Document Document Title
US08214838B2 System and method for attributing to a corresponding virtual machine CPU utilization of a network driver domain based on weighted communication
A method comprises observing communication through a virtualized interface between at least one virtual machine (VM) and a driver domain. Based on the observed communication through the virtualized interface, a weighted amount of communication between the VM and the driver domain is determined for each of the VM(s), wherein the weighted amount is based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the observed communication, such as directional flow and/or size of packets in the communication. Another method comprises evaluating CPU utilization of a target network driver domain in processing communications having different characteristics, and deriving corresponding weighting for the different communication characteristics. The derived weighting for the different communication characteristics are employed within a communication monitor that observes communication between virtual machines and the target network driver domain.
US08214833B2 Systems and methods for supporting software transactional memory using inconsistency-aware compilers and libraries
Systems and methods may reduce overhead associated with read set consistency validation in software transactional memory implementations. These systems and methods may employ an inconsistency-aware compiler-library technique, in which an inconsistency-aware compiler communicates to various inconsistency-aware library functions knowledge about whether a given transaction has read consistent values to date. The inconsistency-aware library functions may exploit this information to avoid the need to validate the transaction, or portions thereof. If read set values are known to be consistent prior to the function call, the compiler may pass a parameter value to the function indicating as much. Otherwise, it may pass a value indicating that the read set values may be inconsistent. An inconsistency-aware function may determine that it will not perform a dangerous action, even though its parameters may not be consistent. Otherwise, the inconsistency-aware function may invoke a validation operation, or may perform other error avoidance operations.
US08214829B2 Techniques for placing applications in heterogeneous virtualized systems while minimizing power and migration cost
N applications are placed on M virtualized servers having power management capability. A time horizon is divided into a plurality of time windows, and, for each given one of the windows, a placement of the N applications is computed, taking into account power cost, migration cost, and performance benefit. The migration cost refers to cost to migrate from a first virtualized server to a second virtualized server for the given one of the windows. The N applications are placed onto the M virtualized servers, for each of the plurality of time windows, in accordance with the placement computed in the computing step for each of the windows. In an alternative aspect, power cost and performance benefit, but not migration cost, are taken into account; there are a plurality of virtual machines; and the computing step includes, for each of the windows, determining a target utilization for each of the servers based on a power model for each given one of the servers; picking a given one of the servers with a least power increase per unit increase in capacity, until capacity has been allocated to fit all the virtual machines; and employing a first fit decreasing bin packing technique to compute placement of the applications on the virtualized servers.
US08214812B2 Method of interpreting method bytecode and system operated by the same
A method, a system, and a computer-readable medium storing instructions for interpreting a method bytecode. The method bytecode is interpreted by determining whether a called method is a bottleneck method, generating an interpreter loop for the called method if the called method is the bottleneck method, and interpreting a bytecode of the called method using the generated interpreter loop.
US08214805B2 Method and system for graphical user interface testing
A method and system are provided for testing a graphical user interface (GUI). The method includes providing a pattern of a collection of generalized interface object types, searching an interface or a model of an interface for instances of collections of interface objects matching the pattern, and identifying a control provided by the interface represented by the collection of interface object types and its location in the interface hierarchy. A pattern includes a first generalized object type and a second generalized object type with a specified relative position in the interface to the first object type.
US08214804B2 System and method for assigning computer users to test groups
A system and method to efficiently and randomly place users into a test group associated with a test running on a website being hosted on a server is disclosed. When a user first accesses the website, a random value is transmitted to the user in such a manner that the random value is stored in a computer-readable memory local to the user. Each subsequent time the user accesses the website, the random value is returned to the server from the user. The server may then place the user into a test group for a test to which the user will be exposed on the website based upon the result of an operation that includes the random value received from the user and a unique test value previously associated with the test.
US08214803B2 Program testing method and testing device
A testing device for testing a system configured of an application and a set of execution-environment-dependent resources used by the application includes a DI container for injecting one resource set (EUT) into an application for which a test is executed via an application interface, the resource set being a candidate of dependency injection into the application, and a test execution unit that executes a test on the application with the one resource set having been injected therein. When another resource set that is different from the one resource set exists the injection by the DI container and the test by the test execution unit are executed on the other resource set.
US08214798B2 Automatic calculation of orthogonal defect classification (ODC) fields
Mechanisms for Orthogonal Defect Classification (ODC) analysis in a computing system are provided. One implementation involves determining a defect in a software application, providing a defect fix to the software application, linking the source code fix to the defect, and automatically performing ODC analysis and calculating ODC information based on calculations against the source code linked to the defect fixed.
US08214795B2 Efficient automated translation of procedures in constraint-based language
A method is provided for translating sets of constraint declarations to imperative code sequences based on defining an instantiatable object per set, inserting calls to a notification callback mechanism on state modification and defining calls in the constraint context as imperative code sequences that, in response to these callbacks, take actions to maintain these constraints. This notification and callback mechanism can also be employed in connection with external events, thereby providing for efficient implementation of event-sequenced imperative procedures in a constraint programming language.
US08214788B2 High-frequency VLSI interconnect and intentional inductor impedance extraction in the presence of a multi-layer conductive substrate
Embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for extracting impedance for a circuit design are disclosed herein. Some of the disclosed embodiments are computationally efficient and can accurately compute the frequency-dependent impedance of VLSI interconnects and/or intentional inductors in the presence of multi-layer conductive substrates. In certain embodiments, the resulting accuracy and CPU time reduction are a result of a Green's function approach with the correct quasi-static limit, a modified discrete complex image approximation to the Green's function, and a continuous dipole expansion to evaluate the magnetic vector potential at the distances relevant to VLSI interconnects and intentional inductors.
US08214772B2 Model import for electronic design automation
Methods and systems for providing processing parameters in a secure format are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for providing semiconductor fabrication processing parameters to a design facility is disclosed. The method comprises providing a set of processing parameters of a fabrication facility; creating a model from the set of processing parameters; converting the model into a corresponding set of kernels; converting the set of kernels into a corresponding set of matrices; and communicating the set of matrices to the design facility. In another aspect, a method for providing semiconductor fabrication processing parameters is disclosed. The method comprises providing a set of processing parameters of a fabrication facility; creating a processing model from the set of processing parameters; encrypting the processing model into a format for use with a plurality of EDA tools; and communicating the encrypted processing model format to a design facility.
US08214770B2 Multilayer OPC for design aware manufacturing
A method is provided for designing a mask layout for an integrated circuit that ensures proper functional interaction among circuit features by including functional inter-layer and intra-layer constraints on the wafer. The functional constraints used according to the present invention are applied among the simulated wafer images to ensure proper functional interaction, while relaxing or eliminating the EPE constraints on the location of the wafer images.
US08214766B1 Method and system for preview control for image adjustment
An image-editing application may transform digital images. The image-editing application may display a thumbnail image control including a sequence of thumbnail images. A main image may also be displayed. One or more of the thumbnail images may be transformed according to different transformation adjustment levels. As a user input control rolls over each of the thumbnail images, the main image may be transformed according to the adjustment level associated with the thumbnail image that currently has the user input control over it, offering a preview of the transformation adjustment level associated with the currently active thumbnail image. A slider-bar control may be associated with the thumbnail image control. The slider-bar control may be associated with a complete range of adjustment levels. The image-editing application may coordinate the operation of the slider-bar control, the thumbnail control and the display of the main image.
US08214765B2 Canvas approach for analytics
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can construct a map for summarizing analyses with respect to data included in a database. In addition, the architecture can display the map in a special canvas area. Generally, the map is a hub-and-spoke-style map in which a hub is associated with an entity (e.g., a related set of records) included in a database. Likewise, the spokes are typically representative of operations (e.g., filter, join, transform) that act upon the hub/entity from which it extends. The map can aid with open-ended analysis on complex databases by recording and ordering competing hypotheses and can also further collaborative efforts with respect to analysis.
US08214764B2 System and process for presenting search results in a histogram/cluster format
A user interface system and process for graphically displaying the results of a standard search, such as a database search, to a user on a display device via an interactive search results window in which the user views and filters search results items. These results can be presented in either a cluster or histogram format, or both. This allows the user to visualize the results graphically, rather than just displaying a list of the items found. In addition the presentation of the search results can be graphically manipulated to easily filter the results as desired by the user.
US08214760B2 Window minimization trigger
A method and computer-storage media for minimizing application windows based on a triggering event are provided. Embodiments of the present invention include determining that a triggering event has occurred with respect to a target window, automatically minimizing all of the minimizable application windows except the target application window, and generating an undo record that may be used to restore the minimized windows upon the determination that a second triggering event has occurred with respect to the target window. In one embodiment, the triggering event is shaking the target application window.
US08214755B2 Information processing apparatus and information processing method
An object is designated as a designated object. Two or more image data items containing objects each being different from the designated object by an amount smaller than or equal to a first predetermined value are selected from among a specific image data item group. The selected two or more image data items are displayed in two or more display regions provided on a display unit. The objects each being different from the designated object by the amount smaller than or equal to the first predetermined value are defined as main objects, the two or more image data items are adjusted such that differences in position and size of the main objects in the display regions between the two or more image data items are made smaller than or equal to a second predetermined value, and the adjusted two or more image data items are displayed.
US08214754B2 Registration of applications and complimentary features for interactive user interfaces
An exemplary computer-implementable method includes receiving a call from an application executing on a host computer, the host computer having a collection of graphical user interfaces, and, in response to the call, registering the application whereby the registering comprises providing one or more entry points for the application wherein each entry point corresponds to at least one of the graphical user interfaces of the collection of graphical user interfaces. Various other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
US08214748B2 Meeting agenda management
A method for scheduling a meeting based on data collected from previous meetings includes: creating an agenda for a meeting with a computerized meeting management system, the agenda having at least one recurring agenda item; presenting a suggested amount of time for the at least one recurring agenda item to a user through the computerized meeting management system, the suggested amount of time being based on data regarding the recurring agenda item from at least one previous meeting.
US08214745B2 Methods, systems and computer program products for assisted browser navigation
Assisting navigation of a first browser executing on a first data processing system is provided by navigating, responsive to a second browser executing on a second data processing system, to identify information to be displayed using the first browser on the first data processing system. An identifier is request to associate with the identified information and the identifier is dynamically generated responsive to the request for an identifier. The identifier is associated with the identified information to be displayed using the first browser such that the identified information may be retrieved using the identifier.
US08214744B1 Integrated device interface using multiple web servers
A method is provided for operating a system which includes a local device running a local web server and a remote device running a remote web server. The method includes (a) running a web browser on the local device, (b) rendering a series of web pages on the web browser, the series of web pages including (i) a set of local web pages served from the local web server, the set of local web pages providing configuration information regarding the local device, and (ii) a set of remote web pages served from the remote web server, the set of remote web pages providing configuration information regarding the remote device, and (c) controlling the configuration of the local device or the remote device based on user interaction with the series of web pages. Computer program products for causing a computer to perform various operations to perform the method are also provided.
US08214742B2 Method of rapidly creating visual aids for presentation without technical knowledge
A computer implemented method for capturing and enhancing illustrating pane content for use as sequential slides in a presentation includes illustrating a static image on an illustrating pane in a plurality of colors. Each color used to illustrate the static image representing a single element of the static image. The method further includes digitally capturing a single finished image of the illustrated static image and enhancing the background, geometry and colors comprising the finished image. The single finished image is separated into a plurality of single color images with each single color image comprising only a portion of the single finished image comprising that specific color. A ordered presentation is built from the single colored images and the presentation is displayed.
US08214740B2 Song flow methodology in random playback
An electronic device can play back media items using a random playback mode. To ensure that related media items are played back in a proper order (e.g., live music is played back in concert order), the electronic device can define metadata or other data coupling related media items in a predefined or preset sequence. For example, related media items can include metadata tags identifying the previous and next media items to play back in the sequence. As another example, the electronic device can store a listing of media items of a sequence and the order in which to play them back. When the electronic device reaches a media item that is part of a preset sequence during random playback, the electronic device can identify at least the subsequent media items in the sequence, and insert the subsequent media items in the playback queue. The electronic device can then play back the entire sequence before moving to the next media item in the playback queue.
US08214738B2 Displaying location-based content in a handheld device
Tickers are populated with location-based information that is selected according to the geographic location of communication devices. The location of a communication device is identified based on a GPS system, proximity to transmitters in a wireless network, user input, or using other techniques. Location-appropriate content is obtained either in real-time from the network or from a local data store at the communication device. In general location-based, context-aware content can be displayed on tickers associated with a variety of communication devices, including mobile communication devices and “immobile” or stationary personal computers.
US08214730B2 System and method for digital signal transmission with reduced error rate
A signal processing system is provided with a transmitting-side apparatus transmitting a digital signal, and a receiving-side apparatus receiving the digital signal. The transmitting-side apparatus includes a digital signal transmitter transmitting the digital signal and a signal controller controlling the digital signal. The receiving-side apparatus includes a digital signal receiver receiving the digital signal, an error rate detector detecting the error rate of the digital signal received, and a receiving-side controller transmitting error rate data based on the detected error rate to the transmitting-side apparatus. The transmitting-side apparatus further includes a transmitting-side controller receiving the error rate data and controlling the signal controller in response to the error rate data.
US08214726B2 Wireless communication device transmitting and receiving CEC messages of HDMI
When a wired interface circuit receives a CEC message destined for a node device connected through a wireless transceiver circuit, a CEC controller of a wireless node device outputs an ACK for the received CEC message from the wired interface circuit, and transmits a wireless data packet containing contents of the CEC message from the wireless transceiver circuit. The CEC controller also waits for the wireless interface transceiver circuit to receive a wireless ACK packet for the transmitted wireless data packet.
US08214725B2 Memory access system
The Error Correction Code (ECC) circuit generates the first syndrome of write data, which have not been written to the memory. The Error Detection Code (EDC) circuit generates the second syndrome of verification read data, which have been written to the memory. The EDC circuit detects errors due only to the “read disturb phenomenon” using the second syndrome, the errors occurring in data scanned from the memory. The ECC circuit detects and corrects errors due to the “program disturb phenomenon” and the “read disturb phenomenon” using the first syndrome, the errors occurring in the data in which the errors due only to the “read disturb phenomenon” have been detected. As a result, both the circuit size and the processing time can be reduced.
US08214715B1 Hardware implementation of QPP interleaver
A hardware implementation of a QPP interleaved address generator, or QPP interleaver, for use in a QPP turbo decoder uses state machines to determine BCJR engine QPP interleaved row and column addresses used by a soft-bit decoder operating in interleaved half-iteration alpha scan mode or interleaved half-iteration beta scan mode, as well as during non-interleaved half-iterations, if desired. Because QPP interleaving is pseudorandom in nature, the QPP address generator state machines leverage off knowledge of previous row/column addresses generated, as well as knowledge of the maximum row/column dimensions of the systematic soft-bit data store, to reduce the complexity of the processing performed. The described QPP address generator may be implemented in hardware with reduced hardware footprint, reduced power consumption, less heat production and an improved time response. Generated addresses may be provided to BCJR engines directly, or used to retrieve stored systematic soft-bits provided to the respective BCJR engines.
US08214712B2 Method for transmitting real-time streaming data in a communications system and apparatuses utilizing the same
A communications system is provided. A first communications device requests one or more dedicated service periods, via a request, to transmit a high rate real-time streaming data. A second communications device receives the request and schedules the dedicated service periods and one or more contention based periods. A third communications device receives the high rate real-time streaming data and requests the first communications device to re-transmit a portion of the high rate real-time streaming data. The request includes information about the high rate real-time streaming data and information pertinent to a probability of re-transmission. The contention based periods are scheduled to provide the first communications device having higher priority over communications devices of the communications system. The first communications device transmits the high rate real-time streaming data using the dedicated service periods, and re-transmits the portion of the high rate real-time streaming data using the contention based periods.
US08214703B2 Testing multi-core processors
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for testing multicore processors. In some embodiments, the tested multicore processor may include at least a first core and a second core, a data input coupled to a first scan chain in the first core and a second scan chain in the second core, and a multiplexer including at least a first input and a second input, the first input coupled with a data output of the first scan chain and the second input coupled with a data output of the second scan chain, the multiplexer further including an output that couples to one or more pins on a package of the processor, the multiplexer further including a select signal that couples to the one or more pins on the package of the processor, and wherein the data input couples to the one or more pins on the package of the processor.
US08214701B1 Hardware and software debugging
An integrated hardware and software debugging system debugs software running on a processor and debugs hardware blocks that perform operations separate from the processor. Cycle traces are recorded for hardware block operations and the data is presented to a user through the same interface used for software debugging. Where hardware blocks are implemented in configurable circuitry (such as an FPGA) from source code, hardware debugging is linked to the source code to simulate stepping through the source code.
US08214688B1 Automated delayed message redelivery
Method and system are disclosed for redelivering failed messages in asynchronous communication systems. The methods and systems automatically delay redelivery of such failed messages in order to allow required system resources to become available. In one implementation, the methods and systems provide two levels of redelivery: a micro level in which redelivery is attempted right away for a certain number of times, and a macro level in which a predefined, user-selectable delay is imposed before any additional micro level redeliveries are attempted. After a certain number of unsuccessful macro level redeliveries, the message is backed out to a backout queue for manual intervention by a system operator. Such an arrangement reduces or eliminates the burden on the system operator to manually resolve failed message deliveries.
US08214678B2 Serial data transfer apparatus
A serial data transfer apparatus includes a transport controller that performs a process of a transport layer, a link controller that performs a process of a link layer, and a physical layer circuit that performs a process of a physical layer. The serial data transfer apparatus transmits and receives data with a destination apparatus via a serial bus. The link controller outputs idle data, which is received from the destination apparatus, to the physical layer circuit, and stops to operate of a unit responsible for generating data to transmit to the destination apparatus while outputting the idle data to the physical layer circuit. This enables to output idle data defined in the standard in an idle period of the serial data transfer apparatus and also reduce the power consumption.
US08214666B2 Power managing system
A power managing system includes a power supply, a first converter, a second converter, and a complex programmable logic device. The power supply outputs a first verification signal and a first power upon the condition that the power supply receives a power supply on signal from a motherboard. The first and second converters convert the first power to a second power, a third power, and output a second verification signal, a third verification signal respectively. The complex programmable logic device outputs an enable signal to the motherboard to make the motherboard receive the first, the second, and the third powers upon the condition that the complex programmable logic device receives the first, the second, and the third verification signals.
US08214664B2 Power supply system and power supplying control method
A power supplying control method of a computer system for use with a first power supply and a second power supply both providing a first specific voltage to a motherboard, including steps of: detecting whether the first power supply and the second power supply, outputting the first specific voltage, are at a stable state; outputting the first specific voltage to a first pin when the first power supply is at the stable state; outputting the first specific voltage to the first pin when the second power supply is at the stable state; and outputting the first specific voltage to the motherboard via the first pin.
US08214658B2 Enhanced thermal management for improved module reliability
Mitigating effects of delamination of components in the data processing system is provided. A signal is received from one or more sensors in the data processing system. A determination is made as to whether the signal indicates that one threshold in a plurality of thresholds has been reached or exceeded. Responsive to the signal indicating that one threshold in the plurality of thresholds has been reached or exceeded, a determination is made as to whether the one threshold is a low temperature threshold or a high temperature threshold. Responsive to the one threshold being a low temperature threshold, one of a plurality of actions is initiated to increase a temperature of the data processing system thereby mitigating effects of delamination of the components in the data processing system.
US08214653B1 Secured firmware updates
When providing a user with native access to at least a portion of device hardware, the user can be prevented from modifying firmware and other configuration information by controlling the mechanisms used to update that information. In some embodiments, an asymmetric keying approach can be used to encrypt or sign the firmware. In other cases access can be controlled by enabling firmware updates only through a channel or port that is not exposed to the customer, or by mapping only those portions of the hardware that are to be accessible to the user. In other embodiments, the user can be prevented from modifying firmware by only provisioning the user on a machine after an initial mutability period wherein firmware can be modified, such that the user never has access to a device when firmware can be updated. Combinations and variations of the above also can be used.
US08214648B2 Secure configuration of a computing device
In accordance with a broad aspect, a method is provided to securely configure a computing device. A configuration indication is received into the computing device, including receiving a digital signature generated based on the configuration indication. Generation of the digital signature accounts for a unique identifier nominally associated with the computing device. The received configuration indication may be verified to be authentic including processing the unique identifier, the received configuration indication and the received digital signature. The computing device may be operated or interoperated with in accordance with the received configuration indication. In one example, a service interoperates with the computing device. For example, the computing device may be a portable media player, and the service may provide media to the computing device based on a capacity indication of the configuration indication.
US08214646B2 Bundle verification
Systems, devices, and methods for modifying a signed bundle and verifying the modified bundle are disclosed. A signed bundle may be modified by removing a file specified in a server file list from a plurality of files in the bundle. The signed bundle comprises a catalog of files in the signed bundle and their associated hashes. The modified bundle includes the remaining files of the signed bundle that are not specified in the server file list and the catalog file of the signed bundle, the catalog signature of the signed bundle. The modified bundle may be verified by verifying the catalog signature of the modified signed bundle, and checking that the files specified in the catalog are either in the modified signed bundle or specified in the server file list. The hashes of the files in the modified signed bundle may also be checked to verify the modified signed bundle.
US08214639B2 Application executing device, managing method, and program
A BD-ROM stores a disc root certificate that is issued by a root certificate authority and assigned to the disc medium. An application manager acquires a hash value from the disc root certificated and verifies the authenticity of an application by using the hash value. If the authenticity is verified, a virtual machine executes the application. A local storage has a plurality of domain areas. From among the plurality of domain areas, a security manager allocates to the application a domain area that corresponds to the hash value.
US08214633B2 Implementing a diagnostic or correction boot image over a network connection
The present invention is directed to a system that initiates specific maintenance and diagnostic boot images on remote computers. The system is used to select a particular remote device over a network. A particular new boot image is also selected, and that boot image is tailored to operate a maintenance or diagnostic function on the target machine. The new boot image is downloaded to the target, and the target is rebooted with the new boot image. The new boot image is selected from other specific boot images. Upon reboot, the new boot image performs the diagnostic or maintenance routines on the remote target machine. At some predetermined point, the original boot image is swapped back, and the machine rebooted once again. This returns the machine to its original image.
US08214629B2 Computer system with secure instantly available applications using non-volatile write-protected memory
A method and apparatus for instantly-available applications in a computer system is presented. A computer that incorporates fast non-volatile primary memory for storing the application software and/or operating system, resulting in an instant-on computer is presented. Large parts of the application code and/or operating system code are stored in non-volatile write-protectable areas of the memory that cannot be modified by malicious sources, resulting in a secure computer. It solves the problem of typical computers having to load the applications from a slow device such as the hard disk to the main memory. This loading is avoided by permanently housing the applications in a non-volatile main memory. The system also solves the problem of corruption of application software areas from malicious sources. The memory system contains writeable and write-protected areas and a memory controller that controls the access to the various regions of the memory.
US08214625B1 Systems and methods for voting among parallel threads
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for efficiently performing voting operations within a multi-threaded parallel-processing system. A group of related parallel program threads executes within a processor core together in parallel. A new instruction, called a “vote” instruction, is introduced that enables a parallel program thread to post an individual vote within the context of the group of related threads and to receive the result of the vote. In this fashion, the vote instruction advantageously reduces overhead associated with inter-thread communication, thereby improving overall system performance.
US08214604B2 Mechanisms to order global shared memory operations
A method and data processing system for performing fence operations within a global shared memory (GSM) environment having a local task executing on a processor and providing GSM commands for processing by a host fabric interface (HFI) window that is allocated to the task. The HFI window has one or more registers for use during local fence operations. A first register tracks a first count of task-issued GSM commands, and a second register tracks a second count of GSM operations being processed by the HFI. The processing logic detects a locally-issued fence operation, and responds by performing a series of operations, including: automatically stopping the task from issuing additional GSM commands; monitoring for completion of all the task-issued GSM commands at the HFI; and triggering a resumption of issuance of GSM commands by the task when the completion of all previous task-issued GSM commands is registered by the HFI.
US08214602B2 Efficient load queue snooping
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a data cache and a load/store unit (LSU). The LSU comprises a queue and a control unit, and each entry in the queue is assigned to a different load that has accessed the data cache but has not retired. The control unit is configured to update the data cache hit status of each load represented in the queue as a content of the data cache changes. The control unit is configured to detect a snoop hit on a first load in a first entry of the queue responsive to: the snoop index matching a load index stored in the first entry, the data cache hit status of the first load indicating hit, the data cache detecting a snoop hit for the snoop operation, and a load way stored in the first entry matching a first way of the data cache in which the snoop operation is a hit.
US08214600B2 Data processing system and method for efficient coherency communication utilizing coherency domains
In a cache coherent data processing system including at least first and second coherency domains, a master performs a first broadcast of an operation within the cache coherent data processing system that is limited in scope of transmission to the first coherency domain. The master receives a response of the first coherency domain to the first broadcast of the operation. If the response indicates the operation cannot be serviced in the first coherency domain alone, the master increases the scope of transmission by performing a second broadcast of the operation in both the first and second coherency domains. If the response indicates the operation can be serviced in the first coherency domain, the master refrains from performing the second broadcast.
US08214597B2 Cache tentative read buffer
An apparatus having a cache and a circuit. The cache may store old lines having old instructions. The circuit may (i) receive a first read command, (ii) fetch-ahead a new line having new instructions into a buffer sized to hold a single line, (iii) receive a second read command, (iv) present through a port a particular new instruction in response to both (a) a cache miss of the second read command and (b) a buffer hit of the second read command and (v) overwrite a particular old line with the new line in response to both (a) the cache miss of the second read command and (b) the buffer hit of the second read command such that (1) the first new line resides in all of the cache, the buffer and the memory and (2) the particular old line resides only in the memory.
US08214596B2 Apparatus and method for segmented cache utilization
In some embodiments, a non-volatile cache memory may include a segmented non-volatile cache memory configured to be located between a system memory and a mass storage device of an electronic system and a controller coupled to the segmented non-volatile cache memory, wherein the controller is configured to control utilization of the segmented non-volatile cache memory. The segmented non-volatile cache memory may include a file cache segment, the file cache segment to store complete files in accordance with a file cache policy, and a block cache segment, the block cache segment to store one or more blocks of one or more files in accordance with a block cache policy, wherein the block cache policy is different from the file cache policy. The controller may be configured to utilize the file cache segment in accordance with information related to the block cache segment and to utilize the block cache segment in accordance with information related to the file cache segment. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08214594B1 Dynamically allocated secondary browser cache
A method, system, and medium are provided for managing cache allocation between a primary storage and a secondary storage. The system includes a device with a primary storage, secondary storage, and cache manager. The method includes downloading a web resource, storing the web resource in the primary storage, determining the amount of time required to download the web resource, and determining the amount of time required to retrieve the web resource from the secondary storage. If the amount of time required to retrieve the web resource from the secondary storage is less than the amount of time required to download the web resource, the method stores the web resource in the secondary storage. Additionally, web resources may be moved from the secondary storage to the primary storage based on their likelihood of being utilized.
US08214586B2 Apparatus and method for mirroring data between nonvolatile memory and a hard disk drive
This storage apparatus that provides to a host computer a logical device for storing data sent from the host computer includes a nonvolatile memory for storing the data, a disk-shaped memory device for storing the data, and a controller for controlling the nonvolatile memory and the disk-shaped memory device. The controller redundantly configures the logical device with the nonvolatile memory and the disk-shaped memory device.
US08214584B2 Secure virtual tape management system with early read support options
A secure virtual tape management system with early read support options. The system includes at least two mainframe hosts having a catalog storing tape related information. A primary virtual tape emulation system includes an adaptor and includes software for facilitating remote configuration and utilization of the virtual tape management. A virtual tape system catalog storing tape related information is attached to the virtual tape management. Remote data storage devices may be in communication with the virtual tape management central processing unit. Software resident on the catalog monitors tape related information on the primary virtual tape emulation system for criteria matching a virtual tape to be made available to a secondary host and initiates immediate transfer of that data allowing it to be read in a paced manner by the secondary host before the primary host has completed its series of tape writes.
US08214578B2 Method of storing data into flash memory according to usage patterns of addresses and data storage system using the same
A data storage method for a flash memory storage device is provided. The method includes disposing a pattern identification unit in the flash memory storage device and disposing a pattern analysis unit in a host connected to the flash memory storage device. The method further includes analyzing a usage pattern of each flash memory storage address in the flash memory storage device by using the pattern analysis unit, receiving information from the pattern analysis unit through the pattern identification unit to identify the usage pattern of each flash memory storage address, and storing data into each flash memory storage address through a corresponding process according to the usage pattern of the flash memory storage address. Thereby, data can be stored according to the usage pattern of each flash memory storage address, and accordingly the speed of storing data into the flash memory storage device can be effectively increased.
US08214577B2 Method of memory management for server-side scripting language runtime system
A method of memory management includes allocating a portion of a memory as a memory heap including a plurality of segments, each segment having a segment size; performing one or more memory allocations for objects in the memory heap; creating a free list array and class-size array in a metadata section of the memory heap, the class-size array being created such that each element of the size-class array is related a particular one of the plurality of segments and the free list array being created such that each element of the free list array is related to a different size class; and initializing the heap when it is determined that the heap may be destroyed, initializing including clearing the free list array.
US08214576B2 Zero copy transport for target based storage virtual appliances
A method of transferring data from a virtual machine (VM) to a storage virtual appliance (SVA) is disclosed. In this method, the data is transferred to an iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) device that is coupled to the VM and has a zero copy data mover implementation of a TCP socket interface. The method further includes sending a memory address of the data to the SVA. The SVA includes an iSCSI device having a zero copy data mover implementation of a TCP socket interface to receive the memory address of the data. The VM and the SVA are running in a same hypervisor host.
US08214574B2 Event handling for architectural events at high privilege levels
Methods and apparatus to perform event handling operations are described. In one embodiment, after an event (such as an architectural event occurs), the corresponding occurrence response (e.g., a yield event) may cause generation of an interrupt. Other embodiments are also described.
US08214572B2 Semiconductor device
The router which relays a transfer request and a reply between master and slave components has request-control circuits provided therein. The request-control circuits judge the slave component to transfer a request from each master component to, and arbitrate the conflict between requests to one slave component. Further, for the router, a slave-component-allocation-control circuit which variably allocates the slave components to be connected to the request-control circuits to the request-control circuits is adopted. In case that a slave component in connection with one request-control circuit is subjected to no access, changing the allocation of the slave component in connection with the one request-control circuit makes possible to utilize the resource of the one request-control circuit.
US08214567B2 Optical data storage drive device for multimedia audio/video system
The invention relates to a versatile optical storage driving device for multimedia video system incorporated with functions of a compact-disc (CD) driver, a digital versatile disc (DVD) driver, a frequency modulated (FM) radio and a MP3 music CD player, such versatile optical storage driving device is characterized in the possibility of being a built-in and/or external-connected CD-ROM/CD-RW driver operated through the operating system with personal computer (PC) on or being a stand-alone CD-ROM/CD-RW driver operated by itself with PC off, and being a digital picture viewer and video player capable of displaying photograph/picture and video disc through a built-in/external-connected display device as well as being a digital recorder capable of recording video signal, such device comprises: a video/audio input/output selector; a video/audio encoder/decoder; a microprocessor; a optical storage device; a memory card reader; a display controller; a status display; a power amplifier; and a speaker.
US08214557B2 Measuring direct memory access throughput
Methods and systems for measuring available direct memory access (DMA) throughput are disclosed, including providing a plurality of DMA channels, the DMA channels comprising a measuring DMA channel and other DMA channels, the measuring DMA channel having a lowest data rate priority, and determining an available DMA throughput by measuring a current data rate at which the measuring DMA channel is serviced in response to initiating a data transfer on the measuring DMA channel.
US08214553B2 Virtualization of an input/output device for supporting multiple hosts and functions
Methods and apparatus are provided for simultaneously supporting multiple hosts with a single communication port; each host may host multiple functions. The input/output device comprises multiple buffers; each buffer stores packets for one host, but can be dynamically reallocated to a different host. Multiple buffers may simultaneously support the same host and all of its functions. After a packet is received and classified, it is stored in at least one buffer, along with control information for processing the packet upon egress from the buffer. Egress managers for each buffer extract packets and transfer them to destination host/functions, by speculatively moving the packets forward even while DMA engines perform their processing to facilitate their transfer.
US08214552B2 Transmission apparatus, transmission method, communication apparatus, and program
A transmission apparatus includes a memory adapted to store data to be transmitted, a transmission unit adapted to transmit, via a network, the data to be transmitted to a destination apparatus connected to the network, and a first rate controller adapted to control a first rate such that when the data to be transmitted having a size greater than the capacity of a transmission buffer of the transmission unit is transferred from the memory to the transmission buffer, the first rate at which the data is transferred from the memory to the transmission buffer is controlled to restrict the amount of data to be transmitted stored in the transmission buffer.
US08214551B2 Using a storage controller to determine the cause of degraded I/O performance
A method for identifying the cause of degraded I/O performance between a host system and a storage controller includes initially monitoring I/O performance between the host system and the storage controller. The method further detects degraded I/O performance between the host system and the storage controller using any suitable technique. Once degraded I/O performance is detected, the method determines the cause of the degraded I/O performance by analyzing historical configuration records in the storage controller. These historical configuration records enable the storage controller to correlate the degraded I/O performance with configuration changes in the storage controller and/or the connected host systems. The method then notifies one or more host systems of the cause of the degraded I/O performance. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed herein.
US08214536B2 Methods and apparatus for selecting a wireless network based on quality of service (QoS) criteria associated with an application
In one illustrative example, a mobile communication device has a plurality of software applications including an Internet browser application, an electronic mail (e-mail) communication application, and an audio or video player application. The mobile device is adapted to receive, from wireless communication networks or through use thereof, available quality of service data for the wireless networks and store the corresponding data in association with each network identification. The available quality of service data includes at least a bandwidth criterion and a delay criterion associated with each wireless network. For each one of the software applications, the mobile device is adapted to execute the software application; identify, based on the stored quality of service data, one or more wireless networks having a bandwidth criterion and a delay criterion that best match a bandwidth requirement and a delay requirement, respectively, of the executed software application; and select, based on the identifying, an available wireless network for communication using the executed software application.
