11 includes a sensor 22 detecting change in posture or physical movement of the present terminal. The cell phone terminal 11 includes an interface for selecting, by a user, arbitrary data from data stored beforehand in a memory 15. When the sensor 22 detects the change in posture or physical movement of the present terminal in a state that any data are selected by an interface, a predetermined operation is performed on the selected data as a target to be processed.
US08170476B2 Emission power control for packet transmission
A method of transmitting data packets in a radio system between and emitter and a receiver. A nominal emission power for a data packet is determined according to a desired reception quality. The data packet is transmitted with an effective emission power. A new nominal emission power defined according to the reception quality for the transmission is calculated, taking into account the effectively applied emission power and the pre-determined nominal emission power. The data packet is retransmitted with the nominal emission power.
US08170464B2 Image forming apparatus capable of preventing mismatching of punched hole position and binding direction
An image forming apparatus to form an image on a sheet media, including: a memory section which memorizes a position of holes previously punched on the sheet media; an operation section via which the sheet media to be used for image formation, a double-surface print operation and a binding direction are selected; and a control section which determines whether the position of the holes previously punched on the selected sheet media is the same as the binding direction selected via the operation section, after the sheet media carrying the holes and the double-surface print are selected via the operation section, wherein the control section interrupts starting operation of the image formation, if the position of the holes previously punched on the selected sheet media is not the same as the selected binding direction.
US08170461B2 Image forming apparatus including pre-heating unit
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member, a transfer unit, a pre-heating unit, a fixing unit, a first temperature sensor, and a first heat controller. The image carrying member carries a toner image. The transfer unit transfers the toner image carried on the image carrying member to a recording medium transported to a transfer position. The pre-heating unit selectively heats the recording medium before the recording medium is transported to the transfer position. The fixing unit fixes the toner image on the recording medium. The first temperature sensor detects temperature of the recording medium as the recording medium passes through the pre-heating unit. The first heat controller changes an amount of heat energy to be applied to the recording medium per unit area of the recording medium by the pre-heating unit. The first heat controller is controlled based on a detection result of the first temperature sensor.
US08170458B2 Image heating apparatus having stably positioned heating unit
The present invention relates to an image heating apparatus in which a nip portion is formed by a heating unit, which includes a flexible sleeve and a heater, and a pressure roller. The position of the heating unit is appropriately maintained by pressing the heating unit against the pressure roller using a pressure member so that the heating unit can contact two or more portions of a downstream side rim of a groove arranged on a frame that holds the heating unit, even when the pressure roller is rotated.
US08170455B2 Device and method for correcting misregistration, and image forming apparatus
A misregistration correcting device includes an image forming unit, a sensor, a reading unit, and a determining unit. The image forming unit form a set of misregistration correcting patterns that includes a reference pattern. The sensors start detecting the set when a predetermined time has elapsed after start of image formation for the first set. The reading unit reads positional information of the set upon detection of the set. The determining unit determines timing to start detecting subsequent sets of misregistration correcting patterns based on positional information of the reference pattern in the first set.
US08170449B2 Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member which has an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer overlying the electroconductive substrate and a cross-linked resin surface layer overlying the photosensitive layer and bears a latent electrostatic image on the surface thereof, an application device to apply a solid lubricant to the image bearing member; a charging device to charge the surface of the image bearing member, an irradiation device to irradiate the surface of the image bearing member with light to form the latent electrostatic image thereon, a development device to develop the latent electrostatic with toner to obtain a developed image, a transfer device to transfer the developed image to a recording medium, and; a cleaning device to clean the surface of the image bearing member, wherein the cross-linked resin surface layer includes a cross-linked body of trimethylol propane triacrylate and particulates including silicon and an average diameter of agglomeration areas of the particulates containing silicon on the surface of the cross-linked resin surface layer is from 0.5 to 2.2 μm.
US08170446B2 Image-forming apparatus
An image-forming apparatus includes: image-holding members each holding an image and being rotatable around a rotation shaft; a frame member that partially defines a space for accommodating the image-holding members; a cover that opens and closes the space, an inner side of the cover having rotation shaft insertion holes; a supporting shaft that supports the cover so the cover is pivotable with respect to the frame member; and a positioning mechanism that positions the cover when the cover closes the space. The positioning mechanism includes at least two projections that project from either the frame member or the cover and are spaced apart in a direction of an axis of the supporting shaft such that lengths of perpendicular line segments from the two projections to the axis of the supporting shaft are different from each other. Projection insertion holes receive the corresponding projections when the cover is closed.
US08170443B2 Developing device and process cartridge
A developing device for developing with a developer a latent image formed on an image bearing member includes a container for containing the developer; a stirring member, rotatably supported by the container, for stirring the developer in the container; a magnetic member for forming a magnetic field in a gap between the container and a rotation shaft located at an end portion of the stirring member so as to magnetically confine magnetic particles in the gap; a seal member, provided outside the magnetic member with respect to a rotation shaft direction of the stirring member, contacting a peripheral surface of the rotation shaft of the stirring member; and a non-magnetic preventing portion, provided between the magnetic member and the seal member, for preventing the magnetic particles confined by the magnetic member from spreading toward the seal member.
US08170442B2 Developing cartridge and image forming apparatus
A developing cartridge includes a first frame including a first wall at one end thereof, a second frame including a pair of second walls facing with each other and a third wall that connects the pair of second walls, an opening that is formed by the first wall, the pair of second walls and the third wall, and a support that is interposed between the third wall and the first wall so as to support the first wall by the third wall.
US08170440B2 Method and apparatus for corotron cleaning management in an image production device
A method and apparatus for corotron cleaning management in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving an input from the corotron cleaning counter, determining if the corotron cleaning counter exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein if it is determined that the corotron cleaning counter exceeds the predetermined threshold, notifying a maintainer that the corotron requires cleaning, determining if corotron cleaning has been performed, wherein if it is determined that corotron cleaning has been performed, resetting the corotron cleaning counter.
US08170434B2 Power adapting apparatus with an image forming apparatus and electronic apparatus having the same
Disclosed are embodiments of a power adapting apparatus with an image forming apparatus and an electronic apparatus having the same. The power adapting apparatus includes a DC power generator to receive input AC power and generating DC power, a DC power output terminal to output the DC power, and an AC power output terminal to output the input AC power, wherein the power adapting apparatus is located outside an image forming apparatus receiving the DC power and the AC power respectively output from the DC power output terminal and the AC power output terminal.According to the disclosed power adapting apparatus, the power adapting apparatus, the fusing controller, the protection circuit, the AC-AC transformer, and other extensible circuits can be arranged outside the image forming apparatus, and thus allowing for a reduction in size of the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to produce compact printers or multi-function peripherals for SOHO (Small Office Home Office) and personal users, which satisfy consumer's demands.
US08170411B2 System and method for inputting position information in captured image
A system and method for connecting a global positioning system (GPS) device with a digital image processing device and inputting position information into an image file captured by the digital image processing device. A system and method for inputting position information into a captured image employ a digital image processing device which generates an image file by capturing an image, and stores the image file, a GPS device which receives position information from a GPS satellite at regular time intervals; when the digital image processing device is connected with the GPS device, a GPS information storage unit which receives position information from the GPS device and stores the position information, and a GPS information input control unit which inputs position information excluding a timestamp, into an image file.
US08170409B2 Method and apparatus for controlling flash emission
In a method and apparatus for controlling flash emission, the brightness during pre-emission may be accurately measured even when operating an image sensor using a rolling shutter. When pre-emission of flash light is performed, partial exposure during the pre-emission when operating an image sensor using a rolling shutter may be prevented by synchronizing an exposure time of the image sensor to a pre-emission time.
US08170404B2 Bubbler for constant vapor delivery of a solid chemical
A bubbler chamber assembly comprising one chamber or two or more chambers connected in series, all chambers being in substantially vertical orientation. A solid or liquid source of the compound is contained in the chamber or chambers. The ratio between the length of the chamber or combined length of chambers connected in series with respect to the direction of flow of the carrier gas through the chamber or chambers and the average diameter equivalent of the cross section of the chamber or chambers with respect to the direction of flow of the carrier gas through the chamber or chambers is not less than about 6:1.
US08170403B2 Video data reproduction apparatus
A video data reproduction apparatus includes a selecting portion that selects a notification image associated in advance with a prescribed instruction when there is input of the prescribed instruction from a user while video data is being output, a generating portion that generates data for display by superposing specific information regarding a reproduction state of the video data in association with the prescribed instruction on the selected notification image, and a combining portion that combines the data for display generated by the generating portion with the video data.
US08170390B2 Cable glands
A cable gland for a cable includes a body, an insert located within the body, the insert having an internal axial bore, and an adaptor provided with positive location structure arranged in use within the bore of the insert.
US08170381B2 Optical modulator
In an optical modulator comprising substrate 1 having electro-optical effect, two optical waveguides 3a, 3b formed in the substrate, buffer layer 2 formed on the substrate, traveling-wave electrode 4 having center conductor 4a and ground conductors 4b, 4c above the buffer layer, and ridge sections formed with recessed sections 9a to 9c by carving at least a part of the substrate where an electrical field strength of high-frequency electrical signal propagating the traveling-wave electrode is strong, in which the ridge sections include center conductor ridge section 8a having the center conductor formed above and ground conductor ridge section 8b having the ground conductor formed above, and the center conductor ridge section has one of the two optical waveguides formed therein, the recessed sections are practically symmetrical to the center line between the two optical waveguides and the traveling-wave electrode is practically symmetrical to the center line of the center conductor.
US08170378B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program
An image processing apparatus that generates an output image according to interpolation performed by using an input image includes a pixel-value calculating unit that calculates a pixel value of a pixel of the output image according to interpolation performed by using pixel values of pixels of the input image and an interpolation function, an edge determining unit that determines an edge direction, which is a direction of an edge in the pixel of the output image, using the input image, and an adjusting unit that adjusts the interpolation function such that a degree of pixels of the input image present in a direction along the edge direction contributing to the interpolation is large and a degree of pixels of the input image present in a direction orthogonal to the edge direction contributing to the interpolation is small.
US08170374B2 Image reconstruction method
An image reconstruction method includes: fetching at least two images; calculating a relative displacement between those adjacent images by utilizing a phase correlation algorithm; calculating an absolute displacement between any one of those images and the first image of those images; and computing a common area of those images by utilizing the relative displacement and the absolute displacement, then deleting remainder portions of the image excluding the common area; determining a rotation centers of those images; and reconstructing three-dimensional data of those images. In the present invention, the phase correlation algorithm can be utilized to process numerous noise signals so as to get a higher precision of the image reconstruction.
US08170373B2 Image reconstruction method
An image reconstruction method includes: fetching at least two images; calculating a relative displacement between those adjacent images by utilizing a phase correlation algorithm; calculating an absolute displacement between any one of those images and the first image of those images; and computing a common area of those images by utilizing the relative displacement and the absolute displacement, then deleting remainder portions of the image excluding the common area; and accumulating the common area of every image. In the present invention, the phase correlation algorithm can be utilized to process numerous noise signals so as to get a higher precision of the image reconstruction.
US08170364B2 Image processing method, image processing device, and image processing program
An image processing method includes the steps of: obtaining image data formed by signals of a plurality of pixels expressing a color image; discriminating a photographic scene of an image from the image data; determining a gradation correction method based on a result of discriminating a photographic scene; determining a first gradation correction amount based on a result of discriminating a photographic scene; detecting a face area in an image of the image data and calculating a face detection reliability; determining a second gradation correction amount based on an average luminance of the face area; determining a third gradation correction amount by weighted averaging the first gradation correction amount and the second gradation correction amount based on the face detection reliability; and applying a gradation correction process to the image data by using the third gradation correction amount and the gradation method.
US08170363B2 Image processing apparatus for performing deblocking filtering process
According to the present invention, there is provided a image processing apparatus comprising: at least one memory which stores data of each of at least a first image and a second image having no dependence upon each other's data; a memory access unit which reads out the data from and writes the data in said memory; and a filtering processing unit which receives the data read out by said memory access unit, performs a deblocking filtering process on the received data, and supplies the processed data to said memory access unit, wherein said filtering processing unit alternately performs a deblocking filtering process on at least one block boundary of the first image, and a deblocking filtering process on at least one block boundary of the second image.
US08170360B2 Method and system for enhancing images using multi-resolution histogram shaping
A method for enhancing an image is provided. The method generates a plurality of Gaussian images from the image, and generates a first plurality of Laplacian images from the generated Gaussian images, the plurality of Laplacian images constituting a Laplacian pyramid of images. The method generates a histogram for each of the plurality of Laplacian images, and shapes each of the generated histograms using a predetermined probability density function to produce a second plurality of Laplacian images. The method further combines iteratively each of the second Laplacian images with each of the plurality of Gaussian images expanded at each iteration to generate an enhanced image.
US08170345B2 Imaging system, image processing method, and image processing program
A favorable noise reduction process that is optimized for capturing conditions and that prevents the occurrence of residual image components is enabled. Provided is an imaging system including: a first extraction section that extracts a local region that includes a pixel of interest from an image signal; a second extraction section that extracts, from another image signal captured at a different time, a local region located at almost the same position as said local region; a first noise reduction section that performs a noise reduction process by using the local regions; a noise estimation section that estimates an amount of noise included in the pixel of interest; a residual image detection section that detects a residual image component included in the local region based on the estimated amount of noise; and a second noise reduction section that performs a noise reduction process based on the detected residual image component.
US08170343B2 Method and system for searching images with figures and recording medium storing metadata of image
A method and a system for searching images with figures and a recording medium storing metadata of image are provided. The searching method is divided into an image analysis stage and an image search stage. In the image analysis stage, figures between images are compared with each other and assigned with an identity respectively. A representative image of each identity is then evaluated from the image collection. In the image search stage, the representative images are displayed for user to select some of them as a searching criterion, so as to search and display the images matching the searching criterion in the image collection. Accordingly, the images required by user can be found through intelligent analysis of figures, intuitive definition of searching criterion, and simple comparison of identities so that both time and effort of organization for searching images with figures can be substantially saved.
US08170341B2 Image signature extraction device
The image signature extraction device includes a first feature extraction means for extracting, from an image, first features corresponding to the respective dimensions of a feature vector; a second feature extraction means for extracting, from the image, second features which are different from the first features, corresponding to the respective dimensions of a feature vector; a feature type determination means for analyzing at least one of the image and the extracted first features as a subject for analysis to determine whether or not the feature vector constituted of the extracted first features has effectiveness in discriminating an image, and if the feature vector has the effectiveness, determining the first features to be the type of the features used for the respective dimensions, while if the feature vector does not have the effectiveness, determining the second feature to be the type of the features used for at least part of the dimensions and determining the first features to be the type of the features used for the remaining dimensions; and a feature vector generation means for generating a feature vector of the image from the extracted first features and the extracted second features, according to the determined type of the features used for the respective dimensions.
US08170336B2 Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image processing method and computer-readable recording medium
An average value calculating section calculates, for respective color components, an average value of pixel values within a pixel block, to define the calculated average values as a pixel value of a pixel of interest. A histogram generating section obtains, for respective pixels of interest, a maximum value of the average values among the color components and a maximum difference in the average values among the color components, and generates histograms respectively for the maximum value and the maximum difference in which histograms a number of pixels for a density bin is considered as a frequency-of-occurrence value. A determination section obtains numbers of density bins that correspond to a frequency-of-occurrence value greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency-of-occurrence value in the histograms, and determines that data of image is of a blank page image when both of the numbers of density bins are a bin threshold or less.
US08170334B2 Image processing systems employing image compression and accelerated image decompression
A system for processing an image includes a non-transitory memory component storing a set of executable instructions, and a scalable tile processing device. The executable instructions cause the system to receive image data, partition the image data into tiles, transmit a tile to the scalable tile processing device, receive an encoded bit stream corresponding to the transmitted tile from the tile processing device, output compressed image data including the encoded bit stream, receive the compressed image data, decode the compressed image data to generate a plurality of decoded code blocks, and output decompressed image data including the plurality of decoded code blocks. The scalable tile processing device receives the tile including tile image data, wavelet transforms, quantizes, segments, and encodes the tile image data to generate a plurality of encoded code blocks, and transmits an encoded bit stream including the plurality of encoded code blocks to the system.
US08170330B2 Machine learning for tissue labeling segmentation
A method for directed machine learning includes receiving features including intensity data and location data of an image, condensing the intensity data and the location data into a feature vector, processing the feature vector by a plurality of classifiers, each classifier trained for a respective trained class among a plurality of classes, outputting, from each classifier, a probability of the feature vector belong to the respective trained class, and assigning the feature vector a label according to the probabilities of the classifiers, wherein the assignment produces a segmentation of the image.
US08170329B2 Position measuring system, position measuring method and computer readable medium
A position measuring system includes: an image capturing unit that captures reference points provided on an object, the reference points composed of at least four first reference points provided respectively at vertices of a polygon or at vertices and a barycenter of a polygon and at least one second reference point provided so as to have a specific positional relationship with respect to the first reference points; an identification unit that identifies images of the first reference points and the second reference point captured by the image capturing unit, on the basis of positional relationships between the images of the first reference points and the second reference point; and a calculation unit that calculates a three-dimensional position and three-axial angles of the object on the basis of positional relationships of the images of the first reference points identified by the identification unit.
US08170325B2 Image inspecting device and method for a head-mounted display
An image inspecting device is adapted to inspect the difference value between the locations of first and second images. The image inspecting device includes an image catching unit and a light processing unit. The light processing unit is adapted to project the first and second images on the image catching unit.
US08170324B2 Apparatus and method for vision processing on network based intelligent service robot system and the system using the same
There are provided an apparatus and method for vision processing on a network based intelligent service robot system and a system using the same. A robot can move to a target object, avoiding obstacles without helps of a robot server interfaced with a robot terminal over network, by extracting/processing three-dimensional distance information of external objects, using a stereo camera, a low price image processing dedicated chip and an embedded processor. Therefore, the intelligent robot can travel and move using only a stereo camera image processing without other sensors, and further provides users with various functional services with low expense.
US08170321B2 System and method for contour tracking in cardiac phase contrast flow MR images
A method for tracking a contour in cardiac phase contrast flow magnetic resonance (MR) images includes estimating a global translation of a contour in a reference image in a time sequence of cardiac phase contrast flow MR images to a contour in a current image in the time sequence of images by finding a 2-dimensional translation vector that maximizes a similarity function of the contour in the reference image and the current image calculated over a bounding rectangle containing the contour in the reference image, estimating an affine transformation of the contour in the reference image to the contour in the current image, and performing a constrained local deformation of the contour in the current image.
US08170316B2 Tomographic imaging with a stripe-like shaped sensor
Tomographic imaging using an imaging sensor that has a stripe-like shape is disclosed where a stripe sensor is mechanically scanned over a sample at different angles. For a single stripe detector imaging, linear motion and angular rotation are required. Single stripe sensor imaging may be performed using an elongated inductive coil detector. By utilizing an array of parallel stripe sensors that can be individually addressed, two-dimensional imaging can be performed with rotation only, eliminating the requirement for linear motion, e.g. with parallel coils array. Imaging with a stripe-type sensor of particular width and thickness (where width is much larger than thickness) is resolution limited only by the thickness (smaller parameter) of the sensor. Multiple sensor families can be produced where this imaging technique may be beneficial such as magneto-resistive, inductive, SQUID, and Hall effect sensors, and particularly in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
US08170308B2 Error adaptive functional imaging
A method for use in functional medical imaging includes adaptively partitioning functional imaging data as a function of a spatially varying error model. The functional image data is partitioned according to an optimization strategy. The data may be visualized or used to plan a course of treatment. In one implementation, the image data is partitioned so as to vary its spatial resolution. In another, the number of clusters is varied based on the error model.
