Document Document Title
US08291650B2 Pylon attachment device and flooring system utilizing same
A pylon attachment device for coupling a pylon to a floor joist includes a bearing plate for fixed attachment to the floor joist. The pylon attachment device includes a plurality of biasing members, each having a first end operatively coupled to the pylon and a second end operatively coupled to the bearing plate to allow the bearing plate to move relative to the pylon in a direction generally perpendicular to an imaginary center axis of the pylon and then return to a predetermined position. The attachment device includes a cap lowerly adjacent the bearing plate. A shear pin extends from the cap to the bearing plate to maintain the bearing plate at the predetermined position until a predetermined amount of force shears the shear pin and allows the bearing plate to move relative to the pylon in a direction generally perpendicular to the imaginary center axis of the pylon.
US08291637B2 Rodent trap including presence indicator mechanism
A rodent station includes a base with an entrance point and an exit point to allow a rodent to access the station. A hinged cover may be coupled to the base for housing an indicator device. The indicator device may be configured to show an operator that activity, such as capturing a rodent, has occurred within the rodent station. A killing device may be disposed in the base and configured to activate the indicator device upon being triggered by a rodent. The killing device may include an arm that rotates when triggered by the rodent. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the arm may contact a portion of the indicator device, resulting in an alert portion protruding from the cover of the rodent station, thereby indicating the triggering of the killing device. The indicator device may be, for example, a spring-loaded pop-up device or a rotating flag device.
US08291636B2 Fishing rod holder
This invention is directed to a fishing rod holder having a generally annular mounting bezel which generally surrounds the mouth of a tube for receiving the butt of a fishing rod. The underside of the mounting bezel includes at least one blind hole or projecting mounting stud for receiving a fastener for securely mounting the fishing rod holder to a panel member of a marine vessel without penetrating the exposed upper surface of the mounting bezel in order to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
US08291631B2 Pop-up semi self-constructing display
The present invention comprises a point of sale display having two joined flexible substrates capable of receiving a display material, each substrate having at least one leaf spring attached thereto and at least one fold line. Upon activation of the leaf springs, the substrates form curved surfaces, thereby giving the display a three dimensional form. The leaf springs and fold lines allow the display to be compressed flat and folded for shipping and storage.
US08291626B2 Iron with magnetic heel rest to prevent tipping
A hand-held cloth iron, heated or not, can cause injury or damage if it falls. An improved iron includes a magnetic heel rest. A magnetic pull force occurs between the heel rest and the ferromagnetic steel top of an ironing board when the iron is stood on its heel. The magnets are strong enough to stabilize the iron, even on a board with a padded cover, without impractically impeding the operator's normal ironing motions. The magnetic rear plate can either be coplanar or slightly recessed with respect to the outer surface of the heel rest. The depth of the recess can be made adjustable to correspondingly adjust the strength of the magnetic pull force to suit a user's preference.
US08291620B2 Ski boot sole guard
A removable, one-piece sole guard for preventing crevices on a ski boot sole from filling with snow, ice, and debris includes: (a) a head portion including a substantially planar top head surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface; (b) a body portion adjacent the head portion, which includes a substantially planar top body surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface; (c) at least one pin groove between the head portion and the body portion that opens to the top of the sole guard; (d) two opposite, substantially parallel guard sides; and (e) projections extending down from the bottom surface. A two-pin sole guard for a ski boot with at least two boot sole pins includes a second pin groove that opens to the rear. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.
US08291612B2 Heater element for the inner sole of a footwear
Disclosed is a breathable insole heater element (12, 40) for footwear. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a porous metallized fabric, e.g. nickel-metallized polyester woven fabric. The heater element is embedded in or laminated in an insole for an article of footwear such as a shoe or boot. The insole may be cut to size as desired. The insole may include microencapsulated agents such as fragrances, perfumes, microbials or insect repellents. The microcapsules may be activated to release the agents due to the heat generated by the heater element in operation.
US08291610B2 Apparatus for drying a painting product and operating method thereof
An apparatus for drying a paint applied onto a bodywork of a motor vehicle, which apparatus is provided with a radiating assembly equipped with at least one catalytic panel fed with hydrocarbon gas for generating a first infrared radiation emission spectrum in the short-wavelength infrared band, in virtue of a catalytic reaction between the hydrocarbon gas and the oxygen present in the air, and arranged so as to emit the infrared radiations towards the bodywork to dry the paint, and is further provided with at least one air supplying device for blowing compressed air onto the catalytic panel so as to affect the catalytic reaction and generate a second infrared radiation emission spectrum distributed on the entire short-wavelength infrared band and broader than the first emission spectrum.
US08291606B2 Guide tool and method for laying concrete block
A guide tool for use in laying concrete block to form a wall includes a body sized and configured to slidably attach removably to a door frame such as to secure one end of a mason's line at a desired elevation and with a selected offset relative to the door frame. As so secured by the guide tool, the mason's line provides a true positional reference for laying of concrete block both with respect to the intended line of the wall in plan view, and with respect to the desired horizontal line of courses of block which are to form the wall.
US08291604B2 Box level
A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A central vial is within a topnotch formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. The frame includes an inner horizontal wall extending between the sidewalls at the notch-defining bottom edges. The central vial is supported in accurate orientation without calibration against a cental-vial reference surface formed in the inner horizontal wall parallel to the top and bottom measuring surfaces and defining a notch-bottom. An integral inner vertical wall extends between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length. A plumb-vial structure has a viewing-end region and an opposite-end region. The viewing-end region includes an elongate ramp sloping along a level-longitudinal axis toward the plumb vial with an inclination permitting vial viewing from shallow angles. The inventive level further preferably includes an external brace reinforcing a central frame portion weakened by forming the topnotch.
US08291593B2 Method of manufacturing multicolored interior trim components
A process for preparing interior trim components of a motor vehicle from a support having at least two decorative layers, wherein in a first step the decorative layers are heated to a specific temperature range and are e ared b molding, in a second step the decorative layers are trimmed, and in a third step the decorative layers are positioned in mutual orientation and fixed by reduced pressure, and in a fourth step the decorative layers are transferred to a backing mold and molded with component support (1) on the surface opposite.
US08291591B2 Method of manufacturing liquid container and liquid container
A method of manufacturing a liquid container, the liquid container including a liquid containing chamber in which a liquid can be contained, an air communicating passage allowing the liquid containing chamber to communicate with the air, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container to an outside, a liquid flow passage allowing the liquid container and the liquid supply port to communicate with each other, a valve accommodating chamber disposed in the liquid flow passage, a differential pressure valve which is disposed in the valve accommodating chamber, which is normally urged to a closed state, and which is changed from the closed state to an opened state when a differential pressure of a side of the liquid supply port and a side of the liquid containing chamber is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and a film member forming a part of the valve accommodating chamber, the method includes: pressing a valve body of the differential pressure valve in a direction in which the differential pressure valve is opened; and injecting the liquid from the liquid supply port to the liquid containing chamber via the liquid flow passage while maintaining the opened state of the differential pressure valve.
US08291587B2 Method for field modification of a diesel generator to improve efficiency
Apparatus and method for improving the fuel efficiency of a 10 kW Tactical Quiet Generator (10 kWTQG) diesel generator in the field. The apparatus includes a small turbocharger adapted to operate at very low boost and a low back pressure exhaust system. The turbocharger provides between approximately 0.5 and 3 pounds of boost over the 10 kWTQG normal operating range. No modifications are required to the 10 kWTQG fuel injection and governor system. The design of the low back pressure exhaust takes advantage of the narrow RPM range of the 10 kWTQG, and when combined with the turbocharger, meets or exceeds ambient noise level requirements. The apparatus is field installable by personnel of general skill levels present for operation of the 10 kWTQG.
US08291582B2 Circuit board and process for producing the same
The invention includes: applying an anisotropic conductive resin including conductive particles only to a plurality of bumps of an electronic component; placing the electronic component above a main surface of a flexible wiring board via the anisotropic conductive resin; and pressurizing the electronic component to the wiring board and curing the anisotropic conductive resin applied to the plurality of bumps to join the plurality of bumps to the electrodes of the wiring board. This can prevent a defective mounting of the electronic component.
US08291580B2 Tape feeder for component mounter having a pressure-activated discharge door opening
A tape feeder for supplying components to a component mounter via a carrier tape on which the components are disposed at predetermined intervals, wherein the carrier tape and components are covered with a cover tape, is described. The tape feeder may comprise a frame including a receptacle. The receptacle may have an inlet port for receiving the cover tape separated from the carrier tape, a space for containing the cover tape received through the inlet port, and a door opening through which the cover tape is discharged. The tape feeder may additionally comprise a door configured to open or close the door opening and an opening/closing member configured to fasten the door closed and thereafter open the door when an inner pressure of at least a predetermined value is applied by the cover tape received in the receptacle.
US08291577B2 Apparatus for loading stator windings into a stator core
An apparatus for loading stator windings into a stator core includes an arbor member including a body having an outer diametric portion and a central axis. The outer diametric potion includes a plurality of slots. The apparatus also includes a guide track having a first end that extends to a second end through a slide portion. The first end is positioned adjacent the outer diametric portion of the arbor member. At least one of the guide track and the arbor member is selectively positionable to guide slot segment portions of a stator winding into predetermined ones of the plurality of slots.
US08291564B2 Telescoping tool assembly and method for refurbishing welds of a core shroud of a nuclear reactor vessel
An assembly adapted to access a weld extending circumferentially around a core shroud of a nuclear reactor, wherein the core shroud is contained in a pressure vessel reactor, the assembly including: a baffle plate rail having a lower surface adapted to abut a baffle plate in a gap between the core shroud and the pressure vessel reactor; a telescoping rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the baffle plate rail, and a reciprocating rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the telescoping rail, wherein the reciprocating rail includes at least one of a weld conditioning tool, a weld inspection sensor and a weld repair device.
US08291559B2 Process for adapting resonance frequency of a BAW resonator
A method of manufacturing a filter circuit including series and parallel coupled BAW resonators is given which compensates for frequency tolerances of the resonators which are due to the manufacturing process. The new method includes measuring a resonance frequency of at least one type of the BAW resonators produced on a wafer and defining a deviation from a desired frequency. A trimming layer is then deposited onto the entire wafer. At last, a thickness portion of the trimming layer is selectively removed, the portion being dependent on a location on the wafer and on the calculated deviation of the resonance frequency at this location.
US08291557B2 Apparatus for rebuilding gas turbine engines
A method for repairing a turbine blade for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes securing the blade into a clamping fixture, obtaining a zero reference from a gauging surface on the clamping fixture, coupling the clamping fixture to a grinding machine, and grinding the blade based on the zero reference.
US08291547B2 Cushion clip
A cushion clip includes a hollow cushioning portion, an engagement portion and a projection. The cushioning portion has a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion, and the side wall portion has cone-shaped outer and inner surfaces that are tapered from a proximal end toward a distal end thereof. The side wall portion has a top portion that is formed in the distal end thereof, and the top portion has an inner periphery radially inwardly protruding from the side wall portion and defining the central opening therein. The projection is cylindrically projected from the bottom wall portion toward the central opening of the cushioning portion, and has an upper end portion which diameter is larger than or equal to a diameter of the opening.
US08291544B2 Mop with the function of dewatering the yarns by twisting in a single direction via an up-and-down linear motion
A mop with the function of dewatering the yarns by twisting in a single direction via an up-and-down linear motion, comprising: a) an internal rod; b) an external rod having a bottom portion in a telescopic connection with a top portion of the internal rod; c) an engaging element positioned within the opening at the top of the internal rod; d) a driving element formed in an elongated shape and positioned within the external rod in such a way that the driving element is moved up and down synchronically with the external rod; e) an actuating element positioned within the engaging element for accommodating the driving element, the engaging element being driven in a single direction when the actuating element is rotated by the driving element; f) a disc body secured to the bottom thereof and having mop yarns; g) a locking mechanism mounted on the external rod for locking the internal rod and the external rod in place or for unlocking them in a telescopic state, wherein the actuating element is rotated by a linear motion of the driving element when the external rod is moved up-and-down.