US08214534B2 Method and apparatus for outputting event of third party device in home network supporting UPnP remote protocol
An apparatus for outputting an event of a third party device in a home network is provided, which includes a remote user interface (RUI) client taking part in a user interface (UI) session using a universal plug and play (UPnP) remote protocol; an RUI server taking part in the UI session, judging whether the RUI client exists on the home network, storing and transmitting an event message of a third party device that does not take part in the UI session; and an i-box receiving the event message from the RUI server if the RUI client does not exist on the home network, and transmitting the event message to the RUI client existing outside the home network by using an external network.
US08214529B2 Automatic network cluster path management
Automatic network configuration of cluster paths to access data within a cluster is described. Each node of the cluster presents to clients an image of the cluster as a single system. Each node also stores information regarding what node has particular data, as well as information about network addresses and corresponding network capabilities for the various network addresses for each node. When a node receives a request for data, the node determines a node where the request data can be accessed, determines network addresses and network capabilities for each network address of the node, and selects a path to access the node based on the determined information. The receiving node may select the path based on network type and capability, as well as load and performance of the network.
US08214518B1 Dynamic multimedia presentations
A method, system, and medium are provided for using a synchronized and distributed SMIL document to provide a dynamic multimedia presentation while maintaining client anonymity. An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a client request for a multimedia presentation. Client-specific information is removed from the client request and a SMIL document is generated for facilitating provision of the multimedia presentation. The SMIL document is synchronized across a plurality of network elements, and is configured to provide an interactive experience to a user.
US08214517B2 Methods and systems for quick and efficient data management and/or processing
System(s) and method(s) are provided for data management and data processing. For example, various embodiments may include systems and methods relating to relatively larger groups of data being selected with comparable or better performing selection results (e.g., high data redundancy elimination and/or average chunk size). In various embodiments, the system(s) and method(s) may include, for example a data group, block, or chunk combining technique or/and a data group, block, or chunk splitting technique. Various embodiments may include a first standard or typical data grouping, blocking, or chunking technique and/or data group, block, or chunk combining technique or/and a data group, block, or chunk splitting technique. Exemplary system(s) and method(s) may relate to data hashing and/or data elimination. Embodiments may include a look-ahead buffer and determine whether to emit small chunks or large chunks based on characteristics of underlying data and/or particular application of the invention (e.g., for backup).
US08214513B2 Plug-in file sharing
A method of operating a wireless modem is described. The method comprises identifying a first wireless modem to a computer system as locally attached mass storage, wherein the first wireless modem is removable from the computer system without opening a case of the computer system, registering the first wireless modem on a wireless network, receiving information from the wireless network about shared data, wherein the shared data is data that is shared with a second wireless modem, sending a storage request to the wireless network, and receiving data that is shared with the second wireless modem.
US08214510B2 Maintaining state information on a client
The present invention provides a system and method of maintaining state information on a client. In response to a client request for a file located on a server, the file is transmitted from the server to the client. An unmodifiable cookie that specifies state information from the server is also transmitted to the client. The client then stores the unmodifiable cookie. A user is unable to alter the unmodifiable cookie on the client machine.
US08214497B2 Multi-dimensional reputation scoring
Methods and systems for assigning reputation to communications entities include collecting communications data from distributed agents, aggregating the communications data, analyzing the communications data and identifying relationships between communications entities based upon the communications data.
US08214496B2 Gateway registry methods and systems
A gateway device for managing a set of two or more local management devices at a location. A system for networks at a plurality of locations. A method of operating a gateway device in a control network. A method for storing information to operate a gateway device in a control network. A method for storing information to operate a replacement gateway device in a control network.
US08214495B2 System and method for performance management in a multi-tier computing environment
Apparatus for monitoring a selected tier in a multi-tier computing environment, the apparatus including a context agent and a dynamic tier extension, the context agent associated with the selected tier and coupled with other context agents, each of which is associated with a respective tier, the dynamic tier extension coupled with the context agent and with specific predetermined points of the selected tier, the dynamic tier extension monitoring request traffic passing through the selected tier, the monitored request traffic including at least one entering request received at a request entry port from an adjacent tier, the dynamic tier extension identifying each request in the monitored request traffic and sending at least a request identifier to the context agent, the context agent also receiving information relating to the request context of the entering request from the context agent associated with the adjacent tier, the context agent associating the information relating to the request context of the entering request with the entering request, in accordance with the received request identifier.
US08214485B2 Using SNMP as an RPC mechanism for exporting the data structures of a remote library
A semi-automatic mapping of a library definition to a simple network management protocol (SNMP) management information base (MIB). By exposing the internal data needed to remotely access arbitrary user space libraries as SNMP data structures which can be directly modified over the network, the internal data, its operations, and usages operations can be modeled remotely.
US08214483B2 Method and system for continuous availability subscription service
Embodiments related generally to a method of providing continuous availability subscription service. The method includes retrieving a configuration data of a customer, where the configuration data relates to the hardware and application requirements of the customer. The method also includes creating a virtual machine for the customer based on the configuration data of the customer in response to a catastrophic event at a site of the customer.
US08214473B1 Apparatus, system, and method for communicating with a device within a computer system
An apparatus, system, and method establish communication with a target device within a computer system using an in-band communication protocol. Based on identification information received from the target device in accordance with a standard information exchange convention, a device manager identifies a nonstandard information exchange convention. A handler loaded into the device manager facilitates communication between a device caller and the target device using the nonstandard information exchange convention.
US08214464B2 Current updates
This document describes tools capable of differentiating a superset of entities from which a user may receive current updates effective to provide current updates for only some of the entities of the superset. In one embodiment, for example, the tools enable a user of a mobile device to select a set of entities from which the user will automatically receive updates that are current, easily accessible, and visible at-a-glance. The tools may forgo providing current updates for entities that are not selected by the user, though the tools may provide these updates when explicitly requested by the user or at particular times or events.
US08214461B1 Method of processing request by server computer system
In an embodiment, a method of processing a request by a server computer system begins with a step of receiving an object. The object comprises the request, an exception criterion, and a recovery operation. The method continues with a step of determining that the server computer system is unable to fulfill the request due to an exception which meets the exception criterion. The method concludes with a step of applying the recovery operation to resolve the exception. In an embodiment, the server computer system comprises a resource management system for a shared computing environment and the object comprises a resource request object. The resource request object comprises a resource request, the exception criteria, and the recovery operation. The resource request indicates resources requested from the shared computing environment by a start time and for a time period.
US08214458B2 Transmitter apparatus and transmitting method
The present invention is intended to realize a screen configuration according to a propagation environment and display capability by causing a server to transmit a plurality of pieces of screen configuration information describing a spatial arrangement of contents to a reception terminal and select, when the reception terminal receives a plurality of pieces of screen configuration information, screen configuration information and display the contents according to the propagation environment of the reception terminal and conditions such as display capability.
US08214456B2 System and method for restrictively exchanging and controlling product data between communication devices of a private network
A novel and non-trivial system and method for restrictively exchanging and controlling product data between communication devices of a private network is disclosed. A processor in communication with a plurality of user communication devices is used for controlling and restricting the exchange of product data. In such network, the processor may establish a communication connection with an initiating communication device of an initiating user, receive initiating product data from the initiating communication device and corresponding first users (e.g., defined trusted users) data, provide the initiating product data to at least one available first user communication device, receive responding product data responsive to the initiating product data, and provide the responding product data to the initiating communication device. Additionally, the processor may provide interested users who have not been defined as trusted users with the initiating product data and receive responding product data from such interested users.
US08214452B2 Monitoring of windows on computers
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for monitoring windows on computers. In one embodiment, movement of a mouse or cursor in a focused window of the computer is analyzed to determine whether an application is properly executing in the computer.
US08214448B2 Optimized utilization of DMA buffers for incoming data packets in a network protocol
A method, system and computer program product for facilitating network data packet management. In one embodiment, a controller is configured to receive data packets. Incoming data packets are stored in DMA mapped packet buffers. A time stamp is associated with the packet buffers. When the associated time stamp exceeds a defined threshold, the controller is configured to copy the packet buffers stored in DMA memory to non-DMA memory. Once copied, the DMA memory previously used to store the packet buffers is available to receive new data packets. The controller is configured to continue copying aged packet buffers to non-DMA memory until an unallocated amount DMA memory is reached.
US08214438B2 (More) advanced spam detection features
The present invention involves a system and method that facilitate extracting data from messages for spam filtering. The extracted data can be in the form of features, which can be employed in connection with machine learning systems to build improved filters. Data associated with the subject line, timestamps, and the message body can be extracted and employed to generate one or more features. In particular, subject lines and message bodies can be examined for consecutive, repeating characters, blobs, the association or distance between such characters, blobs and non-blob portions of the message. The values or counts obtained can be broken down into one or more ranges corresponding to a degree of spaminess. Presence and type of attachments to messages, percentage of non-white-space and non-numeric characters of a message, and determining message delivery times can be used to identify spam. A time-based delta can be computed to facilitate determining the delivery time.
US08214421B2 Conformance testing without reference implementation of an XML standard
Messages exchanged between two or more participants are conformance tested to a specific markup language standard without using a reference implementation of the markup language standard. Conformance is tested by executing verification rules corresponding to the specific markup language standard, where the verification rules comprise a representation of at least one protocol verification graph.
US08214418B2 Method for combining binary numbers in environments having limited bit widths and apparatus therefor
The present disclosure provides a method and system for combining multiple coefficient words using only the magnitude bits of each of the coefficient words and using the sign bits of each of the coefficient words to modify the output of the combined magnitude bits. Using this method and/or system, it is possible to implement, for example, digital filters using larger coefficient word sizes without having to incur the inefficiencies and cost associated with using additional hardware resources, while maintaining an acceptable gain error in the filter response.
US08214411B2 Atomic deletion of database data categories
A device maintains, in a database, a plurality of data items, each data item of the plurality of data items being associated with a respective category. The device associates, in the database, a first counter value with each data item, the first counter value indicating a number of times the respective category has been deleted from the database at a time when the data item was stored in the database. The device associates, in the database or another database, a second counter value with the respective category, the second counter value indicating a current value for a number of times the respective category has been deleted from the database. The device selectively deletes, from the database, one or more data items of the plurality of data items from the database based on the first counter values and the second counter value.
US08214408B2 Method, database system and computer program for joining temporal database tables
A method, database system and computer program are disclosed for performing a temporal join between two temporal database tables. The method includes determining a selected table intersection between a period of interest and a time period value for a selected table row, scanning an inner table for a row that matches the selected table on the join conditions and overlaps the selected table intersection, and determining the remainder time period values from the selected table intersection.
US08214396B2 Lead management
Systems and methods for lead management. Lead management systems can collect contact information and service information associated with a user and store the contact information to a contact data store. The lead management system can submit an the service information and obfuscated contact information to a provider on behalf of the user. The lead management system can thereafter present communications from the provider to the user.
US08214392B2 Domain independent system and method of automating data aggregation
A computer automated method and system of presenting data. The method may include the steps of inputting a set of user-defined instructions into a remotely located computer database system via a public network connection, inputting a user query into the computer database system via the public network connection, mining the computer database system for data relevant to the user query, creating a data set comprising the data relevant to the user query, and aggregating data in the data set using domain metrics selected based on any of predefined and configurable rules and past user usage. The aggregation may further include tagging all data attributes in the data set based on database metadata and inputs from a user, wherein the data attributes comprise any of data identifications (IDs), data grouping attributes, and data measure attributes.
US08214391B2 Knowledge-based data mining system
In a data mining system, data is gathered into a data store using, e.g., a Web crawler. The data is classified into entities. Data miners use rules to process the entities and append respective keys to the entities representing characteristics of the entities as derived from rules embodied in the miners. With these keys, characteristics of entities as defined by disparate expert authors of the data miners are identified for use in responding to complex data requests from customers.
US08214390B2 Binary interest vector for better audience targeting
A binary interest vector is herein described, which represents information in a string of bits about user interest in a set of topics. The binary interest vector may represent the interests of a particular user, or the interests of users associated with a particular client machine. Such a binary interest vector can store a large amount of information in a very small space by assigning bit subsets of the string of bits to represent interest in respective topics of the set of topics based on the positions of the bits in the subsets. Additionally, the bits of a particular binary interest vector may include a version indicator identifying the pattern of topics assigned to the bits of the particular vector. The user interest information in a particular binary interest vector may be utilized in selecting content to display to the user that is associated with the particular vector.
US08214381B2 Expected future condition support in an abstract query environment
Embodiments of the invention are generally related to data processing, and more specifically to retrieving data from a database. An abstract query may include query conditions and a first logical field comprising conditions for determining whether a second logical field will have a predefined value in the future. Upon execution, the abstract query may return results that satisfy the conditions for determining whether the second logical field will have the predefined value.
US08214380B1 System and method for managing search results
A system and method for managing search results available from a network resource using a data feed is disclosed herein as incorporating a processor programmed to retrieve user unsorted search results matching search terms provided by a user, transmit the search results along with a user selectable sorting identifier over the network for display on a graphical user interface and further programmed to sort each search result according to the user selected sorting identifier, update the sorting status of each search result, and transmit for display on the graphical user interface the search results in accordance with the sorting status and the user selected sorting identifier.
US08214376B1 Techniques for global single instance segment-based indexing for backup data
Techniques for global single instance segment-based indexing are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for global single instance segment-based indexing for backup data. The method may comprise dividing an item being backed up into segments, generating a fingerprint for each segment, and saving an entry for each segment in an index database. Each entry may comprise the fingerprint for the segment.
US08214374B1 Methods and systems for abridging video files
Techniques for generating automated tags for a video file are described. The method includes receiving one or more manually generated tags associated with a video file, based at least in part on the one or more manually entered tags, determining a preliminary category for the video file, and based on the preliminary category, generating a targeted transcript of the video file, wherein the targeted transcript includes a plurality of words. The method further includes generating an ontology of the plurality of words based on the targeted transcript, ranking the plurality of words in the ontology based on a plurality of scoring factors, and based on the ranking of the plurality of words, generating one or more automated tags associated with the video file.
US08214369B2 System and method for indexing and prefiltering
A method and system are provided for selecting advertisements for presentation to a user in response to a user search query. The system may include a keyword server for parsing the user search query and an index server for receiving the parsed search query. The index server may include an index of advertising phrases and pre-filtering components for comparing index entries to the parsed user search query in order to discard non-matching index entries and locate matching entries. The pre-filtering components may include either a phrase length pre-filtering component or a word hash pre-filtering component. The system may additionally include a listing server for sorting through the matching entries located by the index server and further filtering the matching entries for retrieval and presentation to the user.
US08214366B2 Systems and methods for generating a language database that can be used for natural language communication with a computer
A system for knowledge representation in a computer that can enable unrestricted natural language communication with a computer, comprising a database configured to store at least one table, the table configured to store associations between concepts in a text string and associated concept identifiers; and a builder interfaced with the database, the builder configured to construct a table that represents knowledge defined by a text string, the text string comprising (n) operands and (n−1) operators, by performing a process comprising the following steps: combining concepts in the text string into first order sub-concepts according to precedence defined by the operators, combining the first order sub-concepts into higher order concepts according to the precedence defined by the operators, repeating the steps until the higher order sub-concepts join to form a concept that represents the entire text string, and storing the concept, first order sub-concepts, and higher order sub-concepts in the database.
US08214355B2 Small table: multitenancy for lots of small tables on a cloud database
Methods and apparatus are described for partitioning native tables in a database cluster into logical tables. Each logical table is mapped into a unique portion of the native table by an intermediary server. Clients access a logical table as an ordinary, full-fledged database table through the intermediary server, which translates queries on the logical table into queries on the corresponding portion of the native table. The mapping may use the application name, logical table name, and a version number to create a native table key for each key in the logical table. A data structure storing these mappings may be stored at the intermediary server or in a native table in the database. This approach affords clients quick and flexible access to the database with better data integrity and security than native tables allow.
US08214344B2 Search engine inference based virtual assistance
Techniques described herein generally relate to real time inference based systems. Example embodiments may set forth devices, methods, and computer programs related to search engine inference based virtual assistance. One example method may include a computing device adapted to receive text as input and a computer processor arranged to determine at least one inference regarding subject matter of the text based on one or more web searches of one or more terms within the text. The inference(s) may then be automatically displayed upon the inference(s) being determined. The text may be automatically received as input from a voice-to-text converter as voice-to-text conversion producing the text is occurring.
US08214342B2 Supplier identification and locator system and method
A method to identify a supplier of good or services over the Internet by providing a home page with at least one link to a directory Web site for a class of goods or services. The directory Web site includes a directory Web site domain that at least partially describes a class of goods or services. The directory Web site also contains at least one supplier link to a corresponding supplier Web site and a rollover window. The home page and the directory Web site are configured to allow a user to access the home page; select a directory Web site based at least in part on the directory Web site domain name; activate the link to the selected directory Web site; and select and activate the supplier link for a supplier of goods or services.
US08214340B2 Observing and reporting changes in complex software dependencies
An observation system includes mechanisms for efficiently tracking the state of source components, which include functions, arguments, or values, etc. In one implementation, an observing component requests that a source component processes a request. The observation system then identifies all possible components in a dependency chain for the request, and all such components that are configured for change notifications. A dependency registry stores a representation of each identified component that is configured for change notifications. Any time any component configured for change notifications changes, including indirectly related components, the observing component can be immediately notified of the change, without having to reprocess the entire set of component dependencies.
US08214339B2 Method and system for profile typing in batch loading documents into a service registry in a computing environment
A method and system for profile typing in batch loading document files into a service registry module in a computing environment, is provided. One implementation involves loading document files into a service registry by profile typing document files for loading into a service registry of a service oriented architecture (SOA) computing environment, including automatically identifying a profile of each document file; and batch loading the document files into the service registry based on their corresponding profile type.
US08214338B1 Methods and systems for media storage
Described herein are methods and systems related to managing the storage of telephony-related data, such as calls, contacts, and/or messages. An illustrative embodiment receives media via a telephonic device. The media is stored in a first data store with a first degree of compression as a first file of a first size. A search interface is provided via which a user can search for the media. After a first period of time and/or at least partly in response to determining that the media has not been accessed or has been infrequently accessed, the media is stored in a second data store with a second degree of compression as a second file of a second size, wherein the second degree of compression is higher than the first degree of compression, and wherein the second size is smaller than the first size.
US08214333B2 Storage system for managing a log of access
Provided is a storage system including: a first interface connected to a host computer; a second interface connected to a manager terminal; a control unit connected to the first interface and the second interface and equipping a processor and a memory; and one or more disk drives in which data that is requested to read by the host computer is stored, in which the control unit detects an access from the host computer to the first interface and an access from the manager terminal to the second interface, and generates log data of operations according to the accesses. Accordingly, log data concerning every action and every operation of the storage system is maintained and stored.
US08214330B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program product
An information processing apparatus includes a generating unit that, based on schema information defining a structure of an object, generates the object that has a duplicating function for generating a clone as a copy of self. There is a receiving unit that receives a generation request for generating the object and a requesting unit that requests generation of the clone to the object when the duplicating function of the object for which the generation request is received is determined to be available. Further, there is an output unit that outputs the clone generated by the object, whose duplicating function is determined to be available, to a source that has issued the generation request for generating the object.
US08214326B2 Reducing data storage requirements on mail servers by storing a shared copy of a message
A mail server detects if an incoming message is addressed to multiple recipients, in which case redundant data storage is reduced. A single shared copy of the message is stored, and a reference message, which refers to the shared message, is provided to the addressed recipients. A record of the number of existing reference messages is maintained, and decremented as each reference message is deleted by recipients. When no reference messages remain, the shared message is also deleted. A record of recipients authorized to access the shared message is also maintained, and updated as recipients delete their reference messages.
US08214323B2 Extensible data warehouse for flow cytometry data
Methods, systems, and computer program products for storing, managing, querying, and displaying data are described herein. The method operates by classifying and displaying received flow cytometry data. In an embodiment, the method creates a first extensible dimension table with columns that include keywords from received data. The method creates a second extensible dimension table with columns corresponding to parameters from the received data. The method then populates dimension tables with data describing values of dimensions of the classified data. The method populates a first fact table from the classified data. The method then populates a second fact table with a summary of data from the first fact table. The method displays a user interface on a display of a computer device. The method then permits a user to select query attributes including keywords and parameters. The method builds and executes queries based upon dimensions generated from grouped selected query attributes.
US08214317B2 Failure detection system risk reduction assessment
A process includes determining a probability of a failure mode of a system being analyzed reaching a failure limit as a function of time to failure limit, determining a probability of a mitigation of the failure mode as a function of a time to failure limit, and quantifying a risk reduction based on the probability of the failure mode reaching the failure limit and the probability of the mitigation.
US08214315B2 Systems and methods for prioritizing mobile media player files
Disclosed are embodiments of systems and methods for prioritizing mobile media player files by providing for the automated addition and/or deletion of media items for a mobile media player. In some embodiments, a statistical method may be provided for inferring which media items on a mobile media player should be deleted based on, for example, user taste data. In some embodiments, new media items may be loaded onto a user's mobile media player by creating one or more playlists from a playlist builder. The playlist(s) may be created by using user taste data. Rankings may also be created to determine an order for deletion of the media items currently on a mobile media player and/or for addition of new media items to the device.
US08214314B2 System and process for a fusion classification for insurance underwriting suitable for use by an automated system
A method and system for fusing a collection of classifiers used for an automated insurance underwriting system and/or its quality assurance is described. Specifically, the outputs of a collection of classifiers are fused. The fusion of the data will typically result in some amount of consensus and some amount of conflict among the classifiers. The consensus will be measured and used to estimate a degree of confidence in the fused decisions. Based on the decision and degree of confidence of the fusion and the decision and degree of confidence of the production decision engine, a comparison module may then be used to identify cases for audit, cases for augmenting the training/test sets for re-tuning production decision engine, cases for review, or may simply trigger a record of its occurrence for tracking purposes. The fusion can compensate for the potential correlation among the classifiers. The reliability of each classifier can be represented by a static or dynamic discounting factor, which will reflect the expected accuracy of the classifier. A static discounting factor is used to represent a prior expectation about the classifier's reliability, e.g., it might be based on the average past accuracy of the model, while a dynamic discounting is used to represent a conditional assessment of the classifier's reliability, e.g., whenever a classifier bases its output on an insufficient number of points it is not reliable.
US08214313B1 Turn rate calculation
A data store includes item configuration data for a plurality of configurations of an item and inventory mix rate data. A computing device is configured to generate a matrix that combines the item configuration data with the inventory mix rate data such that cells in the matrix include an indication of an inventory mix rate related to an item feature; use the matrix to develop a plurality of neural network inventory turn rate models; and use the turn rate models to associate a value with each configuration in the plurality of configurations.
US08214303B2 Apparatus for executing interoperable digital rights management using contents device and method of performing operations between contents device and digital rights management tool for interoperable digital rights management
Provided are an apparatus for executing interoperable digital rights management (DRM) using a contents device and a method of performing an operation between the contents device and a DRM tool for interoperable DRM, and more particularly, a method and apparatus for executing a DRM tool in various environments, regardless of the type of device or type of DRM tool, using an interfaced DRM executing apparatus including a DRM processor or a DRM tool agent.
US08214298B2 Systems and methods for performing wireless financial transactions
A secure computing module (SCM) is configured for connection with a host device. The SCM includes a processor for performing secure processing operations, a host interface for coupling the processor to the host device, and a memory connected to the processor wherein the processor logically isolates at least some of the memory from access by the host device. The SCM also includes a proximate-field wireless communicator connected to the processor to communicate with another SCM associated with another host device. The SCM generates a secure digital signature for a financial transaction package and communicates the package and the signature to the other SCM using the proximate-field wireless communicator. Financial transactions are performed from person to person using the secure digital signature of each person's SCM and possibly message encryption. The digital signatures and transaction details are communicated to appropriate financial organizations to authenticate the transaction parties and complete the transaction.
US08214277B2 Multidimensional risk analysis systems
Multi-dimensional risk assessment in multiple time frames, capable of warning of upcoming risks and current risk levels in market trading without tedious manual confirmations.
US08214276B1 Method and system for providing relative financial position data
A method and system for providing relative financial position data whereby actual financial data, such as, but not limited to, overall financial position data, income and asset data, expense data, and transactional data, and/or demographic data for various individuals is obtained from one or more sources. A given individual's actual financial transaction data is then compared with other individuals that are determined to be similarly situated with the given individual. The given individual is then provided one or more graphical displays and/or data displays showing a comparison between the given individual's own financial data and/or position and the average financial data and/or position of similarly situated individuals.
US08214272B2 Web site valuation
According to the invention, a method for automatically determining an appraisal value of a web site is disclosed. The method may include obtaining machine observable information from the web site and determining a machine observable characteristic of the web site based at least in part on the machine observable information from the web site. The method may also include storing at least one of the machine observable information from the web site, and the machine observable characteristic of the web site. The method may further include determining the appraisal value of the web site based at least in part on at least one of the machine observable information from the web site, and the machine observable characteristic of the web site.
US08214266B2 Brochure inventory and distribution tracking system
A brochure inventory and tracking system provides a method and apparatus for distributing and tracking brochures. A brochure inventory route is assigned to a driver of a vehicle. The brochure inventory route includes at least one brochure distribution point having at least one brochure rack having at least one brochure bin. A handheld device runs remote inventory software and is carried by the driver. A server runs central inventory software and communicates wirelessly with the handheld device. An estimated brochure level for each brochure bin and the number and identity of brochure necessary to refill each brochure bin are determined and the brochure bins are refilled. Information regarding the estimated brochure level for each brochure bin is uploaded to the server for analysis. Customer inventory software allows a customer to access substantially real time data regarding brochure distribution.
US08214265B2 Indirect customer identification system and method
A database system and method is presented that updates a retail transaction database for each transaction by extracting a name from a payment mechanism. Associations already made between the customer records, the transactions database, and the payment account database are used in conjunction with the extracted name to create additional associations between customers and transactions and between customers and payment accounts. In addition, new customer records can be created by searching demographic databases using the reverse append name and data associated with the transaction already in the database.
US08214262B1 System and method of enhancing leads
A consumer lead enhancement system comprises a vendor criteria database, a web server, and a matching engine. The vendor criteria database is configured to store vendor criteria for receiving leads regarding consumers. The web server is configured to request from a consumer a first set of consumer characteristics and a second set of consumer characteristics. The matching engine is configured to compare the consumer characteristics with information in the vendor criteria database in order to match the consumer with one or more vendors so that the system is capable of generating a lead and transmitting the lead to the vendors. If the consumer provides the second set of consumer characteristics, the consumer may be matched to vendors based on the second set of consumer characteristics. Otherwise the consumer may be matched to vendors based on the first set of consumer characteristics.
US08214247B2 Methods and system for managing vending operations based on wireless data
A system coupled to one or more vending machines, such as soft drink vending machines, via a wireless data link can acquire operational vending data, for example sales data, hardware status, and product temperature. The system can compile data from multiple vending machines dispersed across a geographic area such as a city or state. The system can include software that refines the vending operations of one or more such vending machines based on analysis of acquired data, taking into consideration other information such as market, business, seasonal, or environmental factors. Refining vending operations can include adjusting product offerings, relocating vending machines, replicating favorable conditions, and addressing unexpected sales variations.
US08214239B2 Concise communication of real-time business information in an enterprise network
A method, system, computer program product, and related business methods for concisely communicating real-time business information to end users in an enterprise network is described. An integrated business system having at least ERP and CRM functionality is accessed via a browser-based user interface. A plurality of portlet windows are simultaneously displayed within a browser window, each portlet window occupying a relatively small area therein. The portlet windows are selected and arranged according to a customizable user profile for each user, and include reporting portlets displaying up-to-date business results retrieved from the integrated business system. Each reporting portlet further comprises report access links associated with at least one of the business results that, when selected by the user, invoke browser-based displays of up-to-date business data underlying those business results. Preferably, in accordance with a user-customizable alert setting stored in the user profile, regular electronic mail messages are sent to the user communicating up-to-date versions of those business results. Preferably, data labels that identify business items within the browser-based user interface and on the electronic mails are expressed in a business vernacular tuned to each user according to customizable business vernacular settings in their user profiles.
US08214238B1 Consumer goods and services high performance capability assessment
A high performance capability assessment model helps a consumer goods and services business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, the consumer goods and services business can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste that result from unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the high performance capability assessment model helps the consumer goods and services business to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made and understand how to make the improvements, and establishes levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal.
US08214237B2 Methods and apparatus for resource allocation in computer architectures
Methods and apparatuses for searching for an optimal resource allocation configuration are disclosed. First and second configurations for allocating resources are generated, each having first and second degrees of optimization, respectively. The second configuration is based on a variation of the first configuration. The second configuration is rejected if the first degree of optimization represents a more optimal configuration than the second degree of optimization based on a first probability that the first configuration is a global optimum configuration. The second configuration is accepted if the first degree of optimization represents a more optimization configuration than the second degree of optimization based on a second probability that the first configuration does not comprise the global optimum configuration.
US08214212B2 Systems and methods for extracting meaning from multimodal inputs using finite-state devices
Multimodal utterances contain a number of different modes. These modes can include speech, gestures, and pen, haptic, and gaze inputs, and the like. This invention use recognition results from one or more of these modes to provide compensation to the recognition process of one or more other ones of these modes. In various exemplary embodiments, a multimodal recognition system inputs one or more recognition lattices from one or more of these modes, and generates one or more models to be used by one or more mode recognizers to recognize the one or more other modes. In one exemplary embodiment, a gesture recognizer inputs a gesture input and outputs a gesture recognition lattice to a multimodal parser. The multimodal parser generates a language model and outputs it to an automatic speech recognition system, which uses the received language model to recognize the speech input that corresponds to the recognized gesture input.
US08214209B2 Speech recognition system, method, and computer readable medium that display recognition result formatted in accordance with priority
Disclosed is a speech recognition system which including speech input means for receiving the speech data, speech recognition means for receiving the input speech data from the speech input means and performing speech recognition, recognition result evaluation means for determining a priority of at least one of a recognition result and each portion forming the recognition result obtained by the speech recognition by the speech recognition means, storage means for storing the recognition result and the priority, recognition result formatting means for determining display/non-display of the recognition result and/or each portion forming the recognition result and generating output information according to the priority, and output means for outputting the output information.
US08214201B2 Pitch range refinement
A method of refining a pitch period estimation of a signal, the method comprising: for each of a plurality of portions of the signal, scanning over a predefined range of time offsets to find an estimate of the pitch period of the portion within the predefined range of time offsets; identifying the average pitch period of the estimated pitch periods of the portions; determining a refined range of time offsets in dependence on the average pitch period, the refined range of time offsets being narrower than the predefined range of time offsets; and for a subsequent portion of the signal, scanning over the refined range of time offsets to find an estimate of the pitch period of the subsequent portion.
US08214197B2 Apparatus, system, method, and computer program product for resolving ambiguities in translations
A machine translation apparatus includes a translating unit that translates a source language document into a translated document described in a target language, and creates an ambiguous portion that is a word or a sentence having an ambiguity occurred during translation; a storing unit that stores the translated document and the ambiguous portion; a speech receiving unit that receives a speech in the source language; a recognition unit that recognizes the speech received and creates a source language speech sentence as a recognition result; a translation updating unit that updates the translated language document by retranslating a part of a speech content of the source language speech sentence to which the ambiguous portion corresponds, when the source language document includes the ambiguous portion; and a display control unit that displays the updated translated document on a display unit.
US08214195B2 Testing in a hardware emulation environment
A system and method is disclosed for testing emulation boards in a hardware emulation environment. In one embodiment, test files can be maintained that identify a list of test commands. Such a list can be easily changed without recompiling. In another embodiment, the list of commands can be read by a first server. The commands can be passed (e.g., sequentially) to a second server associated with one or more emulator boards. The second server can ensure that the commands are executed on the specified emulator boards for testing the emulator boards. In yet another embodiment, a user can request a series of tests to be executed. The tests can be included in a list of test names. Each test name can correspond to a list of test commands associated with the test name. Thus, a first server can read a test name, read a file of test commands associated with the test name and pass the test commands to a second server to ensure the test commands are executed.
US08214190B2 Methodology for correlated memory fail estimations
Correlated failure distribution for memory arrays having different groupings of memory cells is estimated by constructing memory unit models for the groupings based on multiple parameters, establishing failure conditions of the memory unit model using fast statistical analysis, calculating a fail boundary of the parameters for each memory unit model based on its corresponding failure conditions, and constructing memory array models characterized by the fail boundaries. Operation of a memory array model is repeatedly simulated with random values of the parameters assigned to the memory cells and peripheral logic elements to identify memory unit failures for each simulated operation. A mean and a variance is calculated for each memory array model, and an optimal architecture can thereafter be identified by selecting the grouping exhibiting the best mean and variance, subject to any other circuit requirements such as power or area.
US08214187B2 Method for constructing a hybrid grid from a CPG type grid
This method for evaluating fluid flows in a heterogeneous medium, uses a hybrid grid constructed from a CPG type structured grid and from a radial grid. The first stage includes locally deforming a CPG type grid into a non-uniform Cartesian grid. These local grid cell deformations correspond to the change from a “CPG” frame to a “Cartesian” frame defined by the deformation. These deformations are then quantified, by a deformation function φ, and applied to the radial grid so as to shift to the “Cartesian” frame. The second stage includes locally correcting the definition of this deformation function around the radial grid, so that the radial grid, in the “Cartesian” frame, keeps its geometrical characteristics. A hybrid grid is then generated in the “Cartesian” frame from the two grids thus deformed. Finally, this hybrid grid is deformed to return to the “CPG” frame, using the inverse of deformation function φ.