US08170307B2 Automated wall motion quantification in aortic dissections
A computer implemented method of processing MRI images to determine one or more characteristics of an anatomical feature that includes obtaining one or more first MRI images of the anatomical feature; identifying a boundary of an anatomical feature in the MRI images; and using the identified boundary to mask one or more corresponding second MRI images of the anatomical feature to isolate the anatomical feature within the second MRI images.
US08170303B2 Automatic cardiac view classification of echocardiography
A method for view classification includes providing a frame of an object of interest, detecting a region of interest within the object of interest for each of a plurality of detectors (e.g., binary classifiers), wherein each binary classifier corresponds to a different view, performing a global view classification using a multiview classifier for each view, outputting a classification for each view, fusing outputs of the multiview classifiers, and determining and outputting a classification of the frame based on a fused output of the multiview classifiers.
US08170301B2 Apparatus for inputting biometrical feature
A biometrical feature inputting apparatus includes a 1-dimensional or quasi 1-dimensional image sensor. When a finger and the image sensor are relatively slid, a finger sliding guide keeps a finger and an effective pixel unit of the image sensor to a constant distance without any contact between them. An image processing section sequentially generates partial images by imaging emission light that is scattered inside the finger and then emitted from a skin surface of the finger by the image sensor during the relative motion of the finger and the image sensor and link the partial images to an image.
US08170294B2 Method of detecting redeye in a digital image
A method for detecting redeye in a digital image comprises initially examining the image to detect redeyes, examining the image to detect face regions and, from the results of the preceding examinations, identifying those detected face regions each including only one detected redeye. Next, the identified face regions are examined, using less stringent search criteria than the initial examination, to detect additional redeyes in the face regions.
US08170290B2 Method for checking an imprint and imprint checking device
A method for checking an imprint reads an imprint, forms a data code from the imprint, and compares the data code with a predetermined number of check data codes of a stored data set. During a search for the data code in the data set, the method decides whether the data code is to be classified as acceptable or unacceptably faulty.
US08170287B2 Real-time self collision and obstacle avoidance
A system, method, and computer program product for avoiding collision of a body segment with unconnected structures in an articulated system are described. A virtual surface is constructed surrounding an actual surface of the body segment. Distances between the body segment and unconnected structures are monitored. Responding to an unconnected structure penetrating the virtual surface, a redirected joint motion that prevents the unconnected structure from penetrating deeper into the virtual surface is determined. The body segment is redirected based on the redirected joint motion to avoid colliding with the unconnected structure.
US08170286B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing system
An image processing apparatus includes an input portion for entering an image signal from a camera, an exposure timing determination portion for determining exposure timing of the camera according to an object to be detected, an output portion for outputting a signal to the camera to expose it according to the exposure timing and for outputting a signal to an illumination controller to vary the state of the illumination system installed on a vehicle according to the exposure timing, and an image analysis portion for analyzing the image signal captured by the camera according to the exposure timing and outputting the results of the analysis to another controller via the output portion.
US08170282B1 Technique for ship/wake detection
An automated ship detection technique includes accessing data associated with an image of a portion of Earth. The data includes reflectance values. A first portion of pixels within the image are masked with a cloud and land mask based on spectral flatness of the reflectance values associated with the pixels. A given pixel selected from the first portion of pixels is unmasked when a threshold number of localized pixels surrounding the given pixel are not masked by the cloud and land mask. A spatial variability image is generated based on spatial derivatives of the reflectance values of the pixels which remain unmasked by the cloud and land mask. The spatial variability image is thresholded to identify one or more regions within the image as possible ship detection regions.
US08170278B2 System and method for detecting and tracking an object of interest in spatio-temporal space
The present invention provides a system and method for detecting and tracking a moving object. First, robust change detection is applied to find initial candidate regions in consecutive frames. These initial detections in consecutive frames are stacked to produce space-time bands which are extracted by Hough transform and entropy minimization based band detection algorithm.
US08170274B2 Method and apparatus for hiding data for halftone images
We propose methods for generating a halftone image, in which each pixel takes one of two tone values. The generated image contains hidden data, which is present at data storage pixels chosen using a pseudo-random number generator. In a first case, the data is hidden within an existing halftone image by reversing the tone value at certain of the data storage pixels, and at pixels neighbouring the data storage pixels. In a second case, the halftone image is generated from a grey-scale image, and data is hidden during this conversion process.
US08170269B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus which may include scene change detection means, object detection means, and determining means. The scene change detection means may be configured to detect a scene change in a motion picture. The object detection means may be configured to detect a predefined object that is contained as a subject in still pictures constituting the motion picture. The determining means may be configured to determine, in accordance with the result of a detection operation that is performed by the object detection means in relation to still pictures constituting a predefined scene between a scene change detected by the scene change detection means and a chronologically adjacent scene change, whether the predefined scene contains a still picture containing the predefined object as a subject.
US08170268B2 Electro-dynamic transducer with a slim form factor
In one embodiment of the present invention, an electro-dynamic transducer is disclosed including a diaphragm, a first suspension suspending the diaphragm, a coil former attached to the diaphragm, the coil former having a first, inner portion, and a second, outer portion, arranged coaxially in relation to each other, a coil arranged around the outer coil former portion, a magnetic system, operable to magnetically cooperate with the coil, and a second suspension mounted between the inner coil former portion and the magnetic system. The new and improved way of placing the second suspension allows for a slim form factor, while stabilizing the system more than prior art designs. The transducer according to one embodiment of the present invention is less sensitive to rocking modes, and the gap in the magnet system can thus be made smaller.
US08170252B2 Dual percutaneous anchors bone conduction device
A bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing the acoustic sound signal; a transducer configured to generate mechanical forces representing the electrical signal for deliver to the recipient's skull; and dual percutaneous anchors coupled to the transducer and configured to receive and transmit the mechanical forces.
US08170250B2 One-size-fits-most hearing aid
A hearing-aid device comprising a housing and circuitry module, wherein the circuitry module comprises a battery, a microphone, and a receiver, and the circuit module is inserted in the hearing aid housing. The hearing aid device further comprises a retractable battery sleeve, wherein a battery slot is exposed when the battery sleeve is retracted, and a battery can be inserted into the battery slot from either side of the battery slot with either polarity. The hearing aid housing may comprise an ear-tip, wherein a microphone is mounted in the hearing aid housing near the ear-tip and the microphone receives sounds through at least one sound inlet located on a side surface of the hearing aid housing. The ear-tip additionally comprises three flanges decreasing in size toward the flange closest to the ear canal, and the hearing aid can be inserted into the ear canal in any orientation.
US08170242B2 Actuator systems for oral-based appliances
Actuator systems for oral-based appliances utilizing transducers which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such oral appliances may be a custom-made device which receives incoming sounds and transmits the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element. The transducer element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.
US08170239B2 Virtual recording studio
A virtual recording studio is formed based on information from a number of different locations. One instrument may be located locally, and other instruments may be located remotely, for example accessible over the Internet. The remote instruments may be combined with outputs from other instruments, to create a virtual recording studio where parts of it are available over the Internet. An electronic music component may also be used. The remote and local capture information may also include cameras that capture video information or still image information and combines those parts together, either with each other, or with another part.
US08170233B2 Loudspeaker array system
The invention is a multi-channel loudspeaker system that provides a compact loudspeaker configuration and filter design methodology that operates in the digital signal processing domain. Further, the loudspeaker system can be designed to include drivers of various physical dimensions and can achieve prescribed constant directivity over a large area in both the vertical and horizontal planes.
US08170228B2 Methods and devices for hearing damage notification and intervention II
Methods of monitoring sound pressure level are provided. A method of monitoring sound pressure level includes: measuring a first sound pressure level in the ear canal; measuring a second sound pressure level out of the ear canal; calculating a first sound pressure level dose using the first sound pressure level, where if the first sound pressure level is below a permissible sound level a recovery function is used to calculate the first sound pressure level dose; and calculating a second sound pressure level dose using the second sound pressure level.
US08170223B2 Constant-beamwidth loudspeaker array
A loudspeaker is provided for receiving an incoming electrical signal and transmitting an acoustical signal that is directional and has a substantially constant beamwidth over a wide frequency range. The loudspeaker may include a curved mounting plate that has curvature over a range of angles. The loudspeaker may include an array of speaker drivers coupled to the mounting plate. Each speaker driver may be driven by an electrical signal having a respective amplitude that is a function of the speaker driver's respective location on the mounting plate. The function may be a Legendre function. Alternatively, the loudspeaker may include a flat mounting plate. In this case, the respective electrical signal driving each speaker may have a phase delay that virtually positions the speaker onto a curved surface.
US08170221B2 Audio enhancement system and method
An audio enhancement system for compensating for ambient noise in a listening environment, comprises an audio system that produces an electrical sound signal and generates a sound output from the electrical sound signal. A sensor (e.g., a microphone) senses a total sound signal representative of the total sound level in the listening environment, including the sound output from the audio system and the ambient noise within the listening environment. A processing unit responsive to the total sound signal and the electrical sound signal extracts from the total sound signal an ambient noise signal representative of the ambient noise in the listening environment. A controller responsive to the ambient noise signal performs a linear predictive coding (LPC) analysis and generates a control signal, which is input to an equalizer to adjust the sound output of the audio system in order to compensate for the ambient noise level.
US08170220B2 Image sensing apparatus with selectably combinable microphone signals to obtain desired directivity
Provided is an image sensing apparatus in which directivity can be changed in accordance with the position of the shooter. The image sensing apparatus includes a video shooting unit, at least four microphones placed around the video shooting unit, and an audio signal processing unit adapted to synthesize audio signals from two microphones among the at least four microphones, thereby outputting a synthesized audio signal from a specific direction of the video shooting unit. The apparatus further includes a selecting unit adapted to select the position of a shooter. The audio signal processing unit includes a directivity changeover unit adapted to change over directivity by changing a combination of the two microphones in accordance with a selection output signal the said selecting unit.
US08170215B2 Key management method for home network and home network device and system using the same
A method of managing a home network key in a home network environment, which has a key management server for managing the home network key and a plurality of home network devices, includes: allowing a home network device to generate device unique information and to transmit the device unique information to the key management server; allowing the key management server to generate a parameter for generating the home network key by using the device unique information and to transmit the parameter to the home network device; and allowing the home network device to generate the home network key by using the parameter. The generated home network key being independent of the device unique information.
US08170214B2 QKD transmitter and transmission method
In order to facilitate alignment of a QKD transmitter and QKD receiver, the transmitter is provided with a retro-reflector for returning to the receiver a photon beam originating at the latter. The transmitter is arranged to polarization modulate the retro-reflected beam. The transmitter is provided both with an intensity detector for generating an indication of retro-reflected photon intensity, and an intensity-dependent controller for controlling the QKD transmitter in dependence on the detected photon intensity. In one embodiment, this control involves aborting operation of the QKD transmitter upon an unexpectedly high photon intensity being detected; in another embodiment, the intensity indication is used to control the attenuation of the retro-reflected beam so as stabilize the average retro-reflected photon count per unit time.
US08170211B2 Hub device for a network comprising quantum cryptographic connections and node module for said hub device
The invention relates to a node device (21) for a network (20) comprising quantum cryptographic connections (1) provided with quantum channels (4) and public channels (5), comprising quantum optics means (11) for connecting to the respective quantum channels, for generating secrets or keys by means of quantum cryptography, comprising means (13) for managing symmetrical secrets or keys, cryptography means (14) for generating cryptograms, and driver means (15) connected thereto for transmission via a public channel, wherein the means (15) for managing symmetrical secrets or keys and the cryptography and driver means (14; 15) are combined in a common node module (24) as central components (13, 14, 15) for a plurality of quantum channel connections, while the quantum optics means (11) are provided separately in decentral modules (23) for the plurality of quantum channel connections.
US08170209B2 Extensible disc player
The present invention provides an extensible disc player that is upgradeable to play new content types. The player's capability can be extended by downloading an appropriate decoder from a web server via the Internet. In this way, the player can play back contents that it does not originally support. If the content type is unknown, the player will check whether the disc contains a URL for linking to a web site containing an appropriate decoder. If the disc contains the URL, the player will access the web site to download the appropriate decoder. In a similar manner, the capability of a recorder can also be expanded by downloading appropriate encoders from the Internet.
US08170208B2 Image decrypting apparatus, image encrypting apparatus, and image decrypting method
When a decrypting apparatus receives an encrypted image, the apparatus detects the state of the encrypted image and determines whether the encrypted image is an image passed through only a digital medium or an analog medium, according to the state of the encrypted image. When the encrypted image is determined to be the image passed through only the digital medium, the decrypting apparatus switches to perform a digital decryption process and, when the encrypted image is determined to be the image passed through the analog medium, the decrypting apparatus switches to perform an analog decryption process.
US08170206B2 Enciphering apparatus and method, deciphering apparatus and method as well as information processing apparatus and method
The invention provides an enciphering apparatus and method, a deciphering apparatus and method and an information processing apparatus and method by which illegal copying can be prevented with certainty. Data enciphered by a 1394 interface of a DVD player is transmitted to a personal computer and a magneto-optical disk apparatus through a 1394 bus. In the magneto-optical disk apparatus with which a change to a function is open to a user, the received data is deciphered by a 1394 interface. In contrast, in the personal computer with which a change to a function is open to a user, the enciphered data is deciphered using a time variable key by a 1394 interface, and a result of the decipherment is further deciphered using a session key by an application section.
US08170203B2 Message authentication code with elliptic polynomial hopping
The message authentication code with elliptic polynomial hopping provides methods for the generation of message authentication codes (MACs) utilizing elliptic curves, which are based on the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem. The elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem is well known to be a computationally “difficult” or “hard” problem, thus providing enhanced security for the MACs. Different elliptic polynomials are used for different blocks of the same plaintext, each elliptic polynomial for each message block being selected at random using an initial secret key and a random number generator.
US08170202B2 Method, terminal device and communication system for programming a button of a communication terminal device
There is described a method, a terminal device, and a communication system for programming a button of a communication terminal device whereby a user input on the communication terminal device activates an application on a data processing device associated with the communication terminal device. The activated application triggers the display of button programming information for selection for a respective button programming. The selection of one of the displayed button programming information messages on the data processing device triggers the assignment of the associated button programming to the button on the communication terminal device.
US08170200B1 Method and apparatus for percussive noise reduction in a conference
A conferencing unit reduces or eliminates percussive noise in audio that it outputs to a far-end. The unit filters near-end audio into a plurality of bands and calculates instantaneous energies for each band. The energies in first and second ranges of the bands are summed, and a difference between the two sums is compared to a threshold value to determine whether speech is present in the near-end audio received. The first range is preferably a mid-band range of frequencies of 300 to 600-Hz, while the second range is preferably an outer-band range of 100-Hz to 300-Hz and 600-Hz to 14-kHz. Based on the determination, the conferencing unit adjusts an output level of the near-end audio to reduce or eliminate any percussive noise in output audio while there is not a substantial amount of speech in the near-end audio.
US08170197B2 System and method for providing automated call center post-call processing
A system and method for providing a message-based communications infrastructure for automated call center post-call processing is described. Verbal speech utterances in a stream of recorded user messages are identified. The recorded user messages are parsed from a call with a user into a call center. The stream of recorded user messages are stored into a database maintained by the call center. The call is processed through an agent. One or more of the user messages is presented to the agent. Commands on the user messages are executed responsive to the agent.
US08170193B2 Spatial sound conference system and method
The spatial sound conference system enables participants in a teleconference to distinguish between speakers even during periods of interruption and overtalk, identify speakers based on spatial location cues, understand low volume speech, and block out background noise using spatial sound information. Spatial sound information may be captured using microphones positioned at the ear locations of a dummy head at a conference table, or spatial sound information may be added to a participant's monaural audio signal using head-related transfer functions. Head-related transfer functions simulate the frequency response of audio signals across the head from one ear to the other ear to create a spatial location for a sound. Spatial sound is transmitted across a communication channel, such as ISDN, and reproduced using spatially disposed loudspeakers positioned at the ears of a participant. By inserting a spatial sound component in a teleconference, a speaker other than the loudest speaker may be heard during periods of interruption and overtalk. Additionally, speakers may be more readily identified when they have a spatial sound position, and the perception of background noise is reduced.
US08170177B2 Multiple pass cargo inspection system
The present invention is a cargo inspection system, employing a radiation source, capable of scanning vehicles and/or cargo in a wide range of sizes, including conventional imaging areas as well as taller and bulkier enclosures at sufficiently optimal efficacy and overall throughput. In one embodiment, the present invention is a multiple pass inspection method for inspecting vehicles and their cargo, comprising a first pass scan, wherein said first pass scan includes moving a radiation source at a suitable scanning distance, rotating a radiation source at a suitable scanning angle, and moving said radiation source along an object under inspection.
US08170173B2 Passive emergency feedwater system
A power module assembly includes a reactor vessel containing a reactor core surrounded by a primary coolant. A containment vessel is adapted to be submerged in a containment cooling pool and to prohibit a release of the primary coolant outside of the containment vessel. A secondary cooling system is configured to remove heat generated by the reactor core. The heat is removed by circulating liquid from the containment cooling pool through the primary coolant.
US08170168B2 Clock data recovery circuit
A simple circuit that supports high and low data rates is provided. The circuit includes: a detection circuit 11 for detecting whether D1≠D2 or D1≠D3, assuming that logical values of an input data signal DATAIN sampled at timings t1, t2, and t3 (t2
US08170143B2 Method and transmitting device for encoding data in a differential space-time block code
A method and a corresponding transmitting device to encode data with a differential space-time block code. A code matrix is calculated recursively from a momentary data matrix with a previous code matrix as a DSTBC block with symbols that are to be transmitted, the data matrix is formed from at least two data symbols that are to be transmitted, and the amplitude is modulated. Amplitude modulation data is encoded into an amplitude difference of at least two data symbols within each individual DSTBC block.
US08170133B2 Wireless transmission device and wireless transmission method
A wireless transmission device of the present invention includes n (where n is an integer of two or more) transmission antennas and a delay imparting section for delaying transmission signals supplied to the n transmission antennas by a maximum delay time (n−1)T or less based on a delay time T dependent upon a communication signal, which indicates whether to transmit the transmission signals by way of frequency diversity or multiuser diversity.
US08170132B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting signals in a multiple antennas system
A method and apparatus for transmitting signals in a Multiple Antennas System (MAS) are disclosed. The method includes performing Alamouti coding on each group of common channel symbols to form two branches; selecting different weight vectors for different branches to perform beamforming, obtaining transmitting signals of each branch on each antenna, where beam modes corresponding to different weight vectors are uncorrelated and the peak-to-average power ratio of angle dimension of the two beam modes are lower than a preset threshold; and superimposing the transmitting signals of these two branches on each antenna, and transmitting the superimposed signals. In the present invention, the Alamouti coding is introduced, and a spatial diversity gain is generated by using the independence of two virtual channels. Thus, the performance of the MAS in full coverage is enhanced.