US08291524B2 Clip for mounting a fluid delivery device
A clip for mounting a fluid delivery device adjacent a wall of an enclosure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a base, a hook configured to support the base adjacent the wall, means for attaching a fluid delivery device to the base, and means for rotating the base. Additionally, a method for attaching a clip for mounting a fluid delivery device adjacent a toilet bowl is disclosed. The method includes securing a hook to a rim, engaging a tab of a base to an underside of the rim at an interface, and rotating the base in response to the interface to substantially engage the tab of the base with the underside of the rim.
US08291523B2 Liquid dispensing device
In a liquid delivery device for a toilet, a container (3) for the liquid has an outlet (15) which extends into a cup (35). The cup (35) is open to the atmosphere and liquid flows into the cup (35) until the mouth (25) of the outlet is covered by liquid in the cup. The cup wall has a weir (45) and liquid in the cup (35) overflows the weir (45). A collar (61) around the outside of the cup (35) forms a capillary with the cup wall to control the flow of liquid and feed it to capillary channels on a delivery plate (9) below the level of the weir.
US08291520B2 Headgear
The headgear has right and left symmetrical earguard assemblies with an earguard pad and protective shell that are detachable from each other. A plurality of detachable head straps join each earguard assembly to prevent separation of the pad and shell of each earguard assembly. The periphery of each protective shell is surrounded and embraced by peripheral wall portions on the pads to align the respective shells on the respective earguard pads in an alignment position. Corresponding engageable protrusions and recesses on the pads and shells also help maintain the alignment position.
US08291518B1 Retractable neckpiece for headwear
Apparatus for shading a user's neck. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a laterally extending central portion configured to support a neckpiece to cover at least a portion of a neck of a user, and opposing leg portions which extend from the laterally extending central portion configured to engage a headwear to support said neckpiece adjacent said headwear. Each of the opposing leg portions is formed into a substantially G-shape that comprises a first flange configured to extend down between a first surface of an external panel of said headwear and an upturned interior hatband of said headwear; a second flange in overlapping relation to the first flange, the second flange configured to extend up against a second surface of said external panel; and a connecting central portion disposed between and in overlapping relation to both the first and second flanges.
US08291517B2 Correct grip sports glove
A glove for sports and other uses is provided comprising a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and palm side surface of the user's fingers and thumb, and a back portion configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and back surface of the user's fingers and thumb. One or more inserts are provided between at least two of the fingers, with the inserts webbing the fingers together and spacing them apart. Alternatively, one or more inserts are provided between at least two of the fingers, with the inserts spacing the fingers apart without webbing them together. The inserts assist in improving the grip of the user. They are also beneficial for aiding in the absorption of shock.
US08291514B2 Protective garment for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker and including a belt tunnel
A protective garment (10) is provided for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker. The garment includes a torso covering portion (20, 50), a belt (24, 54) having a length extending around the torso covering portion, an attachment (25, 56) between the belt and the torso covering portion to limit relative movement of the belt along the length of the belt relative to the torso covering portion, and a belt receiving tunnel (28, 58) on the torso covering portion, the tunnel including a wall portion (40) that is movable between a closed position enclosing the belt in the tunnel and an open position allowing access to the attachment.
US08296861B2 Polarization-modulated tip enhanced optical microscope
Methods and systems for improving high resolution imaging using a polarization-modulated tip enhanced optical microscope. A polarizer is configured to alternately create and remove a region of enhanced optical intensity adjacent the tip of the microscope probe at the focus of a light source. The sample being studied emits photons at specific rates relative to a background rate depending on the existence or nonexistence of the region of enhanced optical intensity. Comparing the rate of emissions when the region of enhanced optical intensity exists to when it does not creates a detailed image of the sample. By not requiring the probe to oscillate, this system enhances the resolution of the microscope without potentially causing damage to the sample.
US08296849B2 Method and apparatus for removing homogeneity from execution environment of computing system
A method of protecting data in a computer system against attack from viruses and worms comprising; modifying micro-code of a processor of system to be protected to remove homogeneity between processors from a manufacturer; modifying op-codes of an application to match modified micro-code of the processor prior to execution.
US08296843B2 Apparatus, methods and computer program products for monitoring network activity for child related risks
Provided are apparatus, methods and/or computer program products for monitoring internet activity. A network is searched to detect network data indicative of actual and/or potential contact with a child. A report is generated that identifies a source of detected data and the report is sent to a responsible party.
US08296840B2 Providing permission to perform action on an electronic ticket
Described are methods and systems related to providing permission to a user to perform an action on a workflow driven ticket. The ticket is accessed to determine an action type to be performed on the ticket and a correlated object associated therewith. A role based permission tuple is determined based upon a role of the user. A ticket based permission tuple is determined by generating a universal permission tuple based upon the action type and generating a dependency map based upon the correlated object. The dependency map is mapped to the universal permission tuple to construct the ticket based permission tuple. The role based permission tuple is supplemented with the ticket based permission tuple, to provide the required permission to execute the action. Upon an execution of the action, the permission is partially revoked, by removing the ticket based permission tuple.
US08296838B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for protecting against IP prefix hijacking
A communication network is operated by identifying at least one potential hijack autonomous system (AS) that can be used to generate a corrupt routing path from a source AS to a destination AS. For each of the at least one potential hijack AS the following operations are performed: identifying at least one regional AS that is configured to adopt the corrupt routing path from the source AS to the destination AS and determining a reflector AS set such that, for each reflector AS in the set, a source AS to reflector AS routing path and a reflector AS to destination AS routing path do not comprise any of the at least one regional AS. A reflector AS is then identified that is common among the at least one reflector AS set responsive to performing the identifying and determining operations for each of the at least one potential hijack AS.
US08296832B2 System, method and computer program, for enabling entry into transactions on a remote basis
A system, method and computer program for enabling transactions on a remote basis is provided. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (1) providing a first computer at a location of a customer, and providing a second computer at a location of a financial institution, the first computer and the second computer being linked so as to provide a two-way audiovisual communication system; (2) providing an authentication request at the second computer and communicating the request to the first computer; (3) the customer reviewing the request and providing a signature or other writing as an input to an input device connected to the first computer; (5) transmitting the signature from the first computer to the second computer; (6) receiving the signature and providing the signature to a plotting device connected to the second computer; and (7) applying the signature to a transactional document, wherein the audiovisual information received by the second computer and the signature received by the second computer in combination provide a means of transaction authentication and non-repudiation.
US08296830B2 Management apparatus and control method of management apparatus
A management apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of external devices includes a storage unit to store management information including authentication information for authenticating a user in the external device, a first transmission unit to transmit an authentication result of the user in the external device and user information necessary for authenticating the user by the external device among the management information to the external device by referring to the management information stored in the storage unit in response to a request from the external device, a selection unit to, when a content of the management information is changed, select an external device to be a transmission destination of the changed management information based on the change thereof, and a second transmission unit to transmit the changed management information to the external device selected by the selection unit.
US08296823B2 System, an arrangement and a method for end user authentication
The present invention relates to a system for authentication of an end user of a user station arrangement (10) requesting access to protected information, comprising access server means (20) and authentication means (30), the user station arrangement (10) supporting communication with the authentication means (30) over a first communication channel of a radio network (40). It further supports communication with the authentication means (30) over a second communication channel. The authentication means (30) are adapted to, at reception of a request for access to protected information from a user station arrangement (10), establish if the user station arrangement (10) is reachable over the first communication channel. Said authentication means (30) are adapted to support a first authentication mode and a second authentication mode over said second communication channel, and further comprises decision means for selecting if and/or when the first or second authentication mode is to be used for a user station arrangement (10) requesting access to protected information.
US08296817B2 Apparatus for transporting home networking frame-based communications signals over coaxial cables
A method and apparatus for coupling a system propagating home networking communications signals over telephone lines to a system propagating television signals over a coaxial cable system to a television device. A three port adapter has a phone line port, a first coaxial cable port and a second coaxial cable port. The first coaxial cable port is coupled to the phone line port through a low pass filter and wideband balun adapted to pass home networking communications signals while being adapted to reject television signals. The first coaxial cable port is also coupled to the second coaxial port through a high pass filter while being adapted to reject home networking communications signals. The phone line port is coupled to the system propagating home networking communications signals. The first coaxial cable port is coupled to the system propagating television signals over coaxial cable. The second coaxial cable port to the television device.
US08296812B1 Streaming video using erasure encoding
A system, apparatus and method for presenting a movie on demand over a network is described. According to one system and method, the network has one or more nodes, portions of a video being encoded as encoded portions each having sections, the sections for each encoded portion being distributed among segments, the segments being distributed among the one or more nodes; an apparatus including a network interface is coupled to the network; a control system is coupled to the network interface and configured to initiate a movie request and to communicate with a subset of the one or more nodes to receive a subset of the segments; and a decoder coupled to the network interface and configured to decode a subset of the sections so that less than all of the sections are used to play back the movie; and a presentation device coupled to the apparatus, the presentation device presenting the portions of the video. Each portion of the movie is played back, in its entirety, without using all of the sections of that portion.
US08296807B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and downloading setup information
Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map is accompanied by a channel map identifier which identifies the source of the television transmission and a geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map having a channel map identifier corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.
US08296801B2 Asset management system and asset management method
A program preparation and distribution system, in which metadata indicating variable information is generated from project to project, from medium to medium, from scene to scene or from frame to frame, to realize an asset management by controlling an archive system depending on the metadata. A database is constructed in which the archive system manages metadata in a concentrated fashion along with the essence such as video and audio data. By a distributed program editing system, the metadata inputted at the planning processing and at the casting processing is registered in the database managed in a concentrated fashion by an archival manager, at the same time as a tag specifying the registered metadata is issued. This tag is co-packed with the video and audio information obtained on acquisition by an acquisition system. In a production system, the timing to flow the staff roll is specified during the off-line processing in the production system.
US08296800B2 System and method for providing access to interactive features of electronic program guides from within promotional programming
The system and method of the present invention provides access to interactive features of an electronic program guide by a user from within a broadcast advertisement. The method of the present invention comprises receiving the broadcast advertisement comprising audio, video and promotional metadata over a broadcast distribution network. The received promotional metadata is analyzed to determine one or more valid electronic program guide features and present options on a display device corresponding to the one or more valid electronic program guide features. The user selects a presented option for execution.
US08296795B2 Method for tuning to channel and broadcast receiving apparatus using the same
A channel tuning method and a broadcast receiving apparatus using the same are provided. The channel tuning method includes receiving a channel selection command from a user, tuning to a predetermined broadcast signal using channel index information corresponding to selected channel information, and displaying the tuned broadcast signal. The channel index information includes physical transmission channel (PTC) information, and program number information which is contained in a program map table (PMT). Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously manage a plurality of broadcast receiving apparatuses using separate channel index information corresponding to channel information input to the broadcast receiving apparatuses.
US08296791B2 Media usage monitoring and measurement system and method
Media monitoring and measurement systems and methods are disclosed. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a media measurement system and method that utilizes audience data to enhance content identifications. Some embodiments analyze media player log data to enhance content identification. Other embodiments of the present invention analyze sample sequence data to enhance content identifications. Other embodiments analyze sequence data to enhance content identification and/or to establish channel identification. Yet other embodiments provide a system and method in which sample construction and selection parameters are adjusted based upon identification results. Yet other embodiments provide a method in which play-altering activity of an audience member is deduced from content offset values of identifications corresponding to captured samples. Yet other embodiments provide a monitoring and measurement system in which a media monitoring device is adapted to receive a wireless or non-wireless audio signal from a media player, the audio signal also being received wirelessly by headphones of a user of the monitoring device.