US08214182B2 Methods of predicting residual stresses and distortion in quenched aluminum castings
Computational systems, methods, and articles of manufacture to predict at least one of residual stresses and distortion in quenched aluminum castings. Residual stresses and distortion may be predicted through incorporating thermal strains induced during quenching with the nonlinear constitutive behavior of quenched microstructures of a quenched aluminum casting, wherein thermal strains arise generally from non-uniform transient temperature distribution of the casting during quenching. The transient temperature distribution of the aluminum casting during quenching may be calculated based on heat transfer coefficients specific to one or more nodes, elements and/or zones on the surfaces of the aluminum casting. The nonlinear constitutive behavior of the quenched aluminum casting may be modeled as functions of temperatures, strain rates, and microstructure variations. A material constitutive model accounts for not only strain hardening and creep, but also precipitate hardening. Thereby, residual stresses and distortion in the quenched aluminum castings can be predicted using the embodiments.
US08214180B2 Method for the computer-aided simulation of technical processes
The invention relates to a method for computer-aided simulation of technical processes. Methods of this type are required in particular in evolution simulation models of technical, in particular physical and/or chemical processes, which are intended to be propagated in time (evolution). The method according to the invention for computer-aided simulation of the temporal propagation of technical processes as evolution problem, which is described by at least two different mathematical models as sub-evolution problems which use discretization entities which are different from each other and are propagated in time by means of model-specific algorithms, the simulation being implemented by means of a large number of calculation units, is characterized in that the mathematical models are reproduced on a single coherent graph structure (1) with the discretization entities as nodes (2) and the neighborhood relations thereof as edges (3), edges (3a, 3b) being produced between discretization entities belonging to the same model and also edges (3c) between discretization entities belonging to different models, respectively for the nodes assigned respectively to one mathematical model, for the edges (3a, 3b) between nodes belonging to the same model and also for nodes belonging to different models, respectively specific evolution operators being indicated, and the graph being propagated in time using these evolution operators.
US08214176B2 Exhaust gas sensor abnormality diagnostic device
An exhaust gas sensor abnormality diagnostic device includes an exhaust gas sensor, and a judgment means that judges whether execution conditions are established for making an abnormality diagnosis of element breakage in the exhaust gas sensor. The device also includes an abnormality diagnosis means that makes the abnormality diagnosis in accordance with an output signal generated by the exhaust gas sensor. Further, when the integrated value of intake air amounts of an internal combustion engine is not smaller than a predetermined value, the judgment means judges that the execution conditions are established. The abnormality diagnosis means cancels the establishment of the execution conditions when an intake air amount of the internal combustion engine remains less than a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time.
US08214175B2 Method and device for monitoring and analyzing signals
A method and system for monitoring and analyzing at least one signal are disclosed. An abstract of at least one reference signal is generated and stored in a reference database. An abstract of a query signal to be analyzed is then generated so that the abstract of the query signal can be compared to the abstracts stored in the reference database for a match. The method and system may optionally be used to record information about the query signals, the number of matches recorded, and other useful information about the query signals. Moreover, the method by which abstracts are generated can be programmable based upon selectable criteria. The system can also be programmed with error control software so as to avoid the re-occurrence of a query signal that matches more than one signal stored in the reference database.
US08214172B2 Systems and methods for locating defective components of a circuit
According to exemplary methods and systems of the present principles, the location of defective field repairable units (FRUS) of a circuit that have varying sizes or varying numbers of scan cells may be identified by employing tiles including scan cells from different FRUS. A set of test patterns may be scanned through the scan cells such that cells belonging to FRUs within a tile may be concealed while analyzing the response of scan cells in the tile contributed by a different FRU. Further, defective tiles are discoverable at any tile location and in any quantity within a maximal capacity using a compressed signature. In addition, signature registers that process data at a rate that is faster than the scan shift rate of the circuit may be employed during compression to multiply a circuit response by a plurality of components of a compression matrix during one scan shift cycle.
US08214166B2 Method and its system for calibrating measured data between different measuring tools
A method, and a corresponding system, are provided for calibrating data of an object measured by different measuring tools, including measuring a Critical-Dimension (CD) and roughness of an object by using a CD-SEM tool, calculating a number of cross section measurement points required for calibration, by statistically processing the roughness of the object, measuring the cross section of the object by using a cross section measuring tool to obtain cross section data at the calculated number of cross section measurement points, calculating the average measurement of the cross section measurement height, and calculating a calibration correction value that is a function of a difference between the average CD measurement of the object and the average measurement of the cross section measurement height of the object.
US08214164B2 Abnormal battery depletion detection in an implantable device
Abnormal battery depletion can be detected in an implantable medical device. Battery capacity consumed can be measured using a coulometer and using a capacity-by-voltage device, and the measurements can be blended to determine battery status. A drop in battery voltage below a specified threshold can be detected to identify a high-current depletion fault, and an alarm can be provided to indicate the fault has been detected. The specified threshold can be determined as a function of battery capacity consumed. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US08214161B2 System and method for detecting flaws in welded tubulars
The system provides first and second sensor assemblies and processor that work in cooperation to detect flaws in welded tubulars. The first sensor detects and provides an indication of the weld line to the processor, which analyzes the indication and determines the approximate location of the weld line along the tubular. The processor then transmits a signal to the second sensor assembly, which is preferably mounted on an automatic positioning apparatus. In response to the signal, the automatic positioning apparatus adjusts and readjusts the position of the second sensor assembly into proximity with the weld line to search for flaws in the tubular.
US08214160B2 State detection device, state detection method, state detection program, and information recording medium
A state detecting apparatus S for detecting a current operating state of an LM (linear motion) system includes an AE sensor 1 generating a detection signal Sae by detecting an AE wave elastically generated when a plurality of balls contained in the LM system revolve in a circulation portion while spinning themselves; and a signal processing unit 4 generating a parameter indicating an intensity of the AE wave based on only the detection signal Sae corresponding to an operating frequency of the ball, and uses the parameter to determine a lubrication state of the LM system. Thereby, it is possible to provide the state detecting apparatus capable of predicting failure occurrence in the LM system; providing an improved maintenance to a user of the LM system and further longer lifetime thereof; and providing a performance guarantee and an improved quality of a device or equipment manufactured using the LM system.
US08214156B2 System and method for improving data management between implantable medical devices and external devices
Systems, methods and devices are provided for improving data management between implantable medical devices (IMDs) and external devices for the detection of volume overload and volume depletion conditions. Data acquired by the IMD is periodically communicated to the external device where a volume overload monitoring algorithm is operated to detect whether a volume overload condition is present in the patient by monitoring the acquired data at the external device at a first lower, non-real-time frequency rate. Upon detection of a volume overload condition, the external device issues an instruction to the IMD causing the IMD to initiate a volume depletion condition monitoring algorithm for detecting in real time whether a volume depletion condition is present in the patient.
US08214137B2 In-vehicle information apparatus and in-vehicle multi-media system
When a present position is determined to be included in a high upland area, it is determined whether a presently displayed image can be displayed continuously during the stop of a hard disk drive. For example, a map image may be presently displayed based on map data stored in the hard disk drive. In such a case, displaying the map image cannot be continued in the state of the hard disk drive disabled at the high upland area. Thus, a subsequently displayed image is selected either from an image based on design image data stored in an external memory or from a video obtained from an external video apparatus. The display is changed to the selected image or video.
US08214134B2 Method and apparatus for a three dimensional fuel cut-off system
A three dimensional vehicle fuel cut-off system and method of accomplishing the same.
US08214133B2 Apparatus and method for use in computational fluid dynamics
An apparatus includes a parallel computation unit including an input port and an output port and a one-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model. The input port is configured to sample at a time t1 a boundary condition signal for the one-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model and the output port is configured to provide an output signal before the boundary condition signal is sampled at a time t2.
US08214124B2 Cruise control system and method
In a cruise control system for a vehicle, a cruise ECU calculates a cornering resistance applied to the vehicle based upon a steering angle, when a vehicle turns. The cruise ECU calculates a speed reduction amount as a correction vehicle speed based upon the cornering resistance. The cruise ECU subtracts the correction vehicle speed from a set vehicle speed to set a target vehicle speed so that the vehicle speed becomes lower as the cornering resistance is larger. The cruise ECU controls the vehicle speed to be within a permissible speed range of the target vehicle speed.
US08214119B2 Method for recognizing reference position of wedge of disk brake for vehicles
A method for recognizing a reference position of a wedge member of a disk brake for vehicles, which has a disk rotating together with the rotation of a wheel of a vehicle, a movable friction pad rubbing against one surface of the disk and generating braking force, the wedge member having one surface, to which the movable friction pad is attached, and moving in a rotating direction of the disk and moving forward to the disk by a driving motor for generating driving force, a guide member guiding the wedge member to the disk when the wedge member moves in the rotating direction of the disk, and a driving force transfer member screw-connected to a rotary shaft of the driving motor, moving in the rotating direction of the disk by the driving motor, and causing the wedge member to move in the rotating direction of the disk, the method including moving the wedge member to a left end of an operating section and recognizing a position of the left end, when a driver applies a pressure to a pedal; moving the wedge member to a right end of the operating section and recognizing a position of the right end, when the position of the left end is recognized; determining a middle position between the left end and the right end to be a central point of the entire moving distance; and recognizing the middle position as a reference position for controlling braking of the wedge member.
US08214111B2 Adaptive machine control system and method
A machine control system and method includes an on-board GPS receiver, an on-board processor adapted to store a preplanned guide pattern and a guidance device. The processor includes a comparison function for comparing the vehicle GPS position with a line segment of the preplanned guide pattern. The processor controls the guidance device for guiding the vehicle along the line segment. Various guide pattern modification functions are programmed into the processor, including best-fit polynomial correction, spline correction, turn-flattening to accommodate minimum vehicle turning radii and automatic end-of-swath keyhole turning.
US08214102B2 Methods and apparatus for providing access to vehicle electronic systems
One embodiment is directed to providing access between external systems and embedded vehicle electronic systems. That is, an interface module may receive information from a system external to the vehicle, determine an embedded system of the vehicle to which to provide the information, and provide the information to the embedded system. Similarly, the interface module may receive information a embedded electronic systems of a vehicle, determine a system external the vehicle to which to provide the information, and provide the information to the external system.
US08214095B2 Method and apparatus for detecting engine firing in a hybrid powertrain system
A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain system includes commanding engine operation to transition from an engine-off state to an engine-on state. A control scheme detects engine firing based upon input speed, input torque and a change in the input torque.
US08214091B2 System and method to determine train location in a track network
A system for determining a possible location of a train in a track network including interconnected tracks having wayside devices associated with these tracks. The system includes a positioning system for determining an estimated location area of a train and a track database having track location data. A computer: obtains the determined estimated location area of the train from the positioning system; identifies a plurality of tracks in the estimated location area of the train, based upon the track location data; obtains signal system data for at least one wayside device associated with at least one of the tracks identified within the estimated location area; and determines at least one possible train location on at least one of the identified tracks based at least in part upon the obtained signal system data. A method and apparatus for determining the possible location of a train is also provided.
US08214089B2 Stall, buffeting, low speed and high attitude protection system
A flight control system moves elevators according to a pilot command summed with an automatic command. The flight control system monitors a set of flight parameters to determine if the flight vehicle is operating inside a permitted envelope. The flight controls system incorporates automatic protections thru the automatic elevator command if the flight vehicle is close to its envelope limits. The exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation herein provides automatic protections in order to protect the flight vehicle from low speeds, high attitude, stalls and buffetings.
US08214087B2 Object specifying device for a vehicle
An object specifying device mounted in a controlled vehicle has a unit for tracking objects, existing in a monitoring area set along a running direction of the controlled vehicle, to detect the objects as forward objects, a unit for specifying one forward object running in the area as a forward vehicle, a unit for specifying each of other forward objects as a candidate for a control-based object when the forward object is placed in an inter-vehicle area between the controlled and forward vehicles, and a unit for specifying each candidate, tracked for a tracking period equal to or longer than a reference tracking period, as a control-based object and specifies each candidate, tracked for a tracking period shorter than the reference tracking period, as a non-control-based object. The controlled vehicle is controlled according to a movement of the control-based objects, regardless of a movement of the non-control-based objects.
US08214077B2 Medication dispensing system and method
A medication dispensing system and method where the patient can have his personal console capable of receiving an insert having a tray with an array of medication compartments corresponding to respective times and dates at which the medication is prescribed to be taken. A database in the console can be set with the specified times and dates at which the medication is to be taken. When the console determines the time to dispense medication in one of the compartments has been reached, a visual and/or audible indicator can be triggered. Membranes which are to be hand-removed by the patient cover the respective compartments. A detector provided under the insert can detect across the tray whether or not the membrane corresponding to the selected medication compartment has been removed.
US08214074B2 Device and method for positioning a rotationally-symmetric precision part
Device and method for positioning a precision part on a turntable (130). The device (100) comprises at least two distance sensors (121.1, 121.2, 121.3), which operate in a contactless manner and are situated in a previously known configuration to a rotational axis (A1) of the turntable (130). The measurement axes (124.1, 124.2, 124.3) of the distance sensors (121.1, 121.2, 121.3) are radially oriented in the direction of the rotational axis (A1) so that the measurement axes (124.1, 124.2, 124.3) of the distance sensors (121.1, 121.2, 121.3) meet in a virtual measuring point (MV). The distance sensors (121.1, 121.2, 121.3) are connected to analysis electronics (200). Output signals (a.1, a.2, a.3) of the distance sensors (121.1, 121.2, 121.3) may be processed on the basis of the analysis electronics (200), in order to allow coaxial centering of the precision part (11) in relation to the rotational axis (A1) upon placement of the precision part (11) on the turntable (130).
US08214070B2 Method and device for controlling an actuator
In a method and a device for controlling an actuator, the first setpoint value for the position of the actuator is predefined. A change in the setpoint value for the control of the actuator to the first setpoint value is limited to a first setpoint value change limitation. For the reaching of the first setpoint value, a second setpoint value is predefined. A change in the setpoint value for the position of the actuator to the second setpoint value is limited to a second setpoint value change limitation. If the actual value of the change of the setpoint value to the first setpoint value using the first setpoint value change limitation would be greater than the change of the setpoint value to the second setpoint value using the second setpoint value change limitation, the first setpoint value is predefined for the setpoint value and the change in the setpoint value for the control of the actuator to the first setpoint value is limited according to the first setpoint value change limitation.
US08214067B1 Interactive audio content delivery system and method
The present invention provides a system and method for delivering programmable, personalized interactive audio content, including advertising, via telecommunications carriers. Also, a telecommunications-carrier-based interactive combined entertainment, advertising, and sales channel is provided.
US08214064B2 Portable sound reproducing system and method
A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data includes a plurality of inputs, one or more memory chips, a display, an audio output, one or more processors, and a battery. The plurality of inputs includes a forward input, a reverse input, and a play control input. The one or more memory chips store compressed digitized audio data. The one or more processors are responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs to reproduce select rows of compressed digitized audio data stored in the data in an audio format and to provide information to the display.
US08214049B2 Gastric stimulation systems and methods utilizing a transgastric probe
Gastric stimulation devices, systems and methods are provided, particularly for stimulating a gastric organ having an internal cavity. Such devices and systems are typically implanted outside of the gastric organ while the environment of the internal cavity is probed and monitored by one or more sensors. The sensor information may be used to affect the stimulation signals provided to the gastric organ by the devices and systems. Such feedback integration assists in providing treatments and stimulation programs that are tailored to the needs of the individual patient.
US08214040B2 Intermittent stress augmentation pacing for cardioprotective effect
A device and method for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in a manner which provides a protective effect is disclosed. The protective effect is produced by configuring a cardiac pacing device to intermittently switch from a normal operating mode to a stress augmentation mode in which the spatial pattern of depolarization is varied to thereby subject a particular region or regions of the ventricular myocardium to increased mechanical stress.
US08214037B2 Implantable pulse generator and method having adjustable signal blanking
An implantable pulse generator senses a cardiac signal, identifies cardiac events in the cardiac signal, and starts a blanking interval including a repeatable noise window blanking interval in response to each cardiac event. When noise is detected during the repeatable noise window blanking interval, the noise window blanking interval is repeated. In one embodiment, the duration of repeated repeatable noise window blanking intervals is summed and compared to a pacing escape interval. When the sum is greater than the pacing escape interval, asynchronous pacing pulses are delivered until the noise ceases. Alternatively, when the sum is greater than the pacing escape interval, the pace escape interval is repeated.
US08214033B2 Interferential cardiac preconditioning and depolarization
Exemplary systems, devices, and methods pertaining to cardiac related therapy and particularly to interferential cardiac preconditioning and depolarization are described. A cardiac arrhythmia is detected from electrogram data sensed from a patient's heart and a region of the heart affected by the cardiac arrhythmia is determined. The affected region is interferentially energized by multiple cycles of two concurrently delivered alternating currents which are offset in frequency.
US08214030B2 Iontophoresis apparatus and method
An iontophoresis apparatus and method is disclosed that is suited to deliver a plurality of treatment methods such as, but not limited to, body site conductivity enhancement followed by low voltage iontophoresis.
US08214027B2 Cardiac rhythm template generation system and method
A method and system provides for generating a snapshot representative of one beat of a patient's normal cardiac rhythm. Cardiac rate channel signals and shock channel signals are sensed. A fiducial point is determined for a predefined number of the cardiac rate channel signals. A predefined number of the shock channel signals are aligned using the fiducial point. A template is generated using the aligned shock channel signals, whereby the template is representative of one of the patient's normal supra-ventricular conducted cardiac beats. The template is updated on a periodic basis.
US08214026B2 Method and apparatus for determining the coronary sinus vein branch accessed by a coronary sinus lead
Systems and methods for determining the coronary sinus vein branch location of a left ventricle electrode are disclosed. The systems and methods involve detecting the occurrence of electrical events within the patient's heart including sensing one or more of the electrical events with the electrode and then analyzing the electrical events to determine the electrode's position. The determination of electrode position may be used to automatically adjust operating parameters of a VRT device. Furthermore, the determination of electrode position may be made in real-time during installation of the electrode and a visual indication of the electrode position may be provided on a display screen.
US08214021B2 Medical imaging system and method containing ultrasound docking port
An ultrasound medical imaging system and non-ultrasound medical imaging system are combined and communicate via a suitable docking port, which is supported by the non-ultrasound medical imaging system and configured to receive the ultrasound medical imaging system. The systems can communicate directly, indirectly, and/or wirelessly. Each can also be configured for cross-imaging in the other modality, displaying medical imagery from the other modality on respective and/or combined displays, and/or control by a user interface of the other and/or a common user interface. Registry between patient imagery is possible, and improved workflow is provided.
US08214016B2 System and method for determining an optimal type and position of an implant
A computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery system includes a device for generating a three dimensional geometrical surface model of a first bone and a database containing three 3 dimensional implant models of a plurality of available implants. The system includes a computer that is configured to permit a user to select from the database a first implant and display on a screen the three dimensional implant model of the first implant. The computer superimposes on the screen the implant model on top of the model of the first bone such that the two models are visually identifiable from one another.
US08214011B2 System and method for remodeling prediction using ultrasound
A system and method for remodeling prediction using ultrasound are provided. The method includes obtaining ultrasound information relating to a heart and determining a likelihood of myocardial remodeling of the heart based on the ultrasound information.
US08213996B2 Terminal and display method used in the terminal
Provided is a terminal and a display method used in the terminal capable of analyzing images that are mainly selected by a user from among images to be displayed by the terminal and firstly displaying the selected images, although the terminal needs to display more images than the maximum number of images that the terminal can simultaneously display, so that it is possible to reduce the inconvenience of performing a scrolling operation to select an image.
US08213994B2 Mobile communications system and method for providing common channel coverage using beamforming antennas
Wireless mobile unit communication initiation is provided in a radio network that has a plurality of base stations, each providing wireless communication services in a respective geographic coverage. The wireless communication is established by first transmitting an omnidirectional sounding pulse from a wireless mobile unit. Information related to the detected sounding pulse is communicated to an interface by each base station detecting the sounding pulse. One of the base stations that detected the sounding pulse is selected for mobile unit communication based on the communicated information and directs a communication beam to the mobile unit to establish wireless communication. Alternatively, one or more of the base stations that detected the sounding pulse direct a communication beam to the mobile unit and the mobile unit selects unit the base station with which it is to establish wireless communication. Preferably, smart antennas, including directional beamforming capability, are employed by the base stations.
US08213993B2 Messenger strand mounted pico-cell radio
A messenger strand mounted low-power pico-cell radio, having its own environmentally controlled box, mounted on utility messenger strands, connects to the cable using the Internet protocol (IP) for back-haul, and has in-band monitor and control capability. These pico-cell radios also receive power through the same cable connection. The configuration control and monitoring is by independent discretely-managed internal mechanisms that can be remotely addressed. These internal mechanisms include the modem for backhaul, wireless radio transceiver(s), and the system management device for operation, administration, maintenance, and control. Such pico-cell radios help to provide wireless connectivity and coverage efficiently by reducing dark spots in wireless coverage. Distributing these radios in reasonable, close proximity enables wireless coverage in difficult terrains, where current high power systems fail. The radios disclosed herein eliminate the need and cost for additional power lines and IP connection lines, and are therefore easy to install and maintain.
US08213992B2 Radio base station apparatus
A shared AMP includes: a transmission/reception processor section (TRX-B) for a second mobile communication system configured to perform frequency conversion processing on an inputted transmission baseband signal for a mobile communication system B, and to output a transmission radio frequency signal for the second mobile communication system; a power level adjuster section (VA) configured to adjust a power level of an inputted transmission radio frequency signal for a first mobile communication system; a combiner section (COM) configured to generate a transmission radio frequency signal, by combining the transmission radio frequency signal for the first mobile communication system outputted from the power level adjuster section (VA) and the transmission radio frequency signal for the second mobile communication system outputted from the transmission/reception processor section (TRX-B) for the second mobile communication system; and a common amplifier section (PA) configured to amplify a power level of the transmission radio frequency signal outputted from the combiner section (COM) at a predetermined amplification rate, and to output the resultant signal.
US08213976B2 Communicating system, server, communicating terminal, and recording medium
A communicating system includes: a plurality of communicating system terminal including a communication unit that transmits and receives audio or video data and a reproducing unit that reproduces the data received by the communication unit; and a server including an administering unit that administers the plurality of communicating terminals as a communication group, an approving unit that approves the transmission of the data by one of the communicating terminals of the communication group, a receiving unit that receives the data transmitted by the one of the communicating terminals, and a transmitting unit that transmits the data received by the receiving unit to the other communicating terminals of the communication group.
US08213975B2 Method and apparatus for interactive audience participation at a live entertainment event
The present invention relates to a method for providing interactive audience participation at live entertainment events. The method includes use of an interactive device that presents a promotional message and includes a user interface, broadcasting audio programming to the audience member through the interactive device, querying the audience members, wherein answers to the querying may be entered by the audience member via the user interface of the interactive device, transmitting the answers to a central processor, storing the answers as audience data, processing the audience data into results, storing the results of the processing of the audience data and broadcasting the results of the processing of the audience data.
US08213973B2 Method for transmitting data
A method for transmitting data is applied to a receiver and a plurality of transmitters. The steps comprise respectively transmitting a data to the receiver at different first transmission times within a transmission interval by the transmitters. Next, the different first transmission times are respectively added with different accumulated values to become the different second transmission times. The different accumulated values are respectively added with a multiple of the different first transmission times. Finally, the transmitters respectively transmit a next data to the receiver at the different second transmission times within a next transmission interval.
US08213970B2 Method of utilizing forced alerts for interactive remote communications
The system and method having a specialized software application on a personal computer or a PDA/cell phone that that enables a participant to force an automatic acknowledgement and a manual response to a text or voice message from other participants within the same network. Each participant's PDA/cell phone includes a force message alert software application program for both creating and processing these forced message alerts. The system and method enabled by the force message alert software application program provides the ability to (a) allow an operator to create and transmit a forced message alert from a sender PDA/cell phone to one or more recipient PCs and PDA/cell phones within the communication network; (b) automatically transmit an acknowledgement of receipt to the sender PDA cell phone upon the receipt of the forced message alert; (c) periodically resend the message to the recipient PCs and PDA/cell phones that have not sent an acknowledgement; (d) provide an indication of which recipient PCs and PDA/cell phones have acknowledged the forced message alert; (e) provide a manual response list on the display of the recipient PC and PDA/cell phone's display that can only be cleared by manually transmitting a response; and (f) provide an indication on the sender PDA/cell phone of the status and content the manual responses.
US08213966B1 Text messages provided as a complement to a voice session
Information may be provided to a caller via text messages as a complement to information provided over a voice interface. In one implementation, a system may receive a request for information over a voice channel from a mobile terminal and respond to the request with text transmitted to the mobile terminal over a text channel.
US08213965B2 Method of paging in a wireless communication system
A method of paging in a wireless communication system is disclosed. In the method, a base station generates a paging advertisement message that includes a paging group ID bitmap indicating whether there are any mobile stations that perform paging for each of paging groups that include the base station, and transmits the paging advertisement message to the mobile stations.
US08213955B2 Network measurement report caching for location of mobile devices
A system and method for determining an approximate location of a mobile device. The occurrence of a predetermined event may be determined at a first node of a network. Measurement data associated with the mobile device may be stored at a second node of the network. An attempt may be made to determine a location of the mobile device using a first location methodology. Upon failure of the location attempt, the mobile device data may be received at a third node of the network from the second node. At the third node an approximate location of the mobile device may be determined using the mobile device data.
US08213938B2 Detection of failures in a telecommunication system
Determining a network transmitter that is more likely to cause handoff failures in a telecommunication service based on historical data records. The historical data records may be standard Call Data Records. A probability that a service provided by a first network transmitter will be handoffed to a second network transmitter is determined. An indication that a target network transmitter is overly busy is determined based on the number of failed services for each network transmitter that may handoff a service the target network transmitter and the probability that a service will be handoffed to the target network transmitter. Based on the indication, measures may be taken to increase quality level of the target network transmitter.
US08213936B2 System and method for executing a seamless handoff in a network environment
A method for providing a handoff in a network environment is provided that includes a mobile station operable to conduct a call. The mobile station is further operable to initiate a call leg autonomously such that a generic transfer function is invoked. The mobile station leverages the generic transfer function in order to execute a handoff for the mobile station.
US08213934B2 Automatic selection of a home agent
The claimed subject matter relates to assigning a home agent to a wireless terminal during authentication, authorization, and/or accounting with respect to the wireless terminal. The wireless terminal can provide identifying indicia which can be relayed to a AAA server by way of a base station. The AAA server can then determine one or more home agents that can be associated with the wireless terminal. If more than one home agent can be assigned to the wireless terminal, the base station can resolve which home agent to utilize during registration of the wireless terminal. Such determination can be important with respect to MVNOs.
US08213930B2 Uplink scheduling and resource allocation with fast indication
Systems and methods for signalling transitions between talk-spurt state and silence state for wireless terminals having semi-persistently allocated uplink resources are employed. A layer 1/2 indication of the state transitions may be transmitted using a resource that is specifically allocated for that purpose. Alternatively, ACK/NACK signalling may be employed. Layer 1 indications may be employed for both state transition types. Alternatively, in-band MAC layer signalling may be used to signal state transition from talk-spurt state to silence, or the network may deduce this state transition on its own. A different uplink wireless transition resource is allocated for the talk-spurt state vs. the silence state.
US08213923B1 Product update via voice call in mobile security
Methods and apparatus for updating security software products on mobile telephones are described. When an update is available for a security software product installed on a mobile telephone, a server encodes and optionally compresses the update data from binary format into audio format. The server establishes a voice connection with the mobile telephone. The update data in audio format is transmitted to the mobile telephone via the voice connection. Upon receiving the complete update data in audio format, the mobile telephone decodes and optionally decompresses the update data from audio format back into binary format. The security software product installed on the mobile telephone is updated using the update data in binary format.
US08213919B1 Caller ID handling system for calls placed to a mobile phone
A system and associated methods deliver Caller ID information directed to a user's mobile phone onto the user's home television set for viewing. One particular method set forth involves selective providing to a video provider information regarding an incoming call destined for and based on the location of a designated mobile phone associated with a particular user, enabling the video provider to insert the information regarding the incoming call into a video stream for delivery to a video display device associated with the particular user. According to the method, a mobile switching center receives a call from a calling phone. Thereafter, a determination is made as to whether designated mobile phone is within a home zone for the particular user. If so, then the calling phone identification and the mobile phone destination number are sent to a video provider associated with the particular user for insertion into the video stream.
US08213907B2 System and method for secured mobile communication
A method achieves secure mobile communications by authenticating a mobile device seeking communication with a secure server. The method prescribes steps for generating a code to indicate a plurality of portions of a digital fingerprint to request from the mobile device, each portion representing a different parameter of the mobile device, sending the code to the mobile device, receiving from the mobile device a response code representing the requested plurality of portions of the digital fingerprint, comparing each portion of the received plurality of portions with one or more predetermined codes, and granting the mobile device an access privilege when results of the comparison satisfy a predetermined minimum accuracy.
US08213903B2 Telecommunications networks
A mobile telecommunications network and method of operation that includes establishing a first user plane connection between a telecommunications device registered with the network and a network gateway device of the network via a first access point; providing the telecommunications device with a token using the first user plane connection; establishing a second user plane connection between the telecommunications device and the network gateway device via a second access point bv using the token information to validate the telecommunications device; and, subsequent to establishment of and corresponding to the second user plane connection, establishing a control plane connection between the telecommunications device and the network gateway device via the second access point. The token includes information indicative to the network that the telecommunications device has authorization to send a quantity of data to the network gateway device prior to full conventional authentication of the telecommunications device.
US08213883B1 Additive pre-distortion for linearization
In one embodiment, a signal processor for linearizing a non-linear circuit through pre-distortion of an input signal is provided that includes: a first coupler for extracting a version of the input signal, wherein a remaining portion of the input signal not extracted by the first coupler is provided to a first node; a mixer for multiplying the extracted version of the input signal with a pre-distortion signal to produce an additive signal, the pre-distortion signal having a relatively small or zero constant component such that the additive signal includes either no linear version of the input signal or a linear version of the input signal that has a lower power than the remaining portion of the input signal; and a second coupler to add the additive signal to the remaining portion of the input signal at the first node to form a pre-distorted input signal, whereby if the non-linear circuit processes the pre-distorted input signal to form an output signal, the output signal is a substantially linear function of the input signal.
US08213878B1 RF switch power splitter for WLAN and bluetooth coexistence
A RF switch may be used as a power splitter in order to allow WLAN and Bluetooth (BT) coexistence. Multiple branches of the RF switch are enabled concurrently, which allows WLAN and BT signals to be received simultaneously. The RF switch functions as a power splitter to split signals received from an antenna to both a WLAN receiver and a BT receiver. In one embodiment, a second switch may be placed on an output of a low noise amplifier (LNA). This configuration will operate as a power splitter between WLAN receiver port and a BT port, and maximize the receiver sensitivity by amplifying both the WLAN and BT signals. One or both of the two switches may also function to bypass the LNA when the LNA is not needed to provide a low loss RF path, which serves to broaden the dynamic range of the device and avoid signal distortion during periods of increased signal power.
US08213872B2 Technique for low-power operation of a wireless device
Embodiments of a circuit are described. In this circuit, a receiver includes at least one input node that receives one or more signals from one or more antenna elements. Note that a given signal from a given antenna element may have an associated fixed bandwidth and/or may include directional information corresponding to a region in a space. Moreover, the receiver includes a measurement circuit, coupled to at least the one input node, that determines whether a metric of the given signal exceeds a corresponding threshold. Additionally, control logic in the circuit, which is coupled to the measurement circuit, instructs a communication circuit in the circuit to exit a first power-consumption mode if the metric of at least one of the signals exceeds the corresponding threshold.
US08213860B2 Information processing apparatus, method, and program for performing near field communication with an external device
An information processing apparatus including a plurality of elements each configured to perform an independent process, a controller configured to control the plurality of elements, and a front end shared by the plurality of elements and configured to perform near field communication with an external device. At a time of activation, the controller allocates, to the plurality of elements, different time slots for communication.
US08213853B2 Printer system and method for recovery from a document assembly failure
A system and method are provided for recovering from print assembly failure in a printer with printed medium assembly capabilities. The method generates a first print set including a plurality of physical medium sheets, and stores the first print set of a first interim stacker. A second print set is generated including a plurality of physical medium sheets. Sheets are accessed sheets from the first interim stacker and assembled with sheets from the second print set, generating a final print set with a plurality of sheets in a first order. The final print set is stored in an output stacker. In the event of a first print set failure, first print set replacement sheets are generating. In one aspect, generating the final print set includes directly merging first print set replacement sheets (bypassing the interim stacker) with sheets from the second print set.
US08213852B2 Image forming apparatus and control method therefor that circulate sheets for duplex printing
An image forming apparatus/method transports a sheet to an image forming unit that can form images on both sheet sides. The sheet is fed to the image forming unit at a predetermined image formation start timing for the first side image formation, thereafter is reversed, and re-fed to the image forming unit for the second side image formation while the first side image-formed sheet waits at least one of sheet waiting positions. A full state, where all the sheet waiting positions are full of the first side image-formed sheets, is detected. The number of sheets transported is controlled so that it is greater than the number of the sheet waiting positions. When the full state is detected, the sheet re-feeding is controlled so that a head sheet among the first side image-formed sheets waiting at the sheet waiting positions is fed in advance of the predetermined image formation start timing.
US08213847B2 Image forming apparatus including transport unit
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; a development unit that develops an electrostatic latent image present on the image carrier with a developer; a transfer member that transfers a developer image developed by the development unit from the image carrier to a recording medium by transporting while nipping the recording medium in a transfer position in contact with the image carrier; a corrective guide member that contacts the recording medium which is simultaneously caught by the transfer member for a period and that corrects placement of the recording medium with respect to the transfer member, thus guiding the recording medium toward the transport position; and a transport unit that transports the recording medium toward the transfer position while exerting a force on the recording medium in a direction causing a side edge of the recording medium along a transport direction to abut the corrective guide member.