US08170129B2 Digital broadcasting transmission/reception devices capable of improving a receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
Disclosed is a digital broadcasting transmission/reception system having an improved reception performance and a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a randomizer for inputting dual TS stream consists of robust and normal packets having stuff bytes inserted in predetermined positions and randomizing the dual TS stream; a stuff byte exchanger for replacing the stuff byte of a randomized data stream from the randomizer to a predetermined known data; and an encoder for encoding a data streams to which the known data is inserted. Accordingly, the present invention detects the known data from a signal received from a reception side and uses the detected known data for synchronization and equalization, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels.
US08170127B2 Receiver and method of receiving
A receiver detects and recovers data from Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) symbols, which are transmitted as first and second versions to form a multiple input multiple output (MISO) system and carry pairs of data symbols encoded to form Alamouti cells. A channel estimator and corrector is arranged to form an estimate of the data symbols by generating an estimate of first and second channels. A receiver includes a channel estimator and corrector comprising a pilot data extractor for extracting the pilot data from the OFDM symbols, a frequency dimension interpolator for interpolating between the pilot data received from each of the OFDM symbols in the frequency domain to form sum pilot data and difference pilot data, a sum and difference decoder for combining the sum and difference pilot data to form for each data symbol of the Alamouti pairs an estimate of a sample of the first channel and an estimate of the sample of the second channel, and an Alamouti decoder. The Alamouti decoder receives the data bearing sub-carriers from the OFDM symbols and estimates the data symbols.
US08170123B1 Media acceleration for virtual computing services
Streaming media is problematic for thin clients using remoting protocols like RDP that were never designed to handle the volume of data associated with multimedia. The result is large demands on the host computer and thin client CPU and excessive bandwidth on the network, which results in a poor display quality. A process running on a host computer detects an existing multimedia acceleration channel to a thin client and also identifies unaccelerated media streams like Adobe Flash. The unaccelerated content is automatically re-encoded using a codec format supported by the thin client acceleration channel. This results in a significant improvement in the quality of the streaming media displayed on the thin client and overall reductions in host CPU load, network bandwidth and thin client CPU load. No additional software is required on the thin clients to support new media types including Adobe Flash.
US08170118B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium
Encoding parameters of picture and higher layers of importance to a number of applications, and encoding parameters of slice and lower layers of no importance to all applications are converted into auxiliary packets inserted respectively into a V-blanking area and an H-blanking area of a video-data signal output by a history-information-multiplexing apparatus employed in a video-decoding system. On the other hand, a video-encoding system extracts back the auxiliary packets superposed on the V-blanking area and the H-blanking area from an input base-band video signal. As a result, a technique of superposing information on data can be changed in accordance with the importance of the information and required information can be fetched with ease.
US08170108B2 Method and apparatus for decoding/encoding a video signal
The present invention provides a video signal decoding method including the steps of checking whether to perform luminance compensation of a current block, performing the luminance compensation on the current block, and performing motion compensation by considering the luminance compensation, wherein a prediction value for the luminance compensation is obtained from a neighbor block neighbor to the current block.
US08170098B2 Opto-electronic video compression system
An opto-electonic video compression system is disclosed including a lens element for transmitting light of an image and having one or more lenses, each lens having a predetermined focal length. A sensor array includes a first sensor for receiving focused light from the lens element and a second for receiving defocused light from the lens element, wherein the first sensor includes X.times.Y pixels and samples the focused light at each of the X.times.Y pixels, and the second sensor includes X/2.times.Y/2 pixels and samples the defocused light at each of the X/2.times.Y/2 pixels. An electronic differencing element in communication with the first and second sensor is also included for differencing the coefficients of co-located pixels.
US08170097B2 Extension to the AVC standard to support the encoding and storage of high resolution digital still pictures in series with video
A codec configured to operate in a sequential mode extends the current AVC standard in order to provide support for coding high resolution still image pictures within the AVC coding of a lower resolution video. The sequential mode codec is configured according to the modified AVC standard. The codec is capable of capturing an AVC video stream while concurrently capturing high resolution still images at random intervals relative to the video stream. Each captured high resolution still image is embedded within the video stream. The video stream including the embedded high resolution still images is encoded as a single layer bit stream. Each embedded high resolution still image signals or forces the start of a new GOP in the coded video sequence. The AVC standard is extended to include new syntax for the sequence parameter sets. In one embodiment, a modified sequence parameter set defines a new profile that signals the presence of a high resolution still image in sequence with AVC video.
US08170084B2 Quick detection of signaling in a wireless communication system
Quick frequency tracking (QFT), quick time tracking (QTT), and non-causal pilot filtering (NCP) are used to detect sporadically transmitted signaling, e.g., paging indicators. For QFT, multiple hypothesized frequency errors are applied to an input signal to obtain multiple rotated signals. The energies of the rotated signals are computed. The hypothesized frequency error with the largest energy is provided as a frequency error estimate. For QTT, coherent accumulation is performed on the input signal for a first set of time offsets, e.g., early, on-time, and late. Interpolation, energy computation, and non-coherent accumulation are then performed to obtain a timing error estimate with higher time resolution. For NCP, pilot symbols are filtered with a non-causal filter to obtain pilot estimates for one antenna for non-STTD and for two antennas for STTD. The frequency and timing error estimates and the pilot estimates are used to detect the signaling.
US08170081B2 System and method for adjusting DIDO interference cancellation based on signal strength measurements
A machine-implemented system and method are described for removing interference between adjacent distributed-input-distributed-output (DIDO) clusters comprising. For example, a method according to one embodiment comprises: detecting signal strength at a first client from a main DIDO cluster; detecting interference signal strength at the first client from an interfering DIDO cluster; if the signal strength from the main DIDO cluster reaches a specified value relative to the value of the interference signal strength from the interfering DIDO cluster, then generating channel state information (CSI) defining channel state between one or more antennas of the first client and one or more antennas of the interfering DIDO cluster; transmitting the CSI from the first client to a base transceiver station (BTS) in the interfering DIDO cluster; and implementing DIDO precoding with inter-DIDO-cluster interference (IDCI) cancellation at the BTS in the interfering DIDO cluster to avoid RF interference at the first client.
US08170080B2 Frequency hopping
A communications system is described in which user devices communicate with an associated base station. The user devices employ frequency hopping techniques to provide frequency diversity in their communications with the base station. Techniques are described for reducing collisions between the communications from the different user devices and for the efficient signalling of data defining the frequency hopping sequence to use. The inventions are particularly suitable for use in the uplink of the E-UTRA communications scheme.
US08170079B2 Code division multiple access signaling for modulated reflector technology
A method and apparatus for utilizing code division multiple access in modulated reflectance transmissions comprises the steps of generating a phase-modulated reflectance data bit stream; modifying the modulated reflectance data bit stream; providing the modified modulated reflectance data bit stream to a switch that connects an antenna to an infinite impedance in the event a “+1” is to be sent, or connects the antenna to ground in the event a “0” or a “−1” is to be sent.
US08170077B2 Internal memory for transistor outline packages
A transistor outline (TO) package includes a housing having a window and a substrate. Circuitry is coupled to the substrate within the housing. The circuitry comprises a laser diode and memory configured to store information related to the TO package. Electrical connectors are coupled to the substrate at the opposite side to the circuitry. At least one of the electrical connectors is electrically connected to the memory. A disclosed method includes assembling a TO package, testing the TO package, storing results of the testing in memory, and making the information stored in the memory, including the results of the testing, available to a device external to the TO package. The TO package includes a laser diode and memory configured to store information related to the TO package.
US08170074B2 Tracking injection seeding power based on back facet monitoring (BFM) of an injection seeded laser
A method of estimating an injection power of seed light injected into an injection-seeded transmitter. A back face monitoring (BFM) response of the injection-seeded transmitter is determined, and data representative of the BFM response stored in a memory. During run-time, a controller of the injection-seeded transmitter, detects a temperature of the injection-seeded transmitter and an instantaneous BFM current. BFM response data is obtained from the memory based on the detected temperature, and the seed light injection power estimated based on the obtained data and the detected instantaneous BFM current.
US08170071B2 Laser apparatus
Provided is a laser apparatus including: a DFB fiber laser 40 including, as an amplitude medium, a rare earth doped silica optical fiber codoped with a high concentration of aluminum; an optical feedback path 50 formed by a ring-shaped optical fiber; and an optical coupler 70 a) feeding back a part of an output of the DFB fiber laser 40 to the DFB fiber laser 40 via the optical feedback path 50, and b) outputting, to outside, another part of the output of the DFB fiber laser 40, where the optical fiber forming the optical feedback path 50 is longer than a length at which a relaxation oscillation noise in the output to the outside becomes −110 dB/Hz.
US08170067B2 Memory system with calibrated data communication
A system includes a first integrated circuit device and a second integrated circuit device. The first device transmits a data sequence to the second integrated circuit device, and the second device samples the data sequence to produce receiver data. The second device then transmits the receiver data back to the first device. Within the first integrated circuit device, a comparison between the data sequence and the receiver data is performed, and based on the comparison, the first device generates information representative of a calibrated timing offset. The first device uses the information representative of the calibrated timing offset to adjust timing associated with transferring write data from the first integrated circuit to the second integrated circuit.
US08170066B2 Communication system and method for synchronization of the same
With a method for synchronization in a communication system that includes a central participant and at least one further participant, at least one of the further participants being synchronized with the central participant, and, to this end, a telegram with synchronization information being transmitted by the central participant to the at least one further participant, particularly efficient synchronization of the at least one participant with the central participant results due to the fact that the telegram is a data telegram.
US08170064B2 Method and apparatus for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communication
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a digital signal using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system are provided. In this method, subcarriers are split into a plurality of subcarrier groups according to available frequency bandwidths and are respectively transmitted in a transmitting portion and the subcarrier groups are combined and are restored to the original signal in a receiving portion. Therefore, wireless resources may be used efficiently by combining with cognitive radio technology.
US08170062B2 Packetized interface for coupling agents
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a fabric on a first semiconductor die to communicate with at least one agent on the die according to an on-chip protocol and a packetization layer coupled to the fabric to receive command and data information from the fabric on multiple links and to packetize the information into a packet for transmission from the die to another die via an in-package packetized link. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08170055B2 Method of converting between radius message and diameter messages
In one embodiment of a method of translating a RADIUS message to a Diameter message, an access request message in RADIUS is translated to a credit control request message in Diameter. In one embodiment of a method of translating a Diameter message to a RADIUS message, a credit control answer message is translated to an access accept message.
US08170050B2 Self-assignment of detectors and workers among access devices in a wireless network environment
A self-assignment method for assigning detector and working devices among a plurality of access devices in a wireless network begins by performing wireless data collection with the access devices during an automated calibration period. During this time, each access device receives beacons from one or more other transmitting access devices. The method records radio frequency (RF) data associated with beacons received during the wireless data collection, and thereafter automatically designates at least one of the access devices as a detector device, based upon the recorded RF data.
US08170049B2 Method of random access and a method of transporting information in broadband wireless access system
A method of performing random access in a broadband wireless access system is disclosed. The method includes performing first random access through at least one of a plurality of random access channels, receiving information about the number of access-failed channels among the plurality of random access channels from a base station, when the first random access fails, and performing second random access according to a probability value calculated based on the received information. The present invention increases utilization of random access channels and can effectively schedule an uplink bandwidth, thereby providing an efficient ranging method.
US08170045B2 Class-based bandwidth partitioning
Class-based bandwidth partitioning of a sequence of packets of varying packet classes is performed, such as, but not limited to determining whether or not to admit a packet to a queue based on a probability corresponding to a class of packets associated with the packet, with this probability being based on measured arrival traffic and a fair share based on the length of the queue. Data path processing is performed on each packet to determine whether to admit or drop the packet, and to record the measured received traffic. Control path processing is periodically performed to update these probabilities based on determined arrival rates and fair shares for each class of packets. In this manner, a relatively small amount of processing and resources are required to partition bandwidth for a scalable number of classes of packets.
US08170040B2 Fully connected generalized butterfly fat tree networks
A generalized butterfly fat tree network comprising (logd N) stages is operated in strictly nonblocking manner for unicast and in rearrangeably nonblocking manner for arbitrary fan-out multicast when s≧2, and is operated in strictly nonblocking manner for arbitrary fan-out multicast when s≧3, includes a leaf stage consisting of an input stage having N d switches with each of them having d inlet links and s×d outgoing links connecting to its immediate succeeding stage switches, and an output stage having N d switches with each of them having d outlet links and s×d incoming links connecting from switches in its immediate succeeding stage. The network also has (logd N)−1 middle stages with each middle stage, excepting the root stage, having s × N d switches, and each switch in the middle stage has d incoming links connecting from the switches in its immediate preceding stage, d incoming links connecting from the switches in its immediate succeeding stage, d outgoing links connecting to the switches in its immediate succeeding stage, d outgoing links connecting to the switches in its immediate preceding stage, and the root stage having s × N d switches, and each switch in the middle stage has d incoming links connecting from the switches in its immediate preceding stage and d outgoing links connecting to the switches in its immediate preceding stage.
US08170039B2 Method for transferring data in an automation system
A method of transferring data in an automation system having a plurality of communicatively connected communication stations is provided. The communicative connection of the communication stations follows a predefined hierarchy, in which a plurality of communication stations are grouped together in a line and an alias matched to the hierarchy is assigned to each communication station. Telegrams sent in the automation system designate a destination communication station also by its alias, whereby each line is closed to form a ring by way of its transition, designated as entry point, from the next higher line by way of the entry point, and telegrams in the ring thus resulting with the line are forwarded both in the direction of the hierarchy of the allocated alias designations and also in the opposite direction.
US08170030B2 Locator resolution in communications networks
A set of globally-reachable attachment registers is provided for objects in an internetwork of interconnected communications networks. “Objects” can be networks, hosts or terminals, or passive objects which themselves do not have a network interface. Each attachment register corresponds to an object in the internetwork. The attachment registers are not located with their respective object. Information is stored in the attachment registers that establishes one or more logical links between the attachment registers. The information is used to perform one or more network communication functions, and in particular to determine a locator by identifying a logical path, along the logical links between attachment registers, from a destination attachment register corresponding to the destination object. Other non-limiting example functions include location registration and update, name to global locator resolution, routing, multi-homing, dynamic ISP selection, and handover.
US08170028B1 Systems and methods for re-ordering data in distributed data forwarding
A network device includes an input interface, at least one processing path and an output interface. The input interface receives data units on a plurality of streams and assigns a first sequence number to each of the received data units. The at least one processing path performs a route look-up for each of the data units, where the route look-up determines a routing destination for a respective data unit. The output interface assigns a second sequence number to each of the processed data units based on a number of memory references associated with the route look-up for each of the data units and re-orders the processed data units based on the second sequence number assigned to each of the processed data units.
US08170027B2 Apparatus and method for supporting higher data rates on links with variable frame sizes
Methods and apparatus for communicating IP datagrams efficiently within communication links employing variable frame sizes bundles IP datagrams into data payloads. The number of datagrams that can fit within a current frame size is determined, a bundle header indicating that the bundle header is associated with a bundled IP datagram is generated that includes information for unpacking bundled IP datagrams. The bundle header is joined to one or more IP datagrams to form a data payload that is communicated as a frame payload without indicating in a frame header that the frame includes bundled IP datagrams. Information in the bundle header enables a receiver processor to extract the IP datagrams from the frame payload without requiring modifications to the frame header. A bundle header may precede each IP datagram, or one bundle header may include a map IP datagrams in the frame payload.
US08170025B2 Switch port analyzers
Methods and devices are provided for non-disruptive monitoring of network traffic through one or more ports of a Fibre Channel network device. Preferred embodiments of the invention are used in conjunction with the switched port analyzer (“SPAN”) and/or remote SPAN (“RSPAN”) features. SPAN mode operation allows traffic through any Fibre Channel interface of a network device to be replicated and delivered to a single port on the same network device. Ingress SPAN allows the monitoring of some or all packets that ingress a specified port or ports. Egress SPAN allows the monitoring of some or all packets that egress a specified port or ports. RSPAN allows the delivery of the replicated traffic to a port on a remote network device. Filtering may be applied, for example, to SPAN packets having selected virtual storage area network numbers.
US08170013B2 Automatic compensation of a delay of a synchronization signal in a packet switching network
The present invention relates to a sending device able to send packets in a network comprising at least two stations, the said device comprising means for extracting image pips on the basis of a synchronization signal, initializing an image counter on the basis of the image pips, initializing a counter every “m” zero-crossings of the image counter, the counter being regulated by a clock produced by the image counter, sampling the counter every period Tsmp, where Tsmp emanates from a time base synchronized on all the stations of the said network; and sending packets containing the samples of the counter in the network. According to the invention, it comprises means for receiving packets containing samples sent by a station of the network as echo to the samples and when samples are received for: evaluating a duration of propagation of samples over an outward-return trip between the said device and the said station; determining a phase shift value Δφ on the basis of the duration of propagation; sending the phase shift value Δφ in the network.
US08170008B2 Method and apparatus for accessing communication data relevant to a target entity identified by a number string
Service resource items for use in call setup in a telephone system are held on servers that are connected to a computer network which is logically distinct from the telephone system infrastructure; this computer network may, for example, make use of the Internet. Each service item is locatable on the network at a corresponding URI and is associated with a particular telephone number. A mapping is provided between telephone numbers and the URIs of associated service resource items. When it is desired to access a service resource item associated with a particular telephone number, this mapping is used to retrieve the corresponding URI which is then used to access the desired service resource item.
US08170004B2 Shared DSL network and deployment method
A DSL network topology is provided for the interconnections between a telecom carrier and households. Each household is provided with an HCC (Home Communications Centre) for facilitating digital communication. The digital communication includes DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) communication. A method of forming a DSL network such that existing copper pair wire is reused is also provided.
US08169991B2 Interference mitigation in mobile units having location transmitters
A mobile device for data communications has a radio circuit for data communications with a wireless network access point and a radio tag for transmitting location-identifying radio signals. The radio circuit and the radio tag are co-located on a circuit board or are commonly powered. The operation of the radio circuit and the radio tag are segregated in time to avoid interference. Standard wireless network interface protocol functions are exploited to identify time intervals in which the radio circuit is inactive for data communications. These time intervals are used to operate the radio tag to transmit the location-identifying radio signals.
US08169986B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving system information in a mobile communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving system information in a mobile communication system are provided, in which a System Frame Number (SFN) is transmitted as system information, and other system information, which excludes the SFN, is transmitted using resources different from resources used to transmit the SFN on a broadcast channel.
US08169985B2 Coordinated beacon period (BP) merging for distributed wireless networks
The application describes a method to merge two wireless networks in which each terminal gets a beacon slot within the beacon period. In order to merge two networks, the beacon slots have to be time-coordinated such that the beacon slots of the first network are completed before the beacon slots of the second network begin. The method includes transmitting a beacon frame having a beacon period switch information element which instructs the neighboring terminals in the first network of the need to merge, provides clock synchronization information; provides the time of the merge; and informs the neighboring terminals which beacon slot to occupy in the beacon period of the merged network. In order to deal with hidden terminals, the information needs to be forwarded terminal-to-terminal within each network.