US08296787B2 Optical disk drive
An optical disk drive includes a main body and a tray. The main body includes a housing, a first resisting member, and two rails. The first resisting member and the two rails are disposed in the housing. The tray is slidably coupled to the two rails, and is operable to be switched between a first state and a second state. The tray is received in the housing in the first state, and protrudes out of the housing in the second state. The tray includes a second resisting member, which is capable of being elastically compressed along a resisting direction substantially perpendicular to a sliding direction of the tray. The second resisting member is resisted by the first resisting member along the resisting direction to secure the tray in the first state. The second resisting member is away from the first resisting member in the second state.
US08296783B1 Media player instance managed resource reduction
Techniques and systems are disclosed for managing computer resources available to multiple running instances of a media player program. The methods include monitoring consumption of computing resources of multiple running instances of a media player program to render respective media content in a graphical user interface of a computing device. The graphical user interface associated with an additional program configured to render additional content, different from the media content, to the graphical user interface. The additional program can be a browser. The methods further include instructing the multiple instances to reduce respective portions of the computing resources consumption upon determining that a requested increase in computer resources consumption of the media player program would cause the computer resources consumption of the media player program to exceed a first predetermined level.
US08296780B2 Reducing persistence commands
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for reducing persistence commands. An application host sends a persistence command to a persistence provider for processing. If the persistence provider recognizes and is able to carry out the persistence command, the persistence provider incorporates the semantics of the persistence command into the command implementation strategy; otherwise, the persistence provider employs a command reduction processor. The process of executing or reducing persistence commands is repeated until the persistence provider has produced and completed execution of a command implementation strategy equivalent to the original persistence command or until an unprocessable persistence command is reached for which no further reductions are possible. A command reduction processor can provide alternative persistence commands or an algorithm of persistence commands with semantics equivalent to an originally received persistence command.
US08296779B2 Event filtering at a performance-based interface
Architecture that facilitates performance enhancement in message-based computing across a performance-based interface. When a request from a source is transmitted across the interface to a destination, a filter component in communication with the destination dynamically allows only one or more relevant responses from the destination to transition the interface to the source. This mechanism achieves an even tighter filtering of events while at the same time giving developers more flexibility over the events they choose to register, thereby enhancing the performance of message-based computing architectures by reducing unnecessary computation.
US08296765B2 Method of forming a personal mobile grid system and resource scheduling thereon
The method of forming a personal mobile grid system and resource scheduling thereon provides for the formation of a personal network, a personal area network or the like having a computational grid superimposed thereon. Resource scheduling in the personal mobile grid is performed through an optimization model based upon the nectar acquisition process of honeybees.
US08296761B2 Measuring CPU busy ratio and idle time of multiple LPARS by calculating the difference between consecutively acquired elapsed time counter in the virtual machine system
A virtual machine system in which a physical CPU busy ratio can be measured in consideration of the status of an assignment of the physical CPU, and the measured CPU busy ratio can be reflected to a CPU busy ratio of each guest OS. An elapsed time counter is provided in a hypervisor, and a hypervisor access interface is provided in each of LPARs and used to read the elapsed time counter from the guest OS. A performance monitor program running on each guest OS calculates, based on a value of the elapsed time counter, the number of sampling timings expected to occur during the time when the physical CPU is not assigned to the LPAR in which the performance monitor program is provided.
US08296756B1 Patch cycle master records management and server maintenance system
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium for managing the deployment of software patch updates on a plurality of computers in an enterprise computer network during a patch cycle wherein each computer receives and installs periodic software patch updates automatically. An inventory is maintained of the computers in a central database that stores a status of each computer for each patch during the patch cycle. The computers are filtered into at least one filter group and a list of computers in the filter group is displayed along with the status for each patch. The status of each patch is verified and displayed for each computer in the filter group. A controlled software patch update is performed for each non-compliant computer in the filter group. A controlled reboot of each computer in the filter group is performed following the completion of the software patch updates for the patch cycle.
US08296755B2 Method and system for executing and undoing distributed server change operations
A method and system for executing and undoing distributed server change operations for a collection of server objects across multiple target servers in a transaction-safe manner is provided. In one embodiment, server change operations for a collection of server objects, such as files and configuration file entries, are specified in a transaction package. The target servers to which the specified change operation are directed are also identified in the transaction package. Parameter values for each of the identified target servers are specified through a parameter file in the transaction package. The transaction package is sent to the identified target servers, which execute the change operations on the target servers in a transaction-safe manner using these parameter values.
US08296754B2 Indicia reader with programmable indicators of software upgrades
An indicia reader with a user perceptible indicator of a software upgrade having an imaging reader assembly, an electronics assembly, a housing, wherein one of the electronics assembly and the housing produces a user perceptible indicator in response to a software upgrade.
US08296753B2 Upgrade service system
A wireless apparatus or the like downloads upgrade content information and an upgrade key generated from a production number of the user apparatus which are generated by an upgrade key support center apparatus to perform upgrading, and the upgrade key support center apparatus periodically acquires apparatus information of the wireless apparatus or the like to monitor whether illegal upgrading is not performed. This makes it possible to easily manage a wireless apparatus which can perform an increase/decrease in capacity, selection of redundancy, change of functions, and the like by using an upgrade key.
US08296744B2 Tree-based directed graph programming structures for a declarative programming language
Embodiments of tree-based directed graph programming structures for a declarative programming language are provided. In various embodiments, complex graph structured data, referred to as “DGraphs” herein in one non-limiting implementation, is authored using a compact, human friendly syntax without the use of explicit identifiers. In one non-limiting aspect, the syntax includes support for conformance relationships, also referred to as factored relationships. In another non-limiting aspect, the semistructured graph data is a tree-based representation and the syntax includes lexical resolution of references or lexical scoping, and/or non local initialization.
US08296739B2 Testing soft error rate of an application program
Techniques are provided for determining consequences of an injected fault on a system running a given application program or operating system, in order to measure the software impact of a hardware soft error on the application program/operating system. The application program software is emulated instruction-by-instruction, where source operands are randomly modified before an instruction is executed, and destination operands are randomly modified after an instruction is executed, in order to mimic hardware soft errors. In addition, a program counter is randomly modified after execution of a branch instruction. The resulting consequences of such modifications are monitored such that a fault of an instruction being executed is modeled in order to determine a soft error rate (SER) for a software application program or operating system.
US08296737B2 Computer program for tracing impact of errors in software applications
A solution for managing errors in software applications is proposed. Typically, the software application is represented (during its analysis and design phases) by means of different models—for example, of the UML type. The same models are also exploited to represent the impact of any errors in the software application. For this purpose, during the analysis and design phase, it gets determined the artifacts of the models that are directly impacted by each error (since it occurred in an object that participates in their implementation); the artifacts correlated thereto either directly or indirectly—are set as indirectly impacted by the error. It is then possible to display a diagram corresponding to the model, with the directly and indirectly impacted artifacts that are highlighted with different colors.
US08296731B2 Dynamic method selection based on declarative requirements of interaction scope
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that dynamically implement method selections based on declarative requirements and interaction scope. Requirements that describe when each of multiple methods that can perform a particular operation should be called can be declared using a declarative syntax. Based upon a program event, the system determines that a request should be made to select a most appropriate method of the available methods to call to perform the particular operation. Upon receiving the request to select the most appropriate method, a sort process is executed that uses an interaction scope of a current user context in combination with a plurality of sort rules to generate a sorted list of the available methods into a particular order based upon appropriateness. A most appropriate method, if any, is returned to the calling application, and then called to perform the particular operation.
US08296727B2 Sub-task mechanism for development of task-based user interfaces
In one embodiment, a method for handling subtasks within a business task includes providing a plurality of user interfaces (UIs) pertaining to the business task having at least one subtask step. The subtask step has a subtask defined within the business task by an intermediate user to reuse a portion of another business task. The method further includes allowing an end user to navigate back and forth through the plurality of UIs.
US08296712B2 Method and apparatus for improving the interconnection and multiplexing cost of circuit design from high level synthesis using ant colony optimization
A method and apparatus for improving the interconnection and multiplexing cost of circuit design from high level synthesis using ant colony optimization is described. In one example, a plurality of hardware components for performing an operation is represented with a data flow graph having edges and nodes. A plurality of solutions are simulated for performing the operation as hardware component and schedule combinations represented as paths on the data flow graph. For each solution, cost including a number of edges and nodes traversed on the data flow graph and an interconnection cost related to the number of different hardware components in the path is determined. A pheromone trail is associated with each path, the pheromone trail including a cost of the respective scheduling solution, and a solution is selected with the highest value pheromone trail as a hardware component and schedule combination for a circuit.
US08296708B1 Method of constraint-hierarchy-driven IC placement
Disclosed is a computer-implemented method to generate a placement for a plurality of device modules within an analog integrated circuit (IC) subject to a set of constraints. By building a constraint hierarchy tree according to the constraints, conflicts of constraints can be identified and resolved. Furthermore, placements can be generated based on the hierarchy tree through a bottom-to-top dimension optimization process and a top-down wire length optimization process. Furthermore, a graphical user interface can be used to display the tree, and the user can edit the tree visually and interactively.
US08296704B1 Method and apparatus for simultaneous switching noise optimization
Methods and apparatus for reducing simultaneous switching noise (SSN) in an integrated circuit (IC) designed with a computer aided design (CAD) tool are presented. In one method, value assignments for parameters of the IC are received by the CAD tool. The value assignments are entered as a range of value assignments or as a list of possible value assignments. Further, the method includes an operation for determining the minimum and the maximum path delays for each Input/Output (I/O) pin in an I/O block such that the received value assignments are satisfied. The actual switching times of the I/O pins are spread out in time to decrease SSN in the I/O pins. The switching times are spread out so that the switching times fall between the minimum and the maximum path delay for the corresponding I/O pin. Additionally, other method operations are included for routing paths to the I/O pins to meet the actual switching times and for creating a design for the IC that meets the actual switching times.
US08296690B1 Method and arrangement providing for implementation granularity using implementation sets
A design hierarchy based on an implementation set abstraction of a user design for an integrated circuit design includes a plurality of nodes and a definition for each of the nodes in the plurality of nodes that describes the type of elements contained in each node and the hierarchy defined by each of the nodes. Each node can include at least one implementation element of the design and the at least one implementation element can be selected among the group including a set of logical elements, a set of placed elements, and a set of placed and routed elements.
US08296688B2 Evaluating the quality of an assist feature placement based on a focus-sensitive cost-covariance field
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that determines an assist feature placement within a post-optical proximity correction (post-OPC) mask layout. During operation, the system receives a set of target patterns which represent a set of polygons in a pre-OPC mask layout. The system then constructs a focus-sensitive cost function based on the target patterns, wherein the focus-sensitive cost function represents an amount of movement of post-OPC contours of the target patterns in response to changes in focus condition of the lithography system. Next, the system computes a cost-covariance field (CCF field) based on the focus-sensitive cost function, wherein the CCF field is a two-dimensional (2D) map representing changes to the focus-sensitive cost function due to an addition of a pattern at a given location within the post-OPC mask layout. Finally, the system generates assist features for the post-OPC mask layout based on the CCF field.
US08296684B2 Navigating among activities in a computing device
A computing device runs multiple activities concurrently and provides at least two modes for interacting with the activities. The user may toggle between the modes as desired. In a full-screen mode, one activity occupies substantially an entire display screen. In a windowed mode, the activity is visible within a window, and a portion of at least one other window is also visible. In the windowed mode, the user can cause windows to move, thereby changing focus from one activity to another. For example, the window having focus can be moved off the screen, to be replaced by a new window that is then given focus. The windows are ordered in a sequence and move in concert with one another; pushing one window off one edge of the screen causes a new window to appear at the opposite edge. A persistent positional relationship can be established among windows.