US08213846B2 Image forming apparatus with belt adjustment
In the image forming apparatus of this invention, a bending habit is applied to a PET sheet by a heating iron to form an end mylar into an L shape. In a full-color mode, the end mylar presses an end of an intermediate transfer belt while being elastically deformed. In a black monochrome mode, the intermediate transfer belt is spaced from photosensitive drums by up to 2 mm compared with the full-color mode. Instead of the photosensitive drums spaced from the intermediate transfer belt, the end mylar regulates the end of the intermediate transfer belt in a vertical direction by a slightly small pressing force with a recovered bend, whereby flapping of the intermediate transfer belt is reduced.
US08213840B2 Developer material holding apparatus, process cartridge to which the developer material holding apparatus is attached, and image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge is attached
A developer material holding apparatus holds a developer. A body holds a developer material and includes a first opening through which the developer material is discharged. A shutter is assembled to the body, and is movable either to an opening position where the developer material is discharged from the body or to a closing position where the developer material is not discharged from the body. The shutter includes a second opening such that when the shutter is at the opening position, the second opening is in alignment with the first opening. At least one of the first opening and the second opening is in the form a mesh including a plurality of openings.
US08213839B2 Reducing toner leaks using internal support
To prevent the developer housing of a toner cartridge from flexing and thereby causing toner leaks, one or more support ribs are added internally to the developer housing, near the developer roll opening to prevent housing flexure. The support rib is designed to not impede toner flow, or movement and installation of components within the cartridge (such as the agitator or other moving parts). The support rib may be formed integrally within the housing, or formed separately and then installed within housing.
US08213835B2 Image forming apparatus provided with transfer roller
An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member on which a toner image is to be formed. A transfer roller contacts a surface of the image bearing member for transferring a toner image on the image bearing member to one side of a transfer medium by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image on the image bearing member from the other side of the transfer medium. A biasing member biases the transfer roller toward the image bearing member. The transfer roller is shaped such that the outer diameter of a first part corresponding to the width of a specified sheet size is constant and the outer diameters of second parts located closer to opposite ends of the transfer roller than the first part are gradually increased toward the outer sides in an axial direction.
US08213817B2 Transfer print voltage adjustment based on temperature, humidity, and transfer feedback voltage
An electrographic image forming device may use a feedback loop to determine environmental conditions and accordingly set one or more operating parameters. The device may detect a resistance/capacitance characteristic of a feedback loop comprising an interface between a first component and a second component of an image forming unit. The device may detect temperature measurements and humidity measurements that can be used to calculate wet-bulb temperature or other metrics used to characterize ambient environmental conditions. The interface may be one in which a toner image is transferred during image forming device operation. A controller may adjust the resistance/capacitance characteristic in response to wet-bulb temperature in conjunction with measured transfer feedback voltage.
US08213816B2 Method and system for banding compensation using electrostatic voltmeter based sensing
A method and system for compensating for an image quality defect in an image printing system comprising at least one marking station, the at least one marking station comprising a charging device for charging the image bearing surface, an exposing device for irradiating and discharging the image bearing surface to form a latent image, a developer unit for developing toner to the image bearing surface, and a transfer unit for transferring toner from the image bearing surface to an image accumulation surface is provided. The method includes sensing the image quality defect on an image bearing surface by an electrostatic voltmeter (ESV) in the image printing system and determining the frequency, amplitude, and/or phase of the image quality defect by a processor. In one embodiment, the method includes compensating for the image quality defect by modulating the power of an exposing device during an expose process. In another embodiment, the method includes compensating for the image quality defect by modifying image content.
US08213810B2 Demodulation of an optical signal under control of a kalman filter
An optical receiver and a method of demodulating an optical signal. The method includes combining a received optical signal with a local oscillator signal to construct a complex signal indicative of an optical field of the modulated optical signal and processing the complex signal recursively under control of a Kalman filter that enforces a constraint. The receiver includes an optical hybrid that combines a received optical signal with a local oscillator signal, a detector that recovers components of a complex signal, a processor that receives these components, and instructions that cause the processor to process the components of the complex signal recursively under control of a Kalman filter that enforces a constraint to recover data.
US08213784B2 Focus adjusting apparatus and focus adjusting method
There is provided an apparatus that includes a receiving unit configured to receive instructions for focus adjustment; an image-pickup unit configured to perform image-pickup of an object image input through a focus lens; a setting unit configured to set a focus detecting area to be used at a time of detection of a focus state of the focus lens; a light control unit configured to control an amount of light incident on the image-pickup unit; and a focus adjusting unit configured to detect a focus signal representing the focus state in the focus detecting area to move the focus lens based on the focus signal and a position of the focus lens corresponding to the focus signal.
US08213782B2 Predictive autofocusing system
A system for providing a predictive autofocus prior to capturing an image of an iris of a subject. A sequence of images of the subject may be taken with a visible light sensitive camera. A speed and/or location of the subject may be estimated from the images. An encounter may be when the subject is within focus of the camera or, in other words, a focus distance and subject distance coincide. The focus may be determined in accordance with an intensity variance determination of the subject in the image, and more particularly of a subject's eye within a window of an image. Upon an encounter, an image of the iris of the eye may be captured with an infrared sensitive camera.
US08213778B2 Recording device, reproducing device, recording medium, recording method, and LSI
Provided is a recording apparatus generating meta-information including an initial address of TS packets constituting a PES packet that includes an independently-decodable picture, and including size information pertaining to the picture, and recording the generated meta-information in a recording medium. The recording apparatus includes a detection unit detecting, from the TS packets constituting a transport stream, a TS packet at a head of a PES packet, and includes a judging unit judging whether the PES packet includes an independently-decodable picture. Further, the recording apparatus includes generation unit generating meta-information including, as the size information, a size from a head of a PES packet that is judged as including an independently-decodable picture to a head of a succeeding PES packet.
US08213775B2 Information processing apparatus and method, and program
An information processing apparatus and method for providing images which coincide in reproduction time and atmosphere with BGM as a slideshow to a user. From sound data to be used for production of BGM, a head no-sound interval detection section detects a head no-sound interval and a tail no-sound interval detection section detects a tail no-sound interval while a tail fade-out interval detection section detects a tail fade-out interval. A play interval specification section specifies a play interval of the sound data other than the head and tail no-sound intervals, and an image content allocation section allocates photo album information and effect data to the play interval to produce vector data. A fade-out process setting section updates the vector data so that a fade-out process may be applied to images within the tail fade-out interval.
US08213769B2 Frame indexing technique to improve personal video recording functionality and security of transmitted video
One or more methods and systems of efficiently indexing a digitized video stream is presented. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a coded video stream containing non-scrambled frame location indicators and scrambled video data, filtering the non-scrambled frame location indicators, and generating a database used for indexing frames. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor such as a hardware and/or software capable of generating a database used for improving video playback functionality by way of filtering non-scrambled indicators that define the start of frames in a digitized video stream.
US08213766B2 Embedded access information for digital versatile disc (DVD) independent of DVD player software
An operating system extension is used to implement embedded information on a DVD. The operating system extension examines DVD sector addresses requested from the DVD hardware. When address associated with an embedded link is requested, an application program that can run the embedded link is started, and the embedded link is provided to the application program. The system of the present invention has the advantage that it does not require modifying the DVD software program and thus can be used with a variety of different DVD software programs.
US08213758B2 Rare earth doped and large effective area optical fibers for fiber lasers and amplifiers
Various embodiments described herein include rare earth doped glass compositions that may be used in optical fiber and rods having large core sizes. Such optical fibers and rods may be employed in fiber lasers and amplifiers. The index of refraction of the glass may be substantially uniform and may be close to that of silica in some embodiments. Possible advantages to such features include reduction of formation of additional waveguides within the core, which becomes increasingly a problem with larger core sizes.
US08213757B2 Combined display and antenna arrangement
The present invention relates to a display and antenna arrangement comprising a primary display screen (30) and an antenna arrangement comprising a number of receiving and/or transmitting elements (1A11, 1A12,1A13) formed by an least in given areas electrically conductive layer and adapted to receive/transmit radio-, millimeter waves or microwaves. The electrically conductive layer is perforated and comprises a plurality of densely arranged holes (4m, . . . ) crossing the layer. Said holes (4111, . . . ) contain a dielectric material. The perforated conductive layer is provided on the front of the primary display screen, said holes being adapted to guide light/optical information from the primary display screen through the electrically conductive layer, the outer surface of which facing away from the primary display screen. Said outer surface is adapted to act as a secondary, functional display screen.
US08213751B1 Electronic-integration compatible photonic integrated circuit and method for fabricating electronic-integration compatible photonic integrated circuit
An electronic-integration compatible photonic integrated circuit (EIC-PIC) for achieving high-performance computing and signal processing is provided. The electronic-integration compatible photonic integrated circuit comprises a plurality of electronic circuit structures and a plurality of photonic circuit structures. The electronic and photonic circuit structures are integrated by a process referred to as monolithic integration. An electronic circuit structure includes one or more electronic devices and a photonic circuit structure includes one or more photonic devices. The integration steps of electronic and photonic devices are further inserted into standard CMOS process. The photonic circuit structures and the electronic circuit structures are integrated to form the electronic-integration compatible photonic integrated circuit device.
US08213749B2 System and method for creating, storing and utilizing images of a geographic location
A system and method synthesizing images of a locale to generate a composite image that provide a panoramic view of the locale. A video camera moves along a street recording images of objects along the street. A GPS receiver and inertial navigation system provide the position of the camera as the images are being recorded. The images are indexed with the position data provided by the GPS receiver and inertial navigation system. The composite image is created on a column-by-column basis by determining which of the acquired images contains the desired pixel column, extracting the pixels associated with the column, and stacking the columns side by side. The composite images are stored in an image database and associated with a street name and number range of the street being depicted in the image. The image database covers a substantial amount of a geographic area allowing a user to visually navigate the area from a user terminal.
US08213743B2 Methods and apparatus for generating a continuum of image data
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for generating a continuum of image data. The continuum can include image data representing a street level view of a geographic area. The image data can be captured at multiple disparate points along another continuum. Each continuum of image data can include a ribbon of data representing the geographic area. In some examples, image data can be simultaneously captured which represents multiple continuums of image data.
US08213739B2 Method and system of performing detection on an imaging device
In a method and system of detecting abnormality in an imaging device, multiple digital data are received in sequence from the imaging device via at least one data output pin. The multiple digital data correspond respectively to multiple pixel data. Subsequently, the multiple digital data for a specific pin are compared to determine whether they are, or how many of them are, the same. Accordingly, the specific pin is determined as abnormal when the number of the same digital data exceeds a predetermined value.
US08213736B2 Image processing device and image processing method
An image processing device is for generating a smoothed image with an input image blurred. The device includes first low pass filters each set with a different range of level value, using each pixel in the input image or a first input image generated based on the input image as a pixel of interest, extracting each pixel that has a level value of each pixel in a filter size within a range of level value, and generating a first level value limit smoothed image by smoothing a level value of an extracted pixel to be used as a level value of the pixel of interest. The device also includes a first synthesis processing unit that uses each pixel in the input image or a second input image generated based on the input image as a processing object pixel.
US08213733B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer program and storage medium
An image processing method is a method for correcting both an image quality of an overall image and an image quality of a partial image with excellent balance.
US08213730B2 Server, screen transmitting method, and program storage medium
A server includes a generating unit which generates image data in a partial region of a displayed image on the screen; a type identifying unit configured to identify a type of a GUI component included in the region of the generated image data; a storage which stores compression property information for each GUI component type; a compression scheme deciding unit which decides a compression scheme based on compression property information corresponding to the GUI component type identified; a compression unit which compresses the generated image data with a decided compression scheme; a transmission unit which transmits the compressed data to the client terminal; an update frequency deciding unit which decides a update frequency of the compression property information in the storage for each type of the GUI component; and an updating unit which updates the compression property information with the update frequency decided for each type of the GUI component.
US08213724B2 Apparatus and method for labeling a video, for modifying a video, and for video processing
An apparatus and method for labeling a video, an apparatus and method for modifying a video, a video searching method and an advertising method. The method for labeling a video includes labeling at least one object with its properties. The method for modifying a video includes replacing at least one object labeled as “can be replaced” with another object and modifying at least one object if the object has been labeled as “can be modified.” The video searching method includes labeling at least one object in at least one video with its properties and searching the video for an object of interest using the properties labeled on at least one object. The advertising method includes creating a video having an object labeled by an author's name, modifying the video by replacing the labeled object with an advertising object or modifying the labeled object as an advertising object by the advertiser, and distributing the video so that end user can watch the modified video.
US08213723B2 Method and system for determining near duplicate images
The present invention provides a method and system for determining near-duplicate images. The method and system includes performing a Fourier-Mellin transform on each of a plurality of images. For each image of the plurality of images, the method and system includes generating a signature based on the Fourier-Mellin transform. The method and system includes comparing the signature of at least one of the images to at least one of the signatures of the other plurality of images and determining any near duplicate images based on the comparing of the signatures.
US08213705B2 Methods for accurate identification of an edge of a care area for an array area formed on a wafer and methods for binning defects detected in an array area formed on a wafer
Methods for identifying an edge of a care area for an array area formed on a wafer and/or for binning defects detected in the array area are provided. One method for identifying an edge of a care area for an array area formed on a wafer includes determining a value for a difference image as a function of position from a position known to be inside the array area to a position known to be outside of the array area. The method also includes identifying the position that is located closest to the inside of the array area and that has the value greater than a threshold as a position of the edge of the care area.
US08213702B2 Automated testing device for fastener
The automated testing device contains a platform, a rotational plate on a top side of the platform, and, around the rotational plate and along a rotating direction of the rotational plate, an uploading member, a guiding member, an optical testing member, and an unloading member are provided and located in this sequence. The uploading member places fasteners in an upright manner on the top side of the rotational plate. The guiding member aligns the upright fasteners along a specific path. The optical testing member obtains and examines at least a profile image of each fastener. The unloading member screens out substandard fasteners and collects those qualified fasteners out of the rotational plate.
US08213700B2 Systems and methods for identifying suspicious anomalies using information from a plurality of images of an anatomical colon under study
Systems, computer-readable media, and methods are presented that identify suspicious anomalies in a colon with higher sensitivity and at a lower false positive rate. A plurality of images of an anatomical colon is acquired. Candidate suspicious anomalies are identified in each image. The candidate suspicious anomalies across images are then compared using registration and matching. Features of candidate suspicious anomalies across images may be jointly evaluated to perform classification.
US08213686B2 Optical flow based tilt sensor
A method is described for determining a description of motion of a moving mobile camera to determine a user input to an application. The method may involve capturing a series of images from a moving mobile camera and comparing stationary features present in the series of images. Optical flow analysis may be performed on the series of images to determine a description of motion of the moving mobile camera. Based on the determined motion, a user input to an application may be determined and the application may respond to the user input, for example, by updating a user interface of the application.
US08213685B2 Video speed detection system
A system and method for measuring vehicle speeds using video sensing. The system comprises a tracking camera that generates accurately time-stamped video sequences of the monitored road at high frame rates and a processing unit that analyzes the video sequences in real time to detect moving vehicles and calculate their speeds using the time-over-distance method. The system automatically detects moving vehicles in each image frame and derives vehicle positions from a projective mapping established from reference markers on the road. Time information is obtained from the date and time stamp associated with each image frame. In one example, the system also allows a user of the system to set a trigger speed, and the system automatically saves a video clip of the vehicle whose speed exceeds the trigger speed, recording the speeding vehicle passing through the monitored traffic zone defined by the reference markers.
US08213680B2 Proxy training data for human body tracking
Synthesized body images are generated for a machine learning algorithm of a body joint tracking system. Frames from motion capture sequences are retargeted to several different body types, to leverage the motion capture sequences. To avoid providing redundant or similar frames to the machine learning algorithm, and to provide a compact yet highly variegated set of images, dissimilar frames can be identified using a similarity metric. The similarity metric is used to locate frames which are sufficiently distinct, according to a threshold distance. For realism, noise is added to the depth images based on noise sources which a real world depth camera would often experience. Other random variations can be introduced as well. For example, a degree of randomness can be added to retargeting. For each frame, the depth image and a corresponding classification image, with labeled body parts, are provided. 3-D scene elements can also be provided.
US08213659B2 Apparatus with adjustable speaker arrangement
Apparatus includes a housing, the housing including a first body part and a second body part, the first body part being moveable relative to the second body part, wherein the housing has a first configuration when the first body part is in a first position relative to the second body part between and a second configuration when the first body part is in a second position relative to the second body part; and a speaker arrangement, wherein the speaker arrangement comprises a transducer, a front cavity coupled to a first side of the transducer, and an opening. The opening connects the front cavity to an exterior of the housing. A rear cavity is coupled to a second side of the transducer, the second side of the transducer being on an opposite side of the transducer to the first side of the transducer. The speaker arrangement has a first physical arrangement when the housing is in the first configuration and a second physical arrangement when the housing is in the second configuration, the first physical arrangement being different to the second physical arrangement.
US08213656B2 Energy storage means holding device having covered charging contacts and a housing module
An energy storage means holding device and an associated housing module for a hearing device are provided. The holding device includes a holding module and a contact arranged in the holding module for connection to an energy charging device. A gripping is embodied in the holding module and cover the contact such that the contact can be contacted outside but cannot however be reached by human fingers when inserting the holding device into a housing module of the hearing device.
US08213649B2 Method and device for evaluating auditory health
An earpiece (100) and a method (300) for evaluating auditory health are provided. Evaluating auditory health includes embedding (302) at least one excitation signal (402) in an audio clip (404) to produce an embedded excitation signal (406), emitting (304) the embedded excitation signal to an ear canal (131) at least partially occluded by the earpiece, analyzing (312) a recorded sound field within the ear canal during a continuous delivery of the embedded excitation signal to assess auditory health, and adjusting (314) the excitation signal within the audio clip during the emitting based on comparative differences with a reference otoacoustic emission (OAE).
US08213648B2 Audio signal processing apparatus, audio signal processing method, and audio signal processing program
An audio signal processing apparatus includes: a division section that divides at least two or more channel audio signals into components in a plurality of frequency bands; a phase difference calculation section that calculates a phase difference between the two or more channel audio signals at each the frequency band; a level ratio calculation section that calculates a level ratio between the two or more channel audio signals at each the frequency band; a sound image localization estimation section that estimates, based on the level ratio or the phase difference, sound image localization at each the frequency band; and a control section that controls the estimated sound image localization at each the frequency band by adjusting the level ratio or the phase difference.
US08213647B2 Electroacoustic device
An electroacoustic device includes a rear body portion containing electronic circuits, being so dimensioned and shaped as to be carried by a human user behind the user's ear and having an upper end portion and a frontal body portion with an upper end portion connected to the upper end portion of the rear body portion. The device may include an electroacoustic speaker transducer connected to the frontal body portion and arrangeable in a sound transmitting relationship to the user's ear canal when the device is carried by the human user. The speaker transducer may be rotatable about an axis which is arranged on a plane that is substantially parallel to the side of the head of the user when the device is carried by the human user.
US08213643B2 Sound transducer for the transmission of audio signals
A sound transducer for the transmission of audio frequency signals with a pressure-voltage transducer is provided. This pressure-voltage transducer is disposed on a supporting plate and at least partially embedded in a sound-insulating, substantially incompressible material, for example a gel. The supporting plate rests herein in contact on a body part, for example a jaw or skull bone, of a person. If this person conducts a conversation, the vibrations of the bone generated through the conversation are transmitted to a supporting plate. This supporting plate subsequently transmits the vibrations onto the pressure-voltage transducer, for example a piezoelectric element or an electret element.
US08213634B1 Modular and scalable directional audio array with novel filtering
A directional sensor array system generally for remote audio collection applications that is modular, scalable, and robust with the modules assembled in layers. The invention can alternatively employ sensors other than microphones, such as ultrasonic transducers and accelerometers. In the preferred embodiment, the sensors are mounted on tiles, each of which performs its own local beamforming using a low-impedance resistive summation technique. The tiles are constructed in a layered, sandwiched fashion and incorporate integral protection from wind, sand, dust, moisture, radio frequency noise, vibration, ambient acoustic noise, and directional acoustic noise, as well as provide inter-sensor isolation. Multiple tiles can be joined together physically and electrically. When joined, a secondary parallel beamforming is performed on the bus using electrical summation. Due to the techniques employed, large scale arrays are feasible at low power consumption—for example, an array of 400 microphone elements can be powered for over 6 hours by a single 9 volt battery.
US08213623B2 Method to generate an output audio signal from two or more input audio signals
The directionality of microphones is often not high enough, resulting in compromised music recording. Beamforming for getting a signal with a higher directional response is limited due to spatial aliasing, dependence of beamwidth on frequency, and a requirement of a high number of microphones. The invention proposes a method to generate an output audio signal y from two or more input audio signals (x1, x2, . . . ), this method comprising the steps of: define one input signal as reference signal for each of the other input signals compute gain factors related to how much of the input signal is contained in the reference signal adjust the gain factors using a limiting function compute the output signal by subtracting from the reference signal the other input signals multiplied by the corresponding adjusted gain factors.
US08213618B2 Protecting content on client platforms
A method, computer system, and computer-readable medium with instructions to provide a client security management layer and a content player that ensure that the content is protected from malware on the receiving computer system. The client security management layer controls access to a protected portion of a memory of a computer system on behalf of a component, such as the content player, running on the processor of the computer system. The client security management layer receives an encrypted content key from the component, confirms the integrity of the component, decrypts the encrypted content key to provide a decrypted content key, and places the decrypted content key in the protected portion of the memory in response to confirming the integrity of the component. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08213610B2 Generation of key streams in wireless communication systems
Security key stream generation in a communication apparatus. The method includes using a count parameter and a bearer parameter as input, value of said count parameter being incremented as security key streams are generated and value of the count parameter having a finite maximum value; detecting value of the count parameter reaching a predetermined value; and responsive to the detecting, changing value of the bearer parameter into a new value, and resetting value of the count parameter to a value below the maximum value.
US08213608B2 Roaming utilizing an asymmetric key pair
Techniques for generating a portion of a split private key are provided. A first symmetric key and a second symmetric key different than the first symmetric key are generated at a first location. The generated second symmetric key and a first one of multiple factors for generating the private key portion encrypted with the generated first symmetric key are transmitted. Then, at a second network location, the symmetric keys are again generated. The encrypted first factor is received at the second network location subsequent to a user authentication based upon the second symmetric key generated at the second network location. The received encrypted first factor is then decrypted with the first symmetric key generated at the second network location, the decrypted first factor usable to generate the portion of the split private key of the asymmetric key pair.
US08213600B2 Sliding mechanism
A sliding mechanism used in a portable electronic device is described. The sliding mechanism includes a body section, a cover section, a rolling disk and a coil spring. The rolling disk is fixed to the cover section. A center of the coil spring is fixed to a center of the rolling disk. An end of the coil spring is fixed to a periphery of the rolling disk. When the rolling disk rotates relative to the body section, the coil spring generates a force towards or against the sliding direction of the cover section.
US08213597B2 Audio communication device and methods for reducing echoes by inserting a training sequence under a spectral mask
Embodiments of an audio communication device and methods for reducing echoes are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, echo-reduction circuitry may insert a training signal into digital audio signals at or below a noise floor and in a non-audible portion of the frequency spectrum based on a spectral mask. The training signal may be generated from a spectrum estimate and a training sequence. An adaptive filter may generate an echo-cancellation signal using filter coefficients generated from the training sequence and return-path signals. The echo-cancellation signal may remove echo signals from the return-path signals.
US08213594B2 Method and apparatus for placing a long distance call based on a virtual phone number
A method and apparatus for reducing the cost of long distance phone calls is disclosed. Accordingly, an originating phone network is operatively connected to a first intermediate point, and a receiving phone network is operatively connected to a second intermediate point. Each intermediate point is operatively connected to communicate via a data network. Users on the originating and destination phone networks may communicate based on virtual numbers. The virtual number is preferably within the local calling area of the originating phone network. The first and second intermediate points route calls to any geographic location, regardless of distance, over the data network based on the virtual number. This provides the advantage of allowing a user on the originating phone network to access a user at a distant location for a price that is substantially similar to the price of a local call.
US08213590B1 Call prioritization in a communication network
A call control system comprises a communication interface and a processing system. The communication interface is configured to receive a first access request from a communication system requesting access to a voice service. The communication interface is configured to, in response to receiving the first access request, transfer a rejection to the communication system that indicates that the voice service is not available. The communication interface is configured to, in response to transferring the rejection, receive a first call request for a priority service from the communication system. The processing system is configured to process the first call request to determine if the first call request indicates the priority service. If the first call request indicates the priority service, then the communication interface is configured to transfer a second access request to a communication network in response to the first call request. The communication interface is configured to, in response to transferring the second access request to the communication network, receive a first successful response from the communication network. The communication interface is configured to, in response to receiving the first successful response, transfer a second call request to the communication network.
US08213588B2 Communication terminal, communication system, server apparatus, and communication connecting method
A communication terminal includes a communication unit configured to carry out communications with a communication terminal of an intended counterparty; a detector configured to detect information reflecting a status of a user of the own communication terminal; a condition checker configured to check whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by comparing information reflecting a status of a user of the communication terminal of the counterparty, received via the communication unit, with the information detected by the detector; and a controller configured to exercise control so that a communication circuit is established with the communication terminal of the counterparty via the communication unit when it is determined by the condition checker that the condition is satisfied.
US08213587B2 Inbound call identification and management
Examples of inbound call identification and management are described including a call management system that includes one or more repositories that can include data representing call action policies and data representing attributes associated with the caller devices and the callee devices. Further, the call management system can include one or more computing devices that include a call identifier (“IDer”) configured to characterize the attributes of the caller devices to form characterized attributes, a call management system controller configured to match the characterized attributes against routing criteria specified in the data representing the call action policies, and a call management system router configured to route calls from the caller devices to the callee devices responsive to a match between the characterized attributes and the routing criteria.
US08213575B2 X-ray generating apparatus
According to the X-ray generating apparatus of this invention, a potential corresponding to that of a housing is applied to a first electrode, closest to a cathode, of at least two intermediate electrodes arranged between the cathode and a target. Therefore, even if the first electrode with an increased thermal capacity contacts the housing, the function of the X-ray generating apparatus will never be impaired. As a result, the first electrode is not easily restricted by structure, so that the first electrode may be enlarged as a measure for heat radiation, or that the first electrode may be placed in contact with the housing. The first electrode contacting the housing determines a positional relationship of the electron gun and housing to facilitate assembly of the X-ray generating apparatus. Further, all the potentials of the cathode, intermediate electrodes (e.g. a second electrode and a third electrode) and target will have straight polarity with respect to the potential of the first electrode, which facilitates power source control.
US08213572B2 Retrofitable long-length digital radiography imaging apparatus and method
An apparatus for obtaining a long-length x-ray image of a subject, has an x-ray source and a first sensor that generates a first signal that indicates termination of x-ray emission from the x-ray source. A digital radiography detector is energizable to generate image data after receiving x-ray emission from the x-ray source. A detector transport apparatus is actuable in accordance with the first signal to translate the digital radiography detector from at least a first detector position to a second detector position for generating image data at each detector position. A processor in communication with the digital radiography detector obtains the image data of the subject that is generated from the detector.
US08213570B2 X-ray security inspection machine
X-ray security inspection machine (10) comprising an X-ray tunnel (40); a conveyor means (50) for conveying an article through the tunnel; an X-ray source for irradiating the article; and an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the article. In one aspect, the detection means comprises a photodetector array module (20) actuatable between a first stowed configuration and a second deployed configuration. In a second aspect, the detection means comprises a first unit having a first photodetector array (22); and a second unit, having a second photodetector array (24), offset with respect to the first unit. The units are moveable relative to one another between a first arrangement where the arrays overlap to a first degree and a second arrangement where they overlap to a second, lower degree; preferably zero. Also, a conveyor belt-tracking device (100) comprising a guide frame (104) to receive the conveyor belt (116) and substantially to restrict its motion to a predetermined direction.
US08213567B2 Radiographic apparatus
In the radiographic apparatus of this invention, when obtaining long images in a longitudinal direction, a correcting device corrects radiographic images based on overlapping areas of a plurality of radiographic images based on the radiation detected whenever a relative movement is made in the same direction, an image decomposing device decomposes corrected radiographic images for every predetermined distance, and an image composing device composes the decomposed images for each of the same projection angles to obtain a projection image for each projection angle. Thus, with a reconstruction processing device carrying out a reconstruction process based on the composed projection images, sectional images having a long field of view in the longitudinal direction can be obtained, while reducing luminance differences among different radiographic images.
US08213563B1 Control rod
A control rod includes a tie-rod, a handle mounted to an upper end portion of the tie-rod, either a connector plate or a fall velocity limiter mounted to a lower end portion of the tie-rod, sheaths having a U-shaped cross-section, welded intermittently to the tie-rod at a plurality of locations in the axial direction of the tie-rod, and having an upper end welded to the handle and a lower end welded to either the connector plate or the fall velocity limiter, and a neutron absorbing member disposed inside each of the sheaths. An upper end of a weld portion located at uppermost position in an axial direction of the tie-rod among a plurality of weld portions between the tie-rod and the sheath is disposed at a position within a range between 0.8 and 13% of total axial length Ls of the sheath below an upper end of the sheath.
US08213551B2 Digital broadcasting transmission and reception devices and methods thereof
Digital broadcasting transmission and reception devices and methods thereof are provided. The digital broadcasting transmission device includes a randomizer which randomizes a dual transport stream including a normal stream and a robust stream, a supplementary reference signal inserter which inserts a certain supplementary reference signal into a stuffing region included in the randomized dual transport stream, a Reed-Solomon (RS) encoder which adds a parity into a parity region included in the dual transport stream, a robust processor which configures a new dual transport stream by convolution-encoding the robust stream among the dual transport stream, an interleaver which interleaves the configured dual transport stream, a trellis encoder which trellis-encode the interleaved dual transport stream, and a modulator which transmits the trellis-encoded dual transport stream. Accordingly, a sub-channel can be provided in which the robust data and the supplementary reference signal will be transmitted.
US08213548B2 Methods and apparatus for dynamic packet reordering
Methods and apparatus for dynamic packet reordering. In an aspect, a method is provided for processing slot data on-the-fly to produce decodable packets, wherein the slot data includes interleaved modulation symbols. The method includes de-interleaving a stream of the interleaved modulation symbols to produce a stream of modulation symbols, calculating parallel streams of LLR metrics based on the stream of modulation symbols, and mapping the parallel streams of LLR metrics to produce a stream of decodable packets. In another aspect, an apparatus is provided the includes de-interleaving logic to de-interleave a stream of interleaved modulation symbols to produce a stream of modulation symbols, metric processing logic configured to produce parallel streams of LLR metrics based on the stream of modulation symbols, and mapping logic configured to map the parallel streams of LLR metrics to produce a stream of decodable packets.
US08213547B2 Identification of target signals in radio frequency pulsed environments
A system and method to detect a signal of interest. In one embodiment, the system comprises a memory including a first parameter value, a second parameter value, a third parameter value and a program to identify active video values and null values in a first plurality of signals including the signal of interest. The system includes an interface portion adapted to receive a second plurality of signals based upon power levels of a first plurality of signals. The signal of interest is detectable based on the first, second and third parameter values.
US08213534B2 Transmission apparatus and communication system
Disclosed herein is a transmission apparatus including a first transmission block configured to modulate a carrier-wave signal having a predetermined frequency on the basis of a first input signal, thereby outputting a first transmission signal; and a second transmission block configured to modulate a carrier-wave signal having a predetermined frequency on the basis of a second input signal, thereby outputting a second transmission signal; wherein a first input point for inputting the first transmission signal outputted from the first transmission block into a waveguide and a second input point for inputting the second transmission signal outputted from the second transmission block into the waveguide are shifted by a distance for providing a predetermined phase difference between the first transmission signal and the second transmission signal.
US08213518B1 Multi-threaded streaming data decoding
Streaming data may be decoded by dividing a process for decoding the streaming data into two or more tasks based on data dependencies between the two or more tasks. The two or more tasks may be executed in parallel on three or more processors in a way that balances a processing load of executing the two or more tasks among the three or more processors.
US08213509B2 Video coding on parallel processing systems
A method of estimating motion is disclosed. A first plurality of candidates is identified in a reference frame, wherein the total area occupied by the first plurality of candidates is substantially smaller than that of the reference frame. A first refinement search is then performed based, at least in part, on the first plurality of candidates. One or more best candidates are then identified based, at least in part, on the first refinement search. Finally, motion data is encoded based, at least in part, on the one or more best candidates.
US08213506B2 Video coding
A method of transmitting video, a method of receiving and decoding video, and a corresponding transmitter, receiver and computer program products. The method of transmitting video to one or more recipient terminals comprises: transmitting a stream of inter frame encoded video data to a recipient terminal; during ongoing transmission of the stream to the recipient terminal, receiving a request signal from that recipient terminal; and in response to the request signal, transmitting alternatively encoded video data to the recipient terminal in association with the inter frame encoded video data.
US08213501B2 Video encoding method, video decoding method, video encoding program, video decoding program, video encoding apparatus, and video decoding apparatus
In a video encoding method according to the present invention, an encoding mode controller 102 determines an encoding mode of each image on the occasion of encoding a moving picture consisting of a plurality of images, and a region partitioning unit 104 determines a region structural unit for partitioning the image into multiple regions, based on the encoding mode. A region determining unit 116 defines the regions on the basis of the region structural unit and information thereof is encoded. Then an encoder 105 compression-encodes pixel data included in the regions, in encoding units to generate compression-encoded data according to the encoding mode, and outputs the resultant data.
US08213500B2 Methods and systems for processing film grain noise
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for image noise characterization, parameterization, removal, reconstruction and/or re-combination with a denoised image.