US08169983B2 Transcoder architecture for land mobile radio systems
A transcoder architecture and method for transcoding in land mobile radio (LMR) systems are provided. The LMR system includes a first communication site configured to communicate using a first LMR communication protocol and a second communication site configured to communicate using a second LMR communication protocol. The LMR system further includes a transcoder configured to receive LMR content from the first communication site communicated using the first LMR communication protocol and digitally convert the LMR content to the second LMR communication protocol to be communicated to the second communication site.
US08169980B2 Methods and apparatuses for interworking
Apparatuses and methodologies are described that coordinate multiple wireless communication protocols within a mobile device. A single mobile device can contain multiple communication components (e.g., a Bluetooth component, an IEEE 802.11b/g component). To prevent interference and possible loss of data, one communication component may be prevented from transmitting or receiving data packets while the other communication component is either transmitting or receiving. The components may be coordinated by a central controller located in the mobile device. Alternatively, the communication components may exchange messages to determine transmission or reception priority. In addition, one communication component may monitor the status of the other communication component to determine unused communication slots.
US08169971B2 Base station apparatus, communication control system, communication control method, and inter-station control method
A base station apparatus includes a determining unit that determines whether a direct link has been established between the base station apparatus and another base station apparatus, when a mobile device makes a request to switch a communication recipient from the base station apparatus to the other base station apparatus; a link information acquiring unit that acquires, indirectly from the other base station apparatus, link information necessary for establishing the direct link to the other base station apparatus, when the determining unit determines that no direct link to the other base station apparatus has been established; and a link requesting unit that requests the other base station apparatus to establish the direct link to the base station apparatus, based on the link information of the other base station apparatus acquired by the link information acquiring unit.
US08169957B2 Flexible DTX and DRX in a wireless communication system
A data traffic responsive battery-saving approach for a wireless user equipment (UE) device such as an data packet capable cellphone incorporates flexible discontinuous transmission and reception (DTX-DRX) when in Long Term Evolution (LTE) active mode as dictated by an evolved radio access network (RAN) such as an evolved base node (eNode B). A UE device requests are made on unsynchronized random access channel (RACH). Lengthening a duration of DRX and reducing requirements for synchronization uplink transmissions results in power savings of up to 75%, as well as creating opportunities for reducing interference and for allocating additional time slots for data. This power savings is compatible with other downlink scheduling proposals, with control channel-less Voice-over-IP (VoIP), and need not target those UE devices in bad radio conditions. Legacy UE devices that can interact with the eNode B by being capable of radio resource control (RRC) signaling continue to be compatible.
US08169951B1 Method and system for establishing wireless IP connectivity
A method and system for establishing wireless IP connectivity, in which a wireless communication device (WCD) obtains a routable IP address during its registration with a radio access network, rather than first registering with the RAN and then subsequently requesting and acquiring packet-data connectivity. Preferably, when the WCD sends a radio access registration request that triggers a registration notification to a home location register (HLR), the HLR or an associated entity will assign an IP address for use by the WCD and will deliver the assigned IP address in a registration notification response message to the RAN. The RAN will then deliver the assigned IP address to the WCD over the air in a radio access registration response message. The WCD may then use the assigned IP address to engage in packet data communications, such as to set up a VoIP session with another IP node, for instance.
US08169941B2 QoS scheduling methods for WLANs with heterogenous applications
A wireless system (100) includes at least one power-save wireless station (PS STA)(102). A method of wireless includes allocating deterministic time intervals (206,207) to the PS-STAs.
US08169938B2 Communication system for wireless audio devices
The present subject matter provides a system for wireless communications between one or more wireless audio devices and other electronics for providing a rich set of streaming audio, control, programming and enhanced hearing functions.
US08169933B2 Dynamic topological adaptation
Apparatus and methods for reconfiguration of a communication environment based on loading requirements. Network operations are monitored and analyzed to determine loading balance across the network or a portion thereof. Where warranted, the network is reconfigured to balance the load across multiple network entities. For example, in a cellular-type of network, traffic loads and throughput requirements are analyzed for the access points and their user equipment. Where loading imbalances occur, the cell coverage areas of one or more access points can be reconfigured to alleviate bottlenecks or improve balancing.
US08169927B2 Configuration management method and configuration management system of wireless access network, and wireless access network management device
A configuration of a wireless cell contained by a wireless network control station in a wireless access network is optimized to efficiently achieve leveling of a processing load in the wireless network control station. A wireless access network management device inputs input information including position information of a wireless cell, traffic demand of each wireless cell, location registration demand of each wireless cell, handover demand with respect to each adjacent wireless cells of each wireless cell, and internal processing time required by a wireless network control station for traffic processing, location registration processing, and handover processing. Then, a wireless cell group to be controlled by a wireless network control station is selected based on the input information so that processing loads of a plurality of wireless network control station are leveled.
US08169925B2 Mapping of preamble sequence sets with frame control header (FCH) location for multi-hop wireless broadband access communications
FCH locations are mapped to preamble sequence sets to allow more than three stations to transmit their FCHs with minimized or reduced interference. A lower interference environment may be provided to transmit the FCH within each DL relay phase when the number of stations within the phase is less than the number (L) of distinct FCH locations. With more than L stations in a DL relay phase, a reduced interference environment for FCH transmission may be achieved by assigning the same FCH location to RSs that are far away from each other.
US08169924B2 Optimal bridging over MPLS/IP through alignment of multicast and unicast paths
A provider edge (PE) node of a network operates to send a trace path message over the network to a receiver PE node, the trace path message recording a list of intermediate nodes of a unicast path from the PE node to the receiver PE node; and receive a join message initiated from the receiver PE node, the join message using the list to propagate to the source PE node through the intermediate nodes such that a branch of a multicast tree is aligned with the unicast path. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
US08169922B2 Diagnosing problems associated with route groups in a network
A system and method directed to diagnosing a problem associated with a route group in a network are disclosed. A problem associated with a route group is diagnosed by comparing inventory information associated with a route group to current route information associated with a router, where the router is associated with the route group. The process followed for diagnosing a problem associated with a route group depends on whether there is a mismatch between the inventory route information and the current route information.
US08169920B2 Management interface and tool for benchmarking optical network topologies
A management tool facilitating benchmarking of optical network topologies. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an identification of an optical network element, including network address information of the optical network element; receiving an identification of one or more optical network traffic generators, including access information of the optical network generators; and automatically accessing the identified optical network element, and one or more traffic generators in connection with execution of one or more tests on the optical network element.
US08169915B1 Method and apparatus for network load balancing using indirection RAM during classification
An apparatus and a method for load balancing across multiple routes using an indirection table and hash function during a process of packet classification are disclosed. A network device such as a router includes a memory, a hash component, and a result memory. The memory is referred to as an indirection random access memory (“RAM”), is capable of storing information regarding number of paths from source devices to destination devices. The memory, in one embodiment, provides a base index value and a range number indicating the number of paths associated with the base index value. The hash component generates a hash index in response to the base index value and the range number. Upon generation of hash index, the result memory identifies a classification result in response to the hash index.
US08169913B2 Communication-processing method on network-connected equipment and receiving apparatus
A communication-processing method performs communication processing on any network-connected equipment. The method includes the steps of sending an identification signal through a network to every apparatus that is connected in an identical network circuit to identify a local apparatus, and determining whether a reply signal including identification information in reply to the sent identification signal is received or not. The method also includes the steps of deciding that the local apparatus is connected to the identical network circuit if receiving the reply signal including the identification information to secure a communication-processing condition for the identified local apparatus, communicating with the identified local apparatus, and sending the communication-processing condition to the identified local apparatus.
US08169912B2 System for dynamic bandwidth adjustment and trading among peers
A system is disclosed, that provides dynamic bandwidth sharing among a plurality of client nodes, which share network link resources in a communication network. Upon receipt of a bandwidth adjustment request from a requesting client node, the system adjusts bandwidth when network link capacity meets the bandwidth adjustment request, or when total amount of bandwidth offered to trade by any peers of the requesting client node meets the bandwidth adjustment request.
US08169896B2 Connectivity fault management traffic indication extension
A method in a Maintenance Association Endpoint, MEP, for controlling traffic between a first network element and a second network element connected by a working Traffic Engineering Service Instance, TESI, and a protection TESI. The first network element sets a Traffic field in a Connectivity Check Message, CCM, sent to the second network element. The Traffic field may be set by utilizing a reserved bit within a Flags field of the CCM. The Traffic field indicates which TESI is being utilized to transport the traffic. The second network element takes action to control the traffic based upon a value of the Traffic field in the received CCM. When the Traffic field value in the received CCM does not match the Traffic field value in CCMs sent from the second network element for a predefined period of time, the second network element moves the traffic from its current TESI to the other TESI.
US08169895B2 Network system and node
The invention realizes defect indication on a multipoint logical path and switching of the logical path using a transfer protocol of configuring a logical path in a ring network. A working path and a backup path are set up where each transmits a frame from a transmitting end node to multicast receiving end nodes, forwards the frame to the transmitting end node and terminates it at the transmitting end node after going around the ring. Any node detecting a defect transmits a forward defect indication frame to a multipoint logical path in which the defect occurs. The transmitting end node receiving the forward defect indication frame halts the use of the notified multipoint logical path, and transmits a frame in another path where the forward defect indication frame is not received. When received from both multipoint logical paths, the transmitting end node copies the frame and forwards them to both paths.
US08169893B1 Quick detection of problematic link to support fast failover
A technique involves operating an electronic device having data communications ports. Each data communications port includes PHY circuitry to provide Physical Layer network functionality to the electronic device. The technique includes monitoring a particular PCS status signal from the PHY circuitry. The PCS status signal has (i) a PCS_OK value when a first data communications port is operating reliably in data mode and (ii) a PCS_NOT_OK value when the first data communications port is not operating reliably in data mode. The technique further includes detecting a transition event while monitoring the PCS status signal. The transition event involves the PCS status signal initially having the PCS_OK value and transitioning to having the PCS_NOT_OK value. The technique further includes, in response to detection of the transition event, outputting an electronic warning indication to enable failover from the first data communications port to a second data communications port.
US08169890B2 Systems and method for high data rate ultra wideband communication
A high data rate UWB system implements a frame structure that uses a connected set of m-sequences comprising the lowest possible cross-correlation and perfect, or near perfect autocorrelation. Each m-sequence can be used to identify a different piconet. A very efficient code matched filter can then be used to decode the frames and achieve synchronization with a piconets.
US08169889B2 Transmit diversity and spatial spreading for an OFDM-based multi-antenna communication system
A multi-antenna transmitting entity transmits data to a single- or multi-antenna receiving entity using (1) a steered mode to direct the data transmission toward the receiving entity or (2) a pseudo-random transmit steering (PRTS) mode to randomize the effective channels observed by the data transmission across the subbands. The PRTS mode may be used to achieve transmit diversity or spatial spreading. For transmit diversity, the transmitting entity uses different pseudo-random steering vectors across the subbands but the same steering vector across a packet for each subband. The receiving entity does not need to have knowledge of the pseudo-random steering vectors or perform any special processing. For spatial spreading, the transmitting entity uses different pseudo-random steering vectors across the subbands and different steering vectors across the packet for each subband. Only the transmitting and receiving entities know the steering vectors used for data transmission.
US08169887B2 Apparatuses and methods for wireless communications using a permutation sequence
A method for data transmissions in a wireless communication system includes: allocating resources for data to be transmitted; providing a seed number from the communication system; setting, based on the seed number, at least one parameter for a pseudo-random mapper having an input variable and an output variable; initializing an array with a number of base elements; increasing a current value of the input variable by a current value of a counter; and calculating a value of the output variable based on the pseudo-random mapper and the increased value of the input variable. The method further includes: swapping a first base element and a second base element in the array, the first base element being identified based on the current value of the counter, and the second base element being identified based on the value of the output variable; performing permutation on the resources by using the array as a permutation sequence; and transmitting the data.
US08169874B2 Optical recording medium, information recording method, and information reproducing method
According to one embodiment, an optical recording medium is provided in which interlayer crosstalk is low and in which stable and high-quality recording characteristics can be obtained. To this end, an optical recording medium comprises a first recording part which includes a first recording layer and a first light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side closer to a light receiving surface, and a second recording part which includes a second recording layer and a second light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side farther from the light receiving surface, the first recording part and the second recording part being stacked, wherein the thickness of the second light reflecting layer is larger than the thickness of the first light reflecting layer.
US08169873B2 Optical recording medium, information recording method, and information reproducing method
According to one embodiment, an optical recording medium is provided in which interlayer crosstalk is low and in which stable and high-quality recording characteristics can be obtained. To this end, an optical recording medium comprises a first recording part which includes a first recording layer and a first light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side closer to a light receiving surface, and a second recording part which includes a second recording layer and a second light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side farther from the light receiving surface, the first recording part and the second recording part being stacked, wherein the thickness of the second light reflecting layer is larger than the thickness of the first light reflecting layer.
US08169869B2 Recording parameter setting device and method using pulse sequences
A recording parameter setting device setting parameters of pulse sequences forming recording marks on recording media. The device includes a storage section storing first and second look-up tables, and a recording parameter setting section for obtaining from the tables and setting parameters corresponding to recording information. The pulse sequences form at least marks equal to or longer than a first predetermined length but not longer than a maximum mark length, and include top and last sections. Also, the first lookup table stores parameters for top sections that control heat of front edges of marks classified into a same group. The second lookup table stores parameters for last sections for controlling heat of rear edges that are equal to or longer than a second predetermined recording mark length, that is longer than the first predetermined recording mark length, through the maximum recording mark length and classified into a same group.
US08169867B2 Optical disc drive apparatus
In an optical disc drive apparatus, when a start time of a tracking pull-in operation is adjusted according to the eccentricity amount of the optical disc, a suitable starting point of the tracking pull-in operation can be always captured and the pull-in operation of the tracking control can be stably performed, without depending on the eccentricity amount of the optical disc. Further, the eccentricity amount and an eccentricity phase are detected from a track zero crossing signal before the tracking pull-in, and an eccentricity compensation signal of the track is added to the tracking control signal. As a result, also in the optical disc with the large eccentricity amount, the tracking pull-in operation can be stably performed.
US08169851B2 Memory device with pseudo double clock signals and the method using the same
A method for operating a memory device with pseudo double clock signals comprises the steps of: generating an even clock signal and an odd clock signal, wherein the clock rates of both the even clock signal and the odd clock signal are half that of the input clock signal, and the even clock signal is the inverse signal of the odd clock signal; if the logic level of the even clock signal is 1 when receiving a trigger of a control signal, applying the even clock signal to a memory device; and if the logic level of the odd clock signal is 1 when receiving another trigger of the control signal, applying the odd clock signal to the memory device.
US08169842B2 Skew detector and semiconductor memory device using the same
A skew detection circuit includes a data sensing block configured to sense a first data that is transferred earliest and a last data that is transferred latest among a plurality of data which are transferred through different transfer paths, and generate a sensing result signal; and a detection signal generation block configured to compare an output signal of the data sensing block with a certain time, and generate a skew detection signal.
US08169838B2 Memory device, control method for the same, control program for the same, memory card, circuit board and electronic equipment
A memory device includes a single or a plurality of memory chips. In the memory device (memory module), the single memory chip or each of the plurality of memory chips has a memory part storing control data such as specification data and function data, and control data stored on the memory part is rewritable. Control data stored on the memory part separately disposed on each memory chip enables separate use of the memory chip, which improves compatibility and flexibility of the memory.
US08169835B2 Charge trapping memory cell having bandgap engineered tunneling structure with oxynitride isolation layer
A band gap engineered, charge trapping memory cell includes a charge storage structure including a trapping layer. a blocking layer, and a dielectric tunneling structure including a thin tunneling layer, a thin bandgap offset layer and a thin isolation layer comprising silicon oxynitride. The memory cell is manufactured using low thermal budget processes.
US08169833B2 Partitioning process to improve memory cell retention
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to improving memory cell retention for non-volatile flash memory.
US08169828B2 Semiconductor memory cell, method for manufacturing the same and method for operating the same
A semiconductor memory cell, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor memory cell and an method of operating a semiconductor memory cell. A method of operating may include programming a semiconductor memory cell by applying a preset programming voltage to a common source and/or an N-well region, grounding and/or floating a control gate, and/or grounding a word line and/or a bit line. A method of operating may include erasing a semiconductor memory cell by floating and/or grounding a word line, applying a preset erase voltage to a control gate, and/or grounding an N-well, a bit line and/or a common source. A method of operating may include reading a semiconductor memory cell by grounding and/or floating a control gate, applying a preset read voltage to an N-well and/or a common source, grounding a word line, and/or applying a preset drain voltage to a bit line.
US08169825B1 Reliable data storage in analog memory cells subjected to long retention periods
A method for data storage in a non-volatile memory includes storing data in the non-volatile memory using a first storage configuration while the non-volatile memory is supplied with electrical power. After storing the data, an indication is accepted, indicating that shut-off of the electrical power is imminent. Responsively to the indication and before the shut-off, at least some of the data is re-programmed in the non-volatile memory using a second storage configuration.
US08169816B2 Fabrication methods of partial cladded write line to enhance write margin for magnetic random access memory
A cladding structure for a conductive line used to switch a free layer in a MTJ is disclosed and includes two cladding sidewalls on two sides of the conductive line, a top cladding portion on a side of the conductive line facing away from the MTJ, and a highly conductive, non-magnetic spacing control layer formed between the MTJ and conductive line. The spacing control layer has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.12 microns to maintain the distance separating free layer and conductive line between 0.03 and 0.15 microns. The spacing control layer is aligned parallel to the conductive line and contacts a plurality of MTJ elements in a row of MRAM cells. Half-select error problems are avoided while maintaining high write efficiency. A spacing control layer may be formed between a word line and a bottom electrode in a top pinned layer or dual pinned layer configuration.
US08169812B2 Memory architecture with a current controller and reduced power requirements
Disclosed is a memory architecture comprising at least one memory bit cell and at least one read bit line whose voltage is controlled and changed by a current from a current controller. Each memory bit cell has a storage mechanism, a controlled current source, and a read switch. The controlled current source in each memory bit cell is electrically connected to the read bit line through the read switch. The current from the current controller that controls and changes the read bit line voltage flows through the controlled current source in the memory bit cell. The value of this current is determined by a function of a difference between the voltage on the storage mechanism in the memory bit cell and a reference voltage from a reference voltage input to the current controller. In some versions an indicator is provided for indicating when to stop the current in the controlled current source that controls a voltage change on one of the read bit lines. The indicator has an on and an off condition and a switch is provided for stopping the current in the controlled current source when the indicator is activated in the on condition. The current in the controlled current source is stopped when the voltage change on the read bit line is greater than a predetermined threshold.
US08169798B2 Synchronous rectifier circuit and multi-output power supply device using the same
A synchronous rectifier circuit and a multi-output power supply device using the same include a semiconductor switch to control a current flow of the synchronous rectifier circuit, and a switching controller to control the semiconductor switch according to a synchronous rectification control signal and an output control signal generated by feeding back the output voltage of the synchronous rectifier circuit. The synchronous rectifier circuit can control an output voltage, decrease power loss so as to increase the efficiency of the synchronous rectifier circuit, and decrease the cost of the synchronous rectifier circuit.