US08296677B2 Content abstraction presentation along a multidimensional path
Content abstractions are emerged in to an ingress terminus of a multidimensional path and depth transitioned through the multidimensional path to an egress terminus. The content abstractions are eliminated at the egress terminus.
US08296675B2 System and method for capturing, aggregating and presenting attention hotspots in shared media
A method and system for providing an attention hotspot in temporal media is provided and executes following explicit or implicit user actions. The method comprises identifying at least one event related to playback or browsing of the temporal media, deriving the significance of the identified event in accordance with one or more rules, assigning a signifier based on the derived significance of the event, and associating the signifier with a specific segment of the temporal media and user. The system comprises a server and a mobile device, wherein the server is operable to identify at least one event related to playback of the temporal media, derive the significance of the identified event in accordance with one or more rules, select a signifier based on the derived significance of the event, and associate the signifier with a specific segment of the temporal media. The server aggregates and averages the cumulative attention hotspots of a greater community for the purposes of improving user experience. The server provides the signifier(s) to the mobile device. A computer program product embodying the method is also disclosed.
US08296674B2 Text display apparatus, text display method and program storage medium
A scroll bar area is displayed as two divided areas, namely a first mark display area which displays a mark figure corresponding to a first mark, and a second mark display area which displays a mark figure corresponding to a second mark. A first mark figure is displayed in that area in the first mark display area which corresponds to a line which is indicated to be affixed with the first mark by mark affixing information. A second mark figure is displayed in that area in the second mark display area which corresponds to a line which is indicated to be affixed with the second mark by the mark affixing information.
US08296670B2 Accessing a menu utilizing a drag-operation
Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for intuitively invoking a presentation action (e.g., rendering a menu) by applying a drag-operation at a top-level control button rendered at a touchscreen display are provided. Initially, aspects of a user-initiated input applied at the top-level control button are detected. These aspects may include an actuation location and a distance of a drag-movement therefrom. If a distance of the drag-movement at the touchscreen display is greater than a threshold distance in a particular radial direction from the actuation location, the user-initiated input is considered a drag-operation. Typically, a set of trigger boundaries are constructed based on system metrics to assist in disambiguating the drag-operation from a tap-type operation. If a drag-operation is identified, the presentation action is invoked; otherwise, a principle action associated with the top-level control button (e.g., manipulating content of an application) may be invoked.
US08296660B2 Content recommendation using third party profiles
A method for personalizing content for a particular user in a computing system comprising a user interface configured to display content. The method comprises identifying one or more features of a short term profile of a user that are not included in a long term profile of the user, using the one or more features to identify one or more third party profiles having features that substantially match the one or more features of the user's short term profile, accessing the identified one or more third party profiles, and providing one or more content items included in the third party profile to the user, the one or more content items having associated features that match the one or more features of the short term profile. An alternative method comprises accessing one or more third party profiles that are not a profile of the user, and using the accessed third party profile to identify a plurality of content items for recommendation to the user based on a feature set of the third party profile.
US08296655B2 Context sensitive information management system and method
A context sensitive information management system and method for use in a system comprising a number of applications each able to display information in response to a user input and a contextual coprocessor. The method comprising the steps of: the contextual coprocessor storing a plurality of context definitions each defining information to be displayed; the user making an input to an application; the application displaying information in response to the user input; the contextual coprocessor identifying a stored context definition corresponding to a current context definition; and the contextual processor displaying the information defined by said identified stored context definition; in which the context definitions stored by the contextual coprocessor are based upon data passing between the application and the user.
US08296654B2 Automatic guide for data analysis
A system for analyzing data is disclosed. In one general aspect it includes a data analysis user interface responsive to user interaction to initiate actions on the data. An action logging interface is operative to create a logged sequence of actions as the user initiates them through the data analysis user interface. And a token-based authoring user interface responsive to user selection commands to select action-tokens corresponding to the actions logged by the action logging interface to create an authored set of actions that has an authored sequence that can be different from the logged sequence.
US08296652B2 Method for printing web pages included advertisement
A method for printing a web page with an advertisement is provided. When a web user wants to print a specific web page of a web site, a web printing exclusive viewer operates and then the specific web page is automatically adjusted to be fit into a printing area of a web browser. Then, the web page with an advertisement related to the contents of a current web page, provided from the web server, is printed, and the web server automatically counts a page view while printing the web page, such that an accurate total page view count value can be obtained.
US08296646B2 Focusing on areas of the display of tabular data through hierarchical collapsing and expanding of cell areas
A method, apparatus and program product for focusing the display of tabular data wherein the display has multiple rows and columns of cells. A computer running a tabular data application includes a display for displaying the tabular data. The tabular data application includes a routine for defining a user defined area in the tabular data display in a focused display. The routine places indicators at the top, bottom, right side and left side of the focused display. The indicators may be one of an expand indicator or a collapse indicator. A movable cursor in the tabular data display is used to select at least one of the indicators for focusing the display. The routine in the tabular data application expands or collapses the display of tabular data to give a focused display. The expanding or collapsing of the display is determined by whether the selected indicator is an expand indicator or a collapse indicator.
US08296644B2 Content sharing using access identifiers
The application concerns sharing content generated within a system for one or more application displays to be displayed on a first computing device of a first user. A second user is sent a message concerning sharing sharable content wherein the sharable content includes at least a portion of content from the one or more application displays that were generated for the first user. The message includes an access identifier and in response to the second user accepting the message, the system uses the access identifier to share with the second user said sharable content that was generated for the first user.
US08296640B2 Method and apparatus for parallel processing multimode LDPC decoder
A method and apparatus for decoding transmissions in a wireless communications network is provided. A receiver includes a receive path. The receive path includes a decoder configured to perform low density parity check decoding. The decoder includes a number of Context Reconfigurable Instruction Set Processors (CRISPs). The CRISPs are configured to process received data in parallel. The decoder includes a plurality of memory units, and each of the CRISPs includes a plurality of processors.
US08296638B2 Viterbi detector that associates multiple data dependent noise prediction filters with each possible bit pattern
A Viterbi detector includes a plurality of possible bit patterns that correspond to branches of a detector trellis and a plurality of data dependent noise prediction filters, with multiple filters of different orders being associated with a given bit pattern. A method of decoding includes applying observables to a Viterbi detector that associates a plurality of data dependent noise filters with a given possible bit pattern that corresponds to a branch of the detector trellis, calculating the composite maximum likelihood branch metric by incorporating the results of filtering the observables through the associated plurality of filters, calculating the composite maximum likelihood branch metrics in the same manner for other possible bit patterns, and so forth, and associating soft output values with detected bits in the observables based on the calculated branch metrics.
US08296632B1 Encoding and decoding of generalized Reed-Solomon codes using parallel processing techniques
A system, computer program, and/or method for encoding data that can correct r/2 errors. The original symbols are transformed using a Fourier transform of length p. Generator polynomials are used to encode the p blocks separately, and an inverse Fourier transform is applied to obtain the redundant symbol. In a decoding system, Fourier transforms are applied to every set of p consecutive symbols of the received vector, to obtain p blocks of symbols which in total have the same size as the received vector. Next, a syndrome calculator is applied to each of these blocks to produce p syndromes. The syndromes are forwarded to a Berlekamp-Massey unit and an error locator polynomial is decimated into p parts and a Chien search is applied concurrently. A Fourier transform of length p is applied to values calculated by the Chien search, and the positions of the zeros obtained are error positions.
US08296624B2 Variable interleave data transmission
In cable modem termination systems (CMTS) and other information transmission systems, a method for changing the interleave depth associated with each data stream is provided. This may be done dynamically, and for any subset of downstream devices such as modems. The interleave depth may be set on an individual device level. Embodiments may decrease data receiving latency on devices that do not suffer from error rates, such as caused by burst noise, while maintaining throughput on devices with high error rates.
US08296621B2 Integrated circuit comprising error correction logic, and a method of error correction
An integrated circuit comprises forward error correction (FEC) decoder logic being coupled to memory and arranged to receive data, comprising application data, from a host application process. The FEC decoder logic performs error detection upon the received data. Logic is further arranged to transmit error free application data back to the host application process prior to performing error correction; and store in memory only application data in which errors are detected.
US08296604B1 Method of and circuit for providing temporal redundancy for a hardware circuit
A method and circuit for providing temporal redundancy for a hardware circuit implemented in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method comprises implementing a comparison circuit for comparing values in the integrated circuit; coupling an input signal to the hardware circuit; detecting an output signal of the hardware circuit at a first time, wherein the output signal is based upon the input signal; holding the input signal until at least a second time; detecting the output signal of the hardware circuit at the second time; determining, by the comparison circuit, whether the output signal of the hardware circuit at the first time corresponds to the output signal of the hardware circuit at the second time; and generating an error signal based upon determining whether the output signal of the hardware circuit at the first time corresponds to the output signal of the hardware circuit at the second time.
US08296592B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
A resume signal hold circuit holds an assertion of a resume signal instructed while the circuit block is in a stand-by mode. A resume signal mask circuit is provided between the circuit block and the resume signal hold circuit, and masks the signals while the circuit block is in the stand-by mode so that no signal can be input to the circuit block. A power saving control circuit causes the resume signal hold circuit to hold the assertion of the event signal and causes the resume signal mask circuit to mask the signals while the circuit block is in a stand-by mode. The power saving control circuit also causes the resume signal hold circuit to cancel the holding of the assertion of the resume signal after the completion of the resume setting of the circuit block and cancelling of the signal masking by the resume signal mask circuit.
US08296591B1 Stochastic management of power consumption by computer systems
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods, computer-readable media and system configurations for stochastic power management of one or more computer systems. A method may include ascertaining a workload of a plurality of computer systems (e.g., a data center). Additionally or alternatively, a method may include initiating, by a control module operated by a processor of a first of the plurality of computer systems, a stochastic power management process to manage power consumption of the first of the plurality of computer systems. The stochastic power management process may be conditionally initiated based at least in part on the ascertained workload of the plurality of computer systems. The stochastic power management process may include a plurality of virtual machine management actions having corresponding probabilities being taken, one or more of which may result in power savings. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US08296583B2 Physical digital media delivery
The inventions relate to the delivery, transfer of content, and return of uniquely customized physical digital media. Digital content is specifically encrypted for use on a target player associated with a specific customer account. After use, the media is returned to a receiving location where use information is read from the media. Attention is given to cost of delivery, security of content, user experience in selecting, choosing, paying for, viewing or utilizing the content, and usage information created as a result of the content being utilized, rented, purchased, loaded or deleted.
US08296575B2 Method for protecting electronic device, and electronic device
The invention relates to an electronic device, which comprises an operational unit and a user-specific module. Data in the device, necessary for checking the user-specific module, is protected with a key of the encryption method employed by the device manufacturer. A verification key of the encryption method employed by the electronic device manufacturer is stored in the operational unit, by means of which verification key the data necessary for checking the user-specific module is verified.
US08296568B2 Systems and methods for authenticating an electronic transaction
Systems and methods for authenticating a request between a client computer and a transaction server are provided. An application request, comprising an identity of a user originating the request, is received at an application server from the client. The application server constructs a signing key based on (i) the identity of the user making the request, (ii) a time based salt value, (iii) a secret shared between the application and transaction servers and, optionally, (iv) an identifier of the distributor or developer of the application. The signing key is embedded in an unbranded version of the application thereby branding the application. The branded application can sign a request with the signing key and submit the signed request to the transaction server with the identity of the user and the identifier of the distributor or developer of the application.