US08213491B1 Adaptive ultrawideband receiver method
In accordance with the present invention, novel methods for adaptive receiver design and related parameter estimation techniques for efficient and non-coherent reception of ultrawideband signals are presented. Efficient estimation of maximum excess delay of the channel for enabling many useful adaptation techniques is additionally provided. Also, noise power estimation which significantly improves the performance of the receivers is presented.
US08213488B2 Method and device for performing communication in digital subscriber line
A method and transmitter receiver sets are used to perform communication in digital subscriber line technology. The method includes: acquiring communication performance parameter; the first transmitter receiver set and the second transmitter receiver set using the predetermined communication standard to perform communication when the communication performance parameter is equal to the predetermined value or greater than the predetermined value, the predetermined communication standard is respectively set in the first transmitter receiver set and the second transmitter receiver set. The bit table and the gain table predetermined are respectively stored in the first transmitter receiver set and the second transmitter receiver set. According to the method, a rapid switch to the bit table and the gain table predetermined using simple message or enquiry answer mechanism may be ensured when great wideband noise exists. There is no need of interchanging the bit table and the gain table when using this method.
US08213472B2 Optical transmitter and optical communications device
Disclosed is an optical transmission module in which effects of conductive heat from sides of a metal case upon a thermistor are reduced, thereby allowing steady optical beam wavelengths to be obtained over a wide range of temperatures, regardless of the temperature of the usage environment. Specifically, the optical transmission module includes Peltier elements disposed inside a metal case, a metal base disposed upon the Peltier elements, a laser diode substrate disposed upon the metal base, a laser diode disposed upon the laser diode substrate, a thermistor substrate disposed upon the metal base, a thermistor disposed upon the thermistor substrate, and a thermally conductive member, disposed in the vicinity of the thermistor, that has a height greater than the height of the thermistor.
US08213466B2 Robust digital communication system
Normally ordered robust VSB data are reordered in accordance with a first interleave to produce reordered robust VSB data. The reordered robust VSB data and ATSC data are reordered in accordance with a second interleave to produce normally ordered robust VSB data and reordered ATSC data. The normally ordered robust VSB data and reordered ATSC data are time multiplexed for transmission to a receiver. The receiver discards the reordered ATSC data or the normally ordered robust VSB data depending upon receiver type or user selection. A robust VSB receiver is able to process the normally ordered robust VSB data upstream of an outer decoder without an interleave thereby avoiding the delay associated with an interleave.
US08213465B2 Robust digital communication system
Normally ordered robust VSB data are reordered in accordance with a first interleave to produce reordered robust VSB data. The reordered robust VSB data and ATSC data are reordered in accordance with a second interleave to produce normally ordered robust VSB data and reordered ATSC data. The normally ordered robust VSB data and reordered ATSC data are time multiplexed for transmission to a receiver. The receiver discards the reordered ATSC data or the normally ordered robust VSB data depending upon receiver type or user selection. A robust VSB receiver is able to process the normally ordered robust VSB data upstream of an outer decoder without an interleave thereby avoiding the delay associated with an interleave.
US08213460B1 Method and system for processing traffic in an access network
A method and system for processing traffic in an access network includes receiving a plurality of ingress traffic streams from customer premise equipment (CPE). Each ingress traffic stream includes a plurality of Internet Protocol (IP) packets having an IP address. The ingress traffic streams are aggregated into a combined traffic stream without regard to the IP addresses. The combined traffic stream is transmitted to a backbone network for routing based on the IP addresses. An egress traffic stream is received from the backbone network and includes a plurality of IP packets each having an IP address. A CPE port is determined for each IP packet based on its IP address. The IP packets are routed to their respective CPE ports and transmitted to their destination CPEs.
US08213455B2 Communication node, and token issuing method and token-ring communication method in ring communication system
A communication node includes a token-start-right acquisition processor that issues a token-start-right acquisition frame containing specific information, determines a priority based on predetermined reference using specific information for other communication node and the specific information for the own communication node upon reception of a token-start-right acquisition frame from the other communication node, issues the token-start-right acquisition frame at a predetermined time interval when the own communication node has a higher priority than the other communication node, and stops issuing the token-start-right acquisition frame when the own communication node has a lower priority than the other communication node, to forward the token-start-right acquisition frame of the other communication node, and also includes a token start processor that passes the token frame to the ring upon reception of the token-start-right acquisition frame which is issued by the token-start-right acquisition processor and circulates around the ring.
US08213449B1 Aging EV-DO pages in a queue based on latency-sensitivity
Methods and systems are provided for aging EV-DO pages in a queue based on latency-sensitivity. An access node receives data for access terminals, and responsively generates pages and adds them to the back of a queue. The access node associates a respective aging value with any latency-tolerant pages. The access node transmits the pages in the queue, which involves: (a) assessing the pages on a first-in, first-out basis; (b) transmitting latency-sensitive pages when those pages reach the front of the queue; (c) sending latency-tolerant pages to the back of the queue (and incrementing their aging values) when those pages reach the front of the queue with an aging value that is less than a maximum-delay parameter; and (d) transmitting latency-tolerant pages when those pages reach the front of the queue with an aging value that is greater than or equal to the maximum-delay parameter.
US08213440B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for using a location routing number based query and response mechanism to route calls to IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) subscribers
Methods, systems, and computer program products for using an LRN based query and response mechanism (e.g., a switching office number portability processing system) to route calls to IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) subscribers are disclosed. According to one method, an LRN based response message including a communications service subscriber identifier is received. An IMS gateway LRN associated with the communications service subscriber identifier may be determined. The IMS gateway LRN associated with the communications service subscriber identifier may be inserted into the LRN based response message and routing the message.
US08213433B2 Method and system for ensuring QoS and SLA server
A method and system for ensuring QoS in a communication network and a SLA server. The system for ensuring QoS includes a service-specific server and a SLA server. The method for ensuring QoS includes: querying the SLA information according to a user identity, where the SLA information includes different service levels signed by the same user identity; obtaining different service levels signed by the same user identity; and providing the user with the service at a corresponding service level. Through the technical solution of the present invention, a user can subscribe to more than one service level and the SP can ensure the QoS at different service levels for the user.
US08213429B2 Virtual network interface
A virtual network has network interfaces coupled by a multipoint tunnel (100) through a forwarding network (40), each interface having a forwarding address in an address space of the forwarding network, each network interface having a reconfigurable address mapper (320) for determining a forwarding address for a packet, and encapsulating the packet with its forwarding address so that the forwarding network can forward the data packet transparent to its destination address. This makes the virtual network more agile since changes to the virtual network can be achieved by reconfiguring the corresponding forwarding addresses without needing to set up new tunnels new routing to these different tunnels. The forwarding network need not be aware of the virtual network and so no adaptation of the forwarding network or specialised hardware is needed.
US08213428B2 Methods and apparatus for indexing memory of a network processor
A method is provided for address mapping in a network processor. The method includes the steps of (1) determining a port number of a port that receives a data cell; (2) determining a virtual path identifier and a virtual channel identifier for the data cell; and (3) creating a first index based on at least one of the port number, the virtual path identifier and the virtual channel identifier. The method further includes (1) accessing one of a plurality of entries stored in a first on-chip memory using the first index; (2) creating a second index based on the accessed entry of the first on-chip memory; and (3) accessing an entry of a second memory based on the second index. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08213423B1 Unique session ID sharing
A method, system, and medium are provided for accounting for data transfer across a packet-switched network. A unique session identifier is generated at an accounting service node and provided to accounting nodes. Accounting nodes collect data transfer information corresponding to a session and associate the data transfer information with the unique session identifier. The data transfer information is provided to the accounting service node, which generates accounting records based on that information.
US08213420B2 Cascade system for network units
A network stack includes a plurality of network units each of which includes a multiplicity of ports for receiving and forwarding addressed data packets, at least two cascade ports and a switching engine for forwarding received packets to at least one port in accordance with address data in the packets and a cascade connection including, for each of two opposite directions around the stack, at least one unidirectional path for data packets composed of links each between a respective cascade port on a network unit and a corresponding cascade port on the next network unit.
US08213407B2 Wireless communication system, mobile station, base station, and wireless communication method
One object of the present invention is to improve stability of wireless communication, regardless of a movement speed of a mobile station by estimating a movement speed of a mobile station using a signal prepared in advance for a used standard and selecting an appropriate base station. In the wireless communication system 100 according to the present invention, in order to adjust a timing of receiving data from the PHS terminal 110 to a desired timing, base stations 120, 122 transmit an adjustment signal for advancing or delaying data transmission timing in the PHS terminal 110. Thus, the PHS terminal 110 calculates a bias amount of such an adjustment signal to determine high speed movement of the PHS terminal 110 and perform handover from a micro cell base station 120 to a macro cell base station 122.
US08213405B2 Wireless network synchronization
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate synchronizing timing among wireless nodes in a wireless communication network. A tracking wireless node can synchronize to a global positioning system (GPS) signal if available. Alternatively, the tracking wireless node can receive quality metrics related to one or more target nodes. The quality metrics can relate to parameters that can be utilized to evaluate the target node for timing synchronization. Based on the quality metrics, the tracking wireless node can select a target wireless node for timing synchronization. The tracking wireless node can subsequently synchronize timing with the target wireless node. In addition, the tracking wireless node can continually evaluate surrounding wireless nodes to detect whether other wireless nodes have higher quality metrics than the current target wireless nodes and can accordingly resynchronize with nodes having higher metrics.
US08213403B2 Mobility header compression method and system for internet protocol-based low power wireless network
A mobility header compression method and system for an IPv6-based LoWPAN is provided for supporting IPv6 mobility to the IPv6-based LoWPAN checks a packet carrying data and a first and a second headers containing transmission information about the data to determine whether the second header contains a compressed Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) information. When the second header contains a compressed IPv6 information, ands followed by a mobility header, a mobility support-indicative field of the first header is set to indicate that the second header is followed by the mobility header and the rest of the fields of the second header are compressed except for the mobility header-indicative field. A mobility information-indicative field of the mobility header is set to indicate inclusion of mobility information; and the rest of the fields of the mobility header are compressed except for the mobility information-indicative field.
US08213397B2 Method of mobile communication and apparatus therefor
In order to accomplish efficient communication of data between a base station and a plurality of mobile terminals, particular orthogonal codes are transmitted from the mobile stations to the base station as alert signals indicating the presence of data to be transmitted. The base station checks whether particular orthogonal codes are contained in the alert signals, and when the particular orthogonal codes are detected in the alert signals, information representing the detected orthogonal codes and the schedules for transmitting the data from the mobile terminals to the base station are transmitted from the base station to the mobile terminals as an alert response to the alert signals. When the information representing the orthogonal codes used for the alert signals are contained in the alert response transmitted from the base station to the mobile terminals, the data waiting to be transmitted is transmitted from the mobile terminals to the base station according the data transmission schedules in the alert response.
US08213394B2 Method and apparatus for management of inactive connections for service continuity in an agnostic access internet protocol multimedia communication
State machine diagram (300) illustrates inactive connection (303) management wherein all bindings are deregistered, but active sessions remain. The mobile station may, re-register the connection (309), to stop the Linger Timer (305) and return the connection to the active state (303) before timeout, or otherwise before the inactive connection is terminated. Otherwise, the Linger Timer may be stopped when the last active session is moved to a different connection, or released (311). If the Linger Timer times out (315), any active sessions will be released without the explicit action of the mobile station. In the active state (303), if all bindings are deregistered and no active sessions are present, the connection may be terminated immediately as in (313), without invoking the Linger Timer. Thus, the mobile station has an opportunity to take action regarding remaining sessions, such as releasing or refreshing on a different but active connection.
US08213392B2 Cellular-based communications system and method of using same
An apparatus and method for transmitting serial digital data across wireless modems is disclosed. In one embodiment, data is collected by a remote monitoring device and transmitted to a first Cellular Digital Packet Data (“CDPD”) modem via one or more RS232 interfaces. The applications program in the first CDPD modem transmits a signal to a second CDPD modem initiating communications. The applications program in the second CDPD modem returns a signal, indicating the status of the interface. Data transmission is initiated when the status of both interfaces is established.
US08213383B2 Method and system to guarantee service reception within broadcast system
A system and method is provided for ensuring that time for tuning to another RF channel between two TF frames in TF slicing exists while reception with a single hopping-tuner is enabled, and reception for terminals can be guaranteed when transmitting and receiving common services. An additional time for tuning is introduced for TF-sliced services, where the time for tuning can be inserted either before of after the P1 & P2 symbols, and the symbols allocated for the tuning time can also be used for transmission of low-bit rate services. Alternatively, additional padding bits and a guard period can be added in the event that slots or slot fragments exceed a cyclic transfer border upon time shifting. Alternatively still, the tuning time is represented by a complete TF frame, where the complete TF frame carries services other than those in the first TF frame, so that a service is transmitted in every second TF frame and a receiver can perform tuning during the TF frames which do not carry the service.
US08213378B2 Method, device and system for assigning ACK channels to users
A method for assigning acknowledgement (ACK) channels to a user is used to feed back ACKs of a plurality of downlink sub-frames in one uplink sub-frame. According to the method, reserved ACK channels are divided into blocks according to the number of downlink sub-frames; each downlink sub-frame corresponds to one block; each block is divided into several sub-blocks; control channel element (CCE) sets within the same sub-frame are respectively mapped to different sub-blocks; and the ACK channels are assigned to the downlink sub-frames according to a sequence of increasing a mapping label d first and then increasing a sub-block label m. Thus, more unused ACK channels can be released to form resource blocks (RBs) for transmission on other channels, for example, for PUSCH transmission. Other methods for assigning ACK channels to a user, a device for assigning ACK channels to a user, and a communication system are further provided.
US08213370B2 Method of transmitting on a random access channel based on parameter relating to performance of persistence test
Optimizing call setup procedures by determining whether a trigger for a random access procedure is independent for a restricted number of terminals, and performing a preamble transmission with or without a delay based upon the determining.
US08213366B2 System and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless device
In one embodiment, a method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless device that includes determining network performance information of a wireless router and communicating data packets containing the network performance information between said wireless router and a packet network switch. The data packets are communicated from said packet network switch to a network management device. The network management device is configured to instruct the said packet network switch to adjust at least one of encoding/decoding rate and power amount to optimize said network performance to said wireless device.
US08213360B2 Apparatus and method for flexible switching between device-to-device communication mode and cellular communication mode
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed that comprises receiving a control command to switch from a first communication mode to a second communication mode from a coupled controller; reconfiguring a plurality of protocol entities including at least a first protocol buffer and a second protocol buffer; moving remaining data packets in the first protocol buffer into at least the second protocol buffer; communicating a current data packet sequence number; and forwarding data in the second communication mode.
US08213358B1 Reducing communication latency by utilizing a quick-paging channel
An embodiment of the current invention is directed to a method of reducing the latency associated with communicating data to a mobile device. It is determined that a threshold period of time has elapsed since a mobile device has communicated a location-determining message. A request for the mobile device to transition to a quick-paging recognition mode is sent to a mobile device configured to perform a process. The process includes: sending a response to the first request as a location-determining message; transitioning to a quick-page recognition mode; receiving an indication to receive a paging-channel message; acquiring the paging-channel message; and returning to the quick-page recognition mode.
US08213356B2 Communication systems
A downlink transmission method for use in a multi-hop communication system, the system comprising a base station (BS), a mobile station (MS) and one or more relay stations (RS), and the system providing two or more different communication paths extending between the base station and the mobile station, the base station being operable to transmit information indirectly to the mobile station along a series of links forming a first such communication path via one or more of said relays and also being operable to transmit information to the mobile station along one link or a series of links forming a second such communication path; the method comprising transmitting particular information from the base station along the first and second communication paths and combining the same particular information transmitted along the first and second communication paths in the mobile station.
US08213355B2 Wireless communication system, communication apparatus, setting information providing method, setting information obtaining method, and computer program
A wireless communication system includes an access point, a master communication apparatus, and a slave communication apparatus, and the master communication apparatus and the slave communication apparatus performs wireless communication through the access point. The master communication apparatus stores setting information necessary for accessing the access point; performs wireless communication through the access point using the stored setting information; and performs near field communication with the slave communication apparatus to transmit the stored setting information to the slave communication apparatus in response to a setting information request received from the slave communication apparatus via near field communication. The slave communication apparatus performs near field communication with the master communication apparatus to transmit the setting information request to the master communication apparatus; receives the setting information from the master communication apparatus via near field communication; stores the setting information; and performs wireless communication through the access point using the setting information.
US08213351B2 Relay station and communication method thereof
An embodiment of a relay station for a base station and a mobile station is provided. The relay station includes a first base station module and a mobile station module. The first base station module receives a control packet and a data packet transmitted by a mobile station. The mobile station module receives and transmits the control packet and the data packet to the base station, wherein the first base station module transmits the control packet to the mobile station module via a tunnel mode, and transmits the data packet to the mobile station module via a bridge mode.
US08213348B2 Method for realizing MBMS TDM and the information transmission method thereof
The present invention discloses a method for implementing time division multiplexing among multimedia broadcast multicast services, comprising: if multimedia broadcast multicast services adopt a bearer type of point-to-multipoint, and channel resource is shared by time division multiplexing to transmit the services, a network side informing user equipments of configuration information of the multimedia broadcast multicast services, and sending the multimedia broadcast multicast services on the channel resource satisfying the configuration information, the configuration information comprising information of a time division multiplexing repetition period, and information of a position and amount of channel resource occupied in a time division multiplexing period; after receiving the configuration information, the user equipments receiving the multimedia broadcast multicast services on indicated channel resource.
US08213347B2 Scalable IP-services enabled multicast forwarding with efficient resource utilization
Methods and apparatus are provided for managing multicast Internet Protocol (IP) flows. According to one embodiment, a multicast IP flow is identified at an interface of a network device using information from a packet header. For any newly identified multicast IP flow, if flow-specific services are required, a new first transmit control block (TCB), which includes one or more attributes relating to flow-specific services required by the newly identified multicast IP flow, is created for the newly identified multicast IP flow. Otherwise, if flow-specific services are not required by the newly identified multicast IP flow, a default second TCB, which excludes any attributes relating to flow-specific services and which includes one or more attributes related to a virtual interface (VI) serving as an outbound interface (OIF) for the newly identified multicast IP flow, is used.
US08213345B2 Transmission method and apparatus for uplink control signaling in time division OFDMA system
A method and an apparatus for an uplink control signaling transmission in a time division duplex OFDMA system are provided for the long term evolution time division duplex (LTE TDD). A signaling processing unit reserves frequency resource for an uplink control channel according to the total amount of the uplink control signaling, and the reserved frequency resource are assigned on both sides of the frequency domain used by uplink time slots, so that the uplink control signaling of a terminal UE is transmitted on the position and the bandwidth of the reserved frequency resource. The transmitted uplink control signaling is transmitted on respective reserved uplink control sub-channels by an intra-subframe hopping way, each terminal UE or a group of UEs corresponding to a frequency-hop sequence. The present invention is simple to realizes and capable of utilizing resource repeatedly and utilizing the time domain and frequency domain diversity simultaneously.
US08213341B2 Communication method, transmitting method and apparatus, and receiving method and apparatus
In a mobile telephone terminal at the transmitting end, voice data to be transmitted are sequentially inputted, and it is determined whether the inputted voice data are silent. The voice data regarded as silent voice are replaced by group numbers, while the voice data indicative of sonant voice as well as the group numbers as replaced are transmitted by wireless. On the other hand, in a mobile telephone terminal at the receiving end, the signals transmitted by wireless are received, and the voice data and group numbers of the received signals are discriminated. The voice data are reproduced as they are, while the group numbers are reproduced as silent, and further processings based on the group numbers are executed. This allows predetermined data to be repetitively transmitted with a high efficiency without degrading communication quality very much. This also facilitates a follow-up participation in a group call.
US08213330B2 Managing mobile telecommunications packet data service traffic in real-time
The invention allows managing mobile telecommunications packet data service traffic. Packet data service traffic of a mobile telecommunications network is received from data collectors. The service traffic is stored in a traffic file. The traffic file is split into service specific capture files. The capture files are stored. Key information is extracted from the capture files for entry points of the network. The key information is stored in entry point specific tables.
US08213324B2 Method for transmitting and receiving BCMCS information
A broadcast/multicast service information receiving method and broadcast/multicast service information transmitting method using the same are disclosed. The present invention includes the steps of receiving length information of a BCMCS component flow discriminator (BCMCS Flow Discriminator) configuring a BCMC service flow identifier (BCMCS Flow Identifier) and receiving information for a number of BCMCS component flow discriminators configuring the BCMC service flow identifier using a bit number corresponding to a value of the length information of the BCMCS component flow discriminator. Accordingly, the information for the BCMCS component flow identifier can be efficiently transmitted and received.
US08213312B2 Communication network design
A communication network design circuit can derive a path and a necessary link capacity for multiple point communication service permitting arbitrary communication within a predetermined range of communication amount by providing traffic amount of data in-flowing through an ingress node and traffic amount of data flowing out through an egress node. The communication network designing circuit has setting means for setting a mathematical programming problem for deriving the multiple point communication service and optimizing means for solving the mathematical programming problem set by the setting means and obtaining the path for the multiple point communication service.
US08213311B2 Control plane to data plane binding
Binding a control plane to a data plane is disclosed. Binding includes receiving a request to initiate a session, wherein the request is sent via a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based protocol and transmitting a set of one or more service parameters associated with the request to an edge node configured to participate in the session.
US08213307B2 Resource allocation in wireless communication network
Embodiment of the disclosure set forth resource allocation in a wireless network. Some example methods include selecting a node based on probability of having available data at the node, sending an inquiry to the node, deriving a first set of average cost estimates based on a first step-size function, network information measured at the node, and a predetermined value, calculating a second set of threshold values based on a second step-size function and the first set of average cost estimates, updating the second set of values to generate a third set of threshold values based on the predetermined value, and allocating resources for the node based on the third set of threshold values.
US08213296B2 Link aggregation protection
A method includes detecting, by a first network device, a configuration problem at a second network device, where the first and second network devices are associated with a link aggregation group (LAG) coupling the first and second network devices. The method also includes de-activating, by the first network device, one or more links in the LAG in response to detecting the configuration problem. The method further comprises maintaining at least one of the links in the LAG as an active link and allowing traffic to be forwarded on the active link in the LAG.
US08213287B2 Apparatus and method for recording/reproducing holographic data
An optical pickup of a holographic data recording/reproducing apparatus that emits light to a reflective holographic data storage medium in which a substrate, a reflection layer, a recording layer, and a cover layer are sequentially stacked, and receives the emitted light, the optical pickup including: a first light source unit to emit, during a recording operation, a signal beam having a first polarization and a reference beam having a second polarization perpendicular to the first polarization along the same optical path; and a main lens unit having a refractivity that varies according to a polarization of a passing light, so as to cause the signal beam to be reflected from the reflection layer then focused on a focal point, and to cause the reference beam to pass through the cover layer then be directly focused on the focal point.
US08213280B2 Disc device
A disc device for recording and/or reproducing information with respect to a disc having flexibility includes a head for writing and/or reading, the head being disposed below the disc; a disc rotating section which rotates the disc; and a head retracting section which retracts the head to a retracted position where contact with the disc is avoidable, based on a judgment that power supply to the disc device is cut off.
US08213276B2 Recording apparatus and control method
A recording apparatus for performing information recording using formation of marks by focusing a first light with an objective lens at a given position in a recording layer included in an optical disc recording medium, includes: a rotation driving unit; a focus servo control unit for condensing a second light on a reflection film and for controlling a position of the objective lens; a recording position setting unit for setting an information recording position of the first light in a focus direction; a tracking servo control unit for controlling a position of the objective lens; an eccentricity amount estimating unit for estimating an eccentricity amount of the optical disc recording medium; and an eccentricity estimation amount acquisition control unit for acquiring an eccentricity estimation amount for each rotation angle within one revolution of the disc.
US08213275B2 Object lens actuator and disc drive using the same
The present invention provides an object lens actuator in which a tilt of an object lens due to a change of an ambient temperature is inhibited even when a metal member is attached to a resin based securing part. It is desirable to improve quality of writing and playing in a disc drive using the object lens actuator. This is achieved by coupling a metal member having a flat portion and bent portions to a securing part near top ends of the bent portions. The flat portion has a normal in the focusing direction. The bent portions extend in the focusing direction from the respective ends of the flat portion in the tracking direction. The securing part has an opening therethrough in the focusing direction, and in the opening, the metal member and the securing part may be coupled between each outermost two support members in the focusing direction.
US08213269B2 Timepiece with dial having a rotary index
A timepiece includes: a frame (10) defining a housing designed to accommodate a timepiece movement; and a dial (14) positioned on the frame and defining a plane, the dial including at least one opening (16) whose dimensions are such as to allow at least one index (18) mounted rotationally on the frame to be seen.
US08213261B2 Method for geophysical and geological interpretation of seismic volumes in the domains of depth, time, and age
Method for transforming geologic data relating to a subsurface region between a geophysical depth domain and a geologic age domain. A set of topologically consistent surfaces (252a) is obtained that correspond to seismic data (252). The surfaces are enumerated in the depth domain. An age is assigned to each surface in the depth domain (255). The age corresponds to an estimated time of deposition of the respective surface. An age mapping volume is generated (256). An extent of the age domain is chosen. A depth mapping volume is generated (260). Both the age mapping volume and the depth mapping volume are used to transform geophysical, geologic, or engineering data or interpretations (258, 263) between the depth domain and the age domain (268) and vice versa (269). The geophysical, geologic, or engineering data or interpretations transformed by at least one of the age or depth mapping volume are outputted.
US08213257B2 Variation-tolerant word-line under-drive scheme for random access memory
A Random Access Memory (RAM) is provided. The RAM includes a plurality of word-line drivers, at least a first tracking transistor and a second tracking transistor. Each word-line driver has an input node receiving a decoding signal, a power node receiving an operation voltage and a driving node driving a word-line. In an embodiment, the first tracking transistor has two channel terminal nodes respectively coupled to the driving node of one of the word-line driver and a channel terminal node of the second tracking transistor; wherein the first tracking transistor has electronic characteristics tracking those of a driving transistor of word-line driver, and the second tracking transistor has electronic characteristics tracking those of pass-gate transistor(s) in each cell of the RAM.
US08213252B2 Semiconductor memory device comprising sense amplifiers configured to stably amplify data
A semiconductor memory device adjusts a timing interval between the activation of first and second amplifiers in a sense amplifier circuit based on the distance between the sense amplifier circuit and corresponding power supply.
US08213244B2 Distributed write data drivers for burst access memories
An address strobe latches a first address. A burst cycle increments the address internally with additional address strobes. A new memory address is only required at the beginning of each burst access. Read commands are issued once per burst access eliminating toggling Read control line at cycle frequency. Control line transition terminates access and initializes another burst access.
US08213241B2 Memory readout scheme using separate sense amplifier voltage
A memory includes a memory cell coupled to a data line. A sense amplifier is coupled to the data line. A power supply node has a first voltage. The first voltage is provided to the sense amplifier. A charge pump circuit is coupled to the sense amplifier. The charge pump circuit is configured to provide a second voltage to the sense amplifier when a read operation is performed.
US08213231B2 NAND flash memory devices having wiring with integrally-formed contact pads and dummy lines and methods of manufacturing the same
A NAND flash memory device includes a plurality of continuous conductors disposed on a common level of a multilayer substrate, the plurality of continuous conductors including respective conductive lines extending in parallel along a first direction, respective contact pads disposed at ends of the respective conductive lines and respective conductive dummy lines extending in parallel from the contact pads along a second direction.
US08213228B1 Flash memory read performance
This disclosure describes techniques for reducing the number of data transmissions required to read an amount of data from multi-level-cell (MLC) flash memory. These techniques effectively increase the speed at which MLC flash memory can be read. This disclosure also describes techniques for determining whether or not a flash-memory cell has a high probability of an error by determining whether a voltage threshold is in close proximity to a reference voltage.
US08213226B2 Vertical transistor memory cell and array
A semiconductor device along with circuits including the same and methods of operating the same are described. The device includes an electrically floating body region and a gate disposed about a first portion of the body region. The device includes a source region adjoining a second portion of the body region, the second portion adjacent the first portion and separating the source region from the first portion. The device includes a drain region adjoining a third portion of the body region, the third portion adjacent the first portion and separating the drain region from the first portion, wherein the source and drain regions are opposing.
US08213225B2 Methods, devices, and systems relating to memory cells having a floating body
Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed relating to a memory cell having a floating body. A memory cell includes a transistor comprising a drain and a source each formed in silicon and a gate positioned between the drain and the source. The memory cell may further include a bias gate recessed into the silicon and positioned between an isolation region and the transistor. In addition, the bias gate may be configured to be operably coupled to a bias voltage. The memory cell may also include a floating body within the silicon. The floating body may include a first portion adjacent the source and the drain and vertically offset from the bias gate and a second portion coupled to the first portion. Moreover, the bias gate may be formed adjacent to the second portion.
US08213217B2 Microelectronic programmable device and methods of forming and programming the same
A microelectronic programmable structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally includes an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying a bias across the electrodes, and thus information may be stored using the structure.
US08213216B2 Shared bit line and source line resistive sense memory structure
A resistive sense memory apparatus includes a first semiconductor transistor having a first contact electrically connected to a first source line and a second contact electrically connected to a first resistive sense memory element and a second semiconductor transistor having a first contact electrically connected to a second source line and a second contact electrically connected to a second resistive sense memory element. A bit line is electrically connected to the first resistive sense memory element and the second resistive sense memory element.
US08213214B2 Storage device and information rerecording method
A storage device that improves ability of adjusting a resistance value level in recording and enables stable verification control is provided. VWL supplied from a second power source to a control terminal of a transistor is increased (increase portion: ΔVWL) for every rerecording by verification control by a WL adjustment circuit. In the case where a variable resistive element is able to record multiple values, ΔVWL is a value variable for every resistance value level of multiple value information. That is, ΔVWL is a value variable according to magnitude relation of a variation range of recording resistance of the variable resistive element due to a current. In the region where the variation range of the recording resistance is large (source-gate voltage VGS of the transistor is small), ΔVWL is small, while in the region where the variation range of the recording resistance is small (VGS is large), ΔVWL is large.
US08213210B2 Magnetic shift register and reading method
A magnetic shift register including at least one magnetic track is provided. Each magnetic track has at least one set of burst data formed by a plurality of consecutive magnetic domains. Each magnetic domain has a magnetization direction corresponding to a stored data. A head magnetic domain having a given magnetization direction corresponding to a given stored data is set at a most front of the set of burst data, and the head magnetic domain and the set of burst data form a data storage unit. A method for reading a magnetic shift register is provided.
US08213193B2 Flyback DC-DC converter with feedback control
A flyback DC-DC converter is disclosed herein. The flyback DC-DC converter includes a controller, an input switching circuit, a transformer and an output switching circuit. The input switching circuit is controlled by the controller and thus controls power supply to the transformer. The transformer is equipped with a first secondary winding to provide the output voltage, a second secondary winding that forms a feedback loop together with a voltage divider, and a third secondary winding to control the output switching circuit.
US08213189B2 Resonance-type power supply with improved convertion efficiency
A switching power supply includes a control circuit controlling ON and OFF of switching devices Q1 and Q2 and having an error amplifying circuit that controls a DC output voltage at a constant preset value, an oscillator circuit that controls the switching frequency in response to the output signal level FB of an error amplifying circuit, and a pulse width control circuit PWM that controls the pulse width in response to the output signal such that the ON-periods of switching devices Q1 and Q2 are equal to each other. The ON and OFF of switching devices Q1 and Q2 is controlled based on the output from oscillator circuit VCO when the output signal is higher than a threshold level. The switching frequency is fixed when the output signal level FB is lower than the threshold level.
US08213188B2 Bidirectional DC-DC converter
Provided is a bidirectional DC/DC converter which can control a boost voltage in a wide range. The DC/DC converter includes: three series circuits formed by a first to a sixth switch, each two of which are connected in series between a plus terminal and a minus terminal of a high voltage side; two transformers in which primary windings are connected in series and input terminals of the primary windings are connected to connection points of the switching elements; and a seventh to a tenth switch. The transformers have secondary windings, each of which is divided at the middle point. The middle points are connected to a minus terminal of a low voltage side. Respective terminals of the secondary windings are connected to a plus terminal of the low voltage side by the seventh to the tenth switches.
US08213185B2 Interposer substrate including capacitor for adjusting phase of signal transmitted in same interposer substrate
In an interposer substrate, a plating stub conductor and a ground conductor form a capacitor, and a plating stub conductor and the ground conductor form a capacitor. Capacitances of the capacitors are adjusted so that a phase difference between signals transmitted by a differential transmission using a signal line including a connection wiring conductor and a signal line including a connection wiring conductor is equal to 180 degrees.
US08213167B2 Portable display device
The present invention is directed to a portable display device having at lease two display elements, at least two foldable panel housings for receiving and supporting the display elements circuit boards and other parts, respectively, and optical elements provided on the top surface of the one of the sidewalls of the panel housings and mounted in a joint portion of the display elements, wherein one of the sidewalls of the panel housings are cut to form openings or a connecting joint portion, and the sidewalls of the optical elements is adjacently disposed each other when the panel housings are unfolded. The portable display device allows a single large sized screen, and whereby a joint portion between the two display panels as non-display area may be minimized.
US08213166B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes: a casing; a detachable cover having a plate shape forming a part of a top surface of the casing; and an electrostatic touch sensor disposed on an inner surface of the cover to detect a touch location of a finger on an outer surface of the cover.
US08213162B2 Protective cover mechanism and electronic device using the same
A protective cover mechanism for a port of electronic device, includes a latching element and a cover element. The latching element has a main body and a slit defined through the main body. The cover element has a cover body, a follower protruding from the cover body slidably extending into the slit of the main body, and a stopping portion protruding from a distal end of the follower preventing the follower and the main body from separating.