US08169793B2 Electronic device and fabrication method thereof
Provided is an electronic device of high reliability having an exposed functional portion. An electronic device 10 comprises an electronic element 11 having an exposed functional portion 11a on a first surface, a frame member 12 having a first penetration hole 12a, and a board 13 having a second penetration hole 13a. The frame member 12 is provided on the first surface of the electronic element 11 such that the first penetration hole 12a faces at least a part of the functional portion 11a. The electronic element 11 is mounted on the board 13 such that at least a part of the functional portion 11a faces the second penetration hole 13a. The frame member 12 does not contact with the board 13.
US08169787B2 Terminal structure of an electronic component
The invention relates to a terminal structure of an electronic component, such as a tuner, in which a printed circuit board 1 on which electronic components including a pin header 2 having a plurality of pin terminals, and a case frame 3 housing the printed circuit board and having a notch opening exposing the pin terminals are provided. A guide hole 23 that penetrates from the upper surface of the pin header 2 to its lower surface in contact with the printed circuit board, and a guide axis 33—insertable into the guide hole 23—provided in a press portion 32 are provided, such that the pin header is held between the press portion 32 provided in the case frame 3 and the printed circuit board, enabling the pin header, even a slim, compact one, having a plurality of pin terminals to be fixed accurately to a predetermined position on the board with a predetermined posture.
US08169782B2 Electronic circuit device
An electronic circuit device that suppresses deformation of an adhesive layer of a flexible printed circuit board during formation of a resin seal portion, and suppresses deterioration of the circuit board caused by deformation of the adhesive layer. The electronic circuit device includes a substrate mounted with an electronic component; a flexible printed circuit board electrically connectable to the substrate and an external device, and includes a wiring conductor and a pair of insulation films covering upper and lower surfaces of the wiring conductor; and a resin molding portion to seal the substrate and a portion of the circuit board. The wiring conductor of the circuit board is adhered through an adhesive layer to at least one of the pair of insulation films, and a dummy wiring material that does not function as wiring is disposed on an outer side of a border between the circuit board and an outer peripheral portion of the plastic molding portion, and disposed between the pair of insulation films.
US08169781B2 Power supply and heat dissipation module thereof
A power supply includes a casing, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a heat dissipation module. The PCB is disposed in the casing and has a heat-generating element. The casing has a top cover. The heat dissipation module includes a heatsink and a heat dissipation plate. The heatsink is disposed at the PCB and contacts the heat-generating elements. The heatsink has a surface facing the top cover. The heat dissipation plate is disposed between the heatsink and the top cover and contacts the surface of the heatsink.
US08169780B2 Power conversion device
In a power conversion device including: a converter which steps up or down a voltage of a direct current power supply; and an inverter which converts the direct current voltage obtained by the converter into an alternating voltage to drive an electric motor, a plurality of magnetic parts are arranged above a switching element assembly unit with a water-cooled type second heat sink interposed between the switching element assembly unit and the plurality of magnetic parts, the switching element assembly unit configured by mounting all the switching element modules on upper and lower surfaces of a water-cooled type first heat sink. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a power conversion device capable of housing many switching element modules in a compact space and cooling them effectively, while preventing the influence of a noise due to the magnetic parts from acting on the switching element modules as much as possible.
US08169775B2 Cooling device for a circuit breaker and circuit breaker comprising such device
A cooling device for a circuit breaker which comprises a case having a front wall, a rear wall, an upper wall, a lower wall, two flanks, and a first series of side-by-side terminals and a second series of side-by-side terminals that protrude outside from the case for the connection of the circuit breaker with an electrical circuit. The cooling device includes at least one first body made of a thermal conducting material and which has a central portion suitable for being positioned transversally along and facing the first series of terminals so as to absorb heat generated at the first series of terminals, and a first end portion and a second end portion that protrude from the central portion and are configured so as to receive the heat absorbed by the central portion and to diffuse it outside the cooling device itself.teh
US08169774B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor and a method for manufacturing same
A first solid electrolytic capacitor according to the present invention includes a capacitor element, an exterior resin covering the capacitor element, an anode terminal, a cathode terminal, and a metal wire. The capacitor element includes an anode body from which an anode lead is extracted, a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the anode body, and a cathode layer formed on the dielectric layer. The anode terminal and the cathode terminal are electrically connected to the anode lead and the cathode layer, respectively, and extracted to an outer surface of the exterior resin, the anode terminal including an opposing part opposed to the anode lead in the exterior resin. The metal wire includes both ends connected to the opposing part and a curving part, and is provided to the anode lead, and at least a part of the curving part is electrically connected to the anode lead.
US08169772B2 Precision laser adjustable thin film capacitors
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a precision laser adjustable (e.g., trimmable) thin film capacitor array. A plurality of individual capacitors are formed on a common substrate and connected together in parallel by way of fusible links. The individual capacitors are provided as laddered capacitance value capacitors such that a plurality of lower valued capacitors corresponding to the lower steps of the ladder, and lesser numbers of capacitors, including a single capacitor, for successive steps of the ladder, are provided. Precision capacitance values can be achieved by either of fusing or ablating selected of the fusible links so as to remove the selected subcomponents from the parallel connection. In-situ live-trimming of selected fusible links may be performed after placement of the capacitor array on a hosting printed circuit board.
US08169771B2 High-stability thin-film capacitor and method for making the same
The dielectric of a capacitor is formed by superposition of at least two thin layers made from the same metal oxide, respectively in crystalline and amorphous form and respectively presenting quadratic voltage coefficients of capacitance of opposite signs. The respective thicknesses da and dc of the amorphous and crystalline thin layers comply with the following general formulas: d a = ɛ 0 ⁢ ɛ a C s ⁢ ⁢ 0 ⁢ ( 1 1 - ( ɛ c ɛ a ) 2 ⁢ γ a γ c ) ⁢ ⁢ and ⁢ ⁢ d c = ɛ 0 ⁢ ɛ c C s ⁢ ⁢ 0 ⁢ ( 1 1 - ( ɛ a ɛ c ) 2 ⁢ γ c γ a ) in which ∈0 corresponds to the electric constant, ∈c and ∈a correspond to the relative permittivity of the metal oxide respectively in crystalline form and in amorphous form, Cs0 corresponds to the total surface capacitance at zero field, and γc and γa correspond to the quadratic coefficient of capacitance with respect to the electric field of the metal oxide respectively in crystalline form and in amorphous form.
US08169766B2 Shaft current control brush ring assembly
A shaft current control brush ring assembly includes a cup and a brush ring assembly secured within the cup. The cup is secured to a motor faceplate, within a recess formed in the faceplate by interference fit, or by means of a clamp attached to the faceplate. A slinger can be associated with the brush ring assembly.
US08169765B2 High-side driver
A high-side driver has a semiconductor element being connected in series in a power supply path extending from a DC power source to a linear solenoid and turned on/off to control a current of the linear solenoid. The high-side driver includes a current detector of a current of the linear solenoid, a controller of the semiconductor element, a state detector of the high-side driver or the linear solenoid and output a state signal, a first transmit buffer to latch and output the state signal, a second transmit buffer to output the state signal without latching the same, and a transmit shift register to convert the state signal into serial data and transmit the serial data to an external device at predetermined timing. The state detector selects at least one of the first and second transmit buffers and outputs the state signal to the selected one.
US08169762B2 Relay with current transformer
Current transformer relays having dual functions as current transformers and electromechanical switches are described. The current transformer relay includes a relay coil and a conducting loop concentric with the relay coil. Additional functions are thus provided in addition to the main relay switching function or functions. The concentric nature of the relay coil and the conducting loop create a current transformer between these elements. The additional functions include the ability to measure an alternating current (AC) current conducted by the conducting loop, the ability to detect and interpret an information signal imposed on power lines connected to the conducting loop, the ability to induce or impose an information signal on the conducting loop for transmission to power lies connected to the conducting loop, and the ability to measure a differential current between currents carried by the conducting loop and a second concentric conducting loop.
US08169750B1 Removable nanopositioning cartridge for magnetic head and disk testers
A removable cartridge for magnetic head and disk testers is disclosed. The removable cartridge includes: a base plate; a first end of an actuator rigidly fixed to the base plate; an HGA mounting block rigidly fixed to a second end of the actuator; a first end of a flexure rigidly coupled to the HGA mounting block; and a second end of the flexure rigidly coupled to the base plate.
US08169747B2 Cushioning ramp having a stepped structure for a magnetic disc apparatus
For cushioning a shock to prevent problems such as a reading error, a ramp for a magnetic disc apparatus is made of a resin material for forming a ramp main body and a material having higher rigidity than the resin material, disc facing surfaces in the disc insertion portion for inserting a magnetic disc is provided with disc contact portions made of the high rigidity material, a bottom surface portion of a concave portion of the disc insertion portion is constructed by a combination of a bottom surface portion made of the resin material and a bottom surface portion made of the high rigidity material, and a step structure is provided by arranging the bottom surface portion made of the high rigidity material at a position moved rearward in a depth direction of the concave portion in comparison with the bottom surface portion made of the resin material.
US08169745B2 Head gimbal assembly having balanced weight, and disk drive unit with the same
A HGA includes a load beam having a dimple formed thereon; a flexure including a suspension tongue and a support plate connected with the suspension tongue; and a slider having a leading edge and trailing edge opposite to the leading edge. The slider is mounted on the flexure such that the slider is supported by the dimple at the center of the slider. The leading edge is attached on the suspension tongue and trailing edge is attached on the support plate. A weight-balance structure is formed on the suspension tongue of the flexure to balance the weight of the HGA between a portion from the trailing edge to the slider center and another portion from the leading edge to the slider center. The invention also discloses various methods of manufacturing HGA with the balanced weight.
US08169742B2 Magnetic recording medium, magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, method for manufacturing magnetic recording medium, and method for checking magnetic recording medium
A magnetic recording medium is provided, which has recording layers having concavo-convex patterns formed on both sides of a substrate and can easily distinguish one face from the other face. A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus having the magnetic recording medium is also provided. The magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, a first recording layer formed in a first concavo-convex pattern on a side of a first face, and a second recording layer formed in a second concavo-convex pattern on a side of a second face. The magnetic recording medium also includes a distinction element which can distinguish the first face from the second face. At least part of the distinction element is disposed in a non-recording area adjacent to at least one of an inner part and an outer part of a recording area in a radial direction.
US08169729B2 Magnetic recording/reproducing using a patterned medium
To synchronize a write/read frequency with media with high precision even when a write head is positioned in a different zone in a magnetic recording/reproducing device equipped with patterned media formed with writing hit patterns and having a zoned format function, a write head is positioned on a recording track in the vicinity of a boundary between zones, and the write head is positioned in a different zone from the zone in which the read head is positioned, the preamble pattern in the zone in which the read head is positioned is reproduced, a difference between frequencies of the preamble patterns of the zones is compensated to determine a write frequency used for writing data into a desired track, and then start timing for writing is determined based on a synchronization pattern obtained at the position of the read head. Other systems and methods are presented as well.
US08169725B2 Hard disk drive and method for managing scratches on a disk of the hard disk drive
A method for managing scratches on a disk of a hard disk drive is disclosed. By dividing the disk into a plurality of evaluation groups, testing each evaluation group for defects, calculating line equations based on the detected defects and determining whether the defects of the evaluation groups appreciably conform to their respective line equations, scratch fill operations may be appropriately performed using the line equations.
US08169724B2 Objective lens adapter
High-precision observation is made possible while allowing contact between a distal end of an objective lens and an optical element without damaging the distal end of the objective lens and the optical element even when attaching to and detaching from the distal end of the objective lens. Provided is an objective lens adapter including a fixed member that is fixed to a lens tube of an objective lens, a distal-end member including an optical element that is made to be placed in contact with the distal-end surface of the objective lens, and an elastic member that is disposed between the distal-end member and the fixed member and that urges the optical element in a direction that causes the optical element to contact the distal-end surface of the objective lens.
US08169720B2 Rear focus wide-angle lens system and electronic imaging device using the same
A rear focus wide-angle lens system includes a first lens group, a diaphragm, and a second lens group, in this order from the object. The second lens group is moved along the optical axis of the lens system when focusing is performed from infinity to an object at a closer distance. The rear focus wide-angle lens system satisfies the condition 1.5
US08169719B2 Image capture lens and image capture apparatus
An image capture lens includes, in following order from an object side, a first lens made of glass which has a meniscus shape with a convex surface facing the object side and has positive refractive power, an aperture stop, a second lens made of glass which has a meniscus shape with a convex surface facing an image side and has negative refractive power, and a third lens made of resin which has a convex surface facing the object side and has positive refractive power. The image capture lens satisfies following conditional formulae (1) and (2): f2/f<−3.5, and  (1) f3/f>3.5,  (2) where f: focal length of the entire lens system; f2: focal length of the second lens; and f3: focal length of the third lens.
US08169717B2 Large aperture imaging optical systems
Large aperture optical systems that are extremely well corrected over a large flat field and over a large spectral range are disclosed. Breathing and aberration variation during focusing are optionally controlled by moving at least two groups of lens elements independently. Aberration correction in general is aided by allowing the working distance to become short relative to the format diagonal. Field curvature is largely corrected by a steeply curved concave surface relatively close to the image plane. This allows the main collective elements to be made of low-index anomalous dispersion materials in order to correct secondary spectrum. In wide-angle example embodiments, distortion may be controlled with an aspheric surface near the front of the lens.
US08169701B2 Diffusing screen
Various embodiments related to a rear projection display screen configured to reduce an intensity of light at a viewing angle at which the light is less likely to be viewed by a user are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment provides a diffusing screen comprising a sheet-like structure transparent to one or more wavelengths of light. The sheet-like structure has a viewing surface and comprises a diffusing pattern configured to create destructive interference of a selected wavelength of light traveling in a direction normal to a plane of the viewing surface of the screen.
US08169697B2 Screen unit
A screen unit includes: a rectangular screen; fixing assist members provided on the screen along two opposed sides of the screen; first supporting units fixed to two sides of the screen different from the two opposed sides along which the fixing assist members are provided; second supporting units fixed to the screen via the fixing assist members; a first tensioning unit which applies tension in the direction of separating the first supporting units away from each other; and a second tensioning unit which applies tension in the direction of separating the second supporting units away from each other.
US08169689B2 Integrated modulator illumination
A spatial light modulator includes an array of elements to modulate light in accordance with image data. The modulator has a display panel having first and second surfaces arranged adjacent to the array of elements such that the second surface is directly adjacent the array of elements to allow a viewer to view an image produced by modulation of light The modulator may also include a light source to provide light to the display panel and illumination dots on the first surface of the display panel to reflect light from the source to the array of elements.
US08169684B2 Vehicular rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating these elements
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
US08169680B2 Polymers responsive to radiation pressures
Polymers that undergo a reversible phase change in response to being exposed to a light from a laser having a radiation pressure greater than a threshold level. The phase changeable polymers have the ability to reduce the intensity of the laser and can advantageously scatter laser light incident on the polymers. The on-off response of such polymers is in the microsecond range and the light scattering property is independent of laser wavelength. The polymers can beneficially be incorporated into devices to protect human vision and optical instruments that are vulnerable to lasers at high intensities. Methods for making and using such devices are also disclosed.
US08169668B2 Image processing apparatus and file transmission method
An image processing apparatus is premised on the assumption that it is connected to a policy server. If no access policy is given to a file to be transmitted, the image processing apparatus forms definition information for defining an access policy, and registers the formed definition information in the policy server. The image processing apparatus then transmits, to a client computer across a network, a file to which the access policy is given.
US08169658B2 Printing apparatus for preventing paper curl
A printing apparatus includes: an image data acquiring unit which acquires image data representing an image of a print target; a print data generating unit which on the basis of the image data generates print data for forming the image by allowing an ink head to perform scanning and record ink in a specific edge of a print medium more times than in a portion other than the specific edge; and a print control unit which performs printing on the image on the basis of the print data by controlling the ink head.
US08169655B2 Technology for combining images in a form
When a plurality of image data are received, a form data from among at least one form data and a format data from among at least one format data are selected based on number of the image data. The image data, selected form data and format data are combined to generate an output image.
US08169643B2 Communication system including printer and user terminals for bi-directional communications
A communication system includes: at least one user terminal; a printer; a storage device; a registering unit; and a list transmitting unit. The printer includes a print controlling unit that prints an image on a recording sheet based on target print data received from a user terminal, and that prints on the same recording sheet a mark set by the user terminal according to a mark configuration parameter. The registering unit records in the storage device a combination of a mark configuration parameter and identification data that is received from one of the at least one user terminal, the mark configuration parameter indicating configuration of a mark that has been set at the subject user terminal, the identification data identifying one user that has set the mark. The list transmitting unit transmits to each user terminal data of a mark list that lists up at least one combination of the mark configuration parameter and the identification data that has been stored in the storage device.
US08169635B2 Network printing system capable of printing a web page
When a user desires to periodically subscript a certain Web page (to automatically print the Web page), the user makes access to a sign-up page of the desired Web page by using a PC, via a facsimile machine. When the user clicks an “OK” button on the sign-up page, a setting request is transmitted to a Web server through the facsimile machine. In response to the setting request, the Web server sends back a data packet including an HTML document with a comment tag including periodical subscription setting data, as a response to the user. The transmitted periodical subscription setting data is received by the facsimile machine. When receiving the response, the facsimile machine determines whether a receiver's IP address and port number included in the data packet have been registered in the facsimile machine. When the IP address and port number are included, the facsimile machine extracts the periodical subscription setting data from the data packet and the setting of periodical subscription is performed therein based on the periodical subscription setting data.
US08169633B2 Method and apparatus for attempted secure print job release notification
A method and apparatus for notifying a user of an attempted secure print job release from an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a secure print job and secure print job instructions from a user, wherein the secure print job instructions include at least a pass code and the user's contact information, determining if a pass code has been entered for the user's secure print job, wherein if it is determined that a pass code has been entered for the user's secure print job, determining if the entered pass code is correct, wherein if it is determined that the entered pass code is correct, sending a signal to print the secure print job and notifying the user in accordance with the user's contact information that the secure print job has been printed, otherwise, notifying the user in accordance with the user's contact information that an unauthorized user attempted to print the secure print job.
US08169620B1 Sub-pixel spatial resolution wavefront phase imaging
A phase imaging method for an optical wavefront acquires a plurality of phase images of the optical wavefront using a phase imager. Each phase image is unique and is shifted with respect to another of the phase images by a known/controlled amount that is less than the size of the phase imager's pixels. The phase images are then combined to generate a single high-spatial resolution phase image of the optical wavefront.
US08169618B2 Optical structure measuring apparatus and optical probe thereof
In an embodiment of the present invention, an OCT probe is configured by including: a thin and long substantially cylindrical sheath whose distal end is closed; an n-reflecting surface body, as an irradiating device, which has n reflecting surfaces (with n being an integer of three or more) and which is provided in a distal end portion of the sheath; a torque transmitting coil, as a rotating device, which is provided along the longitudinal axis of the sheath and which transmits rotational torque for rotating each of the reflection surfaces of the n-reflecting surface body about the longitudinal axis of the sheath; and n fibers (1) to (n), as an n-channel waveguide device, which are provided and fixed in the sheath in a side by side relationship with the torque transmitting coil.