US08296561B2 Certifying device, verifying device, verifying system, computer program and integrated circuit
An authentication system verifies an authentic computer program, certifies the authenticity itself, and verifies a certification. The authentication system includes a terminal (e.g., requesting device) and a card (e.g., verifying device). The card stores secret information to be used by the terminal, and an update program for the terminal. The card verifies authenticity of the terminal using information obtained from the terminal. When it judges that the terminal is authentic, the card outputs the secret information to the terminal. When it judges that the terminal is not authentic, the card outputs the update program. The terminal is forced to update the program when it attempts to use the secret information.
US08296558B1 Method and apparatus for securing communication between a mobile node and a network
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and apparatus is presented for securely negotiating a session key between a mobile node and a network node, such as a first hop IP router. A session key is encoded using asymmetric encryption. The encrypted session key is then communicated to the first hop IP router for later use. In accordance with another teaching of the present invention, the session key is then used by the mobile node and a first hop IP router to authenticate a message. Lastly, in accordance with the third teaching of the present invention, a standardized protocol is used to securely negotiate the session key between the mobile node and the first hop IP router.
US08296551B2 Binary translator with precise exception synchronization mechanism
A source computer system with one instruction set architecture (ISA) is configured to run on a target hardware system that has its own ISA, which may be the same as the source ISA. In cases where the source instructions cannot be executed directly on the target system, the invention provides binary translation system. During execution from binary translation, however, both synchronous and asynchronous exceptions may arise. Synchronous exceptions may be either transparent (requiring processing action wholly within the target computer system) or non-transparent (requiring processing that alters a visible state of the source system). Asynchronous exceptions may also be either transparent or non-transparent, in which case an action that alters a visible state of the computer system needs to be applied. The invention includes subsystems, and related methods of operation, for detecting the occurrence of all of these types of exceptions, to handle them, and to do so with precise reentry into the interrupted instruction stream; by “precise” is meant that the atomic execution of the source instructions is guaranteed, and that the application of actions, including those that originate from asynchronous exceptions, occurs at the latest at the completion of the current source instruction at the time of the request for the action. The binary translation and exception-handling subsystems are preferably included as components of a virtual machine monitor which is installed between the target hardware system and the source system, which is preferably a virtual machine.
US08296542B2 Dynamic memory allocation for applications
Some embodiments of a system and a method to dynamically allocate memory to applications have been presented. For instance, an application interface executing on a processing device running in a computing system receives a request from an application running on the processing device for a predetermined capacity of memory. A kernel running on the processing device may allocate one or more consecutive heaps of memory to the application in response to the request. A total capacity of the heaps allocated is at least the predetermined capacity requested.
US08296532B2 Write set boundary management for heterogeneous storage controllers in support of asynchronous update of secondary storage
A data storage system including at least one storage controller having a first color policy and operative to store data onto a first data storage unit at a primary site as part of a current color of the primary site, at least one storage controller having a second color policy and operative to store data onto a second data storage unit at the primary site as part of the current color, and a color control node operative to provide each of the controllers with new color information while maintaining the integrity of dependent writes across color boundaries.
US08296528B2 Methods and systems for microcode patching
Methods and systems for performing microcode patching are presented. In one embodiment, a data processing system comprises a cache memory and a processor. The cache memory comprises a plurality of cache sections. The processor sequesters one or more cache sections of the cache memory and stores processor microcode therein. In one embodiment, the processor executes the microcode in the one or more cache sections.
US08296520B2 System and method for optimizing neighboring cache usage in a multiprocessor environment
A method for managing data operates in a data processing system with a system memory and a plurality of processing units (PUs), each PU having a cache comprising a plurality of cache lines, each cache line having one of a plurality of coherency states, and each PU coupled to at least another one of the plurality of PUs. A first PU selects a castout cache line of a plurality of cache lines in a first cache of the first PU to be castout of the first cache. The first PU sends a request to a second PU, wherein the second PU is a neighboring PU of the first PU, and the request comprises a first address and first coherency state of the selected castout cache line. The second PU determines whether the first address matches an address of any cache line in the second PU. The second PU sends a response to the first PU based on a coherency state of each of a plurality of cache lines in the second cache and whether there is an address hit. The first PU determines whether to transmit the castout cache line to the second PU based on the response. And, in the event the first PU determines to transmit the castout cache line to the second PU, the first PU transmits the castout cache line to the second PU.
US08296500B2 Memory system and computer system
When a memory card is inserted into a computer, a memory controller sends command information stored in a memory array to the computer. Then, the computer stores the command information received from the memory card into a RAM. The computer generates a command as needed on the basis of the stored command information and sends the generated command to the memory card. When the memory card receives the command from the computer, the memory controller analyzes the received command and performs it while making reference to command analysis information. This makes it possible to reduce a load accompanying the change and addition of commands in a semiconductor memory.
US08296482B2 Translating requests between full speed bus and slower speed device wherein the translation logic is based on snoop result and modified cache state
Methods and apparatus related to techniques for translating requests between a full speed bus and a slower speed device are described. In one embodiment, a translation logic translates requests between a full speed bus (such as a front side bus, e.g., running relatively higher frequencies, for example at MHz levels) and a much slower speed device (such as a System On Chip (SOC) device (or SOC Device Under Test (DUT)), e.g., logic provided through emulation, which may be running at much lower frequency, for example kHz levels). Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08296479B2 System core for transferring data between an external device and memory
Details of a highly cost effective and efficient implementation of a manifold array (ManArray) architecture and instruction syntax for use therewith are described herein. Various aspects of this approach include the regularity of the syntax, the relative ease with which the instruction set can be represented in database form, the ready ability with which tools can be created, the ready generation of self-checking codes and parameterized test cases. Parameterizations can be fairly easily mapped and system maintenance is significantly simplified.
US08296478B2 Data transfer system and data transfer method
An efficient transfer of data including a plurality of data sections is achieved. In a data transfer system including a first DMA 1142 of a channel control unit 11 and an MP 122 of a processor unit 12 that sets a transfer parameter in the first DMA 1142, while CKD format data 1400 is transferred from a cache memory 14 to a memory 113 of the channel control unit 11, the MP 122 acquires a C field 1411 from the cache memory 14 and sets a transfer parameter in the first DMA 1142 on the basis of the acquired C field 1411, the transfer parameter having attached thereto the C field 1411 and being used for transferring a K field 1412 from the cache memory 14 to the memory 113. The first DMA 1142 retrieves the C field 1411 attached to the transfer parameter, stores the C field 1411 in the memory 113, and transfers the K field from the cache memory 14 to the memory 113 according to the transfer parameter.
US08296473B2 Component connector with identifying characteristic for an electronic device
A system and method for optically identifying a component coupled to an electronic device is provided. The method includes emitting light from within the device toward a surface of a component connector inserted into a receiving socket of the device. A light sensor senses the intensity, amplitude or wavelength of light reflected from a surface of the component connector. A processor of the device identifies the component based on the intensity, amplitude or wavelength of light reflected from a surface of the component connector. The processor modifies at least one setting of the electronic device in response to the identification of the component.
US08296469B2 Scalable method and apparatus for link with reconfigurable ports
Disclosed herein are reconfigurable ports and methods for doing the same.
US08296468B2 Storage controller and controlling method therefor
A storage controller that performs user-friendly information display, simplifies updating of support information, has external storage controllers to provide sufficient input/output performance, and expands the range of external storage controllers to be supported; and a controlling method for that storage controller. The storage controller includes a code extract/convert unit for converting a first code indicating a vendor name and/or device name of an external storage controller, obtained based on inquiry data transmitted from the external storage controller, into a second code indicating a real vendor name and/or real device name of the external storage controller. The storage controller creates support information that compiles information of each model regarding whether or not it can be connected to the respective external storage controllers. Furthermore, a path control system and a timeout time can be set for the respective external storage controllers.
US08296467B2 Single-chip flash device with boot code transfer capability
A Multi-Media Card (MMC) Single-Chip Flash Device (SCFD) contains a MMC flash microcontroller and flash mass storage blocks containing flash memory arrays that are block-addressable rather than randomly-addressable. An initial boot loader is read from the first page of flash by a state machine and written to a small RAM. A central processing unit (CPU) in the microcontroller reads instructions from the small RAM, executing the initial boot loader, which reads more pages from flash. These pages are buffered by the small RAM and written to a larger DRAM. Once an extended boot sequence is written to DRAM, the CPU toggles a RAM_BASE bit to cause instruction fetching from DRAM. Then the extended boot sequence is executed from DRAM, copying an OS image from flash to DRAM. Boot code and control code are selectively overwritten during a code updating operation to eliminate stocking issues.
US08296465B2 Distributed computing bus
A distributed computing bus that provides both data transport and ambient computing power is provided. Contemplated buses comprise a network fabric of interconnected networking infrastructure nodes capable of being programmed before or after installation in the field. A fabric manager organizes the fabric into a bus topology communicatively coupling computing elements that exchange payload data using a bus protocol. Nodes within the bus topology operate on the payload data as the data passes through the node on route to its destination.
US08296461B2 Data transformation and exchange
A data transformation and exchange server receives an input data stream from one or more application servers and/or computing devices. The data stream includes a plurality of input records and each input record can be in a different input protocol and/or character encoding. The transformation and exchange server determines each input record in the input data stream based on one or more boundary points and determines a template from a plurality of templates based on the input record. The transformation and exchange server transforms the input record into an output record based on the template and communicates the output record via an output data stream.
US08296459B1 Custom routing decisions
With the advent of virtualization technologies, networks and routing for those networks can now be simulated using commodity hardware rather than actual routers. For example, virtualization technologies such as those provided by VMWare, XEN, or User-Mode Linux can be adapted to allow a single physical computing machine to be shared among multiple virtual networks by providing each virtual network user with one or more virtual machines hosted by the single physical computing machine, with each such virtual machine being a software simulation acting as a distinct logical computing system that provides users with the illusion that they are the sole operators and administrators of a given hardware computing resource. In addition, routing can be accomplished through software, providing additional routing flexibility to the virtual network in comparison with traditional routing. As a result, in some implementations, supplemental information other than packet information can be used to determine network routing.
US08296453B1 WiFi peripheral mode
A wireless peripheral mode is provided by a host system that communicates to a WiFi infrastructure and, utilizing the same WiFi RF subsystem, also communicates to peripherals. The host system may employ additional RF channels for communicating with high bandwidth peripherals, such as display devices, where high levels of QoS may be managed locally. The host system may be a conventional desktop computer system, a notebook computer system, a multi-media access point, a cell phone, a game machine, a portable game machine, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smart phone or any other type of device that benefits from accessing both a WiFi infrastructure and local peripherals.
US08296451B2 Method and apparatus for dynamic data flow control using prioritization of data requests
A data center determines whether requested content is available at the data center. The content is available when the content is both present at the data center and current. When the requested content is available at the data center, the data center returns the requested content to the browser. When the requested content is locally unavailable at the data center, the requested content is retrieved from an origin server. When retrieval of the content is delayed, the request is prioritized and placed in a queue for handling by the origin server based on the priority of the request. A status page may be communicated to the browser to inform a user of the delay and provide alternate content and status information related to the request determined as a function of the request or the current state of the origin server.
US08296446B2 System and method for transmitting data from a server application to more than one client node
A system and method for transmitting the same data to more than one client node or from an application to at least two client nodes. The method includes connecting a first client node and a first client protocol stack and connecting the application and the first client protocol stack; associating a first minimal communications protocol stack with the first client protocol stack; providing a connection between the application and the first minimal communications protocol stack and between a second client node and a second client protocol stack; associating a second minimal communications protocol stack with the second client protocol stack; providing a connection between the first minimal protocol stack and the second minimal protocol stack; and between the second minimal protocol stack and said the client protocol stack. Data is then transmitted from the application program to the first client protocol stack and the first minimal protocol stack substantially simultaneously.