US08213161B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor and method of manufacturing same
A solid electrolytic capacitor according to the present invention comprises an anode body, an anode lead in contact with an outer surface of the anode body, a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the anode lead, and a cathode layer formed on a surface of the dielectric layer. The anode lead is provided with a plurality of openings passing through the anode lead. Another solid electrolytic capacitor according to the present invention comprises an anode body, an anode lead in contact with an outer surface of the anode body, a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the anode lead, and a cathode layer formed on a surface of the dielectric layer. The anode lead is provided with a cutout on an outer circumference edge of the anode lead.
US08213153B2 Dielectric ceramic and laminated ceramic capacitor
A dielectric ceramic with stable insulation properties even after calcination under a reducing atmosphere, as is preferred for a laminated ceramic capacitor, is a CaTiO3 composition containing Sn. It is preferable for the dielectric ceramic to contain, as its main component, (Ca1-xBaxSny)TiO3 (0≦x<0.2, 0.01≦y<0.2) with a solution of Sn at the B site.
US08213152B2 Multilayer ceramic electronic component including dummy conductors
A multilayer ceramic electronic component includes dummy conductor patterns on a ceramic green sheet laminated in an earlier stage of the lamination and sheet-by-sheet crimping process that have widths that are less than the widths of dummy conductor patterns on a ceramic green sheet laminated in a later stage of the lamination and sheet-by-sheet crimping process.
US08213150B2 Door lock
In an embodiment according to the invention, the controller for a solenoid in an electromechanical lock is arranged to generate motion power to move the solenoid plunger and holding power to hold the solenoid plunger in place so that the motion power generated consists of a higher power level and a lower power level that are alternating.
US08213138B2 Circuit breaker with arc fault detection and method of operation
A circuit breaker having a series arc fault detector and method of operation is provided. The series arc fault detector measures the RMS current and monitors current stability in response to a change in current levels. The sensitivity of the series arc fault detection is changed in response to the current satisfying a stability criterion. The circuit breaker further enables and disables series arc fault detection based on an enable threshold. The enable threshold is set based on the level of sensitivity being used to detect a series arc fault.
US08213137B2 Solid state relay controller
A solid state relay has independent charge pumps isolating each gate of a full bridge to achieve faster and proper gate turn on. The low side MOSFETs of the bridge are the current sensing device reducing loss and allowing a device controlled by the relay to achieve peak performance. Dynamic braking is achieved by the two low side MOSFETs being fully conducted and applying a load across the DC motor. Addition of a microprocessor to the device provides undervoltage sensing, current vs time readings, motor stall sensing, and motor temperature sensing. Motor temperature is detected by checking impedance of the motor at microsecond pulses to see if the motor is getting hot.
US08213136B2 Engine having power bus fault short circuit control with a disconnection switch
An aircraft electrical system comprises a generator to be driven as part of a gas turbine engine. The generator supplies electrical power to a plurality of accessories associated with the gas turbine engine, and to an aircraft power bus in parallel to the supply to the accessories. A control detects a short circuit on the aircraft power bus. When a short circuit is detected on the aircraft power bus, a switch is driven open to disconnect the aircraft power bus from the generator. In this manner, the power will continue to be delivered to the plurality of accessories. In a separate feature, a control voltage is provided by an auxiliary permanent magnet generator to a voltage regulator for the main generator.
US08213130B1 Magnetoresistive element, magnetic head assembly, magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, memory cell array, and manufacturing method of magnetoresistive element
A magnetoresistive element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, a spacer layer, an oxide layer, and a metal layer. The oxide layer is provided between the first electrode and the first magnetic layer, or within the first magnetic layer, or between the first magnetic layer and the spacer layer, or within the spacer layer, or between the spacer layer and the second magnetic layer, or within the second magnetic layer, or between the second magnetic layer and the second electrode. The oxide layer includes at least one element of Zn, In, Sn, and Cd, and at least one element of Fe, Co, and Ni. The metal layer includes at least one element of Zn, In, Sn, and Cd by not less than 5 at % and not more than 80 at %, and at least one element of Fe, Co, and Ni.
US08213112B2 Motor having a pressure difference generation portion disposed in a space between a disk and rotor case and disk drive apparatus including the motor
There is provided a motor. The motor includes a shaft rotatably installed and supported by a sleeve, a rotor case coupled with the shaft and on which a disk is mounted, and a pressure difference generation portion disposed in a space between the disk and the rotor case and generating a pressure difference using airflow in the space.
US08213110B1 Disk drive suspension having a coined baseplate
A baseplate that is configured to be included in a hard disk drive suspension assembly, and a related method for manufacturing the baseplate. The baseplate having a surface that has been coined to reduce any roughness that might have existed in a portion of the surface before the surface was coined.
US08213104B2 Apparatus and method for writing data onto a tape
An apparatus and method for writing data to be played back onto a tape is provided. Included is an acquisition unit for acquiring data to be written onto the tape, a writing unit for writing the data to the tape, and a determination unit for determining a data amount of a leading part of the data to be stored in a place separate from a place where the data is stored so that a part following the leading part is made ready to be played back before playback of the leading part ends, to reduce the time taken to read the data from the tape. Also included is an extraction unit for extracting the data and a storage unit for storing the leading part of the data.
US08213101B2 Gas activated emergency vision device
An emergency vision device, comprises a collapsible tube made of airtight material and having an expanded form and a deflated stowage form; first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the tube to enable a user to see through the tube and observe a source of information at a distal end of the tube while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment; and a portable gas cylinder having compressed clear gas and an outlet operably connected to the interior of the tube. The gas cylinder is operable to release the clear gas to fill the interior of the tube to expand the tube to the expanded form.
US08213100B2 Lens drive device
A lens drive device may include a movable body holding a lens and a drive mechanism for driving the movable body in the optical axis direction. The drive mechanism may include a drive magnet part formed in a substantially triangular prism shape which is disposed at least one of four corners of the lens drive device, a drive coil wound around in a substantially triangular tube shape so that its inner peripheral face is oppositely disposed to an outer peripheral face of the drive magnet part through a gap space, and a magnetic member which is disposed on an object side with respect to the drive coil. The magnetic member is attracted toward an intermediate position of the drive magnet part in the optical axis direction.
US08213097B2 Compact imaging lens assembly
This invention provides a compact imaging lens assembly from an object side toward an image side in order including a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface with at least one of surfaces thereof being aspheric, a second lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a concave image-side surface with at least one of surfaces thereof being aspheric. An aperture stop is positioned between the imaged object and the second lens element. There are two lens elements with refractive power in the compact imaging lens assembly.
US08213084B2 Method and apparatus for compensation of mechanical disturbances in optical interferometers
A fundamental limit to the sensitivity of optical interferometry is thermal noise that drives fluctuations in the positions of the surfaces of the interferometer's mirrors, and thereby in the phase of the intracavity field. A scheme for substantially reducing this thermally driven phase noise is provided in which the strain-induced phase shift from a mirror's optical coating cancels that due to the concomitant motion of the substrate's surface. As such, although the position of the physical surface may fluctuate, the optical phase upon reflection can be largely insensitive to this motion.
US08213082B2 Light control film
Provided is a light control film and displays incorporating same. In particular, provided are light control films comprising a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface. The light control films further comprise alternating transmissive and absorptive regions disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. Each transmissive region has an index of refraction N1, and each absorptive region having an index of refraction N2, where N2-N1 is not less than−0.005. The light control films have an average pitch of successive absorptive regions of 0.070 mm or less. Light incident to the light input surface exits the light output surface with a maximum relative brightness ratio (RBR) in a direction perpendicular to the light output surface of 65 or greater, and exits the light output surface with an effective polar viewing angle (EPVA) of 45° or less.
US08213078B2 Raman amplifier and raman amplifier adjustment method
A pumping unit supplies pumping light to a fiber connecting medium; a light monitoring unit detects light power of multiple-wavelength light; and a control unit controls the pumping light based on light power detected by the light monitoring unit and connecting medium information indicating optical characteristics in the connecting medium. The connecting medium information includes information indicating a fiber type of the fiber connecting medium, information indicating a length of the fiber connecting medium, an average fiber loss coefficient of the fiber connecting medium and an intra-station loss value.
US08213074B1 Onboard controller for multistate windows
Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations.
US08213073B2 Continuously tunable optical dispersion compensation synthesizers using cascaded etalons
Described is a method for designing individual stages of a multiple cascaded etalon TDC device to allow continuous thermo-optic tuning over a desired range without inducing incremental signal distortion due to uncontrolled and unpredictable dispersion of the TDC during tuning. This allows the signal to transmit without encountering periods of incremental distortion or dark spots. The method includes prior knowledge of each etalon stage, after full assembly, for spectral group delay profile as a function of temperature through modeling and/or characterization. Characterization can account for performance variations that are due to allowed manufacturing tolerances.
US08213070B2 Wave-plate structures, power selective optical filter devices, and optical systems using same
In an embodiment, an optical filter device includes an input polarizer for selectively transmitting an input signal. The device includes a wave-plate structure positioned to receive the input signal, which includes first and second substantially zero-order, zero-wave plates arranged in series with and oriented at an angle relative to each other. The first and second zero-wave plates are configured to alter a polarization state of the input signal passing in a manner that depends on the power of the input signal. Each zero-wave plate includes an entry and exit wave plate each having a fast axis, with the fast axes oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Each entry wave plate is oriented relative to a transmission axis of the input polarizer at a respective angle. An output polarizer is positioned to receive a signal output from the wave-plate structure and selectively transmits the signal based on the polarization state.
US08213069B2 Compensating for voice coil thermal expansion in a microarray scanner
A lens stage for use in a scanning system is provided. In certain embodiments, the lens stage comprises: a) a support comprising a first rail and a second rail, in which the first rail and the second rail are mounted to the support in parallel; and b) a linearly moveable lens assembly comprising: i) a voice coil comprising a moving coil that moves in a direction parallel to the rails; ii) a lens; iii) a bracket that is attached to: a) the moving coil and b) the lens, and moveably engaged with the rails via a set of bearing cars; and iv) means to reduce force exerted on the set of bearing cars due to thermal expansion of the moving coil.
US08213066B2 Electrostatic comb-drive micromechanical actuator
The invention relates to a micromechanical actuator, especially a micro-mirror scanner, comprising an actuator unit in an outer frame which unit is suspended in the outer frame via two torsion elements, and electrostatic tilt drives from intermeshing first and second comb-type electrodes which are off-set from each other vertically. The first electrodes are rigidly connected to the outer frame and the second electrodes to the outer frame via an outer connecting element and to the actuator unit via an inner connecting element. The inner connecting element has a spring which extends in parallel to the outer tilting axis, which is connected to the same in a section of the actuator unit close the outer tilting axis, and which is designed and arranged to be rigid in the vertical direction and flexible at a right angle to the vertical direction. The micromechanical actuator according to the invention allows the use in a micro-mirror scanner whose slow axis is non-resonantly driven with excursions of >+/−7°, lateral mirror sizes having dimensions of 1 mm and more and a resonant frequency of >1 kHz and can be integrated even into flat mobile phones.
US08213063B2 Image sensing apparatus, image sensing system, and operating program product for image sensing system
An image sensing apparatus including an image sensor having a first area and a second area and a gradation converter for applying a gradation conversion to an image signal is provided with a gradation conversion LUT storage storing at least two kinds of gradation conversion information. The image sensing apparatus is also provided with a gradation conversion information rewriting section for rewriting the gradation conversion information into new gradation conversion information. There can be provided an image sensing apparatus capable of carrying out a precise gradation conversion even in the case that the inflection point between the first area and the second area of the image sensor constantly changes.
US08213062B2 Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus has a platen, first and second carriages, a light source supported on the first carriage, a first mirror to deflect reflected light from the original document toward the second carriage, one or more second mirrors supported on the second carriage to guide the light from the first mirror to image reading device, and rail members. The first carriage has first and second mirror support portions for supporting one side edge portion of the first mirror by two points, and a third mirror support portion for supporting the other side edge portion by one point. The first carriage is supported slidably at its opposite side edge portions respectively on the rail members via slide members disposed at four right and left places including two front and back places, and a height position is adjustable for supporting the first mirror by one point.
US08213060B2 Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a document positioning plate configured to position a document thereon, a document pressing unit which is attached to the document positioning plate to be openable and closable, a reading sensor which is movably arranged in a main body of the apparatus and configured to read an image of the document positioned on the document positioning plate, and a restricting unit configured to engage with the reading sensor to restrict a movement of the reading sensor, wherein the restricting unit has a lever which is provided in the document pressing unit in a rotatable and storable manner and urged in a direction in which the lever is stored and restricts the movement of the reading sensor in a state that the document pressing unit is closed and the lever is inserted into the main body of the apparatus, and when the document pressing unit is opened from the restricting state, the lever is pulled out from the main body of the apparatus to release the restriction and urged to be stored in the document pressing unit.
US08213057B2 Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus improves precision in adjudicating the type of the recording medium while also minimizing the time required to make such an adjudication. To accomplish this, the apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of particular shape images that configures a two-dimensional bar code. The apparatus forms a measurement pattern image for measurement, which includes one or more of the particular shape images, upon an image carrier and reads in the measurement pattern image that is formed upon the image carrier. The apparatus then determines a difference between a shape of the particular shape image that is included in the measurement pattern image and a shape of the particular shape image that is stored in the storage unit and subsequently determines an image forming condition with regard to the particular shape image stored in the storage unit.
US08213034B2 Methods and systems for providing remote file structure access on an imaging device
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods and devices for providing remote file structure data access to an imaging device user interface. Some aspects relate to methods and systems wherein a request for file structure data is sent from an imaging device (IDev) to a remote computing device (RCD) that is capable of retrieving and converting file structure data. Some aspects relate to reading the file structure data of a remote resource and converting that file structure data to a format that is compatible with an IDev user interface (UI). The converted file structure data may then be received by the IDev and displayed at the IDev UI.
US08213020B2 Optical tomographic imaging apparatus including a beam scattering structure
In the optical tomographic imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, since a stable light intensity can be secured for a reflected light beam of a measurement light beam reflected off of a transmitting surface of a probe outer casing as a returning light beam to an optical fiber, the optical path length difference between a reference light beam and the measurement light beam can be precisely adjusted by adjusting the optical path length of the reference light beam with an optical path length adjusting device. In addition, a signal of a measurement object can be reliably detected from a detection signal of an interference light beam detected by an interference light detecting device.
US08213018B2 Constant optical power sensor using a light source current servo combined with digital demodulation intensity suppression for radiation and vibration insensitivity in a fiber optic gyroscope
Systems and methods for fiber-optic gyroscopes are provided. In one embodiment, a fiber-optic gyroscope comprises: a light source current servo coupled to a light source that transmits light through an optic path, wherein the light source current servo controls intensity of light through the optic path via a light source current drive that supplies current to power the light source; and an intensity control signal processor coupled to the optic path via a photo detector, wherein the intensity control signal processor outputs an intensity control signal to the light source current servo, wherein the intensity control signal is a function of intensity of light as received at the photo detector; wherein the light source current servo compares the intensity control signal against a stable analog voltage reference to adjust the light source current drive and drive optical power at the photo detector towards a constant level.
US08213015B2 Integrated flow cell with semiconductor oxide tubing
An integrated flow cell, the flow cell comprising a semiconductor substrate, and a fluidic conduit having an at least partially transparent semiconductor oxide tubing, wherein the semiconductor oxide tubing is formed with the semiconductor substrate.
US08213014B1 High speed counter and inspector for medicament and other small objects
An apparatus for counting and inspecting medicaments and other small objects whereby the objects are poured into a funnel. From the funnel, the objects fall onto the sharp point of a concentric cone, dispersing the objects on their way outwards causing dispersion and lateral singulation. Objects are vertically singulated when falling from the bottom edge of the cone. Objects are circularly scanned from just below the edge of the cone. A high speed processor resolves the scanned path in sufficiently small segments to determine width, and angular position measurements of the objects. The height measurements are resolved by the number of scans that show the objects in the same location before falling out of view. By calculations based on recurring sequential scans of objects at the same location, a total count can be made as well as sizes and irregularities of the objects.
US08213013B2 Substance concentration sensor and production method therefor
The invention relates to a sensor for determining a concentration of a substance contained in a fluid-containing matrix, with a measurement chamber (5), a sender (3) for the emission of optical radiation (6) into the measurement chamber, and a receiver (4) for receiving optical radiation which has traversed the measurement chamber, wherein the measurement chamber is designed for bringing into the matrix and is filled with a specific fluid, and the wall (12, 13) is at least sectionally permeable to the diffusion of the substance. A control and evaluation circuit (7) is connected to the sender (3) and controls the sender (3), and is connected to the receiver (4) for selecting the receiver signals and determines, from the receiver signal, a measurement for the concentration of the substance in the matrix.
US08213011B2 Spatial imaging/imaging spectroscopy system and method
A system and method for spatial imaging and imaging spectroscopy system includes a sample holder for holding samples, an illumination system arranged to illuminate the samples, a wavelength isolation module configured to selectively isolate received illumination from the samples to a plurality wavelengths, a single matrix imaging device arranged to receive the isolated wavelengths from the wavelength isolation module through a single lens system, and a computing device configured to perform a spatial imaging and imaging spectroscopy process. The spatial imaging and imaging spectroscopy process includes acquiring image data corresponding to each of the isolated wavelengths, performing spatial imaging analysis based on the acquired image data, and performing imaging spectroscopy on the acquired image data.
US08213004B2 Method and apparatus for measuring raman signals
A method of measuring Raman signals comprises: an analyte placing step of placing an analyte on a detection surface of a microstructure plate which generates an enhanced electric field when irradiated with excitation light; an irradiating step of irradiating the detection surface with the excitation light so that the enhanced electric field is generated around the detection surface and light is emitted from the analyte and the detection surface to be enhanced by the generated enhanced electric field; a Raman signal obtaining step of detecting the enhanced light to obtain a Raman signal emitted from the analyte and a background signal for use as a reference, the Raman signal and the background signal having respective intensities; and a normalizing step of normalizing the Raman signal from the analyte by dividing the intensity of the Raman signal from the analyte by the intensity of the background signal obtained as the reference.
US08213003B2 Method and device for determining the position of a sensor
The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining the spatial position of a sensor, in which a rough position information initially is determined by rough detection of the position of the sensor, and then the more accurate position of the sensor is obtained by measuring at least three reflectors mounted on the sensor with a laser tracker, wherein the search region of the laser of the laser tracker is limited for the reflectors with reference to the rough position information.
US08213002B2 PON tester
A high resolution optical fiber length meter, live fiber detector, and reflectance tester (instrument) for single mode applications using a low power, long wavelength laser for generating wide and narrow optical pulses that are launched into a single mode fiber under test. The laser output fiber pigtail is fusion spliced to a singlemode coupler whose output is coupled to the instrument bulkhead connector. A PIN photodiode is fusion spliced to the singlemode coupler to receive the reflected light from the fiber under test. The high resolution hand-held instrument is useful in examining singlemode passive optical networks (PON).
US08213000B2 Retail compatible detection of CVD grown diamond
A system includes a radiation source to provide short wavelength light. A holder positions a table of a gemstone to receive the light. A detector is positioned to receive fluorescent light from the gemstone when the gemstone is a CVD grown gemstone.
US08212999B2 Liquid droplet measurement apparatus and liquid droplet measurement method
A liquid droplet measurement apparatus has: a first laser light source emitting a laser light; a first optical device which makes, in terms of a beam cross-section of the laser light, a beam width in a direction perpendicular to a direction of ejection of a liquid droplet, greater than a beam width in the direction of ejection of the liquid droplet, and makes light intensity of the laser light fall within a prescribed range within a range where variation in a position of the liquid droplet occurs in the direction perpendicular to the direction of ejection of the liquid droplet, at a position where the laser light from the first laser light source is irradiated onto the liquid droplet ejected; a first light receiving device which receives the laser light that has been irradiated onto the liquid droplet by the first optical device and generates a determination signal; and a first liquid droplet characteristics calculation device which calculates at least one of a volume of the liquid droplet and a velocity of the liquid droplet, from the determination signal generated by the first light receiving device.
US08212996B2 Method for centroiding and tracking a distorted optical image
A centroiding method is provided for an optical tracking system including a laser used for countermeasuring purposes in which a pencil thin laser beam is accurately positioned onto a target through the use of centroiding techniques for ascertaining the position not only of the target but also the laser beam, with the centroiding techniques resulting in a sub-pixel level resolution. The sub-pixel resolution permits utilization of smaller cost-effective focal plane arrays by giving the small focal plane array a resolution associated with much larger focal plane arrays.
US08212988B2 Projection objective for microlithography
A projection objective for imaging a pattern arranged in an object surface of the projection objective into an image surface of the projection objective with a demagnified imaging scale has a plurality of optical elements which are arranged along an optical axis of the projection objective and are configured in such a way that a defined image field curvature of the projection objective is set in such a way that an object surface that is curved convexly with respect to the projection objective can be imaged into a planar image surface. What can be achieved given a suitable setting of the object surface curvature is that a gravitation-dictated bending of a mask does not have a disturbing effect on the imaging quality.
US08212970B2 Liquid crystal display and organic EL display
Disclosed is a liquid display device that is capable of suppressing a change in contrast of a liquid crystal display panel, in which a screen is a curved surface with a curvature in one direction. In a liquid crystal display panel having a cylindrical surface, an upper polarizing plate is attached to a color filter substrate. The upper polarizing plate receives tensile stress in a curved direction. Tensile stress adversely affects polarization characteristics of the upper polarizing plate. According to an embodiment of the invention, if the absorption axis A of the upper polarizing plate is adapted to match with the curved direction of the liquid crystal display panel, it is possible to prevent a change in polarization characteristics of the upper polarizing plate. As a result, it is possible to obtain an image with excellent contrast for a long term.
US08212966B2 Diffuser for light from light source array and displays incorporating same
An optical structure placeable between a backlight array of point light sources and a planar display. The structure distributes light emitted by the point light sources to uniformly illuminate the plane of the display, without introducing significant viewing parallax. The emitted light is partially collimated within a preferred angular viewing range, maximizing the display's luminance when viewed from the normal direction. The structure is highly reflective, such that a substantial portion of any non-emitted light rays are internally reflected by the structure, increasing the likelihood that those rays will be subsequently emitted by the structure.
US08212957B2 Mount structure, illumination apparatus and liquid crystal apparatus
A mount structure includes a wiring board and a semiconductor device composed of a light-emitting device or a light-receiving device mounted on one surface side of the wiring board such that an optical axis thereof is oriented in a direction that extends along a board surface of the wiring board. On the one surface side of the wiring board, a first pad on which a first terminal of the semiconductor device is mounted, a second pad on which a second terminal of the semiconductor device is mounted, and a light-shielding conductive layer are formed using the same conductive layer. The first pad and the second pad are arranged on respective sides of an imaginary center line along which the optical axis of the semiconductor device extends and the light-shielding conductive layer is provided at a position beneath a light emission center or a light reception center of the semiconductor device in plan view.
US08212953B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
It is an object to obtain a liquid crystal display device in which a contact defect is reduced, increase in contact resistance is suppressed, and an opening ratio is high. The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device having a substrate; a thin film transistor provided over the substrate, which includes a gate wiring, a gate insulating film, an island-shaped semiconductor film, a source region, and a drain region; a source wiring which is provided over the substrate and is connected to the source region; a drain electrode which is provided over the substrate and is connected to the drain region; an auxiliary capacitor provided over the substrate; a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode; and a protective film formed so as to cover the thin film transistor and the source wiring, where the protective film has an opening, and the auxiliary capacitor is formed in the area where the opening is formed.
US08212951B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes, for an embodiment, a first insulation substrate; a gate line extending in a first direction on the first insulation substrate; a data line insulated from the gate line and extending in a second direction; a pixel electrode formed in a pixel area defined by the intersection of the gate line and the data line; and storage wiring formed with the same layer as the data line, wherein the storage wiring includes a storage electrode extending in the first direction and covering the gate line, and a storage line connected to the storage electrode and formed according to the second direction.
US08212935B2 Noise reduction apparatus for image signal and method thereof
The present invention provides a noise reduction apparatus and method thereof. The noise reduction apparatus includes a first detecting logic, a second detecting logic, a first noise filtering logic, a second noise filtering logic, and an output logic. The first detecting logic detects if a video signal has a first noise characteristic. The second detecting logic detects if the video signal has a second noise characteristic. The first noise filtering logic performs a first noise filtering process upon the video signal to generate a first filtered signal. The second noise filtering logic performs a second noise filtering process upon the video signal to generate a second filtered signal. The output logic receives the first filtered signal and the second filtered signal, and references detection results provided by the first detecting logic and the second detecting logic when generating an output signal.
US08212908B2 Timing generator and image scanning apparatus
A clock output from a quartz oscillator is input to a timing generator via a spread spectrum clock generator that spreads the spectrum of the clock. The clock is multiplexed by a phase locked loop to generate pixel clocks having the same frequency as a pixel frequency. The pixel clock is input to a delay locked loop, which generates a multi-layer clock by dividing each cycle of the pixel clock by 60. Clock generating units select a required phase from the multi-layer clock, thereby generating a timing signal. The phase, the pulse width, and the output period of the timing signal are controlled as desired by setting appropriate values to a register.
US08212907B2 Imaging-device driving unit and imaging apparatus for driving an image pickup device in accordance with remaining battery power
A imaging-device driving unit, comprising a signal generator, a detector, and a controller, is provided. The imaging-device driving unit drives an imaging device that has a charge-transfer channel. The charge-transfer channel transfers the signal charges at a speed according to a frequency of a channel-driving signal. The signal generator generates one among a normal transfer signal, and a first and second discharge signals. The first discharge signal is the channel-driving signal whose frequency is determined for discharging an electrical charge remaining in the charge-transfer channel and greater than that of the normal transfer signal. The detector detects a remaining power. The controller orders the signal generator to generate the first discharge signal if the electrical charges remaining in the charge-transfer channel should be discharged and the remaining power is less than a threshold.
US08212905B2 Photoelectric conversion device, imaging system, and photoelectric conversion device driving method
A photoelectric conversion device comprises a plurality of pixels, a driving supplemental element, a signal line to which the plurality of pixels and the driving supplemental element are connected, a driving unit which drives the plurality of pixels and the driving supplemental element, and an output circuit which processes a signal output to the signal line from a readout pixel selected by the driving unit and outputs the processed signal, each of the plurality of pixels including a first charge-voltage converter, a first reset unit which resets the first charge-voltage converter, and a first output unit which outputs a signal corresponding to a voltage of the first charge-voltage converter, the driving supplemental element including a second charge-voltage converter, a second reset unit which resets the second charge-voltage converter, and a second output unit which outputs a signal corresponding to a voltage of the second charge-voltage converter.
US08212901B2 Backside illuminated imaging sensor with reduced leakage photodiode
A backside illuminated imaging sensor includes a semiconductor having an imaging pixel that includes a photodiode region, an insulator, and a silicide reflective layer. The photodiode region is formed in the frontside of the semiconductor substrate. The insulation layer is formed on the backside of the semiconductor substrate. The transparent electrode formed on the backside of the insulation layer. The transparent electrode allows light to be transmitted through a back surface of the semiconductor substrate such that when the transparent electrode is biased, carriers are formed in a region in the backside of the semiconductor substrate to reduce leakage current. ARC layers can be used to increase sensitivity of the sensor to selected wavelengths of light.
US08212900B2 Method and apparatus providing color interpolation in color filter arrays using edge detection and correction terms
A method and apparatus for color plane interpolation are provided which interpolates the color values of pixels differently depending on an edge direction and whether a pixel is at an edge within an image. The use of the edge detection during the interpolation of each of the colors present in the color pattern helps reduce some of the disadvantages of the loss of image sharpness abundant in known demosaicing techniques.
US08212896B2 Image capturing apparatus and method for controlling the same
An image capturing apparatus is provided that is capable of performing both object detection using image recognition and object detection using movement detection on successively captured images. In the image capturing apparatus, the reliability of the result of the object detection using image recognition is evaluated based on the previous detection results. If it is determined that the reliability is high, execution of the object detection using movement detection is determined. If it is determined that the reliability is low, non-execution of the object detection using movement detection is determined. With this configuration, the object region can be tracked appropriately.
US08212894B2 Electronic camera having a face detecting function of a subject
An electronic camera includes an image pickup device that takes a subject image, a face detecting section, an inferential section, and an image processing section. The face detecting section not only detects a face area in a shooting image plane based on the output of the image pickup device but also extracts a feature amount of the face of the subject from the face area. The inferential section performs inferential processing relating to either of the age and gender of the subject based on the feature amount. The image processing section makes at least one of an exposure correction, a soft focus correction, a skin smoothing correction to adjust color saturation of the color of the skin, and a correction to make a person look slim, on a recording-purpose image taken by the image pickup device based on the inference result of the inferential section.
US08212891B2 Apparatus, methods and computer readable storage mediums
A method including receiving an image from an image sensor, the image including a portion corresponding to an object; determining distance of the object from the image sensor using the received image; and controlling exposure of the image sensor using the determined distance.
US08212890B2 Imaging device and imaging method
An imaging device is configured to include a dividing unit which divides a generated image into blocks, a white balance evaluation value acquiring unit which acquires color information and a white balance evaluation value of each block, a classifying unit which combines the blocks into areas based on the color information, a correction coefficient calculating unit which calculates a white balance correction coefficient for each of the areas, a white balance setting unit which sets the calculated white balance correction coefficient for each of the areas, and a green area determining unit which determines whether or not each of the blocks is a green area based on the color information. The white balance setting unit sets a different white balance correction coefficient for a block determined as a green area from the one set for the area including the block in question.
US08212887B2 Solid-state image pickup device with optical communication unit and cooling unit
A solid-state image pickup device includes a pixel unit configured to convert light into an electrical signal; a substrate having a first side on which the pixel unit is formed and a second side opposite the first side; an optical communication unit disposed on the first side of the substrate, and configured to convert a signal read out from the pixel unit into an optical signal and output the optical signal; and a cooling unit disposed on the second side of the substrate and below at least a forming area of the optical communication unit, the forming area being an area where the optical communication unit is formed, and configured to cool or dissipate heat generated in the optical communication unit and transferred through the substrate.
US08212881B2 Drive device
A drive device is provided having a movable part, a fixed part, a drive part, and a direction-detecting part. The fixed part is provided within a movement range of the movable part. The drive part drives the movable part in a first direction against the fixed part. The direction-detecting part detects the bound direction of the movable part after the movable part strikes the fixed part. The drive part drives the movable part so as to strike the fixed part according to the bound direction detected by the direction-detecting part after the movable part strikes the fixed part.
US08212876B2 Synthetic colour night vision system
A night vision coloring system may color a scene by extracting the spectral signature of each area in a scene and matching the extracted signature with a predetermined database signature and associated color. The system may comprise a temporal or spatial filtering element that may typically allow the capturing of an image reflection through a plurality of spectral bands, thereby extracting the spectral signature of each area in the image. The color associated with the matched database signature may be used to color each area comprising the image.
US08212871B2 Image processing device
This invention provides an image processing device capable of appropriately generating a synthetic image with an enlarged dynamic range even when a measuring article is moving. A work to be a reference (reference work) is imaged a plurality of times under an exposure condition same as that for generating a synthesized image, and specified regions are registered as reference images from a plurality of input images acquired in the respective imaging processes. In an operation mode, a plurality of input images is acquired by imaging a work a plurality of times under a plurality of exposure conditions, and search processes based on the reference images are executed on the respective input images. A partial image having a predetermined size is extracted from each of the plurality of input images based on each specified position, and an image synthesizing process is executed on the plurality of extracted partial images to generate a synthesized image.
US08212870B2 Mirror system and method for acquiring biometric data
A system and method for obtaining biometric imagery such as iris imagery from large capture volumes is disclosed wherein a substantially rotationally symmetric mirror such as a cone or sphere is rotated at a constant velocity about a central axis.
US08212852B2 Image writing device using digital light-emitting elements
An image-data transfer controller divides one line of image data for each of the light-emitting-element array units, transfers the divided image data to respective light-emitting-element array units, to drive each of the light-emitting elements in the light-emitting-element array units for an exposure in a main-scanning direction. The image-data transfer controller divides the one line of image data for each of the light-emitting-element array units and transfers the divided image data during one-line interval in the main-scanning direction, performs a plurality of data transfers in the one-line interval for driving each of the light-emitting elements by controlling a lighting time, and includes a plurality of lines of storing units.
US08212842B2 Display processing device
A display processor increases graphics display performance. The display processor includes: an OSD plane having a first OSD area and a second OSD area for storing graphics images; and a Z-order manager, which stores a vertical order assigned to the first OSD area and the second OSD area, and which provides a notification regarding that vertical order. This display processor also includes a CPU, which executes a downloaded application, thereby storing the graphics images in the first OSD area and the second OSD area based on the vertical order notified by the Z-order management unit; and a display which superimposes the graphics images stored in the first OSD area and the second OSD area in accordance with the abovementioned vertical order, and displays the images.
US08212840B2 3-D clipping in a graphics processing unit
A graphics processing unit (GPU) efficiently performs 3-dimensional (3-D) clipping using processing units used for other graphics functions. The GPU includes first and second hardware units and at least one buffer. The first hardware unit performs 3-D clipping of primitives using a first processing unit used for a first graphics function, e.g., an ALU used for triangle setup, depth gradient setup, etc. The first hardware unit may perform 3-D clipping by (a) computing clip codes for each vertex of each primitive, (b) determining whether to pass, discard or clip each primitive based on the clip codes for all vertices of the primitive, and (c) clipping each primitive to be clipped against clipping planes. The second hardware unit computes attribute component values for new vertices resulting from the 3-D clipping, e.g., using an ALU used for attribute gradient setup, attribute interpolation, etc. The buffer(s) store intermediate results of the 3-D clipping.
US08212837B1 Color processing pipelines generating a lower color bit-depth image compared to an unprocessed image from a wide-angle camera
A wide-angle video camera which captures high-resolution images using a Bayer filter to colorize the pixels. The image is processed to generate multiple views. The camera applies color processing pipelines independently and simultaneously to each of multiple regions of the full image captured by the sensor to generate a color image of acceptable quality for human viewing. An initial color image possesses greater color bit-depth compared to the output color image.