US08169614B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a colorimeter that obtains color measurement data from a recording surface of a recording material, a colorimeter holder that holds the colorimeter, a colorimeter carriage that reciprocates the colorimeter holder on a retainer member that holds the recording material during color measurement, and a link mechanism that links the colorimeter holder and the colorimeter carriage. The colorimeter holder is linked by the link mechanism rotatably by a predetermined angle around a first axis along the reciprocating direction on the retainer member, and rotatably by a predetermined angle around a second axis along the surface of the recording material held by the retainer member and perpendicular to the reciprocating direction.
US08169612B2 System and method for performing ellipsometric measurements on an arbitrarily large or continuously moving sample
A method for calibrating an apparatus for ellipsometric measurements performed on an arbitrarily large or continuously moving sample, using a visible sample reference frame, and one or more laser sources in order to calibrate the ellipsometer for variations in the distance between the ellipsometer apparatus and the sample of interest. Included are techniques for projecting a first laser beam spot from an incident laser source onto a sample, then analyzing the position of the first laser beam spot relative to the center of the sample reference frame using human-aided measurements and confirmations and/or computer vision techniques. Then adjusting pivot points and/or apparatus-to-sample distance to achieve a first beam spot being located about the center of the sample reference frame, and concurrently intersecting the plane of the sample. Other techniques include changing the incidence and reflectance angle using a semi-circular track arc design with a stepping motor activating each goniometer arm.
US08169609B2 System and method for improving performance of optical systems with tilted windows
An optical system with a tilted window. The novel optical system includes a first optical element for receiving an input signal and generating an output signal; a first window adapted to transmit the output signal, the first window being tilted at an angle relative to an axis normal to an optical axis of the system; and a second window adapted to compensate for the first window. In an illustrative embodiment, the first window is an input window of a camera adapted to detect the output signal and is tilted such that reflections from and within the window do not strike detector elements of the camera. In a preferred embodiment, the second window has similar thickness and optical properties as the first window, and is positioned in the optical path of the input signal, tilted at an angle designed to compensate for the first window.
US08169601B2 Photoluminescent heat-shrinkable films
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a multilayer heat-shrinkable styrene-based film that makes it possible, even when the film is transparent, to confirm that the film is correctly applied on a drink bottle and the like as a label. The present invention provides a heat-shrinkable styrene-based film having at least one layer containing a styrene-based resin containing a copolymer b1 of 98 to 40% by weight vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and 2 to 60% by weight aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, and/or a block copolymer b2 of 70 to 85% by weight vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and 15 to 30% by weight conjugated diene hydrocarbon, and a fluorescent brightening agent in an amount of 100 to 2,000 weight ppm with respect to the total weight of the styrene-based resin. The present invention also provides a heat-shrinkable film having a three-layer structure containing front and back layers and a core layer, wherein the above-mentioned copolymer b1 and/or copolymer b2 forms the core layer.
US08169593B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A system and method use a substrate with a pattern of individual, indiscrete alignment marks, i.e., the marks are separate and distinct from each other, and each mark is not divided into component parts. The pattern of marks is distributed over an area of the substrate, and the method also comprises the steps of providing a beam of radiation using an illumination system and an array of individually controllable elements to impart the beam with a pattern in its cross-section, providing a projection system to project the patterned beam onto the substrate, and providing a movement system to effect relative movement between the substrate and the projection system. A detection system, able to detect the alignment marks individually, is also provided, and the method includes using the detection system to detect the marks to determine a relative position of the substrate to the projection system, using the movement system to position the substrate relative to the projection system, and using the projection system to project the patterned beam of radiation onto a target portion of the substrate. The pattern comprises one or more rows of simple alignment marks, such as spots and short linear marks.
US08169591B2 Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and method for producing device
An exposure apparatus is provided with a projection optical system, and the projection optical system includes a first optical element disposed most closely to an image plane of the projection optical system. The exposure apparatus includes a first liquid immersion mechanism which forms a first liquid immersion area of a first liquid between the first optical element and an upper surface of a transparent member provided on a side of the image plane of the projection optical system, and an observation unit which observes a state of the first liquid immersion area. It is possible to grasp the state of the liquid immersion area of the liquid, thereby executing optimum liquid immersion exposure.
US08169590B2 Exposure apparatus and device fabrication method
An exposure apparatus is provided which can supply and collect a liquid in a prescribed state, and that can suppress degradation of a pattern image projected onto a substrate. The exposure apparatus is provided with a nozzle member (70) having a supply outlet (12) that supplies a liquid (LQ) and a collection inlet (22) that collects a liquid (LQ), and a vibration isolating mechanism (60) that supports the nozzle member (70) and vibrationally isolates the nozzle member (70) from a lower side step part (7) of a main column (1).
US08169589B2 Adaptive focusing using liquid crystal zone plates in electro-optical readers
Working range and beam cross-section are adjusted in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by applying voltages to electrodes in one or more liquid crystal zone plates in which the index of refraction is changed in different regions of each zone plate.
US08169588B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same
A flexible and highly reliable liquid crystal display device which is not easily damaged even if subjected to external pressure is provided. A method for manufacturing, with high yield, a flexible and highly reliable liquid crystal display device which is not easily damaged even if subjected to external pressure is also provided. A liquid crystal display device including a first structure body including a first fibrous body and a first organic resin, a second structure body including a second fibrous body and a second organic resin, a liquid crystal interposed between the first and second structure bodies, and a seal member for fixing the first and second structure bodies and for enclosing the liquid crystal. The first and second fibrous bodies are impregnated with the first and second organic resins, respectively, and the first structure body and the second structure body are in contact with each other.
US08169586B2 Liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display panel is disclosed, including: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of first, second and third spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the distribution density of the first spacers being larger than that of the second spacers and the distribution density of the third spacers being larger than that of the first spacers. The liquid crystal display panel can effectively reduce image display defects caused by the gravity mura, the press mura and the push mura.
US08169579B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (LCD) has pixels with large effective aperture ratios. The LCD includes: a first insulating film formed over the gate line and the common electrode; a data line formed over the first insulating film, the data line crossing over the gate line, the data line being bent in a zigzag manner; a second insulating film formed over the data line; a pixel electrode formed over the second insulating film and comprising a plurality of subpixel electrodes substantially parallel to the data line, the pixel electrode comprising a connecting electrode interconnecting the subpixel electrodes; a shielding electrode formed over the second insulating film to overlie the data line; and a liquid crystal layer.
US08169575B2 Method of manufacturing liquid crystal display
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display includes providing a first display panel, providing a second display panel, disposing liquid crystals and an alignment additive between the first display panel and the second display panel, applying a gradually increasing pre-tilting voltage to the first display panel and the second display panel, and hardening the alignment additive.
US08169573B2 Liquid crystal display device using a phase-difference film and in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device using a phase-difference film
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device is provided. The LCD device includes an LCD panel having a first liquid crystal layer therein; a first polarizing sheet; and a first phase-difference compensation portion disposed adjacent a first surface of the LCD panel between the LCD panel and the first polarizing sheet. The first phase-difference compensation portion includes a plurality of phase-difference films having at least second and third liquid crystal layers with tilt angles that are different.
US08169572B2 Display apparatus and electronic apparatus
A display apparatus includes: at least one pixel section including a display cell that has a pixel electrode and a light-receiving cell that has a light-receiving element; and a shielding electric conductor configured to electrically shield the pixel electrode on the side of the display cell from the light-receiving element. The shielding electric conductor is formed between the pixel electrode and the light-receiving element and has a fixed potential.
US08169568B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device has a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and the second substrates. The first substrate includes a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode. The second substrate includes a color filter facing a pixel electrode of one of the pixels, and a black matrix formed on a region except the color filter. The black matrix has an opening that exposes a portion of one of the gate electrodes. External light entering the opening is reflected from the gate electrode.
US08169567B2 Viewing angle controlling liquid crystal panel and display device
A viewing angle controlling liquid crystal panel in which uniformity of a shielding effect in a screen is further improved is provided. Linearly polarized light enters a liquid crystal layer. Further, the liquid crystal layer is provided, on a light exit side of the liquid crystal layer, with a polarizing plate transmitting only a component of light having exited from the liquid crystal layer which component is parallel to a polarization axis of the linearly polarized light having entered the liquid crystal layer. Liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer are tilted in a direction parallel to or perpendicular to the polarization axis of the linearly polarized light having entered the liquid crystal layer. In addition, an electrode (26) is provided so that two or more different voltages can be applied to the liquid crystal layer simultaneously.
US08169554B2 Projection display apparatus and display method using the same
A projection display apparatus has a beam controller provided on the optical axis of an optically-modulated linearly-polarized beam, to allow the beam to travel therethrough to reach a screen or cut off the beam, under control by a control signal. The controller, has driving zones on which the beam is incident. The zones are provided in a direction corresponding to a vertical scanning direction of pixels of a liquid crystal display device installed in the display apparatus, for optically modulating a linearly polarized beam. The controller is driven per driving zone in a specific zone order at a timing of vertical scanning of the pixels under control by the control signal generated based on a vertical synchronization signal detected from the input signal. The optically modulated beam is allowed to travel through the controller or cut off when incident on the zones at the timing of the vertical scanning.
US08169551B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting center frequency of filter
The present invention provides a method for adjusting a center frequency of a filter utilized for extracting information carried via a target channel. The method includes: detecting adjacent channel interference (ACI) for the target channel to generate a channel interference information; and adjusting the center frequency of the filter for the target channel according to the channel interference information.
US08169549B2 Receiver
This receiver includes a receiver body having an antenna connection portion connected with an antenna, a control portion controlling the receiver body, a first internal power source provided on the receiver body for supplying power to the control portion and a second internal power source provided on the receiver body to be electrically insulated from the first internal power source for supplying power to the antenna.
US08169546B2 Technique for tuner automatic gain control circuit for mobile television applications
A technique for providing stable tracking performance to an AGC loop circuit comprises amplifying a wideband radio frequency signal; detecting signals and blockers adjacent to the radio frequency signal; lowering a gain of the radio frequency signal; mixing a local oscillator signal with the radio frequency signal; shifting a frequency of the radio frequency signal from a radio frequency to an intermediate frequency; continuously varying a gain of the intermediate frequency signal; converting the intermediate frequency signal into a digital output signal; comparing the digital output signal with predefined thresholds comprising an upper threshold and a lower threshold; switching a post mixer amplifier (PMA) to a high gain state when an input of a variable gain amplifier (VGA) is greater than the upper threshold, and switching the PMA to a low gain state when an input of the VGA is lower than the lower threshold.
US08169533B2 Zoom lens system and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens system having a high zoom ratio and excellently correcting various aberrations over an entire zoom range between a wide angle end and a telephoto end to obtain high optical performance in the entire zoom range, includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit, and a fourth lens unit. The fourth lens unit includes a front subunit and a rear subunit, the rear subunit being constituted by two negative lenses and at least three positive lenses. The rear subunit includes a first rear-subunit and a second rear-subunit. Each of the first rear-subunit and the second rear-subunit includes a negative lens and at least one positive lens. Lens materials are suitably set for the first rear-subunit and the rear second-subunit.
US08169531B2 System and method for automatically focusing an optical lens of an image measuring machine
A system and method for automatically focusing an optical lens controls the light generated by a light-emitting device of an image measuring machine to penetrate a glass sheet, so as to project a picture of the glass sheet onto an object. The system and method further moves an optical lens along a Z-axis of the image measuring machine to capture one or more digital images of the object, and computes a definition value of each captured digital image. Furthermore, the system and method obtains a focus position corresponding to the highest definition value of the captured digital image.
US08169511B2 Imaging apparatus and photographing control method
After an end of exposure, a data level of OB signals that are imaging signals output from OB portion 400 are sampled by a CDS circuit 6 twice, to artificially generate two OB signals from each OB signal. Thereby, assuming that the total number of OB signals required to stabilize the black level in the clamp circuit 9 is n, the black level can be stabilized before it is started to output effective signals that are imaging signals from effective pixel portion 200 even if the number of OB signals output from the OB portion 400 is 1/n (in the case where pixel mixing or pixel thinning is performed, or in the case where the number of photoelectric conversion elements in the OB portion 400 is less than n). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the image degradation by suppressing a wrong black level.
US08169509B2 Image pickup system with signal noise reduction
In the image pickup system of the present invention, factors that have an effect on noise such as the signal level, temperature of the CCD during shooting, exposure time, gain and the like are dynamically acquired, the noise level of the CCD is estimated, for example, for each pixel by a noise estimating unit, and signal components equal to or less than this noise level in the video signals are suppressed by a noise reducing unit, so that a high-quality image that is substantially free of noise is obtained while preserving the edges of the image and the like.
US08169507B2 Image recording apparatus with electronic zoom and recording size setting, and control method and program therefor
An image recording apparatus for recording an image captured by use of electronic zoom, comprises an electronic-zoom setting unit configured to set a zoom magnification when using the electronic zoom, a recording-mode selection unit configured to select at least either a non-compression format or a compression format as a recording mode in recording the captured image, a recording-size setting unit configured to set a recording size in each recording mode, and a control unit configured to, when the zoom magnification is set to a magnification at which an image is enlarged, control a recording size in the non-compression format to be larger than the recording size set by the recording-size setting unit.
US08169498B2 Nonlinear error correction processor for an image sensor
An image pickup device is provided, capable of complete correction with data of once analog-to-digital conversion, and prevention of excess use of switches and analog devices and/or erroneous correction, including: an image sensor having a plurality of analog-to-digital converters determining conversion results from a digital signal of higher order bit through separate steps of two or more times; a first correction unit which has a correction factor for correcting nonlinear errors of the plurality of analog-to-digital converters so as to adapt to the analog-to-digital converters and corrects a nonlinear error of a digital signal output from respective analog-to-digital converters based on a correction factor corresponding to respective analog-to-digital converters, characterized in that the first correction unit corrects the nonlinear errors after converting the digital signals from the plurality of analog-to-digital converters into a serial output.
US08169488B2 Digital camera for performing exposure during rotation to produce a panoramic image
A digital camera includes an imager. An optical image of an object scene is irradiated onto an imaging surface of the imager. When the digital camera is rotated, a CPU starts measuring processing for repetitively measuring a rotation angle, and suppresses a change due to the rotation in a positional relationship between the imaging surface and the optical image on the basis of the result of the measurement. The CPU performs exposure processing on the imager every time that the measurement result and the angle of view of the optical image on the imaging surface satisfy the angular condition, and captures the object scene image generated on the imaging surface in to a memory. The plurality of object scene images thus stored in the memory are combined with each other to thereby produce a single panoramic object scene image.
US08169487B2 Image-shake correction apparatus and imaging apparatus
An image-shake correction apparatus includes a shake detection unit configured to detect a shake applied to the image-shake correction apparatus, a shake correction unit configured to correct the shake of an image caused by the shake, a drive unit configured to drive the shake correction unit, a filtering unit configured to remove a specific frequency component from the output of the shake detection unit, a characteristic change unit configured to change the frequency characteristic of the filtering unit, and a temperature detection unit configured to detect temperature of the shake detection unit or a vivinity thereof, wherein the characteristic change unit changes the frequency characteristic of the filtering unit according to the change rate in temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.
US08169479B2 Device for scanning acquisition of a digital image with passive stabilization
Device for scanning acquisition of a digital image by means of a photosensitive linear detector (11). The device is able to undergo movements perpendicular to the scanning direction. The device also includes two other photosensitive linear detectors (12, 13). The three photosensitive linear detectors being placed so that the detection is carried out substantially along a U.
US08169466B2 Endoscope system
An endoscope system comprises a light source, a light sensor, a signal processor, a video-signal generator, and a switcher. The light source emits red light including a first wavelength, green light including a second wavelength, and blue light including a third wavelength. The light sensor receives the light of the light source. The signal processor obtains a red signal based on the red light, a green signal based on the green light, and a blue signal based on the blue light. The video-signal generator generates video signal based on the red, green, and blue signals. The switcher switches between a first switching state and a second switching state. The red, green, and blue signals are output to the video-signal generator in the first switching state. The green and blue signals are output to the video-signal generator in the second switching state.
US08169445B2 Methods and systems for full-color three-dimensional image display
Methods and systems for displaying full-color three-dimensional imagery are provided. A first color set, having a first color spectrum, is defined to include a first set of LEDs. The first color set is assigned to a first color-coded image perspective. A second color set, having a second color spectrum, is defined to include a second set of LEDs. The second color set is assigned to a second color-coded image perspective. The full-color three-dimensional imagery is caused by activating, alternatively, at least two LEDs of the first color set or the second color set and one LED of a remaining color set and displaying the three-dimensional image based on the first image perspective and the second image perspective.
US08169444B2 Bit block transfer circuit and method thereof and color filling method
A bit block transfer (Bitblt) circuit includes a read register, a write register, a bit shifting circuit and an overflowing register. The read register stores decomposition data including original data. The bit shifting circuit shifts the decomposition data in the read register to the write register and shifts bits of the decomposition data in the write register such that an initial bit of the original data of the decomposition data is situated apart from an initial address of the write register by a bit-shifting amount. The overflowing register coupled to the write register stores overflowing data of the original data overflowing from a memory length of the write register when the bits of the decomposition data in the write register are being shifted. The write register outputs and writes the decomposition data therein to a memory cell of a first memory.
US08169436B2 Methods and systems for remoting three dimensional graphics
Methods and systems for providing three dimensional graphics to remote computing machines and appliances that include an agent executing on a local computing machine to intercept a plurality of graphics commands generated by a three dimensional application executing on a local computing machine. A first portion of the plurality of graphics commands are encoded by the agent using a first codec, while a second portion of the plurality of graphics commands are encoded by the agent using a second codec. The agent creates a frame comprising the first portion and the second portion of the plurality of graphics commands, compresses the frame, and transmits the frame to a remote computing machine.
US08169427B2 Display module
A display module includes a substrate, wherein the substrate has a plurality of pixels, a signal line that supplies a data signal to a pixel, a current supply line that supplies electric current to the pixel, and a data driving circuit that supplies a data signal to the data line thereon. The plurality of pixels delimit a display area of the substrate and the pixel includes an emitting device, and a first thin transistor connected to the signal line that supplies the data signal.
US08169421B2 Apparatus and method for detecting a touch-sensor pad gesture
An apparatus and method for distinguishing a particular gesture from among multiple gestures, performed by a conductive object on the sensing device, using fewer than three time intervals. The apparatus may include a sensing device to detect a presence of a conductive object, and a processing device, coupled to the sensing device, to distinguish the multiple gestures. The method may include distinguishing between a tap gesture, a double tap gesture, a drag gesture, and a motion gesture.
US08169418B2 Displays for electronic devices that detect and respond to the size and/or angular orientation of user input objects
An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display screen including an array of electromagnetic radiation detectors. The array of electromagnetic radiation detectors is configured to generate an image signal that represents an image of a user input object that is closely spaced to the display, and to generate a touch signal in response to the display screen being touched by the user input object. The electronic device further includes a controller circuit that is configured to display a plurality of keys forming a keyboard and to display characters on the keys. The controller identifies from the image signal a size and/or an angular orientation of the user input object relative to the display screen. The controller identifies a user's selection among characters indicated on the keyboard keys in response to the identified size and/or the angular orientation of the user input object and in response to the touch signal, and outputs character data corresponding to the identified user selected character.