US08296441B2 Methods and systems for joining a real-time session of presentation layer protocol data
Methods and systems directed to joining a real-time user session of presentation layer protocol data. The methods describe a user session receiving a presentation layer protocol data stream, wherein the user session comprises a single presentation layer protocol stack. The protocol stack sending a request to a virtual channel to reinitialize. The virtual channel processing an existing request until the request to reinitialize is encountered. The protocol stack modifying the presentation layer protocol data stream to contain a marker. The systems describe a single presentation layer protocol stack. The protocol stack includes a receiver, a virtual channel, and a rollover agent. The receiver receives a presentation layer protocol data stream and receives a message initiating reinitialization. The virtual channel processes a request. The rollover agent sends to the virtual channel a request to reinitialize and modifies the presentation layer protocol data stream to contain a marker.
US08296432B2 Communication apparatus, distribution apparatus, control method, recording medium and system
A communication apparatus connected to an external apparatus via a network includes a connection unit configured to connect to a distribution apparatus via a network in one of a first communication mode for transferring a notification message which indicates that the distribution apparatus having the function of distributing contents exists on a network, to the external apparatus, and a second communication mode for restricting the transfer of the notification message to the external apparatus; an acquisition unit configured to acquire contents from the distribution apparatus based on the notification message transmitted from the distribution apparatus when the communication apparatus is connected to the distribution apparatus via a network by the connection unit in the second communication mode; and a distribution unit configured to distribute the contents acquired by the acquisition unit in response to a request from the external apparatus instead of the distribution apparatus.
US08296429B2 Optimizing content management
A system and method for monitoring the performance associated with fulfilling resource requests and determining optimizations for improving such performance are provided. A processing device obtains and processes performance metric information associated with processing a request for an original resource and any embedded resource. The processing device uses the processed performance metric information to determine a CDN service provider for alternatively hosting at least a portion of the original resource and/or any embedded resources. In some embodiments, in making such a determination, the processing device assesses performance metric information collected and associated with subsequent resource requests for the original resource and any embedded resources using each of a variety of alternative CDN service providers. Aspects of systems and methods for generating recommendations associated with monitoring the operation and performance of CDN service providers with respect to specific resource requests are also provided.
US08296419B1 Dynamically modifying a cluster of computing nodes used for distributed execution of a program
Techniques are described for managing distributed execution of programs. In some situations, the techniques include dynamically modifying the distributed program execution in various manners, such as based on monitored status information. The dynamic modifying of the distributed program execution may include adding and/or removing computing nodes from a cluster that is executing the program, modifying the amount of computing resources that are available for the distributed program execution, terminating or temporarily suspending execution of the program (e.g., if an insufficient quantity of computing nodes of the cluster are available to perform execution), etc.
US08296416B2 Representing aggregated rich presence information
Techniques for relaying presence information of an entity to a user, wherein the entity is known to the user via one or more communications networks, are provided. At least one portion of the presence information of the entity is obtained from one or more servers associated with the one or more communications networks. An image is generated in accordance with the at least one portion of the presence information of the entity. The image summarizes the presence information of the entity. Further, the image assists the user in the selection of a communication option when contacting the entity from a plurality of communication options of the entity.
US08296409B2 Method for enabling on-demand communication services
Techniques for coordinating an on-demand communication-based mashup service are provided. The techniques include resolving a dynamic context of a receiver, configuring a communication service with at least one parameter of the dynamic context of the receiver, and coordinating the communication service dynamically at run-time based on the at least one parameter of the dynamic context of the receiver, wherein the communication service is composed in a mashup environment. Techniques are also provided for providing a customizable service to a user.
US08296408B2 Distributing relocatable services in middleware for smart items
A composite service associated with an analysis of data may be determined, the composite service associated with service metadata and including first and second component services having an ordering of execution for the analysis of the data based on the service metadata. The first component service, configured to generate a first result, may be deployed to a first service execution environment located at a device layer. The second component service, configured to generate a second result based on the first result, may be deployed to a second service execution environment located at a device handling layer. A request for an analysis result associated with the analysis of data may be received. The composite service may be invoked based on an entry point. The analysis result may be received, and may be based on the second result generated by the second component service.
US08296405B2 Internet strawman and user interface therefor
A system and method for implementing an intermediary to preserve user privacy and anonymity in electronic transactions. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method for facilitating a transaction between a subscriber and a vendor through an intermediary is provided. In this embodiment, the method comprises the step of receiving at the intermediary personal information from the subscriber to establish a user account. The method also comprises the step of storing the personal information for subsequent access. The method further comprises the step of receiving a request from the subscriber to access the user account, upon which the subscriber's identity is verified by the intermediary against the personal information. The method also comprises the step of the intermediary entering into a transaction with the vendor on behalf of the subscriber based on the subscriber's instruction once the subscriber's identity is successfully verified. The method further comprises the step of notifying the subscriber upon completion of the transaction. Importantly, the transaction is completed without disclosing the subscriber's personal information to the vendor. As such, the consumer remains anonymous with respect to the vendor.
US08296400B2 System and method for generating a configuration schema
A system and method for interfacing with a network component is described. One embodiment includes an electronic method that accesses a network component; retrieves a command set from the network component; generates a configuration schema corresponding to the network component using the retrieved command set; and then stores the generated configuration schema.
US08296396B2 Delivering resources to clients in a distributed computing environment with rendezvous based on load balancing and network conditions
A plurality of repeater servers form a shared content delivery network (CDN) to serve resources to clients on behalf of a plurality of content providers. First and second resources are associated with a first content provider, the first resource referencing the second resource. The second resource is associated with a domain of the shared CDN. Responsive to a request that causes the first resource to be served to a client from a server in a domain associated with the first content provider, a CDN server is identified in the domain associated with the shared CDN to serve the second resource to the client. The CDN server is selected based, at least in part, on load conditions on at least some of the CDN servers, and on the client's location. Responsive to the CDN server being requested to serve the second resource: if a copy of the second resource is available on the CDN server, the copy is served to the client from the CDN server; otherwise, the second resource is replicated on the CDN server and then served to the client from the CDN server.
US08296384B2 System and method for deferred message reminders and expiry extension
Disclosed is a method for transmitting reminders for deferred message, the method includes requesting, by client, to set reminders for deferred messages to a application sever (AS); setting, by the application sever, reminders comprising information of when to remind, whether to repeat reminder or not, and/or how many times to repeat; monitoring, by the application sever, time of the set reminders in order to notify the Client; and notifying, by the application sever, the reminders to the client once a timer triggers to send a notification.
US08296379B2 Handling meeting invitations and calendar system
A calendar system handles meeting invitations. Associated entries are determined in a received meeting invitation of a calendar system. A forwarded invitation is generated according to the associated entries. An association is generated between the forwarded invitation and the meeting invitation. The forwarded invitation is then sent. In this way, the calendar distributes meeting arrangements relatively independently, so that meeting invitations and forwarded invitations can be managed relatively independently.
US08296377B1 Facilitating presentation by mobile device of additional content for a word or phrase upon utterance thereof
A method for presenting additional content for a word that is part of a message, and that is presented by a mobile communication device, includes the steps of: presenting the message, including emphasizing one or more words for which respective additional content is available for presenting by the mobile communication device; receiving an utterance that includes an emphasized word for which additional content is available for presenting by the mobile communication device; and presenting the additional content for the emphasized word included in the utterance received by the mobile communication device. These steps are performed by the mobile communication device.
US08296374B2 Controlling the presence information of activity participants
Techniques for relaying presence information of one or more entities, wherein the one or more entities are participants in a scheduled activity, are provided. A status of the scheduled activity is obtained from a first entity via an application loaded on a device of the first entity. The presence information of the first entity and/or a second entity is updated in accordance with the status of the scheduled activity. The updated presence information of the first entity and/or the second entity is published.
US08296372B2 Method and system for merging electronic messages
What is described is a method and system for merging electronic messages. The method includes receiving a message at a client, determining if the message relates to a stored message, merging the message in the stored message to generate a merged message if the message relates to the stored message, and transmitting the merged message to a destination.
US08296367B2 Synchronizing shared files during communication sessions
A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for synchronizing copies of a shared file used by different communication session participants is presented. A shared file that is used by a first communication session participant and a second communication session participant is identified. The first and second communication participants each use a separate copy of the shared file. In response to detecting a communication session between the first and second communication session participants, the separate copies of the shared file are automatically synchronized.
US08296358B2 Method and system for journaling data updates in a distributed file system
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of processing a file system transaction in a distributed file system. The method includes receiving a transaction request from a computer, wherein the transaction request includes file data to be stored and a first segment identifier that determines a destination of the file data. The method also includes generating a first distributed journal record corresponding to the file data. The method also includes generating a first file operation request based, at least in part, on the transaction request. The method also includes sending the first file operation request to a first segment server corresponding to the first segment identifier, wherein the first segment server generates a second distributed journal record corresponding to the file data on a memory device associated with the first segment server.
US08296352B2 Methods and systems for providing, by a remote machine, access to graphical data associated with a resource provided by a local machine
A method for providing, by a remote machine, access to graphical data associated with a resource provided by a local machine includes initializing, by a remote agent on a remote machine, a proxy icon handler. The proxy icon handler receives, from an icon handler on a local machine, data associated with an icon for a resource provided by the local machine. The proxy icon handler modifies a window in a remote desktop environment displaying a plurality of icons including at least one icon associated with a resource provided by the remote machine and the icon associated with the resource provided by the local machine. The remote agent transmits, to the local machine, window attribute data associated with the modified window and graphical data representing the window displaying the plurality of icons. The local agent displays the received graphical data in a window formed according to the received window attribute data.
US08296347B2 Use of line characterization to configure physical layered devices
A method of optimizing filter performance through monitoring channel characteristics is provided. A signal enters a channel and a receiver receives the signal. The receiver includes a FIR filter to remove near-end transmitted interference and recover a far-end desired signal. The filter has storage elements configured as a shift registers to move the signal, multipliers to multiply the signal by a filter coefficient, an intermittent summer to combine the multiplied results into a replica of an interfering signal, a final summer to remove the replica from the receiver signal to provide direct and indirect monitoring of the signal, where direct monitoring includes time or frequency monitoring, and indirect monitoring includes monitoring signal to noise ratio, error magnitude or bit error rate. The filter is optimized according to monitoring and includes reducing a dynamic range, reducing bits of precision, reducing linearity, the filter, and reallocating the filter.
US08296337B2 Apparatus, system, and method for managing data from a requesting device with an empty data token directive
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing data with an empty data segment directive at the requesting device. The apparatus, system, and method include a token directive generation module and a token directive transmission module. The token directive generation module generates a storage request with a token directive. The token directive includes a request to store on the storage device a data segment token. The token directive substitutes for a series of repeated, identical characters or a series of repeated, identical character strings to be stored as a data segment. The token directive includes at least a data segment identifier and a data segment length. The data segment token and the token directive are substantially free from data of the data segment. The token directive transmission module transmits the token directive to the storage device.
US08296327B2 Short paths in web graphs with small query time
Short paths are found with a small query time in scale-free directed graphs using a two-phase process by which data structures comprising shortest path trees are first pre-computed for a group of central vertices called “hubs” that have short paths to most other vertices in the graph. In a query time phase, a short path between two vertices of interest in the graph is found by looking up the path to the root in each of the shortest path trees.
US08296324B2 Systems and methods for analyzing, integrating and updating media contact and content data
A computer implemented system for integrating and searching media related databases comprising a first server for receiving digital content from at least one of a plurality of sources, a second server for receiving queries from at least one of a plurality of user computing devices, and a database access layer being utilized by the first and second servers to read and write to a plurality of databases. The plurality of databases comprise a content database and a media database. The content database receives at least one article of digital content from the first server via the database access layer and stores the at least one article. The media database contains at least one journalist data and media outlet data. A mapping module matches journalist data and media outlet data to at least one journalist data and media outlet data contained in the media database.