US08212824B1 Apparatus and method for serial save and restore of graphics processing unit state information
A graphics processing unit includes a first processing controller controlling a first set of multi-threaded processors. A second processing controller controls a second set of multi-threaded processors. A serial bus connects the first processing controller to the second processing controller. The first processing controller gathers first state information from the first set of multi-threaded processors in response to a context switch token and then passes the context switch token over the serial bus to the second processing controller. The second processing controller gathers second state information from the second set of multi-threaded processors in response to the context switch token.
US08212821B1 Decomposing animations into primitives for browser-dependent rendering
A method for computer-implemented rendering of an animation presentation includes receiving, at a server, a request to view the animation presentation on a computing device, obtaining information identifying a browser application running on the computing device, determining requirements of a presentation technology supported by the browse, decomposing the animation presentation into animation primitives compatible with the presentation technology, and transmitting the animation primitives to the computing device. A computer-implemented method to render an animation presentation include replacing an animation type within an animation page structure of the animation presentation with an animation primitive, flattening the animation, updating the animation page drawing objects to point to the rendered document module object, grouping the animation primitives into sequences to create a timeline for the animation page, and adjusting delays of the animations so as to begin at a correct point in time. A system for implementing the rendering of animations is described.
US08212814B2 Generation of constrained Voronoi grid in a plane
A computer-implemented method for generating a constrained Delaunay triangulation for a planar domain with boundaries and internal features. The boundaries and internal features of the domain are approximated with polylines. Unconstrained Delaunay triangulation is constructed for the domain. The unconstrained Delaunay triangulation is modified to conform triangle sides to the polylines. The modified triangulation is corrected to make it a constrained Delaunay triangulation. At least one of the steps of the method is implemented using a computer.
US08212809B2 Floating transitions
A computer implemented method and apparatus for floating object transitions. In one embodiment, tracking data identifying a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object in a virtual universe is received. The range comprises a viewable field. In response to the tracking data indicating an occurrence of a trigger condition, a set of flotation rules associated with the trigger condition is identified. An optimal location and orientation of the object is identified for each flotation action in a set of flotation actions associated with the set of flotation rules. The set of flotation actions are initiated to float the object above a surface. The object changes the location and orientation of the object in accordance with the set of flotation actions associated with the set of flotation rules.
US08212800B2 Electro-optic device, driving method, and electronic apparatus
An electro-optic device which includes pixels disposed in regions corresponding to intersections between a plurality of scanning lines (Rreal) and a plurality of data lines, the pixels being turned on or off in accordance with data signals, each of the data signals being supplied to the plurality of data lines when the plurality of scanning lines (Rreal) are selected, in which one field is divided into a plurality of sub-fields (Nsf) and the plurality of sub-fields (Nsf) are classified into a first group having a period length formed by equally dividing the one field into a plurality of slots, such that a number of slots in the one field is a division number (Ndiv), and a second group having a period length that is at least four times longer than a period length the first group.
US08212797B2 Video signal processing device and display
A video signal processing device that includes first and second input terminals and a size changer configured to change an image size of an image to be displayed based on a video signal input from the second input terminal. A mixer is configured to mix a video signal input from the first input terminal with a video signal that has passed through the size changer, and an output terminal is configured to output a video signal arising from mixing by the mixer.
US08212795B2 Payment terminal stylus with touch screen contact detection
In an exemplary embodiment, a stylus operates with a capacitive touch screen only when the stylus tip is in contact with the touch screen. The stylus is used as a sensor to determine the location where a user is touching the surface of a capacitive touch screen, but is not active until the stylus tip is pressed against the touch screen. In an exemplary embodiment, pressing the stylus tip against the touch screen activates the stylus by creating a physical separation in the circuit and disconnecting the stylus tip from ground. When the stylus tip is no longer grounded, it becomes active and is able to operate with a capacitive touch screen. In an exemplary embodiment, signal attenuation may be performed by diverting the sense signal to ground via a capacitor or other electronic component.
US08212785B2 Object search method and terminal having object search function
An object search method, computer program product, and a terminal having an object search function are disclosed. The object search method includes: displaying a list of a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in a first screen area, and displaying a touch input window for touch input in a second screen area; touching a first position on the touch input window with a pointer and then dragging the pointer to a second position on the touch input window; and moving an object indicator from the first object to the second object on the list as the pointer is dragged from the first position to the second position. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search for an object.
US08212778B2 Imaging and navigation arrangement for controlling a cursor
A method for operating an optical pointing device involves capturing a plurality of arrays of data, representing light reflected from a surface to a two-dimensional array of photo detectors, processing at least some of the plurality of arrays of data to estimate movement of the surface during each of a plurality of measurement cycles, and sending a series of estimated movement update signals to a computer.
US08212776B2 Optical finger navigation device with integrated tactile switch
A system of a tactile switch and an optical navigation device. The system includes a user device. The user device includes an optical finger navigation device. The optical finger navigation device enables a user to control a function of the user device via the optical finger navigation device. The optical finger navigation device includes a circuit board, a sensor array electrically coupled to the circuit board, and a tactile switch electrically coupled to the circuit board. The sensor array detects light and generates a navigation signal that corresponds to the detected light. The tactile switch is physically aligned with the sensor array on the circuit board. The tactile switch generates a switch signal upon actuation of the tactile switch in response to a force on a packaging structure of the sensor array.
US08212769B2 Hierarchical structure display
A hierarchical structure display device according to the present invention includes operation condition output means for outputting operation condition information for a switch operation condition of a first switch or a second switch to cause an operator to recognize the operation. condition information, and screen transition means for operating only when a detected switch operation of the first switch or the second switch satisfies the switch operation condition related to the operation condition information output from the operation condition output means to carry out a screen transition of a display screen. Further, the operation condition information is a display image which is displayed within the display screen and repeatedly inverted at predetermined timing during a switch operation, and a necessary number of times of inversion for the switch operation condition is displayed as the display image.
US08212768B2 Digital, data, and multimedia user interface with a keyboard
A system and corresponding method for providing a 3-dimensional (3-D) user interface to display images in a 3-D coordinate system. The 3-D interface generates and displays one type of holographic keyboard in response to a user's desired selection. The holographic keyboard provides versatility and ergonomic benefits to the user. Sensors are configured to sense user interaction within the 3-D coordinate system, so that a processor may receive user interaction information from the sensors. The sensors are able to provide information to the processor that enables the processor to correlate user interaction with images in the 3-D coordinate system. The system may be used for interconnecting or communicating between two or more components connected to an interconnection medium (e.g., a bus) within a single computer or digital data processing system.
US08212758B2 Source driver and display utilizing the source driver
A source driver includes a receiver for receiving a digital signal at an input node to generate an output signal at an output node, where the receiver includes a first switch, a second switch, a voltage-limiting circuit, a third switch and a channel. The first switch is for selectively connecting the output node of the receiver to a first reference voltage based on the digital signal. The second switch is for selectively connecting the output node of the receiver to a second reference voltage based on the digital signal. The voltage-limiting circuit is coupled between the input node and the output node of the receiver, and is for limiting a voltage level of the input node of the receiver. The third switch is coupled between the voltage-limiting circuit and the output node of the receiver. The channel is for generating a driving voltage based on the output signal.
US08212748B2 Display panel module and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a self-light-emission-type display panel module wherein a second driving voltage is set at the magnitude of a voltage which drives a device driving transistor employed in each pixel areas to operate in a saturated region during a time span between a start of a period for compensating the device driving transistor and a point of time immediately lagging behind a start of a light emission period and drives the device driving transistor employed in each of the pixel areas each receiving a signal electric potential having a level at least equal to a gradation level determined in advance in a linear region, and a third driving voltage is set at the magnitude of a voltage which drives the device driving transistor employed in each the pixel areas for all gradation levels to operate in a saturated region during the light emission period.
US08212747B2 Image display device
Disclosed herein is an image display device including a display section formed by arranging pixel circuits in a matrix form. Each pixel circuit includes at least a light emitting element, a drive transistor, a holding capacitor, and a write transistor. A light emission and non-light emission periods are alternately repeated. A light emission period start voltage and a non-light emission period start voltage are alternately output to the signal line. The terminal voltage of the holding capacitor is set to start the light emission and non-light emission periods. The write signal is set to sequentially delay the timings. The power drive signal is set in units of a plurality of successive lines. The drain voltage of the drive transistor is pulled up to high level at a time other than when the one of the terminals is connected to the signal line by the write signal in different lines.
US08212746B2 Method for driving a plasma display panel by using a holding period between subfield groups
In a driving method of a panel, one field period is formed by arranging a plurality of subfields that have an initializing period for causing initializing discharge in a discharge cell, an address period for selectively causing address discharge in the discharge cell, and a sustain period for causing as many sustain discharges as the number corresponding to luminance weight in the discharge cell. One field period is formed by arranging a plurality of subfield groups having a plurality of subfields whose luminance weights monotonically increase. A holding period when discharge is not caused is disposed before the head subfield belonging to at least one subfield group of the plurality of subfield groups. In the initializing period of the head subfield belonging to at least one subfield group, an initializing operation of causing initializing discharge is performed in the discharge cell where the sustain discharge has been performed in the sustain period of the immediately preceding subfield.
US08212728B2 Foldable portable radio device
A foldable portable radio device comprises a first housing, a second housing, a hinge section for coupling the first and second housings such that the radio device is foldable, a radio communication antenna built in a region of the first or second housing near the hinge section, and a digital television reception whip antenna which can be retracted into and drawn out from the region near the hinge section where the radio communication antenna is built in. The foldable portable radio device also comprises a function for powering the digital television reception whip antenna through an electric connection pattern, wherein the electric connection pattern is formed in a direction away from the region near the hinge section where the radio communication antenna is built in.
US08212726B2 Space-filling miniature antennas
A novel geometry, the geometry of Space-Filling Curves (SFC) is defined in the present invention and it is used to shape a part of an antenna. By means of this novel technique, the size of the antenna can be reduced with respect to prior art, or alternatively, given a fixed size the antenna can operate at a lower frequency with respect to a conventional antenna of the same size.
US08212722B2 System and method for discovering and tracking communication directions with asymmetric antenna systems
A system and method for discovering and tracking communication directions is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, communication directions for two devices with asymmetric antenna systems are discovered. In one embodiment, a contention access period (CAP) is partitioned into an association CAP and a regular CAP, either of which may be further partitioned into sub-CAPs corresponding to different reception directions. In one embodiment, an association request command is transmitted by a device at different association sub-CAPs to train a transmission direction of the device. In one embodiment, further training is performed to find the best communication directions, as collisions may occur when association request commands are transmitted at different association sub-CAPs.
US08212721B2 Mobile wireless communications device comprising a satellite positioning system antenna and electrically conductive director element therefor
A portable mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, and at least one wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing. The portable mobile wireless communications device may also include a satellite positioning signal receiver carried by the portable housing and an antenna carried by the portable housing and coupled to the satellite positioning signal receiver. The portable wireless communications device may further include a passive antenna beam pattern director associated with the antenna and may include at least one electrically conductive director element carried by the portable housing in spaced apart relation from the antenna and inductively coupled thereto.
US08212714B1 Using doppler radar images to estimate aircraft navigational heading error
A yaw angle error of a motion measurement system carried on an aircraft for navigation is estimated from Doppler radar images captured using the aircraft. At least two radar pulses aimed at respectively different physical locations in a targeted area are transmitted from a radar antenna carried on the aircraft. At least two Doppler radar images that respectively correspond to the at least two transmitted radar pulses are produced. These images are used to produce an estimate of the yaw angle error.
US08212713B2 Object detecting apparatus
An object detecting apparatus including: an object detecting device that causes electromagnetic waves to be reflected from an object and receives the reflected waves to detect the object while scanning a predetermined scan range; a rotating device that changes a direction of the object detecting device; an imaging device that captures images; a display device that displays an image captured by the imaging device; a setting device that sets the scan range of the object detecting device on the image displayed by the display device; and a control device that instructs the rotating device to rotate the object detecting device based on the set scan range, and instructs the object detecting device to scan the scan range.
US08212706B1 Threshold driven dynamic comparator
In one embodiment, a method receives an analog input voltage. The method also receives a threshold from a plurality of thresholds. A comparator performs a comparison of the input voltage with the received threshold and outputs an output value based on the comparison of the analog input voltage with the received threshold. The output value is for converting the analog input voltage to a digital value. The method determines if the threshold should be adjusted based on the comparison and adjusts the threshold when it is determined the threshold should be adjusted.
US08212700B2 Delta-sigma-delta modulator
An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) is provided. An embodiment of the ADC includes a modified Delta modulator including a digital feedback loop, and a digital Sigma-Delta modulator configured within the feedback loop. Embodiments of the invention provide analog functionality with all the benefits of a digital design process as well as various other advantages provided by a Delta-Sigma-Delta modulator configuration.
US08212697B2 Methods of and arrangements for offset compensation of an analog-to-digital converter
An arrangement is disclosed for offset compensation of a time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter, having a plurality of computing channels and being adapted to convert a signal from an analog domain to a digital domain. The arrangement comprises the time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter, an analog offset estimation and compensation unit adapted to estimate a mean offset for the plurality of computing channels, a digital offset estimation and compensation unit adapted to estimate a residual computing channel specific offset for each of the plurality of computing channels, and offset compensation means. The offset compensation means are adapted to perform offset compensation in the analog domain of each of the plurality of channels based on the estimated mean offset in the analog domain, and to perform offset compensation in the digital domain of each of the plurality of channels based on respective residual computing channel specific offset.
US08212695B2 Generating a log-log hash-based hierarchical data structure associated with a plurality of known arbitrary-length bit strings used for detecting whether an arbitrary-length bit string input matches one of a plurality of known arbitrary-length bit strings
Generating and using a high-speed, scalable and easily updateable data structures are described. The proposed data structure provides minimal perfect hashing functionality while intrinsically supporting low-cost set-membership queries. In other words, in some embodiments, it provides at most one match candidate in a set of known arbitrary-length bit strings that is used to match the query.
US08212690B1 Vehicle detection inductive loop activation device
A passive activator, used in combination with a vehicle sensing arrangement in a roadway, includes an electrically conductive material such as a wire mesh and placed inside or within a vehicle tire. The electrically conductive material portion forms a closed loop. The electrically conductive material portion may also include a protective layer or liner to prevent damage to the tire or to an inner tube of the tire. The passive activator causes sufficient disturbance of the electro-magnetic field to activate a vehicle detection sensor located in a roadway when a tire equipped with the passive activator passes over the roadway induction loop.
US08212689B2 Objective, in particular for a driver assistance system
The invention relates to an objective, particularly for infrared light and/or visible light, for imaging an object in an image plane, wherein the objective comprises an objective lens to be directed toward the object and an image lens directed toward the image plane, wherein the following applies with regard to imaging an object for each point within the image circle of the objective or for at least one point within the image circle of the objective: Formula (I), wherein Pmax represents the maximum light output of a point in the image plane for imaging a point on the object, and wherein Pmin represents the light output of an additional point in the image plane for imaging the point on the object, the light output of which with regard to imaging the point on the object is greater than the light output of each additional point in the image plane with regard to imaging the point on the object.
US08212686B2 Device for bidirectional remote water-meter reading by means of radio, for invoicing in a accordance with consumption time bands
The present invention relates to a remote water-meter reading device (8) that comprises an assembly (10) for acquiring consumption data and comprising at least one radio transmitter for transmitting the information acquired, at least one radio receiver incorporated into the acquisition assembly (10) so as to enable said device (1) to communicate in both directions in order to receive the information from a central unit (2), and an antenna (11) so that said central unit can transmit time/date information such that this transmission of information taken into account by said radio receivers makes it possible to guarantee exact timing/dating of all the acquisition assemblies (10) of the meters that form one and the same lot, characterized in that said meter (8) initiates a volume-consumed measurement at a time determined by a first timing/dating received from the central unit (2) by the receiver and stops it at a time determined by a second timing/dating received from the central unit (2) by the receiver, the volume consumed in the interval between the two timings/datings being stored in a memory and then transmitted to said central unit (2) via the transmitter at a later time.
US08212685B2 Railroad train monitoring system
Railcar monitoring utilizes instrumented, flexible pads supported within the truck pedestal jaws on the bearing adapters. The pads contain sensors for monitoring temperature pressure, shifting loads, truck hunting and the like and have circuitry for processing information received from the sensors and for processing and reporting departures of performance variables to a remote source. The system cyclically activates polling each pad on a car and communicates signals of critical departures and car identity to a remote source.
US08212679B2 Near-field RFID reader antenna
A near-field radio frequency identification (RFID) reader antenna is provided. The near-field RFID reader antenna is intended to separately recognize adjacent items to which a plurality of small RFID tags are attached, such as wines displayed on a shelf in a store or chip trays on casino tables, using a near field. The near-field REID reader antenna includes a dielectric layer, at least one signal line formed on the dielectric layer, a ground surface formed under the dielectric layer, at least one ground line formed under the dielectric layer to be electrically connected to the ground surface in parallel with the signal line, at least one signal stub formed to be electrically connected to the signal line toward the ground line, and at least one ground stub formed to be electrically connected to the ground line toward the signal line in parallel with the signal stub.
US08212676B2 RFID tag and method of manufacturing the same
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and method of manufacturing the same. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID tag includes a radio frequency (RF) inlay, the RF inlay including a carrier sheet, an antenna printed on the carrier sheet and a wireless communication device bonded to the antenna. The RFID tag also includes a plastic extrudate, the RF inlay being disposed within the extrudate so that the antenna and the wireless communication device are encapsulated on all sides within the extrudate. Optional metallic reflector and mounting adhesive layers may be laminated onto the underside of the extrudate. The present invention is also directed to an automated method for manufacturing the above RFID tag, such a method involving, in one embodiment, feeding a continuous supply of RF inlays into a cross-head extruder to yield a continuously extruded block and then cutting the block between successive antennae to yield a plurality of individual RFID tags.
US08212673B1 Condition-based maintenance systems and methods
Systems and methods are described for condition-based maintenance of mechanical systems. In one embodiment, a method for performing condition-based maintenance on a mechanical system includes providing a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag on a component of the mechanical system, sensing one or more operating conditions during operation of the mechanical system, calculating a service life increment of the component based on the one or more operating conditions, and adjusting a service life value stored on the RFID tag. After operation of the mechanical system has ceased, the method includes scanning the service life value stored on the RFID tag, and determining whether at least one of an inspection, a maintenance, and a repair of the component is needed based on the service life value. The mechanical system may be an aircraft, and the operating conditions may include aerodynamic conditions, loads, accelerations, and movements of the aircraft during flight.
US08212671B2 Passive microwave fire and intrusion detection system
A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall.
US08212670B2 Compact wireless recessed sensor with plunger switch
A compact wireless security sensor having a magnetically operated plunger switch. The compact nature of the sensor of the present invention makes it ideal for being substantially concealing into a door frame or window as part of a wireless security system. The sensor unit includes a housing having an inner end, an outer end, and a magnet positioned within a moveable plunger, and an antenna, preferably a flexible wire antenna. The housing further contains a sensor switch, a microprocessor with a PCB, a wireless transmitter, such as an RF transmitter, and a power source, such as a small coin cell battery, for emitting signals to a master station or controller when the plunger switch is depressed and activates the internal sensor switch.
US08212659B2 Driving assist device for vehicle
An alarm sound according to the distance of a dangerous object exiting around a vehicle is created. A reference sound which enables a driver to recognize the distance of the dangerous object when the driver hears the alarm sound, comparing with the reference sound, is created. The alarm sound and the reference sound are generated at the same time or a different timing. It is preferable that the sound volume of the alarm sound be greater than that of the reference sound. Accordingly, the driver can be warned precisely of the distance of the dangerous object from the vehicle with the sound.
US08212656B2 Vehicle presence notification apparatus
A vehicle presence notification apparatus generates a notice sound by emitting an ultrasonic wave in mid air based on an ultrasonic signal modulated according to an audible sound. During proceeding in mid air, the modulated ultrasonic wave is self-demodulating to become an audible sound. The audible sound posterior to the self-demodulation has a significant directionality like the ultrasonic wave. The notice sound is thus conveyed mainly to a pedestrian who is present in a dangerous area range where a danger needs to be taught. In addition, the vehicle presence notification apparatus includes a sensor-use ultrasonic transducer device having a transducers. The transducer device serves as a vehicle velocity sensor by transmitting an ultrasonic wave towards a road surface based on an ultrasonic wave signal or modulated ultrasonic wave, thereby enabling the vehicle presence notification apparatus to acquire vehicle velocity information by itself.
US08212638B2 Electromagnet for an electrical contactor
An electrical contactor includes a moveable core member having a first moveable core surface and a second movable core surface. The second moveable core surface is angled relative to the first moveable core surface. A stationary core member is mounted relative to the moveable core member. The stationary core member includes a pole arm having a first stationary core surface and a second stationary core surface. The second stationary core surface is angled relative to the first stationary core surface. In response to a magnetic field traversing a path defined by the stationary core member and the moveable core member, the first stationary core surface is magnetically biased to mate with the first moveable core surface and the second stationary core surface is magnetically biased to mate with the second moveable core surface to bring into contact an electrical contact member and an electrical contact element.
US08212630B2 Thin film balun
The present invention provides a thin film balun capable of preventing a resonant frequency from being increased to a high frequency due to size and thickness reductions and maintaining a preferable passage characteristic, while improving a balance characteristic. A thin film balun 1 includes: an unbalanced transmission line 2 having a first coil portion C1 and a second coil portion C2; and a balanced transmission line 3 having a third coil portion C3 and a fourth coil portion C4 which are magnetically coupled with the first coil portion C1 and the second coil portion C2, respectively. The first coil portion C1 is connected to an unbalanced terminal T0, and the second coil portion C2 is connected to a ground terminal G (ground potential) via a capacitor D (C component). The third coil portion C3 is connected to a balanced terminal T1 and the fourth coil portion C4 is connected to a second balanced terminal T2. At least a part of the capacitor D is contained in a second magnetic coupling area R2 formed by the coil portions C2 and C4.
US08212629B1 Wideband low frequency impedance tuner
An electro-mechanical impedance tuner generates wideband and complete Smith chart reflection factor coverage at frequencies as low as 1 MHz. It comprises an in-line adjustable linear phase shifter and a variable capacitor connected in parallel to ground. The transmission line, which serves as an adjustable phase shifter of variable electrical length, is made as a cylindrical rotating spiral wire-over-ground transmission line, on which runs a sliding contact, connected with a variable capacitor; the capacitor can be, depending on the frequency, immersed in a dielectric liquid, such as oil (∈r≈3) or alcohol (∈r≈20) for increased capacitance. The cylindrical structure of the spiral transmission line allows for a compact, 1 meter long apparatus at 1 MHz, whereas the required linear electrical length for this type of impedance tuner would be 150 meters in air, or 100 meters when low cost polyethylene dielectric (∈r≈2.25) is used. Cascading two or more tuners allows pre-matching and harmonic tuning.
US08212627B2 Wideband digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) and digital broadcasting receiver having the same
A wideband digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) is provided. The wideband DCO includes an active element which is driven by a first digital control signal; a single inductor which is connected to the active element in parallel, and comprises fixed inductance; and a plurality of capacitors which are connected to the single inductor in parallel, and vary operating frequency by being selectively turned on or off by a second digital control signal. Accordingly, the wideband DCO capable of operating in a wideband frequency range using a single inductor is provided, and if the wideband DCO is implemented using a single integrated circuit (IC) chip, the size of chip is reduced as the single inductor is used.
US08212623B2 Terahertz oscillators and methods of manufacturing electron emitters
A terahertz oscillator may include a first insulating layer, an electron emitter on the first insulating layer, adapted to emit an electron beam, and including a cathode, an anode, an oscillating circuit, and a collector sequentially disposed, spaced apart from each other, on the first insulating layer in a direction in which the electron beam is emitted from the electron emitter, wherein the oscillating circuit converts energy of the electron beam to energy of an electromagnetic wave, and wherein the collector collects the electron beam, an output unit adapted to emit the electromagnetic wave from the oscillating circuit to outside of the terahertz oscillator, and an electron emitting material layer. The cathode may include a first curved portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first insulating layer. The electron emitting material layer may be on an inner surface of the first curved portion of the cathode.
US08212619B2 Split-biased current scalable buffer
Disclosed are circuits, techniques and methods for buffering a high frequency signal for transmission over an integrated circuit. In one particular implementation, a plurality of amplification circuits are individually biased for amplifying a signal from a voltage controlled oscillator and/or digitally controlled oscillator to provide a local oscillator signal on a device.
US08212612B2 Closed-loop class-D amplifier with modulated reference signal and related method
Disclosed is a closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit including a modulated reference signal generator that provides a modulated reference signal in a feed-forward path, where the reference signal is modulated corresponding to an input signal. The closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit further includes a comparator to generate a control signal based on a comparison of the modulated reference signal and a correction signal, which in turn is produced by filtering a combination of the input signal and a feedback signal. The closed-loop class-D amplifier circuit also includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse-width-modulated signal to drive an output stage of the closed-loop class-D amplifier based on the control signal.
US08212611B2 Switching core layout
Traditionally, mixers have been arranged symmetrically around the input signal, which has resulted in problems due to self-mixing or feed-through by the local oscillator signal. Here, however, the arrangement for a mixer has been changed to generally avoid self-mixing of the local oscillator signal. In particular, transistors in the switching core are merged according to the portion of the local oscillator signal received. This, in turn, results in the conductors, which carry the different portions of the local oscillator signal, being separated (or not having any crossings) so as to generally eliminate self-mixing or feed-through of the local oscillator signal. Complex IQ mixers realized using this arrangement benefit from improved sideband suppression and image rejection.
US08212603B2 Mixer circuit
In a mixer circuit, addition of analog signals by capacitive coupling is used and square-law characteristics of the drain current of a MOS transistor operating in a saturated region are used. With this configuration, the voltage and power of the mixer circuit can be reduced.
US08212598B2 Oscillation frequency control circuit, DC-DC converter including the oscillation frequency control circuit, and semiconductor device
An oscillation frequency control circuit controls a second oscillation circuit, which generates and outputs a second clock signal of a second frequency according to a received control signal, to control the second frequency. The oscillation frequency control circuit includes a frequency difference detection circuit unit configured to detect a difference between a predetermined first frequency of a first clock signal generated by an external first oscillation circuit and the second frequency, and generate and output an output signal indicating a detection result, and a frequency control circuit unit configured to control, according to the output signal of the frequency difference detection circuit unit, the second oscillation circuit to control the second frequency of the second clock signal to make an absolute value of the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency greater than a predetermined value.
US08212591B2 Control of a resonant switching system with monitoring of the working current in an observation window
Controlling a resonant switching system, which includes a first switch and a second switch in a half-bridge configuration for driving a resonant load. A corresponding control system includes command means for switching on and switching off the switches alternatively according to a working frequency of the switching system. The control system includes detection means for detecting a zeroing of a working current being supplied by the switching system to the resonant load in a temporal observation window; the observation window follows each switching off of at least one of the switches, and has a length equal to a fraction of a to working period of the switching system. Correction means are then provided for modifying the working frequency in response to each detection of the zeroing in the observation window.
US08212589B2 Circuit, apparatus, and method for signal transfer
A signal transfer circuit according to the present invention includes a differential signal generation unit that generates a differential signal according to a voltage difference between two input signals, a voltage difference detection unit that detects a voltage difference between the two input signals input to the differential signal generation unit, and a signal output unit that outputs a signal including a predetermined value if the voltage difference is not detected by the voltage difference detection unit, and outputs the differential signal generated by the differential signal generation unit if the voltage difference is detected by the voltage detection unit.
US08212585B1 Programmable logic device
A programmable logic device includes a plurality of logic blocks and a plurality of routing networks. One of the routing networks receives an output signal of one of the plurality of logic blocks and a master clock signal. The routing network includes a pre-charge driver which includes: a delayed clock signal generator generating a delayed clock signal which delays predetermined time from a master clock signal; a pre-charge drive signal generator which receives the output signal of the delayed clock signal generator and the master clock signal and outputs a pre-charge drive signal; an enable circuit which receives an output signal of the pre-charge drive signal generator and outputs a constant signal or the pre-charge drive signal; and an output circuit which receives an output signal of the enable circuit and the output signal of the logic block and outputs one.
US08212581B2 Defective emitter detection for electroluminescent display
Inoperative or defective electroluminescent (EL) emitters in an EL display having a plurality of subpixels are detected. Current flow through a drive transistor in a subpixel is turned off, a selected test current is provided through the EL emitter in the subpixel using a current source, and the voltage at a second electrode of a readout transistor in the subpixel is measured to provide a status signal representative or characteristics of the selected EL emitter. The status signal for the subpixel is compared to the respective status signals of neighboring subpixels to determine whether the EL emitter in the subpixel is defective.
US08212580B2 Scalable wideband probes, fixtures, and sockets for high speed IC testing and interconnects
We introduce a new Periodic micro coaxial transmission line (PMTL) that is capable of sustaining a TEM propagation mode up to THz band. The PMTL can be manufactured using current photolithographic processes. This transmission line can be embedded in microscopic layers that allow many new applications. We further use the embedded PMTL to develop a modular, scaleable and fully automated Universal Test Fixture for testing chips in various stages of development mainly for digital IC chips that can be utilized in production lines with pick and place of chips on tape to test every chip before insertion into circuits. The PMTL can also provide Confined Field Interconnects between various elements on semiconductor wafers to reduce parasitic and radiation losses and practically eliminating cross talk, thus, increasing the speed of digital IC's. The PMTL is also used to develop a Universal Test Socket, and a Hand Probe.
US08212577B2 Needle trace transfer member and probe apparatus
A needle trace transfer member to which needle traces of probes are transferred is installed at a movable mounting table to align the probes before electrical characteristics of a target object on the mounting table are inspected by bringing the probes into electrical contact with the target object. The needle trace transfer member is made of a shape memory polymer transformed reversibly and rapidly between a glass state with a high modulus elasticity and a rubber state with a low modulus of elasticity near its glass transition temperature. The glass transition temperature is set to a temperature close to a set temperature of the mounting table. The shape memory polymer is mainly made of polyurethane-based resin.
US08212565B2 NMR MAS rotor assembly with porous ceramic bearings
Each NMR rotor bearing in an NMR magic angle spinning assembly is constructed of a porous ceramic material and has no inlet channels or nozzles. Instead, pressurized gas is forced through pores in the bearing ceramic material from an annular groove at the bearing periphery to the central aperture. Since the pores are small and very numerous, the gas pressure is effectively balanced around the periphery of the central aperture. In addition, if contaminants block one or more pores during operation, the pores are so numerous that the balanced pressure can still be maintained in the central aperture, thereby preventing an imbalance that could destroy the rotor.
US08212563B2 Method and apparatus for in-situ measurement of soot by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry
An instrument and method using electron spin resonance spectrometry for measuring the concentration of airborne soot particles, and the like, that includes continuously passing a sample of exhaust gas through a resonating RF microwave cavity resonator during the application therethrough of a uniform slowly varying uniform magnetic field that is rapidly modulated and measuring the resulting phase modulation or amplitude modulation thereof to derive an electron spin resonance signal that directly senses the concentration of carbon free radicals produced as a result of inefficient combustion of hydrocarbons during operation of the vehicle or boiler. A further invention is the use of this signal for feedback control of the engine or boiler operating parameters to minimize or substantially eliminate particulate matter emissions.
US08212540B2 Voltage generating circuit
A voltage generating circuit according to the present invention comprises a voltage converter which voltage-converts a reference voltage, and an output unit which impedance-converts the voltage outputted from the voltage converter. The voltage converter and the output unit each comprise a low-voltage-side power supply and a high-voltage-side power supply. A voltage level of the high-voltage-side power supply in the output unit is set to be higher than a voltage level of the high-voltage-side power supply in the voltage converter.
US08212536B2 Stacked NMOS DC-to-DC power conversion
Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus of generating a regulated voltage are disclosed. One method includes generating the regulated voltage though controlled closing and opening of a series switch element and shunt switch element, the series switch element being connected between a first voltage supply and a common node, and the shunt switch being connected between the common node and a second supply voltage. The series switch element includes an NMOS series switching transistor stacked with an NMOS series protection transistor, and closing the series switch element during a first period includes applying a switching gate voltage to a gate of the NMOS series switch transistor of the series switch element, wherein the switching gate voltage has a voltage potential of at least a threshold voltage greater than a voltage potential of the common node. The shunt switch element includes an NMOS shunt switching transistor stacked with an NMOS shunt protection transistor, and the shunt switch element is closed during a second period.
US08212535B2 Toroidal core current transformer with phase compensation circuit
Disclosed is a toroidal core current transformer comprising a primary conductor which penetrates the toroidal core and a secondary winding that is wound around the toroidal core. A measuring shunt (RSh) or a load (Zb) is provided at the secondary end. In order to compensate the phase error (f) between the primary current (IP) and the secondary current (Is), a compensation circuit (K) whose capacity (C) is measured substantially according to equation (I) or (II) is provided at the secondary end. In equation (I) or (II), C represents the capacity of the compensation circuit, ω represents the radian frequency, φ represents the phase error between the primary current and the secondary current, Rsh represents the resistance of an optional measuring shunt, and Zb represents the impedance of an optional load. C =  tan ⁢ ⁢ ϕ  ω · R sh ( I ) C =  tan ⁢ ⁢ φ  ω ·  Z _  ( II )
US08212532B2 Method and system for control of a vehicle energy storage device
Systems and methods are described for controlling a power transfer rate in to and/or out of an energy storage device on-board a vehicle, such as a locomotive, during a power transfer opportunity. In one example, the method includes adjusting the power transfer rate based on a predetermination of a duration of the power transfer opportunity to match a duration of power transfer to the duration of the opportunity and achieve a specified state of charge.