US08169397B2 Liquid crystal display device and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device and driving method for same is disclosed. The liquid crystal display device included: a plurality of pixel cells formed at pixel regions defined by crossings of a plurality of gate and data lines on a substrate, each pixel cell for displaying one of three colors, wherein the pixel cells are arranged with pixel cells of a single color arranged along the each gate line, and pixel cells of the three colors are alternately arranged along each data line; a gate built-in circuit built on the substrate that sequentially drives the gate lines; and a driving integrated circuit formed on the liquid crystal panel, that drives the gate built-in circuit and that modulates a video signal to be supplied to the data lines in response to an ambient temperature of the liquid crystal panel.
US08169388B2 Color correction apparatus
A display system provides a display assembly having a display screen. LEDs are presorted into a plurality of groups, each group of LEDs having substantially the same color that is different than the color of another group. LEDs are selected from one of the groups. The selected LEDs are mounted in the display assembly to illuminate the display screen. A non-electronic color adjuster is mounted in the light path from the selected LEDs to shift the light color to a predetermined color.
US08169385B2 Image display device
In an image display device, a transistor formed in each pixel circuit is an N-channel transistor. Each pixel circuit further comprises an enable switch disposed in a current path supplying electric current to a light-emitting element and a supplementary capacitor for controlling changes in voltage of a terminal of a holding capacitor at one end opposite another terminal connected with writing switch. The light-emitting element is connected between the source of a driver transistor for supplying a current to the light-emitting element and a low-voltage side power line, an enable switch is connected between the drain of the driver transistor and a high-voltage side power line, and supplementary capacitor is connected between the drain of driver transistor and a predetermined power line.
US08169383B2 Display method in an active matrix display device
The present invention relates to a method for displaying an image in an active matrix display device and more particularly in an active matrix OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display) display. The purpose of this invention is to increase the video dynamic range of each color component. The voltages applied to the OLED cells are based on reference voltages or currents. According to the invention, a different set of reference voltages is used for each color component. To this end, the video frame is divided into at least three sub-frames and at least one color component of the picture is addressed during each subframe with a set of reference voltages adapted to said color component.
US08169380B2 System and method for driving and receiving data from multiple touch screen devices
In one embodiment, multiple touch screen devices are driven from a graphics signal. A general-purpose computer provides a graphics signal of a particular display resolution. A display segmentor is configured to divide each graphics frame of the graphics signal into a plurality of pixel groups, each pixel group associated with a particular touch screen device of the plurality of touch screen devices. The display segmentor is further configured to generate an individual graphics signal from each pixel group, each individual graphics signal having a display resolution that is lower than the particular display resolution. One or more interfaces transmit each individual graphics signal to a different touch screen device of the plurality of touch screen devices.
US08169370B2 Method and system for antenna geometry for multiple antenna handsets
Certain embodiments for antenna geometry for multiple antenna handsets may include receiving RF signals via a patch antenna coupled to a signal processing circuitry within a mobile terminal. The signal processing circuitry may process the RF signals, comprising at least one of a plurality of polarizations that are received by the patch antenna. The patch antenna may be a dual-polarized antenna, and may comprise a plurality of ports. RF signals at a first of the plurality of ports may be orthogonally polarized with respect to RF signals at a second of the plurality of ports. The patch antenna may be optimized to receive multiple RF bands. Each of the multiple RF bands may be communicated via different ports to be processed.
US08169367B2 Radio-frequency device, and radio-frequency tag communication device
A radio-frequency device includes a PAA processing portion configured to control a directivity of reception of a receiver antenna device, a received-signal-strength detecting portion configured to detect a strength of the received signal received by the receiver antenna device, and a direction detecting portion configured to detect the direction toward the communication object, on the basis of a direction in which a higher one of two strength values of the received signal respectively detected in first and second maximum-reception-directivity directions of a predetermined angular difference established by the PAA processing portion is minimal. Accordingly, the direction toward the radio-frequency tag can be suitably detected.
US08169361B2 Electronically scanned radar system
A sampled beat signal RD is split into a plurality of short-time data SD in the time direction, for each of antenna elements. Interference component frequency of an interference wave is detected from a frequency spectrum of the short-time data SD. A digital beam forming process is performed for the interference component frequency of the interference wave to extract a peak of the electrical power of an azimuth direction and estimate an absolute value of an incoming direction of interference components. Based on the absolute value of the incoming direction of the estimated interference components, a filter for suppressing the interference components is operated to suppress the interference components.
US08169357B2 Transmission scheduling for ADS-B ground systems
System and methods for reducing redundant messages broadcast in an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system. For a given target, a controller determines the relevant customers that should receive information about the target, identifies all of the ground stations that can be satisfactorily heard by the relevant customers, and then identifies a smaller subset of ground stations by selecting only those ground stations that are needed to reach all of the relevant customers. ADS-B messages are then broadcast to the relevant customers using only the smaller subset of ground stations.
US08169353B2 Wideband digital to analog converter with built-in load attenuator
A circuit for digital-to-analog conversion is described. The circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC includes a double cascaded current source and a differential current-mode switch (DCMS). The circuit further includes a direct current (DC) offset stage. The circuit also includes a load attenuator. The double cascaded current source may be between the DCMS and a rail voltage.
US08169348B2 Parallel-serial converter circuit
In a parallel-serial converter circuit of a multistage configuration, there is formed a clock propagation path so that when multistage connected data converters are operated according to the timing of a clock signal, a reference clock signal or a clock signal in which the reference clock signal has been frequency-converted, is given sequentially to the data converter of the first stage up to the data converter of the final stage. As a result, even in a case where variations occur in power supply voltage, timing deviation of data signals and clock signals input to the data converters of the second and subsequent stages can be suppressed, and parallel-serial conversion of high-speed data signals can be reliably executed.
US08169346B2 Apparatus and method for processing parallel digital input signals from plurality of circuit breakers
An apparatus for processing digital input signals transferred from a plurality of circuit breakers includes: a plurality of signal input terminals configured to receive a plurality of digital input signals, which are generated from the plurality of circuit breakers and indicate an ON/OFF state of the plurality of circuit breakers, in parallel; a digital input signal parallel-to-serial converting unit configured to convert the parallel digital input signals from the plurality of signal input terminals into serial digital input signals, and output the converted serial digital input signals according to a control signal; and a controller configured to receive and process the serial digital input signals transferred from the digital input signal parallel-to-serial converting unit, and transmit the control signal to the digital input signal parallel-to-serial converting unit.
US08169342B1 Method of providing a destination alert to a transit system rider
Provided is a detection method used to alert a rider of a transit system that his or her upcoming destination location is approaching. The method detects upcoming transit stops and alerts the transit rider to prepare to depart the transit vehicle. Another alert to request a stop at the appropriate time may also be given. The detection method detects a destination location when the transit vehicle is not going to stop and service the second-to-last, or triggering, stop and when the transit vehicle stops at the triggering location and then resumes travel towards the destination location. The detection method establishes a triggering location, two regions about the triggering location, a destination location, a destination region about the destination location, and a current location and speed from available location data. The method then triggers alerts based on the current speed and the current location's position within or without the established regions.
US08169337B2 Downhole communications module
A communication module for use in wellbore logging operations. The module is attachable around a wireline, slickline, tubing or coiled tubing having a logging tool on its end. The module includes a drive means for transporting it down the line, a controller for controlling its operation, and communications for communicating with the logging tool. Communication between the module and the logging tool includes the transfer of data and operational instructions.
US08169335B2 Electromagnetic field adjustment for proximity detection
Embodiments described herein relate to a methods and apparatus for optimizing and calibrating a magnetic field generator. In various embodiments, the magnetic field generator includes a signal generator for outputting a voltage and a magnetic field generating circuit including a shunt that may be used to change a value of inductance in the magnetic field generating circuit.
US08169328B2 Proximity monitoring and locating system
A combined proximity monitoring and locating system including a wearable unit, a proximity detector, and a control subsystem. The proximity detector includes a receiver for receiving the wearable unit transmitter signal, a processing subsystem configured to signal an alert if the wearable unit transmitter signal strength is below a pre-established minimum, and a tracking subsystem configured to assist in locating the wearable unit based on the signal strength of the wearable unit transmitter signal. A control subsystem is responsive to an indication that the alert has been signaled. The control subsystem includes an RF transmitter configured to transmit a transponder activation signal, and an RF antenna network for relaying the transponder activation signal to a receiver of the portable unit to activate the transponder thereof. A tracking unit includes a receiver configured to receive the transponder signal of the wearable unit to locate the wearable unit.
US08169325B2 Portable hand wash monitoring system and method
An identification badge worn by an individual is sensed when that individual enters a lavatory area. The individual is also provided with an indicator device which is worn on or about the hands. Inside or in proximity to the lavatory, there is also provided a hand cleaning area, within which is a portable monitoring dispenser, which includes a pair of indicator readers that detect the presence of the indicator device and cause soap to be dispensed on the individual's hands, then provides an appropriate indication to a computer system. Should the badge sensor sense the individual's departure from the lavatory area without an appropriate indication being generated by the indicator readers, a warning signal is generated, which is sent to the computer system and to an appropriate officer, who can then address the individual.
US08169324B2 System for tracking objects
A system is provided of tracking objects loaded into a receptacle, where the receptacle defines a chamber having an open side for receiving the objects and has a perimeter about the open side. The system comprises a radio frequency identification antenna spaced from the receptacle and attached to the perimeter about the open side, and a radio frequency identification reader attached to the receptacle for receiving a signal from the antenna. The system further comprises a control unit attached to the receptacle communicating with the reader for processing the signal from the antenna.
US08169321B2 Radio frequency-enabled electromigration fuse
Embodiments of the invention provides a method, device, and system for programming an electromigration fuse (eFuse) using a radio frequency (RF) signal. A first aspect of the invention provides a method of testing circuitry on a semiconductor chip, the method comprising: receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal using at least one antenna on the semiconductor chip; powering circuitry on the semiconductor chip using the RF signal; activating a built-in self test (BIST) engine within the circuitry; determining whether a fault exists within the circuitry using the BIST; and programming an electromigration fuse (eFuse) to alter the circuitry in response to a fault being determined to exist.
US08169318B2 Radio frequency identification tag with tamper detection capability
An RFID tag includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. An RFID integrated circuit is disposed on the top surface of the substrate. A first electrically conductive region is associated with the top surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the RFID integrated circuit. A second electrically conductive region is associated with the bottom surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the first conductive region, the first and second conductive regions forming an RFID antenna. The RFID integrated circuit, first conductive region and second conductive region together provide an RFID function. An attachment layer is associated with the bottom surface of the substrate for attaching the tag to a surface. An adhesion modifying layer modifies the adhesion of the second conductive region such that the second conductive region is disrupted if the tag is tampered or removed from the surface.
US08169317B2 Hands-free door opening system and method
Automatically operating a door system is controlled by an affirmative action of a patron. An occupancy status of an inside area is provided to the patron approaching the door from an outside area. The patron is directed to request the door be opened in response to an unoccupied status. A presence of the patron in the inside area is sensed and the door automatically closed, and optionally locked. One actuator is set to an in use status indicating use of the inside area by the patron. A door ready for opening status is provided to the patron. With an affirmative action with a second actuator by the patron desiring to open the door and exit the inside area, the door is unlocked and opened. Sensing an absence of the patron within the inside area, the door is automatically closed, and first actuator reset to the ready state.
US08169310B2 Method for reflecting configuration values of drive recorder
In a method in which vehicle-mounted devices on vehicles read configuration data set on a computer using a memory card, when the computer is installed remotely from the vehicles, it is inefficient to have to go back and forth between the vehicles and the place where the computer is installed every time the configuration is changed.A method for reflecting configuration values of a drive recorder according to the present invention has the steps of: allowing a computer to read configuration values at least one of which are changed on a vehicle-mounted device side in a plurality of configuration data items in configuration data of a drive recorder; indicating side by side the configuration values on the vehicle-mounted device side and configuration values on a center side included in master data stored in the computer on a display device connected to the computer; and comparing the configuration values on the vehicle-mounted device side with the configuration values on the center side, wherein, when the configuration value on the vehicle-mounted device side set in the drive recorder and the configuration value in the master data are different from each other in any data item, at least one of the configuration value on the vehicle-mounted device side and the configuration value on the center side are indicated differently from a case in which the configuration value on the vehicle-mounted device side and the configuration value on the center side are identical to each other in any data item.
US08169306B2 Touch panel assembly with haptic effects and method of manufacturing thereof
A system with haptic effects includes a first surface, a second surface with a flexible arm portion, a coupling that couples the flexible arm portion to the first surface, and a haptic effect generator attached to the first surface. The flexible arm portion includes a coupling portion, and the coupling is received in the coupling portion. The haptic effect generator causes movement of the first surface relative to the second surface, and the flexible arm limits the movement of the first surface and elastically returns the first surface substantially to its original position relative to the second surface.
US08169302B2 Sight-line non contact coupled wireless technology
Control systems and methods are disclosed for controlling operation of movable systems in an automated process with a stationary system having a first control system component and at least one movable system having a second control system component, in which optical or other non-contacting signaling between the stationary and movable systems is used to ascertain whether a movable system is proximate the stationary system, and wireless communications is used to transfer control data between the systems while the non-contacting signal link is maintained.
US08169298B2 Electric hand tool device and battery pack therefor
The invention relates to a battery-operated electric hand tool device (2) comprising control electronics (14), a wirelessly and contactlessly responding transceiver (12), and a storage unit (16) in which an authorization code is stored, a locked mode of operation and a released mode of operation being distinguishable. In order to improve theft protection, a wire-bound or wireless interface (22) is provided from the control electronics (14) of the electric hand tool device to a battery pack (4) such that locking data can be transmitted from the control electronics (14) of the electric hand tool device (2) to the battery pack (4), be stored in a storage device (24) of the battery pack (4), and be read out of the storage device (24) again.
US08169294B2 Over-current protection device
An over-current protection device comprises two metal foils and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material layer. The PTC material layer is sandwiched between the two metal foils and has a volume resistivity below 0.1 Ω-cm. The PTC material layer includes (i) plural crystalline polymers having at least one crystalline polymer of a melting point less than 115° C.; (ii) an electrically conductive nickel filler having a volume resistivity less than 500 μΩ-cm; and (iii) a non-conductive metal nitride filler. The electrically conductive nickel filler and non-conductive metal nitride filler are dispersed in the crystalline polymer.
US08169289B2 Reactor
A reactor is provided in which coil segments (5-1, 5-2) of each of first and second auxiliary winding elements (2-1, 2-2) is of a multilayered and aligned winding structure. The coil segments (5-1, 5-2) of the first auxiliary winding element (2-1) and the coil segments (5-1, 5-2) of the second auxiliary winding element (2-2) are disposed within respective space areas (6-1, 6-2) delimited between the coil segments of the second auxiliary winding element and an outside and between the outside and the coil segments of the first auxiliary winding element. The coil segments of each of those first and second auxiliary winding elements are so combined as to be adjacently alternately positioned in a line to thereby form a main winding body (3). The pair of the auxiliary winding elements are connected parallel to each other.
US08169288B2 Electronic component and method for making the same
An electronic component that reduces resistance and prevents occurrence of an edge effect, includes a laminated body formed by stacking insulator layers. Conductor layers are linear conductors, and define coils included in the laminated body. The conductor layers face each other, with the insulator layer interposed therebetween, and allow signals of substantially the same phase to pass therethrough. The conductor layers define regions, each having a shape which decreases in thickness in the z-axis direction with increasing distance from a center thereof in a line width direction.
US08169277B2 Radio frequency directional coupler device and related methods
An electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) including a ground plane and having first and second opposing surfaces. The electronic device may also include a radio frequency (RF) directional coupler carried by the first surface of the PCB and including a housing and circuitry therein defining an input port, an output port, and first and second monitoring ports. A first monitoring circuit may be carried by the first surface of the PCB and connected to the first monitoring port. The electronic device may also include a via conductor connected to the second monitoring port and extending through the PCB to the second surface thereof. A second monitoring circuit may also be carried by the second surface of the PCB and connected to the via conductor.
US08169274B2 Transmission line converter using oblique coupling slots disposed in the narrow wall of a rectangular waveguide
It is an object to obtain a transmission line converter in which a rectangular waveguide provided under a transmission line may be reduced in size. In the transmission line converter including: a rectangular waveguide (11); a slot (5) provided in a wall surface of the rectangular waveguide (11); and a transmission line (13) which extends in a direction of a tube axis of the rectangular waveguide (11) and includes signal conductors (2 and 3) and a ground conductor (4), the slot (5) is provided in a narrower wall surface of the rectangular waveguide (11) and has a shape in which a central portion of the slot (5) includes an oblique portion to the tube axis of the rectangular waveguide (11) and at least one of both end portions of the oblique portion includes a portion parallel to the tube axis of the rectangular waveguide (11), and the wall surface of the rectangular waveguide (11) in which the slot (5) is provided is a part of the ground conductor (4).
US08169273B2 Flat uniform transmission line having electromagnetic shielding function
Disclosed herein is a flat uniform transmission line having an electromagnetic shielding function. The flat uniform transmission line includes a strip transmission line, an insulating layer, and electromagnetic shielding layers. The strip transmission line is formed on a dielectric layer made of functional polymer material, and includes a plurality of strip lines. The plurality of strip lines are configured to be a ground line, or to transmit signals. The insulating layer is formed on the strip transmission line. The electromagnetic shielding layers are respectively formed on the insulating layer and beneath the strip transmission line.
US08169253B2 Power circuit including step-up circuit and stabilizing method thereof
A power circuit includes a reference potential circuit, a step-up circuit, and a conversion circuit. The reference potential circuit generates a reference potential. The step-up circuit generates a desired internal potential by stepping up a power supply potential. The step-up circuit includes a comparison circuit, a differential amplifier circuit, and a switch element. The comparison circuit outputs the result of comparison between a potential and the reference potential. The differential amplifier circuit is turned on or off by the operation control signal. The switch element performs on/off control according to the operation control signal and resets the output potential of the differential amplifier circuit. The conversion circuit converts the of the operation control signal so as to make longer the on period of the differential amplifier circuit and the off period of switch element.
US08169248B2 Signal processing circuit and signal processing method
A signal processing circuit includes: a phase modulating path arranged to adjust a phase component of an input signal to generate an adjusted phase component such that a phase difference of the input signal falls within a target phase difference range; and an amplitude modulating path arranged to exchange a sign of an amplitude component of the input signal corresponding to the phase component to generate an adjusted amplitude component when the phase modulating path adjusts the phase component.
US08169241B2 Proportional phase comparator and method for phase-aligning digital signals
Embodiments of a proportional phase comparator and method for aligning digital signals are generally described herein. In some embodiments, circuitry to align digital signals comprises a proportional phase comparator that generates triangular-shaped pulses for application to a charge pump. The triangular-shaped pulses may reduce an amount of charge injection in the charge pump close to convergence.