US08296315B2 Earmarking media documents
A media object being played by a user may be marked by creating a mark object comprising the playback time when the mark was created. The time may be used to reference metadata with information about the media object at the time referenced. The metadata may be used to launch web searches corresponding to elements of the media at the time in question, for example, a back up singer at a point in a music track or the name of a resort in a movie. The searches may be performed from media player or the mark object may be transferred to a networked computer for performing the searches. The technique is equally applicable to portable media players, software or firmware media players on computers, or set top boxes.
US08296314B2 Interactively pausing the broadcast stream displayed, graphical generation of telestrator data queries designates the location of the object in the portion of the transmitted still image frame
Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an interactive information retrieval system that includes a user interface allowing users to graphically generate information queries for objects of interest found in various media, such as television, video, and print. The invention can allow users to designate objects of interest within a television or video display and receive information related to the objects of interest. The invention can also allow users to generate queries designating objects of interest within a graphical image using a GUI.
US08296309B2 System and method for high precision and high recall relevancy searching
A method and system for performing high precision and high recall relevancy searching is provided. According to embodiments of the present invention, a relevance rule is generated based on a user model and language from within one or more relevant and non-relevant documents. A query is created based on the relevance rule wherein the query may be applied to a corpus to identify relevant and non-relevant documents. The relevance rule may be iteratively refined in order to increase the accuracy of the query. The resulting query may be used by a litigator during the discovery phase of a litigation to respond to a request for production.
US08296305B2 Rules and method for improving image search relevance through games
An application conforming to a set of rules is described for improving the accuracy of results provided by image search engines through identifying images as true positive hits, true negatives, false positive hits, and false negatives. The set of rules comprise: (1) causing players to associate given images with given metadata; (2) associating a player with a skill level; (3) utilizing measures of accuracy and time; (4) causing players to select a few images from a relatively large pool of images; and (5) testing player tolerance. An application that conforms to these rules tests the relevancy of images to given metadata tags. The application provides information that is the basis for adjusting the metadata associated with the tested images so as to improve the relevancy of image search results lists that include these images.
US08296300B2 Method for reconstructing protein database and a method for screening proteins by using the same method
The present invention relates to a method for reconstructing protein database for identifying a protein and a method for screening a protein using the same, more precisely a method for reconstructing protein database, and a method for identifying a protein using the same. The method for reconstructing protein database and the method for identifying the protein of the invention are very useful for the investigation of endogenous proteins and their functions and interactions, and are further effectively used for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents for various diseases.
US08296293B2 Agent rank
The present invention provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for searching and ranking linked information sources. The techniques include receiving multiple content items from a corpus of content items; receiving digital signatures each made by one of multiple agents, each digital signature associating one of the agents with one or more of the content items; and assigning a score to a first agent of the multiple agents, wherein the score is based upon the content items associated with the first agent by the digital signatures.
US08296292B2 Internal ranking model representation schema
A markup language schema utilized to represent internal ranking models. In one implementation, the schema developed utilizes XML (extensible markup language) for internal ranking model representation. Other markups languages can be employed.
US08296286B2 Database processing method and database processing system
Provided is a database processing system including: a computer for outputting data in response to a received query request; and a storage system including a storage device for storing the data, in which: the storage device stores a plurality of partial indices indicating a storage location of the data; the data stored in the storage device is grouped; and the computer is configured to: receive the query request for the data; acquire one of the plurality of partial indices; specify, based on the query request for the data and the acquired one of the plurality of partial indices, a location at which the requested data is stored; and send a request to acquire the data stored at the specified location to the storage system. Accordingly, in the database processing system, a time period necessary to input and output the data is shortened.
US08296284B2 Guided navigation system
A navigation system is used in combination with a data retrieval system to more effectively locate the correct answers or information in search content. The navigation system provides taxonomies that identify different information categories and sub-categories (facets). Classifiers automatically classify the search content by identifying the content corresponding with associated facets. The facets, in conjunction with the associated classifiers, provide robust classification and correlation between both structured and unstructured content. Rules can be used in conjunction with the facets and classifiers to automatically control different navigation operations. The navigation system can also leverage ontologies to dynamically create taxonomies and provides unique facet expansion and intra-document classification operations.
US08296281B2 System and method for notifications relating to flight tracking or planning
A computer-implemented system and method processes flight position information and provides a notification to a remote user in response to a triggering event. Typically, flight position data is received over a digital network. The service accepts requests for notification based upon the position of a specified flight and subsequently provides that notification based upon the flight position data. Upon receiving a user query, a server retrieves a result set from the flight position data and determines if the triggering criteria has been met. In one form, the requested notification may be presented to the user in the form of an e-mail, telephone call, text message or the like. Also disclosed is a system for flight tracking or planning which includes photographs supplied by remote users of the aircraft for which the tracking or planning is associated, for use by other remote users that see the association of the supplied photos with the tracked or planned flight. Still further disclosed is a social system for use with flight tracking or planning which allows affiliated users to share information to the exclusion of other non-affiliated users.
US08296274B2 Considering multiple lookups in bloom filter decision making
Example apparatus, methods, and computers are configured to consider multiple lookups when making decisions concerning whether a probabilistic data structure indicates that an item is or is not present. One example method includes receiving a first response from a probabilistic data structure, where the first response indicates whether a first element is a member of a set of stored elements. The example method also includes receiving a set of second responses from the probabilistic data structure, where the set of second responses indicate whether members of a corresponding set of second elements are members of the set of stored elements. The method then provides a present/absent signal concerning whether the first element is a member of the set of stored elements. The signal is computed as a function of the first response and the set of second responses rather than merely as a function of the first response.
US08296271B1 System and method for optimizing data recovery in a parallel database
A method and system for data recovery in a parallel database system in which data stored in the database has been corrupted by a transaction or operation. Transaction log files corresponding to each node of the parallel database are scanned to determine an operation that caused the corruption of the stored data. Information corresponding to the corrupted data before the operation causing the corruption is then generated based on the scanned transaction log. The operation responsible for corrupting the data is then rolled back, and the corrupted data is replaced with the original data stored in the database prior to the corruption.
US08296267B2 Upgrade of highly available farm server groups
A machine manager controls the deployment and management of machines (physical and virtual) for an online service. Multi-tier server groups are arranged in farms that each may include different configurations. For example, their may be content farms, federated services farms and SQL farms that are arranged to perform operations for the online service. When the multiple farms are upgraded, new farms are deployed and the associated content databases from the old farms are moved to the newly deployed farms. During the upgrade of the farms, requests may continue to be processed by the farms. The farms may be automatically load balanced during an upgrade. As content becomes available on the new farm, requests for the content may be automatically redirected to the new farm.
US08296264B1 Method and system for file-level continuous data protection
Continuous data protection is performed as two parallel processes: creating an initial backup by copying a data as a file/directory from the storage device into the backup storage, and copying the data to be written to the data storage as a part of a file/directory into the incremental backup. Alternatively, it can be performed as one process: copying the data to be written to the data storage as a part of a file/directory on the storage. A write command to a file system driver is intercepted and redirected to the backup, and the data is written to the incremental backup. If the write command is also directed to a not yet backed up data (a file/directory), the identified data is copied from the storage device to intermediate storage. The write command is executed on the file/directory from the storage device, and the file/directory is copied from the intermediate storage.
US08296255B1 Method and apparatus for automatically classifying an unknown site to improve internet browsing control
A method and apparatus for automatically classifying an unknown web site to improve internet browsing control is described. In one embodiment, a method for classifying an unknown web site to control internet browsing comprising processing web site control data associated with at least one user that requested access to an unknown web site, wherein the web site control data comprises a web browsing behavior history and applying at least one metric to the web browsing behavior history to classify the unknown website.
US08296252B2 Process and apparatus for evaluating operational risks for aiding in vehicular maintenance decisions
The invention relates to a method and devices for evaluating operational risks in order to aid in the decisions concerning maintenance operations on vehicles during scheduled utilization of the vehicle. Scheduled utilization comprises at least one utilization period. After the degradation of at least one of the components of the vehicle has been analyzed (130), the functional consequences, for the vehicle, of the analyzed degradation are evaluated (125) according to the scheduled utilization of the vehicle. An operational index of the vehicle is then determined (110) for the utilization periods according to the evaluated functional consequences.
US08296251B1 Method and apparatus for generating collective intelligence to automate resource recommendations for improving a computer
A method for generating collective intelligence in order to automate resource recommendations for improving a computer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for generating, using at least one processor, collective intelligence in memory in order to recommend a resource for improving a computer comprises accessing configuration data associated with various resources at a plurality of computers, identifying usage patterns, based on the configuration data, associated with the various resources, wherein the identified usage patterns indicate at least one related resource for at least one resource of the various resources and determining a resource of the at least one related resource to utilize at a computer based on the identified usage patterns.
US08296246B2 Allocating virtual universe customer service
Virtual universe customer service representatives axe cloned and assigned as a function of observing customer behavior, retrieving historical data and creating a customer profile Preferential subavatar assignment parameters are determined for a customer as a function of the customer profile, choosing a subavatar from a plurality of subavatars as a function of a correlation of a subavatar performance characteristic with the preferential subavatar assignment parameter and a store objective, and the clone is populated with the chosen subavatar Choosing a subavatar may comprise preferentially rating subavatars and determining an appropriateness threshold as a function of the subavatar assignment parameter, the performance characteristics and the stole objective. Some embodiments reset a threshold in response to time-in-queue or to repetitively observing customer behavior, retrieving customer data, determining a subavatar assignment parameter and choosing a highest-rated available subavatar meeting a revised threshold. Subavatars may comprise automated, customer service representative-controlled and jointly-controlled subavatars.
US08296243B2 Systems for identifying and categorizing medical waste
Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.
US08296241B2 Telephone initiated text message response system
A system for providing text messages in response to telephone initiated service requests that includes a multi-function code, such as “*#” (star, pound), followed by an item code associated with a particular text message. Different item codes correspond to different text messages. The telecommunications switch recognizes the multi-function code as a trigger and responds by sending a data message containing the item code and identification information pertaining to the initiating telephone device to a data fulfillment center, which responds to the data message by sending the text message associated with the item code to the initiating telephone device over a wireless data network. The data fulfillment center may also send an Internet link to the initiating telephone device. A charge for this service may be automatically charged to an account associated with the originating telecommunications device.
US08296238B2 Shared royalty platform for content royalty management
Systems and methods for the dynamic processing of royalties are disclosed. Sales records are processed on a transaction basis rather than in batch mode. This process also allows correction of information retroactively, rather than delaying the entire processing of the information. One embodiment includes a system comprising a message broker in communication with a plurality of clients and services, a state machine, a processor and a time manager. The message broker interacts with the processor to execute a common service based on events produced by the state machine. Another embodiment includes a method comprising providing a rate matrix, receiving a sales record from a database and calculating a royalty payment using the sales record and the rate matrix.
US08296224B2 Constrained optimized binning for scorecards
Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for generating bins for a scorecard. An approximate set of bins is generated by applying an optimization model to binning data. The optimization model includes an objective function, constraints, and surrogate weight of evidence metric(s). The approximated set of bins are then used in scorecard operations.
US08296212B2 Issuing machine and issuing system
An issuing system for issuing unmodifiable and/or unforgeable hardcopy documents or securities includes a server and a plurality of issuing machines connected to the server via a network. Each of the issuing machines receives an ID recording medium provided by a potential purchaser, retrieves an identification recoded in the received ID recording medium, requests the potential purchaser to input request for a transaction of the security or fixed rate financing instrument, processes the requested transaction by retrieving information via a network from the server, and prints out on demand a hardcopy of the security or fixed rate financing instrument as purchased by the potential purchaser and a checksum thereon. A method for forming a new market with the issuing system.