US08212528B2 Rechargeable battery protection integrated circuit device with a short circuit detecting voltage change part, rechargeable battery protection module using the rechargeable battery protection integrated circuit device with a short circuit detecting voltage change part, and battery pack with a short circuit detecting voltage change part
A rechargeable battery protection integrated circuit device, includes a short circuit detecting circuit configured to convert a discharge electric current of a rechargeable battery to a voltage value and detect a short circuit state of the rechargeable battery when the converted voltage value is equal to or greater than a designated short circuit detecting voltage; a discharge control terminal configured to output a control signal when the short circuit state is detected by the short circuit detecting circuit, the control signal being configured to stop a discharge of the rechargeable battery; and an overcharge detecting circuit configured to detect an overcharge of the rechargeable battery, wherein the short circuit detecting circuit includes a short circuit detecting voltage change part, the short circuit detecting voltage change part being configured to change the short circuit detecting voltage when the overcharge is detected by the overcharge detecting circuit.
US08212527B2 Method and apparatus for telematics-based vehicle no-start prognosis
A system and method for determining the status of a vehicle battery to determine whether the battery may not have enough charge to start the vehicle. The method includes collecting data relating to the battery on the vehicle and collecting data relating to the battery at a remote back-office. Both the vehicle and the remote data center determine battery characteristics based on the collected data and the likelihood of a vehicle no-start condition, where the algorithm used at the remote back-office may be more sophisticated. The data collected at the remote back-office may include vehicle battery information transmitted wirelessly from the vehicle, and other information, such as temperature, battery reliability, miles that the vehicle has driven per day, ambient temperature, high content vehicle, etc. Both the vehicle and the remote back-office may determine the battery open circuit voltage.
US08212522B2 Energy storage module
A battery assembly having batteries connected in series to form rows and columns of battery cells into packs that combine the energy of multiple batteries. The battery cells are joined together to form columns of cells connected mechanically together by an exterior connection sleeve, and mechanically and electrically connected together by a conductive epoxy joining the end of one cell to the end of an adjacent cell in series. The columns of cells are mounted and held in place by racks, with bolts passing through the racks to form a sandwich structure that secures the position and orientation of the cells and columns, and that maintains the electrical connection between joined cells. Perpendicularly disposed to the direction of the columns are a series of conductive bands that join adjacent cells together along rows of cells.
US08212521B2 System and method for charging a mobile device
A system and method for charging a mobile device is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a mobile charging system comprises a mobile device having a battery, a robotic device removably connected to the mobile device, and a charging station removably connected to the robotic device. The robotic device is adapted to detect docking of the mobile device. If the docking of the mobile device is detected, the robotic device autonomously returns to the charging station for charging the battery of the mobile device. The robotic device receives an instruction from the mobile device or a user and performs tasks associated with the instruction.
US08212505B2 Method and system for creating a vibration in an automobile
A method and system for operating an automotive electric motor having first and second components is provided. A desired frequency of vibration for the electric motor is selected. A current is caused to flow through at least one of the first and second components such that the second component moves relative to the first component. The current is modulated such that the motor vibrates at the desired frequency.
US08212491B2 Switching power converter control with triac-based leading edge dimmer compatibility
In at least one embodiment, a controller allows triac-based dimmer to properly function and dim a load whose voltage is regulated by a switching power converter. In at least one embodiment, the switching power converter includes a switch to control voltage conversion of an input voltage to the switching power converter, wherein phase delays are introduced in the input voltage by a triac-based dimmer during a dimming period. In at least one embodiment, the controller is configured to control the switch of the switching power converter to establish an input resistance of the switching power converter during a dimming portion of the input voltage, wherein the input resistance allows the triac-based dimmer to phase modulate a supply voltage to the dimmer so that an output voltage of the dimmer has a substantially uninterrupted phase delay during each half-cycle of the supply voltage during the dimming period.
US08212490B2 Light source device, image display apparatus, and method of driving light emitting element
A light source device includes: a light emitting element; a pulse drive section adapted to supply the light emitting element with a pulse current in order for controlling an average emission light intensity from the light emitting element; and a light emitting element shunt section disposed in parallel to the light emitting element and adapted to shunt the light emitting element.
US08212480B2 Ceramic discharge lamp including first and second layer of brazing material and method of manufacturing ceramic discharge lamp
A ceramic discharge lamp in which an electric discharge gas is enclosed in an arc tube which is made up of a ceramic member and a metal member. The ceramic discharge lamp includes a first brazing material, which is formed so as to be fixed on a surface of the ceramic member without being covered with the metal member; a titanium layer, which is formed between the first brazing material and the ceramic member; and a second brazing material, which is continuously formed from the first brazing member, that covers part of the metal member so that the ceramic member and the metal member are airtightly joined to each other.
US08212475B2 Photocathode, electron tube, and photomultiplier tube
In the photocathode, an underlayer made of a crystalline material containing La2O3 is provided between a supporting substrate and a photoelectron emission layer, and is in contact with the photoelectron emission layer. Therefore, for example, at the time of heat treatment in a manufacturing process of the photocathode, dispersion to the supporting substrate side of an alkali metal contained in the photoelectron emission layer is suppressed. Further, it is assumed that this underlayer functions so as to reverse the direction of, out of photoelectrons e− generated within the photoelectron emission layer, photoelectrons traveling toward the supporting substrate side to the side opposite thereto.
US08212472B2 Organic electric field light-emitting element
An organic electric field light-emitting element, which contains: an anode; a cathode; and a light-emitting layer provided between the anode and the cathode, wherein the light-emitting layer contains two or more luminescent materials each giving a different emission peak, and a concentration ratio [(B/A)×100] in the light-emitting layer gradually increases along with the direction from an anode side of the light-emitting layer to a cathode side of the light-emitting layer, where A denotes a concentration of the luminescent material having the emission peak at the shortest wavelength side compared to the emission peaks of other luminescent materials, and B denote a concentration of the luminescent material having the emission peak at the longest wavelength side compared to the emission peaks of other luminescent materials, and wherein the light-emitting layer satisfies the relationship of: [(B/A)×100]≦10%.
US08212471B2 Light emitting device and electronic equipment provided with the light emitting device
A light emitting device having excellent characteristics such as light emitting efficiency and the like and electrical equipment provided with such a light emitting device and having high reliability are provided. The light emitting device includes a light emitting layer 42 formed of a first organic semiconductor material, a hole transport layer (carrier transport layer) 41 formed of a second organic semiconductor material and provided in contact with the light emitting layer 42, and particles 411 provided in contact with both the light emitting layer 42 and the hole transport layer 41, wherein an entire of or a part of each of the particles 411 is embedded in the light emitting layer (the other layer) 42 so that the particles 411 can contain the second organic semiconductor material (organic semiconductor material which constitutes the other layer).
US08212468B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a light source apparatus including a white light source, a blue fluorescent material, a green fluorescent material, a red fluorescent material, a green color filter, and a red color filter. A green chromaticity point of an output of green light to be omitted from the green fluorescent material and a red chromaticity point of an output of red light to be emitted from the red fluorescent material on a chromaticity coordinate system are interconnected by an imaginary straight line which passes only points which are equal to or higher than (0.300, 0.600) with regard to at least one of an x-axis component and a y-axis component of the chromaticity coordinate system.
US08212456B1 Method of making and ceramic articles with multiple regions of distinct density
A method for producing ceramic articles with multiple distinct regions of density by blending pore formers of different types or amounts with ceramic particles to create multiple pore former/ceramic particle mixtures. The mixtures are placed in a divided die cavity, divider removed and subjected to compaction under pressure to produce a compacted billet. The compacted billet is thermally processed to volatilize organics from the billet and sinter the billet, creating a cohesive billet of ceramic having two or more regions of density.
US08212450B2 Generator including an electret member
An electrostatic operating apparatus (electrostatic induction generator) includes a first substrate having a first electrode and a second electrode and set in a state where the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically separated from each other at least on the substrate and a second substrate including an electret member, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are so provided as to be opposed to each other at an interval and so formed as to be movable relatively with each other, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is so formed as to be capacitively coupled with the electret member.
US08212448B2 Electric motor
A universal motor has a stator and a rotor installed in the stator. The stator comprises a pair of stator segments. Each segment has a yoke with first and second ends, a pole and a neck connecting the pole to the first end of the yoke. The second end of each yoke is connected with the first end of the other yoke. A pair of pre-formed windings are mounted on respective poles of the stator segments.
US08212446B2 Brushless electric machine and device comprising said machine
To provide a technique that improves an efficiency of using a magnetic field in a brushless electric machine. A brushless electric machine includes a first member having N sets (N is an integer of 2 or more) of electromagnetic groups, and a second member that has N+1 sets of magnetic field forming member groups and can move in a predetermined moving direction in relative to the first member. One set of the electromagnetic coil group and one set of the magnetic field forming member group are alternately disposed along a direction perpendicular to the moving direction.
US08212442B1 Torque / energy transfer method and apparatus
The Harmonic Accumulation and Relative Transference of Kinetic Energy method does not transmit, but rather, transfers torque/energy from a power source to a driven system of higher rotational speed through the use of an oscillating flywheel and a potential energy storage device, for example, a torsion spring The power source adds energy to the oscillating flywheel by applying an impulse torque to the flywheel just as the flywheel begins to start rotating, and then transfers that energy to the driven system when the flywheel's speed (which may be its highest rotational speed) matches that of the driven system's rotational speed and direction. Thus, the energy is transferred when the flywheel and the driven system are at 0 rpm “relative” to each other. Accordingly, the impulse torques may be applied using principles of electric motors.
US08212439B2 Fan-motor unit
A fan-motor unit comprises a fan driven by an electric motor, both mounted on a support, at least one inlet (I) and one outlet (S) for a forced air flow, an electronic circuit board for controlling the motor, and a radiator at least partially immersed in the forced air flow. The radiator has a curved peripheral edge determining a convex face and a concave face of the said radiator, the electronic circuit board being in contact with the said radiator on the concave face side and a substantially cylindrical bearing surface on the convex face side of the said radiator. A radial gasket that forms a skirt comprises a first end secured to the support, a free second end, and a substantially cylindrical interior face between the first and second ends, and the interior face of the radial gasket bears against the bearing surface so as to isolate the electronic circuit board from the air flow.
US08212431B2 Safety switching apparatus
A safety switching apparatus for the failsafe disconnection of an electrical load has a first and a second terminal for supplying a first and a second signal from a signaling device, such as an emergency-off button. The safety switching apparatus also has a first and a second switching element which together produce a redundant output switching signal for disconnecting the load. The first switching element has a first control circuit to which the first signal is supplied. The second switching element has a second control circuit to which the second signal is supplied. The safety switching apparatus further has circuitry providing a first current path, an alternative second current path and at least one further switching element. The at least one further switching element is designed to select either the first or the second current path, depending on a polarity of the second signal, in order to route the second signal to the second control circuit.
US08212424B2 Dimmer switch for use with lighting circuits having three-way switches
A dimmer switch coupleable to a circuit including a power source, load, and single-pole double-throw three-way switch that comprises a first and a second fixed contact, and a movable contact. The three-way switch has a first state in which the movable contact is contacting the first fixed contact and a second state in which the movable contact is contacting the second fixed contact. The dimmer switch comprises first, second and third load terminals coupled in series with the three-way switch. The dimmer switch comprises first and second controllably conductive devices, such that the first and second controllably conductive devices are operable to conduct load current to control the amount of power delivered to the load when the three-way switch is in the respective first and second states; and a controller coupleable to the first and second controllably conductive devices for rendering the first and second controllably conductive devices conductive and non-conductive.
US08212423B2 Switching controlgear of circuit breaker
A switching controlgear of circuit breaker 100 outputs an opening command signal or closing command signal to the circuit breaker with the maximum being 1 cycle or less of wait time when the opening command signal or closing command signal is detected, and can cause the circuit breaker to open or to close at a desired phase of the main circuit current or power system voltage. The switching controlgear of circuit breaker 100 has switching control signal output time calculation means 10 and switching command signal output delay means 20. The switching control signal output time calculation means 10 calculates the switching control signal output time using the detection timing of the opening command signal or closing command signal as a reference so that the circuit breaker opens or closes at the desired phase after the total time of the switching control signal output time and the estimated opening operation time or estimated closing operation time of the circuit breaker 620 is elapsed. The switching command signal output delay means 20 outputs a delay-controlled opening command signal or a delay-controlled closing command signal to the circuit breaker after the switching control signal output time, which is the latest, is elapsed when an opening command signal or closing command signal is actually detected.
US08212414B2 Resonant, contactless radio frequency power coupling
A resonant, contactless, RF power coupling suitable for high power-density applications and for use in an ocean environment is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the power coupling includes a transmit coupling and a receive coupling, each of which include a resonant element. A high-powered RF generator is coupled to the transmit coupling and a rectifier circuit is coupled to the output coupling. Each of the resonant elements is disposed in its own electrically-conductive canister and advantageously potted in an appropriate insulating dielectric. Each canister has an open end to facilitate inductive coupling between the two resonant elements. In order to exclude seawater from the interface between the canisters, a seal of compliant material is disposed therebetween.
US08212413B2 Circuit assembly for gating a power semiconductor switch
An embodiment of the invention relates to a circuit assembly having the following components: a power transistor with a control terminal, a first load terminal and a second load terminal, the second load terminal having a floating potential; a driver circuit configured to generate control signals for the control terminal of the power transistor, the relevant reference potential for the driver circuit being the floating potential of the second load terminal; a planar metallization layer sited on or in a substrate and comprising a constant reference potential, a shielding plane isolated from the metallization layer, sited planar on or in the substrate such that it is capacitively coupled to the metallization layer; a power supply circuit for providing a supply voltage referenced to the floating potential of the second load terminal for the driver circuit, the power supply circuit comprising, circuited between the second load terminal and the shielding plane, a first series circuit including a first capacitor and a first diode.
US08212408B2 Collection of electric power from renewable energy sources via high voltage, direct current systems with conversion and supply to an alternating current transmission network
Wind-generated electric power is collected in a multiple nodal arrangement where the DC output current of each node can be held constant while the DC output node voltage is allowed to vary. The DC outputs from the wind-generated power collection nodes are connected together in series and fed to a plurality of regulated current source inverters via a high voltage DC transmission link. Each inverter converts input DC power into a three phase AC output. The AC outputs of the regulated current source inverters are connected to a phase shifting transformation network that supplies three phase electric power to a conventional AC electrical transmission system. Alternatively wind-generated and photovoltaic-generated electric power is commonly collected in a nodal arrangement and transported at high voltage DC to a plurality of regulated current source inverters for supply to the conventional AC electrical transmission system.
US08212407B2 Power supply circuit
A power supply circuit includes a voltage regulating module; a voltage selecting circuit and a voltage regulating chip. The voltage regulating module outputs corresponding control signals according to a type of a CPU installed on a motherboard. The voltage selecting circuit receives the control signals and converts the corresponding control signal to a voltage selecting signal. The voltage regulating chip receives the voltage selecting signal and outputs the corresponding working voltage to the CPU.
US08212406B2 System, socket and plug apparatus for DC power distribution and usage
A power supply system comprises an electrical power generating device producing DC electrical power in the form of a DC electrical current, a DC current conductor receiving the DC electrical current from the electrical power generating device and carrying the DC electrical current to a socket, and an AC power system transmitting AC electrical current to the socket so that the socket can be accessed by a plug inserted therein to receive the DC current or the AC current from it. The socket has four recesses in it, and each recess has a respective contact therein. Each recess is configured to receive a respective prong and make a respective electrical contact with the plug therein. A first of the contacts transmits the DC current, a second and third of the contacts transmit complementary poles of the AC electrical current, and a fourth contact connects with a grounded connection. A DC-powered electrical device has a plug with a plug body and three prongs supported on and extending from the plug body. The prongs include two AC connection prongs and a ground connection prong corresponding to prongs of a standard three-prong plug. The plug further has a fourth prong supported on the plug body into the socket to contact the DC current recess. The fourth prong is removable from the plug body, or is movably supported on the plug body so that the fourth prong may be removed or moved so that the plug can be plugged into a standard three-recess AC socket.
US08212394B2 Remote controllable power outlet apparatus with grouping capability and remote control grouping method thereof
A remote controllable power outlet apparatus with grouping capability and a remote control grouping method thereof, includes a microprocessor, a communication module, a power protection and control module, a grouping unit, at least a controllable socket set, a switch, and an original remote control which belongs and corresponds to the remote controllable power outlet apparatus. Therein the switch is coupled between the microprocessor, the power protection and control module, and the controllable socket set, and the switch is for controlling whether or not the controllable socket set provides power. When the original remote control is plugged into the grouping unit, the remote controllable power outlet apparatus then activates a remote control grouping function, and the remote controllable power outlet apparatus can be controlled by another remote control other then the original remote control.
US08212392B2 Method and system for supplying power to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source (SSS)
Methods and systems for supplying power to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include providing power to a first of a plurality of voltage islands, and individually controlling providing of power to each of a remaining portion of the plurality of voltage islands. For example, when an electronic system is first powered on, a low current voltage source may be used to supply power to a primary voltage island. As a higher current voltage source becomes available, power derived from the higher current voltage source may be provided to the primary voltage island and to secondary voltage islands. Power to each of the secondary voltage islands may be, for example, individually controlled via a power MOS transistor. The power MOS transistor may also be configured to allow a faster blocking time than unblocking time.
US08212386B2 Power supply system
A power supply system. The power supply system may have a power circuit having a switch and adapted to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage, depending on the state of the switch. It also includes an output connector coupled to the power circuit, where the output connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A voltage output indicator device is coupled to the first and second electrical contacts. The voltage output indicator device indicates that the power circuit is producing the first output voltage or the second output voltage, so that the user is aware of the voltage being output by the power supply system.
US08212381B2 Method and system for the voltage supply of aircraft cabin modules
System and method for the voltage supply of aircraft cabin modules (1). An electric supply voltage and an additive data signal are transmitted via a cable (3). The aircraft cabin modules (1) have a connection plug (2) for plugging onto the cable (3) and an isolating circuit (5), which isolates the transmitted supply voltage from the data signal.
US08212380B2 Power source apparatus and image forming apparatus
A transformer accepts an AC voltage from an AC power source, transforms the AC voltage, and supplies the transformed AC voltage to first rectifying circuits. Similarly, another transformer accepts an AC voltage from an AC power source, transforms the AC voltage, and supplies the transformed AC voltage to second rectifying circuits. The first rectifying circuits convert the accepted AC voltage into a positive DC voltage, and the second rectifying circuits convert the accepted AC voltage to a negative DC voltage. The positive DC voltage and the negative DC voltage then are superimposed and outputted to a secondary side of a transformer in the AC circuits. The AC voltage outputted from the transformers in the AC circuits and the DC voltage formed by superimposing the positive and negative DC voltages outputted from the first and second rectifying circuits are further superimposed, and supplied to each developing section.
US08212376B2 Apparatus and method for providing operative power to powerline-network device
An apparatus, and an associated method, for powering a powerline network apparatus, such as a HOMEPLUG™ transceiver. A data signal sensor is positioned to sense a data signal that is to be operated upon by the powerline network apparatus. When a data signal is sensed, an indication is formed, and the indication is used to control the switch positioning of a switch that interconnects a power supply with the powerline network apparatus. When the indication of sensing of the data signal is formed, the switch is closed, and the power supply is connected to the powerline-network apparatus operative power is provided to power the powerline network apparatus.
US08212364B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor apparatus, and semiconductor apparatus and electric appliance
The present invention is directed to a semiconductor device having: an interposer; a wiring provided on the interposer; a first chip having a first semiconductor device, a first pad and a first solder ball over the interposer, the first semiconductor device being connected to the first pad and the first pad being connected to the first solder ball; a second chip having a second semiconductor device, a second pad and a second solder ball over the first chip, the second semiconductor device being connected to the second pad and the second pad being connected to the second solder ball; and a terminal provided at a rear side of the interposer, where the wiring and the first chip are connected via the first solder ball, where the first chip and the second chip are connected via the second solder ball, and where the terminal is connected to the first semiconductor device.
US08212350B2 Space and cost efficient incorporation of specialized input-output pins on integrated circuit substrates
In some embodiments an Integrated Circuit package includes a plurality of system functional pins, at least one system functional pin depopulation zone, and at least one non-system functional pin located in the at least one functional pin depopulation zone. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08212339B2 Semiconductor device packages with electromagnetic interference shielding
Described herein are semiconductor device packages with EMI shielding and related methods. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device package includes a grounding element disposed adjacent to a periphery of a substrate unit and at least partially extending between an upper surface and a lower surface of the substrate unit. The grounding element includes an indented portion that is disposed adjacent to a lateral surface of the substrate unit. The semiconductor device package also includes an EMI shield that is electrically connected to the grounding element and is inwardly recessed adjacent to the indented portion of the grounding element.
US08212337B2 Advanced low k cap film formation process for nano electronic devices
A carbon-rich silicon carbide-like dielectric film having a carbon concentration of greater than, or equal to, about 30 atomic % C and a dielectric constant of less than, or equal to, about 4.5 is provided. In some embodiments, the dielectric film may optionally include nitrogen. When nitrogen is present, the carbon-rich silicon carbide-like dielectric film has a concentration nitrogen that is less than, or equal, to about 5 atomic % nitrogen. The carbon-rich silicon carbide-like dielectric film can be used as a dielectric cap layer in an interconnect structure. The inventive dielectric film is highly robust to UV curing and remains compressively stressed after UV curing. Moreover, the inventive dielectric film has good oxidation resistance and prevents metal diffusion into an interconnect dielectric layer. The present invention also provides an interconnect structure including the inventive dielectric film as a dielectric cap. A method of fabricating the inventive dielectric film is also provided.
US08212331B1 Method for fabricating a backside through-wafer via in a processed wafer and related structure
According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating a backside through-wafer via in a processed wafer includes forming a through-wafer via opening through a substrate and extending the through-wafer via opening through at least one interlayer dielectric layer situated over the substrate. The method further includes forming a metal layer in the through-wafer via opening, where the metal layer forms an electrical connection to substrate. The metal layer is also in electrical contact with an interconnect metal segment situated above the at least one interlayer dielectric layer. The method further includes performing a thinning process to reduce the substrate to a target thickness before forming the through-wafer via opening. The method further includes forming an electrically conductive passivation layer on the metal layer and over a bottom surface of the substrate, where the electrically conductive passivation layer is in electrical contact with the metal layer and the substrate.
US08212328B2 Backside illuminated image sensor
A backside illuminated image sensor includes a light receiving element disposed in a first substrate, an interlayer insulation layer disposed on the first substrate having the light receiving element, an align key spaced apart from the light receiving element and passing through the interlayer insulation layer and the first substrate, a plurality of interconnection layers disposed on the interlayer insulation layer in a multi-layered structure, wherein the backside of the lowermost interconnection layer is connected to the align key, a passivation layer covering the interconnection layers, a pad locally disposed on the backside of the first substrate and connected to the backside of the align key, a light anti-scattering layer disposed on the backside of the substrate having the pad, and a color filter and a microlens disposed on the light anti-scattering layer to face the light receiving element.
US08212327B2 High fill-factor laser-treated semiconductor device on bulk material with single side contact scheme
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for configuring and constructing a single photo detector or array of photo detectors with all fabrications circuitry on a single side of the device. Both the anode and the cathode contacts of the diode are placed on a single side, while a layer of laser treated semiconductor is placed on the opposite side for enhanced cost-effectiveness, photon detection, and fill factor.
US08212320B1 High voltage tolerant ESD device
In an ESD clamp formed in a SOI process, voltage tolerance is increased by introducing multiple blocking junctions between the anode and cathode of the device.
US08212319B2 Semiconductor device comprising semiconductor film with recess
To provide a semiconductor device having lower junction capacitance, which can be manufactured with lower power consumption through a simpler process as compared with conventional, a semiconductor device includes a base substrate; a semiconductor film formed over the base substrate; a gate insulating film formed over the semiconductor film; and an electrode formed over the gate insulating film. The semiconductor film has a channel formation region which overlaps with the electrode with the gate insulating film interposed therebetween, a cavity is formed between a recess included in the semiconductor film and the base substrate, and the channel formation region is in contact with the cavity on the recess.
US08212318B2 High-voltage transistor with improved high stride performance
A high voltage NMOS transistor is disclosed where the p-doped body is isolated against the p-doped substrate by a DN well having a pinch-off region where the depth of the DN-well is at minimum. By the forming space charge region at raising drain potentials a shielding of the drain potential results because the space charge region touches the field oxide between source and drain at the pinch-off region. An operation at the high side at enhanced voltage levels is possible.
US08212301B2 Capacitor and method for fabricating the same
A capacitor includes a lower electrode, a first dielectric layer formed over the lower electrode, a second dielectric layer formed over the first dielectric layer, wherein the second dielectric layer includes an amorphous high-k dielectric material, a third dielectric layer formed over the second dielectric layer, and an upper electrode formed over the third dielectric layer. The third dielectric layer can be thicker than the first dielectric layer.
US08212296B2 Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same, and solid-state image pickup element
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device having a vertical MOS transistor having a channel of a first conductivity type and formed by burying a gate electrode in a semiconductor substrate, a planar MOS transistor having a channel of the first conductivity and having a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a planar MOS transistor having a channel of a second conductivity and having a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor device, including other circuit element(s), other than a transistor, formed either below or above the vertical MOS transistor having the channel of the first conductivity type.
US08212294B2 Structure having silicon CMOS transistors with column III-V transistors on a common substrate
A semiconductor structure having: a silicon substrate having a crystallographic orientation; an insulating layer disposed over the silicon substrate; a silicon layer having a different crystallographic orientation than the crystallographic orientation of the substrate disposed over the insulating layer; and a column III-V transistor device having the same crystallographic orientation as the substrate disposed on the silicon substrate. In one embodiment, the column III-V transistor device is in contact with the substrate. In one embodiment, the device is a GaN device. In one embodiment, the crystallographic orientation of the substrate is <111> and wherein the crystallographic orientation of the silicon layer is <100>. In one embodiment, CMOS transistors are disposed in the silicon layer. In one embodiment, the column III-V transistor device is a column III-N device. In one embodiment, a column III-As, III-P, or III-Sb device is disposed on the top of the <100> silicon layer.
US08212293B2 Transistor of semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
Provided is a transistor of a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same. A transistor of a semiconductor device may include: a semiconductor substrate having an active region defined by an isolation layer; a recess trench formed in the active region and disposed to cross the semiconductor substrate in one direction; and a gate line formed in a straight line pattern, overlapping the recess trench and disposed to cross the recess trench at approximately right angles.
US08212283B2 Reverse-conducting semiconductor device
A reverse-conducting semiconductor device is disclosed with an electrically active region, which includes a freewheeling diode and an insulated gate bipolar transistor on a common wafer. Part of the wafer forms a base layer with a base layer thickness. A first layer of a first conductivity type with at least one first region and a second layer of a second conductivity type with at least one second and third region are alternately arranged on the collector side. Each region has a region area with a region width surrounded by a region border. The RC-IGBT can be configured such that the following exemplary geometrical rules are fulfilled: each third region area is an area, in which any two first regions have a distance bigger (i.e., larger) than two times the base layer thickness; the at least one second region is that part of the second layer, which is not the at least one third region; the at least one third region is arranged in the central part of the active region in such a way that there is a minimum distance between the third region border to the active region border of at least once the base layer thickness; the sum of the areas of the at least one third region is between 10 and 30% of the active region; and each first region width is smaller than the base layer thickness.
US08212274B2 Light-emitting diode package and manufacturing method thereof
An LED package is provided. The LED package comprises a metal plate, circuit patterns, and an LED. The metal plate comprises grooves. The insulating layer is formed on the metal plate. The circuit patterns are formed on the insulating layer. The LED is electrically connected with the circuit pattern on the insulating layer.
US08212265B2 Light emitting device and method for fabricating the light emitting device
Disclosed is a light emitting device including, a light emitting structure that has a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer, wherein the active layer is provided between the first conductive semiconductor layer and the second conductive semiconductor layer, and includes a plurality of well layers and at least one barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer includes a first nitride layer and a second nitride layer provided on the first nitride layer, and wherein the first nitride layer has a larger energy band gap than the second nitride layer while the energy band gap of the second nitride layer is larger than that of each well layer.
US08212253B2 Shallow junction formation and high dopant activation rate of MOS devices
A semiconductor structure comprises a gate stack in a semiconductor substrate and a lightly doped source/drain (LDD) region in the semiconductor substrate. The LDD region is adjacent to a region underlying the gate stack. The LDD region comprises carbon and an n-type impurity, and the n-type impurity comprises phosphorus tetramer.
US08212252B2 Light-emitting device
An object of the present invention is to provide a new light-emitting device with the use of an amorphous oxide. The light-emitting device has a light-emitting layer existing between first and second electrodes and a field effect transistor, of which the active layer is an amorphous.
US08212248B2 Amorphous oxide and field effect transistor
An amorphous oxide at least includes: at least one element selected from the group consisting of In, Zn, and Sn; and Mo. An atomic composition ratio of Mo to a number of all metallic atoms in the amorphous oxide is 0.1 atom % or higher and 5 atom % or lower.
US08212247B2 Organic light emitting display device and fabricating method thereof
An organic light emitting display includes data lines and scan lines intersecting each other, a scan driving unit for supplying a scan signal to the scan lines, a data driving unit for supplying a data signal to the data lines, and pixels defined at intersection points of the data and scan lines, each pixel having an organic light emitting diode, a first TFT with an inverted staggered top gate structure and connected to the organic light emitting diode, the first TFT including an oxide semiconductor as an active layer, and a second TFT with an inverted staggered bottom gate structure and configured to receive the scan signal from the scan lines, the second TFT including an oxide semiconductor as an active layer.
US08212239B2 Electroactive materials
There is provided an electroactive material having Formula I wherein: Q is the same or different at each occurrence and can be O, S, Se, Te, NR, SO, SO2, or SiR3; R is the same or different at each occurrence and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R1 through R8 are the same or different and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, hydroxyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylthio, phosphino, silyl, —COR, —COOR, —PO3R2, —OPO3R2, or CN.
US08212236B2 II-VI core-shell semiconductor nanowires
A plurality of core-shell semiconductor nanowires each being fixed to a support includes II-VI materials for both the cores and the shells. Each nanowire terminates in a free end and a metal alloy nanoparticle is fixed to each nanowire at its free end.
US08212235B2 Nanowire-based opto-electronic device
Nanowire-based opto-electronic devices including nanowire lasers, photodetectors and semiconductor optical amplifiers are disclosed. The devices include nanowires grown from single crystal and/or non-single surfaces. The semiconductor optical amplifiers include nanowire arrays that act as ballast lasers to amplify a signal carried by a signal waveguide. Embodiments of the nanowire lasers and photodetectors include horizontal and vertical nanowires that can provide different polarizations.
US08212231B2 Resistive memory device with an air gap
A resistive memory device and a fabricating method thereof are introduced herein. In resistive memory device, a plurality of bottom electrodes is disposed in active region of a substrate. Each of the bottom electrodes is disposed to correspond to each of the conductive channels; a patterned resistance switching material layer and the patterned top electrode layer are sequentially stacked on the bottom electrodes. An air dielectric layer exists between the patterned resistance switching material layer and the bottom electrodes. A plurality of patterned interconnections is disposed on the patterned top electrode.
US08212209B2 TOF mass spectrometer for stigmatic imaging and associated method
The present invention is concerned with improving the focusing of ions having a particular mass to charge ratio by optimising the electric field for the focusing of ions having that particular mass to charge ratio. In particular, the stigmatic focusing of ions can be improved by adjusting a voltage applied to an ion-optical lens 50 for ions of different mass to charge ratios as those ions pass through the lens. In one embodiment, a digital to analogue converter 32 and amplifier 34 are AC coupled to a high voltage DC power supply unit 38 by high voltage capacitor 36. The digital to analogue converter 32 generates a low voltage wave form which is amplified by the amplifier 34 and then added to the output of the high voltage supply 38 so that the desired voltage waveform is generated and applied to ion-optical lens 50 as ions pass through the lens.
US08212207B2 Method of detecting filter extractables in biopharmaceutical products by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
The invention uses liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to verify the presence or absence of the extractables introduced into a biopharmaceutical product during manufacture, filtration or storage at above a certain concentration. The method disclosed herein can be used to detect the presence of extractables in the actual biopharmaceutical product rather than a surrogate solvent system. Detection of the extractables in the actual drug product provides an accurate description of the leachables profile likely to be introduced to the human or animal patient. In one embodiment, the extractable are introduced by filtration of the bio-pharmaceutical product.
US08212206B2 Analysis methods, analysis device waveform generation methods, analysis devices, and articles of manufacture
In one implementation, an analysis device operational method includes providing a plurality of levels of programming abstraction corresponding to programming of an analysis device configured to analyze a sample, receiving input data corresponding to one of the levels of programming abstraction, processing the input data to generate analysis control data, and implementing an operation with respect to analysis of the sample using the analysis control data.
US08212205B2 Device and method for verifying valuable documents
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically checking sheet-shaped documents of value.According to the present invention a simply constructed measuring apparatus can be obtained, by the measuring apparatus evaluating measuring values e.g. at least two measuring frequencies and the position of one or a plurality of discrete measuring tracks being determined in such a way that at least the presence of two different not visible spectral properties of a predetermined type of authentic documents of value can be checked.
US08212190B1 Decorative handle sheath and associated method
A protective handle sheath including a body adapted to wrap about the existing appliance handle, a heat-activated anti-bacterial agent impregnated within the body, and first and second hook and loop strips attached to oppositely situated first and second longitudinal edges of the body respectively. The first and second hook and loop strips generate heat when engaged with each other such that the heat is transferred through the body and thereby transforms the anti-bacterial agent from an inactive state to an active state. In this manner, the anti-bacterial agent is released out from an interior of the body and thereby adapted to directly contact an outer surface of the existing appliance handle. Conversely, the anti-bacterial agent automatically returns to an inactive state when the first hook and loop strip is separated from the second hook and loop strip. Thus, the inactive anti-bacterial agent is absorbed into the interior of the body.