US08169240B2 Driver circuit of display device
A driver circuit includes a mode control unit and a plurality of source drivers to drive a display panel including pixel cells on each scan line. Each source driver has M driving channels, and two subsets of the driving channels are respectively in a first mode and a second mode according to a preset mode sequence. The 1st through Nth driving channels of each of first source drivers and the Mth through (M−N+1)th driving channels of each of second source drivers respectively drive the pixel cells during a first scan period and a second scan period, wherein M≧N. The modes of the Mth through 1st driving channels of the second source drivers are respectively altered to match the modes of the 1st through Mth driving channels of the first source drivers by the mode control unit.
US08169238B1 Capacitance to frequency converter
A capacitance to frequency converter includes a switching capacitor circuit, a charge dissipation circuit, a comparator, and a signal generator. The switching capacitor circuit charges a sensing capacitor and transfers charge from the sensing capacitor to a circuit node of the charge dissipation circuit. The comparator is coupled to the charge dissipation circuit to compare a potential at the circuit node to a reference voltage. The signal generator is coupled to an output of the comparator and to the charge dissipation circuit. The signal generator is responsive to the output of the comparator to generate a signal fed back to control the charge dissipation circuit. A frequency of the signal is proportional to a capacitance of the sensing capacitor.
US08169224B2 Power switch with an overcurrent protection device
A power circuit includes a power transistor for feeding a load current to a load, a measuring transistor for coupling out a measurement current dependent on the load current, at least two coupling transistors for dividing the measurement current into an internal measurement current and into an external measurement current, wherein the external measurement current can be fed to an external evaluation circuit, and the internal measurement current is fed to an internal evaluation circuit for evaluation. A third coupling transistor can be coupled to the measuring transistor if a measuring device determines a non-coupled state, and the third coupling transistor can be decoupled from the measuring transistor if the measuring device determines a coupled state. The measuring device determines the coupled state if the external evaluation device is coupled to the power circuit, and the measuring device determines a non-coupled state if the external evaluation device is not coupled to the power circuit.
US08169191B2 System for use in gathering or processing data in a healthcare facility having fleet of mobile workstations
A system for use in gathering and/or processing data in healthcare facilities includes a fleet of mobile workstations, a set of interchangeable batteries for the fleet of mobile workstations and a battery recharging system for the set of interchangeable batteries. The battery recharging system includes a common battery charger and a control device configured to reduce variation in charging cycle count among the batteries at least in part by outputting a battery selection signal in response to comparing charging cycle counts for each of the batteries.
US08169187B2 Multifunctional charger system and method
An adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile device through an industry standard port is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary connector, and an identification subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple the adapter to a power socket and operative to receive energy from the power socket. The power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the received energy from the power socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile device. The primary connector is electrically coupled to the power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the mobile device. The identification subsystem is electrically coupled to the primary connector and is operative to provide an identification signal.
US08169184B2 Self-adaptable recharger
A self-adaptable recharger includes a control circuit connected to a power-supply circuit, a current-sampling circuit and a pulse-based recharge circuit. The control circuit includes a microprocessor. The pulse-based recharge circuit includes parallel recharge branches each under control of a pin of the microprocessor. The microprocessor receives voltage-related and current-related signals from each of the recharge branches and compares the same with basic data stored therein to determine the types of batteries. The microprocessor calculates time-related changes in the voltage-related and current-related signals and a voltage difference between positive and zero pulses to determine the recharge status and correct recharging curves accordingly. The microprocessor determines the highest recharge voltage, a positive slope of voltage, a zero gain of voltage, a negative gain of voltage and a capacity gain to determine an energy level in each of the batteries and stops the recharge when the battery is full.
US08169183B2 Electric power supply system and vehicle
An electric automobile has a battery and also has a travel motor and a vehicle interior load device which operate using electric power from the battery. In response to a request for a start of electric power supply to the vehicle interior load device with the automobile being at a standstill, the electric automobile determines, based on the charged state of the battery, whether electric power from the battery can be supplied to the vehicle interior load device. When determining that the electric power from the battery cannot be supplied to the vehicle interior load device, the electric automobile makes a request to an electric power supply device to supply electric power to the vehicle interior load device. In response to the request, the electric power supply device electrically connects to the vehicle interior load device and starts supply of electric power to the vehicle interior load device.
US08169181B2 Induction motor
An active reactive induction motor is provided. The motor comprises two sets of three-phase windings. One set of windings carries the active power and is called the power windings. The second set of windings carries the reactive power and is called the flux windings. The power windings carrying the active power provides more power to the induction motor than the flux windings carrying the reactive power. A driver circuit for driving the active reactive induction motor and the corresponding modes of operation is also provided.
US08169179B2 Open-ended control circuit for electrical apparatus
An AC machine control system for an AC machine (motor, generator, transformer, etc.) having open-ended windings, the control system comprising a drive circuit configured to transfer AC power between a first set of voltages and each end of the open-ended windings without the use of a substantial energy storage device, while eliminating common mode voltage and/or injecting zero sequence voltages.
US08169171B2 Drive apparatus
A drive apparatus includes a magnet rotor, a stator having a coil, a position detector configured to detect a position of the magnet rotor, a lead angle circuit configured to output a signal having a lead angle relative to an output of the position detector, a first driver configured to switch an electrification state of the coil in accordance with a preset time interval, a second driver configured to switch an electrification state of the coil in accordance with an output of the lead angle circuit, and a controller configured to adjust a lead angle amount of the signal output from the lead angle circuit within a range that does not cause step out in the driving by the first driver, prior to changing the driving by the second driver to the driving by the first driver.
US08169166B2 Low-injection energy continous linear electron accelerator
This invention relates to continuous standing-wave linear electron accelerator (9) comprising a low-energy electron source (10), for example, within a range of 10-20 keV, an accelerating structure (1 or 1′) for accelerating low initial energy electrons to required values; at least, one high-frequency power supply (11) for the said accelerating structure (1 or 1′); a power supply (13) for said electron source (10) and high-frequency power supply (11); a receiving antenna (14), which is arranged in accelerating unit of accelerating structure (1 or 1′) and is used for emitting of high-frequency signal for controlling the amplitude and phase of accelerating field. Low-energy electron beam is directed to the first unit of accelerating structure (1 or 1′) contained successively accelerating units (2, 3, 4i). The first of them is embodied in the form of a bunch resonator (2), the second unit is embodied in the form of a buster resonator (3), and successive units (4i) are used for increasing the electron energy. Also the following is proposed: selection of geometrical parameters of accelerating units, the versions of their arrangement in the said accelerating structure and the use of power supply modes by different high-frequency power sources such as magnetrons, externally excitable klystrons or klystrons operating in a self-oscillating mode with accelerating structure in a feedback circuit.
US08169162B2 Abnormal discharge suppressing device for vacuum apparatus
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for suppressing abnormal electrical discharge used for vacuum equipment which supplies power from a high-frequency power source to a plasma reaction chamber and executes a film formation process, provided with a power controller for controlling the high-frequency power source based on a deviation between a power command value and a power feedback value, and a cutoff controller for cutting off the power supply from the high-frequency power source to the plasma reaction chamber, based on a detection of the abnormal electrical discharge within the plasma reaction chamber. The cutoff controller exercises a first handling cutoff control and a second handling cutoff control, each having a different cutoff time. The first handling cutoff allows ions to remain in the plasma reaction chamber, and exercises the cutoff control over the high-frequency power source within a time duration which allows an arcing element to disappear. On the other hand, the second handling cutoff control exercises cutoff control over the high-frequency power source within a time range which allows abnormal arc ions to disappear. Accordingly, it is possible to supply power to plasma stably.
US08169161B2 Electronic circuits for driving series connected light emitting diode strings
Electronic circuits provide an error signal to control a regulated output voltage signal generated by a controllable DC-DC converter for driving one or more series connected strings of light emitting diodes.
US08169160B2 Circuits and methods for driving light sources
A circuit for driving a light source, e.g., an LED light source, includes a converter, a sensor, and a controller. The converter converts an input voltage to an output voltage across the LED light source based upon a driving signal. A duty cycle of the driving signal determines an average current flowing through the LED light source. The sensor is selectively coupled to and decoupled from the converter based upon the driving signal. The sensor generates a sense voltage indicative of a current flowing through the LED light source when the sensor is coupled to the converter. The controller is coupled to the converter and sensor. The controller compares the sense voltage to a reference voltage indicative of a predetermined average current through the LED light source to generate a compensation signal and generates the driving signal based upon the compensation signal. The duty cycle of the driving signal is adjusted based upon the compensation signal to adjust the average current flowing through the LED light source to the predetermined average current.
US08169156B2 Control method capable of preventing flicker effect and light emitting device thereof
A control method capable of preventing flicker effect for a light source module includes detecting variation situations of a driving current passing through the light source module to generate a current detection signal, adjusting a variable reference voltage according to the current detection signal, obtaining a feedback voltage from the light source module, generating a voltage control signal according to the feedback voltage and the variable reference voltage, and generating an output voltage according to the voltage control signal to drive the light source module.
US08169155B2 Method of driving light source, light source driving apparatus for performing the method, and display apparatus having the light source apparatus
A method of driving a light source includes adjusting a number of duty adjustments of driving signals driving light sources based on a dimming control signal and adjusting each duty ratio of each of the driving signals provided to each of the light sources in accordance with the adjusted number of the duty adjustments.
US08169149B2 Circuit arrangement and method for the operation of at least one discharge lamp
Circuit arrangement for operation of discharge lamp comprising an input for connecting a supply alternating current voltage. A startup supply device is provided with an input and an output, where the input is connected to an input of a control circuit and the output is connected to another input of the control circuit. The startup supply device provides a startup supply voltage at the output of the startup supply device and hence reduces the stand-by losses.
US08169143B2 Plasma display panel having electron emitting material
A plasma display panel (200) of the present invention includes a first panel (1) and a second panel (8). A discharge space (14) is formed between the first panel (1) and the second panel (8). In the plasma display panel (200), an electron emitting material (20) is disposed to face the discharge space (14). The electron emitting material (20) contains Sn, an alkali metal, O (oxygen), and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, and Ba.
US08169141B2 Method and apparatus for generating phosphor film with textured surface
An optical device deploring a phosphor layer having a textured surface to improve output of visual light is disclosed. A light emitting device includes a solid state light emitter and a phosphor layer. The solid state light emitter, for example, is configured to convert electrical energy to optical light. The phosphor layer includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface, for example, is the top surface while the second surface is the bottom surface. The phosphor layer is disposed over the solid state light emitter for generating luminous light in response to the optical light. The first surface of the phosphor layer, in one embodiment, is configured to include a texture, which has similarly shaped uniform configurations, capable of reducing total internal reflection.
US08169134B2 Field emission device
A field emission device includes: a first substrate on which a gate electrode line, a cathode line, and an electron emission source are formed; a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate, and on which an anode and a phosphor layer are formed; and a side frame surrounding an area between the first substrate and the second substrate, and forming a sealed internal space, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate respectively comprise a first protrusion part and a second protrusion part that protrude outside the side frame in the same direction, wherein a rear terminal part for applying a voltage to the gate electrode line and the cathode line is formed on the first protrusion part, wherein an anode terminal for applying a voltage to the anode is formed on the second protrusion part.
US08169131B2 Fluorescent material and light-emitting device
A lamp includes a light-emitting body that converts electric energy into light energy and a translucent glass covering the light-emitting body, wherein a phosphor layer is provided on at least inner or outer surface of the translucent glass. The phosphor layer includes a fluorescent material including a first phosphor that at least partially converts energy emitted by an excitation source, which emits ultraviolet having a wavelength of about 365 nm, to a first emission spectrum that is different from the energy, and a second phosphor that at least partially converts the first emission spectrum to a second emission spectrum. Peak wavelengths of the emission spectrum of the first and second phosphors have a relation of complementary colors so that when the light created due to the peak wavelengths of the first and second phosphors are mixed, the resulting light is in the white region.
US08169130B2 Planar or substantially planar luminous structure
A flat or substantially flat luminous structure including two walls having main faces facing one another and defining an internal space, a light source placed in the internal space and a power supply for the light source, and at least one substantially transparent part or an overall transparent part forming at least one light well. The structure is capable of illuminating via at least one luminous region of at least one of the main faces, an element having a reflective surface that reflects visible light, placed facing at least one part of the luminous region. The element is switchable and the reflective surface is capable of becoming a substantially transparent surface or an overall transparent surface over at least one area, and vice versa.
US08169129B2 Metal laminated body, LED-mounted substrate, and white film
The present invention provides a white film comprising a thermoplastic resin composition containing 25-100 parts by mass of an inorganic filler based on 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic resin, wherein the average reflectance at a wavelength of 400-800 nm is 70% or more, the average linear expansion coefficient in the machine direction and the transverse direction is 35×10−6/° C. or less, and the decreasing rate in reflectance at a wavelength of 470 nm after thermal treatment at 200° C. for 4 hours is 10% or less; and the invention provides a metal laminated body. These exhibit high thermal resistance, high reflectance within visual light range, and small decrease in reflectance under a high heat load environment, but also be applicable for a large sized printed circuit boards for mounting LEDs.
US08169128B2 LED package having recess in heat conducting part
The invention provides an LED package including an LED chip. In the LED package, a heat conducting part of folded sheet metals has a recess formed thereon to seat the LED chip therein. A package body houses the heat conducting part and directs light generated from the LED chip upward. Also, a transparent encapsulant is provided to at least the recess of the heat conducting part. Leads are partially housed by the package body to supply power to the LED chip. According to the invention, the sheet metals are folded to form the heat conducting part, and the recess is formed on the heat conducting part to seat the LED chip therein. This improves reflection efficiency and simplifies an overall process.
US08169123B2 Multilayered piezoelectric element and method of manufacturing the same
In a multilayered piezoelectric element, a side insulating film is accurately formed even on a thin multilayered structure. The element includes: a multilayered structure having a step formed on a side surface of the multilayered structure such that an end of an internal electrode is located on a projecting portion of either side surface; a side insulating film for covering the end of the internal electrode on the projecting portion of the side surface; a first flat electrode formed on one principal surface of the multilayered structure; a second flat electrode formed on the other principal surface of the multilayered structure; a first side electrode formed on a first side surface of the multilayered structure and connected to a first group of electrodes; and a second side electrode formed on a second side surface of the multilayered structure and connected to a second group of electrodes.
US08169120B2 Stator for AC motor
A stator of an alternating current (AC) motor is disclosed. The stator includes a stator core having a divided structure including and an outer stator core fitted around the inner stator core while being connected to an inner circumference of the inner stator core. The inner stator core has a rotor insertion hole formed at the inner circumference of the inner stator core and a plurality of tooth members arranged in a circumferential direction at an outer circumference of the inner stator core. Since the coils are wound directly on the tooth members through intervals between the neighboring tooth members at the outer circumference of the inner stator core, manufacturing of the stator is facilitated. In addition, since insertion of the coils into the slots is not performed through gaps formed on an inner side of the inner stator core where the rotor insertion hole is formed, the gaps may be minimized. As a result, the performance of the AC motor is improved.
US08169115B1 Motor distributor system
A cylindrical drive shaft has forward and rearward ends. A fixed cylindrical housing receives the drive shaft, the housing having forward and rearward ends. An axial flux permanent magnet motor encompasses the drive shaft within the housing. The axial flux permanent magnet motor has a radially exterior cylinder fixedly secured to the housing and a radially interior cylinder secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. Each axial flux permanent magnet motor has windings coupled to the exterior cylinder. Each axial flux permanent magnet motor has a permanent magnet fixedly coupled to the interior cylinder. Electrical lines have lower ends coupled to the windings and upper ends adapted to be coupled to a source of potential for energizing the axial flux permanent magnet motors.
US08169114B2 Large gap horizontal field magnetic levitator
The invention is a magnetic levitation device that has a pair of permanent magnets or electromagnets, which are used to create a large constant magnetic field on a horizontal plane between two magnetic poles. An object is levitated between the two magnets and is kept within the horizontal magnetic field by an electromagnet that is controlled by a servomechanism.
US08169110B2 Oil cooled motor/generator for an automotive powertrain
An oil-cooled motor/generator for an automotive powertrain located outside of the transmission is provided, such as a BAS motor/generator. The motor/generator may have a stator, a rotor circumscribed by the stator, and a motor shaft on which the rotor is mounted for rotation. A housing assembly may surround the stator and the rotor, with a bearing positioned between the housing assembly and the motor shaft. A flow control member may at least partially circumscribe the rotor axially adjacent the stator. A bearing retainer may be positioned axially adjacent the bearing. A rotor end ring may be axially adjacent the rotor. The housing assembly may have an inlet configured to receive cooling oil. The housing assembly, the flow control member, the bearing retainer and the rotor end ring may be configured to distribute the cooling oil from the inlet to cool the stator, the rotor and the bearing.
US08169102B2 Vertical-axis windpower fan unit and module and power generating system thereof
The present invention provides a vertical-axis windpower fan unit using a central axle having modulized design for assembling or disassembling quickly and includes supporting arms with capability of weight adjustment so as to balance the rotation of the fan unit. In one embodiment, the present invention further provides a coaxial fan module comprising a plurality of fan units coupled sequentially wherein a blade of each fan unit is disposed in the middle position with respect to the two blades of the adjacent fan unit for reducing unbalance and eliminating vibrational noise while the fan module is rotating. In addition, in another embodiment, the present invention further provides a power generating system comprising the coaxial fan module and a power generator unit coupled to the coaxial fan module so as to generate electricity.
US08169091B2 Energy and power transformation systems and apparatuses
Systems and apparatuses for delivering power and energy using deflecting beams or other oscillating members motivated to oscillate a beam assembly using an eccentrically balanced rotating body that induces deflections in the elastic beam or other oscillating member. One or more rotors may be used on the elastic beams and a mechanical output or outputs are connected to the elastic beams. The rotating body is advantageously maintained in rotation by pulses of electro-magnetic force. The oscillating beam or members are preferably driven at a natural resonant frequency to minimize losses and render more efficient the output which can be obtained. The pulse motor or motors can be powered using stored electrical energy, such as may be generated from solar panels, wind generators or other energy storage devices. One or more outputs may be used to drive heat pumps, compressors, pumps or other equipment to assist in independent energy systems.
US08169086B2 Semiconductor chip pad structure and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor chip pad structure and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein a flat area at the center of the terminal pad and a roughened area at the periphery thereof are provided by use of the mask photolithograph technique and the roughening process. The central area provides a sufficient adhering force for the ball bond while the peripheral area prevents the wire-bonding vibrating energy from the lateral transmission to the external side of the terminal pad. In this way, the ball bond for the terminal pad may meet the wire-bonding requirements. Moreover, the ball bond quality is ensured.
US08169079B2 Copper interconnection structures and semiconductor devices
A copper interconnection structure includes an insulating layer, an interconnection body including copper in an opening provided on the insulating layer and a barrier layer including a metal element and copper, formed between the insulating layer and the interconnection body. An atomic concentration of the metal element in the barrier layer is accumulated toward an outer surface of the barrier layer facing the insulating layer, and an atomic concentration of copper in the barrier layer is accumulated toward an inner surface of the barrier layer facing the interconnection body. The inner surface of the barrier layer comprises copper surface orientation of {111} and {200}, and an intensity of X-ray diffraction peak from the inner surface of the barrier layer is stronger for the {111} peak than for the {200} peak.