US08296202B2 Task management system
A task management system includes: an attribute information acquiring unit acquiring attribute information indicating an attribute of a document corresponding to document data; a billing destination information generator extracting attribute information specifying a billing destination of a cost caused as a price of performance of a task using the document data from the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquiring unit and generating billing destination information indicating the billing destination on the basis of the extracted attribute information; a process content information storage storing process content information indicating a content of a process performed on the document data by a task terminal used by a task performer; a task content specifier specifying the content of the task performed on the document data by the task performer on the basis of the process content information stored in the process content information storage; a cost correlation storage storing a correlation of the content of the task and the cost caused as the price of the performance of the task; a billing amount information generator generating billing amount information indicating a billing amount for the billing destination on the basis of the content of the task specified by the task content specifier and the correlation stored in the cost correlation storage; and a billing information storage correlating and storing the billing destination information generated by the billing destination information generator and the billing amount information generated by the billing amount information generator.
US08296199B2 Construction payment management system and method with sub-tier document exchange and approval features
Systems and methods for managing a construction payment process wherein a higher degree of functionality is provided to primary users and only a limited subset of functionality is provided to sub-tier contractors. One construction of the system is configured to receive an electronically signed document and a request for payment from the sub-tier contractor. The request for payment is presented to a first primary user who is a contractual parent of the sub-tier contractor. When approval of the request for payment is received, a payment is initiated from a project payor to the sub-tier contractor. In some embodiments, the project payor is a contractual grandparent of the sub-tier contractor and a contractual parent of the first primary user.
US08296194B2 Method, medium, and system for ranking dishes at eating establishments
Data-driven item value determinations for a user-interested topic are automatically generated and made available to a user for rendering effective, efficient decisional choices on one or more aspects of the user-interested topic. Information on components of the user-interested topic relevant to a user's decisional choices are mined from the internet and collated to generate values that identify optimum user choices. User input is utilized to tailor generated value determinations for specific user preferences, issues and/or concerns. Data-driven item value determinations can be generated for a host of user-interested topics including, but not limited to, eating establishment nutritional choices and shopping mall criteria.
US08296191B1 Electronic open-market commerce system and method
A computer implemented method for administering a sales transaction, including: receiving consumer transaction requirements and seller transaction requirements within one or more established transaction parameters; filtering the consumer transaction requirements based on the seller transaction requirements and producing a subset of consumer transaction requirements based on the filtering; receiving bids from potential sellers, wherein the bids are limited to a predefined number and type of variables; displaying the bids to potential sellers and receiving subsequent bids; displaying a plurality of the bids and the identities of the potential sellers that correspond to the displayed bids to one or more potential consumers; and receiving from the one or more potential consumers an acceptance or rejection of one or more of the displayed bids.
US08296188B2 Image display system, server apparatus, and terminal apparatus
Commodity images that tend to be selected by a user can be smoothly and efficiently displayed on the user's terminal without requiring the user's effort. A server acquires a plurality of commodity images to be transmitted to a mobile terminal from a commodity DB based on a purchase history stored in a user DB and an image feature amount of image DB, and transmits the acquired commodity images to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal receives the commodity images transmitted from the server and sequentially displays the received commodity images one by one as a slide show on the entire screen of a monitor. Therefore, the visual images of the commodities can be easily displayed without causing the user to perform special operations and without displaying extra information such as text.
US08296186B2 System and method for determining locations for placement of printed promotional material at point-of-purchase on a retail structure
A system and method of determining point-of-purchase placement locations for printed promotional materials on a retail structure includes loading, by a processing device from a database, data representative of a retail structure; determining a plurality of advertisement placement locations on the retail structure; determining a point-of-placement priority value for each of the plurality of advertisement placement locations; receiving an advertising campaign comprising data representing a plurality of advertising campaign items, each item including an associated item priority value; determining a location on the retail structure for each of the advertising campaign items based upon the item priority values and the point-of-placement priority values; and providing a report to an operator of the retail structure indicating where each of the advertising campaign items is to be displayed on the retail structure.
US08296172B2 Method and system for determining audience response to a sensory stimulus
The present invention is directed to a method and system for measuring the biologically based responses of an audience to a presentation that provides sensory stimulating experience and determining a measure of the level and pattern of engagement of that audience to the presentation. In particular, the invention is directed to a method and system for measuring one or more biologically based responses of one or more persons being exposed to the presentation in order to determine the moment-to-moment pattern and overall level of engagement. Further, the invention can be used to determine whether the presentation or the content in the presentation is more effective in a population relative to other presentations (or content) and other populations and to help identify elements of the presentation that contribute to the high level of engagement and the effectiveness and success of the presentation for that population.
US08296171B2 User interface for human involved business processes
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for providing a graphical representation of a business process. According to one embodiment, a method for providing a user-relevant view of a business process can comprise reading a definition of the business process. A determination can be made as to whether a milestone in the business process is relevant to an end user of the business process based on a set of pre-defined milestones for the business process. In response to determining the milestone in the business process is relevant to the end user a visualization of the business process can be generated that includes the milestone. In response to determining the milestone in the business process is not relevant to the end user, a visualization of the business process can be generated that does not include the milestone.
US08296170B2 Process management system and method
A business process or project management system provides for creation of a project or process definition which includes all activities required to complete the process as well as any dependencies, conditions, and deadlines for each activity, and participants designated to carry out the activities. Once the process is started, activities are carried out in turn when the dependencies and conditions are met, and the system updates when any activities are complete so that any activities dependent on completed activities can be started. A reporting module creates status reports for each activity which are displayed to a user such as an administrator on a user interface. Stored information on previous instances of an activity are used to predict when an activity is likely to be late and to provide alerts to users prior to starting the activity.
US08296168B2 System and method for analysis of an opinion expressed in documents with regard to a particular topic
System and method for analysis of an opinion expressed in documents on a particular topic computes opinion strength on a continuous numeric scale, or qualitatively. A variety of opinion scoring techniques are plugged in to score opinion expressing words and sentences in documents. These scores are aggregated to measure the opinion intensity of documents. Multilingual opinion analysis is supported by capability to concurrently identify and visualize the opinion intensity expressed in documents in multiple languages. A multi-dimensional representation of the measured opinion intensity is generated which is agreeable with multi-lingual domain.
US08296163B2 Method and system for medical treatment review
A method of medical treatment review. The method can include the steps of receiving patient data into a patient database in which the patient data at least includes a diagnosis of the patient and providing one or more treatment protocols for the patient for selection by a treating provider in which the treatment protocols are pre-approved for the patient diagnosis. The method can also include the steps of analyzing a selection of a treatment protocol by the treating provider and generating an authorization of the selected treatment protocol based on predefined criteria. Generating the authorization of the selected treatment protocol can include generating the authorization without any peer review if the selected protocol meets the predefined criteria or generating the authorization following peer review if the selected protocol does not meet the predefined criteria.
US08296160B1 System and method for integrated customer management
An automated system and method for customer management deploys customer databases to profile customer service requests for distribution to appropriately assigned agent representatives. The representatives adopt particular roles according to customer care volume, inquiry type, time of day and other customer management needs. Consumer profiles may be accessed in real time to combine customer care events with cross-selling and other promotions related to the consumer's transaction history and other factors.
US08296158B2 Methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding object-based audio signals
An audio decoding method and apparatus and an audio encoding method and apparatus which can efficiently process object-based audio signals are provided. The audio decoding method includes receiving a downmix signal, which is obtained by downmixing a plurality of object signals, and object side information, extracting metadata from the object-side information and displaying an information regarding the object signals based on the metadata.
US08296153B2 Computerized information presentation methods
Methods for providing information useful to a user of a remote computerized apparatus. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving via a network link a digitized speech input relating to an organization or entity which a user wishes to locate; based at least in part on the input, identifying a location associated with the organization or entity; and selecting and causing provision of a graphical or visual representation of the location via the network link, the graphical or visual representation of the location also comprising a graphical or visual representation of the surroundings of the organization or entity.
US08296152B2 System and method for automatic distribution of conversation topics
A method and system for distributing to a destination a notification of a topic being discussed by two participants of a voice call. Terms are extracted from an audio stream generated during the voice call. A topic is determined based on the extracted terms. A topic notification identifying the topic and at least one of the two participants is sent to a destination. A recipient of the notification may indicate a desire to join the voice call. Upon approval by one of the participants, the recipient may be joined to the voice call.
US08296151B2 Compound gesture-speech commands
A multimedia entertainment system combines both gestures and voice commands to provide an enhanced control scheme. A user's body position or motion may be recognized as a gesture, and may be used to provide context to recognize user generated sounds, such as speech input. Likewise, speech input may be recognized as a voice command, and may be used to provide context to recognize a body position or motion as a gesture. Weights may be assigned to the inputs to facilitate processing. When a gesture is recognized, a limited set of voice commands associated with the recognized gesture are loaded for use. Further, additional sets of voice commands may be structured in a hierarchical manner such that speaking a voice command from one set of voice commands leads to the system loading a next set of voice commands.
US08296145B2 Voice dialing using a rejection reference
A voice dialing method includes the steps of receiving an utterance from a user, decoding the utterance to identify a recognition result for the utterance, and communicating to the user the recognition result. If an indication is received from the user that the communicated recognition result is incorrect, then it is added to a rejection reference. Then, when the user repeats the misunderstood utterance, the rejection reference can be used to eliminate the incorrect recognition result as a potential subsequent recognition result. The method can be used for single or multiple digits or digit strings.
US08296137B2 Method and apparatus for coding and decoding amplitude of partial
Provided are a method and apparatus for coding and decoding an amplitude of partials, in which a step phenomenon can be prevented in the result of coding the amplitude of continuation partial partials in a parametric codec, thereby improving reproduced sound quality. The method of coding the amplitude of partials includes obtaining an inversely quantized amplitude of partials of a previous frame, determining a quantization level based on a function for the inversely quantized amplitude of the partials of the previous frame, and quantizing an amplitude of partials of a current frame based on the determined quantization level.
US08296132B2 Apparatus and method for comfort noise generation
The disclosure provides a method for noise generation, including: determining an initial value of a reconstructed parameter; determining a random value range based on the initial value of the reconstructed parameter; taking a value in the random value range randomly as a reconstructed noise parameter; and generating noise by using the reconstructed noise parameter. The disclosure also provides an apparatus for noise generation.
US08296130B2 Systems and methods for word offensiveness detection and processing using weighted dictionaries and normalization
Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for identifying language that would be considered obscene or otherwise offensive to a user or proprietor of a system. A plurality of offensive words are received, where each offensive word is associated with a severity score identifying the offensiveness of that word. A string of words is received. A distance between a candidate word and each offensive word in the plurality of offensive words is calculated, and a plurality of offensiveness scores for the candidate word are calculated, each offensiveness score based on the calculated distance between the candidate word and the offensive word and the severity score of the offensive word. A determination is made as to whether the candidate word is an offender word, where the candidate word is deemed to be an offender word when the highest offensiveness score in the plurality of offensiveness scores exceeds an offensiveness threshold value.
US08296129B2 System and process for grammatical inference
A grammatical inference system for inferring a grammar from a plurality of example sentences. The system selects sentences having a common suffix or prefix component; identifies the other of said suffix or prefix component of each selected sentence; generating rules for generating the example sentences and the other components; reduces the right hand side of each rule on the basis of the right hand sides of the other rules; and generates a grammar on the basis of the reduced rules.
US08296128B2 Handheld electronic device and method employing logical proximity of characters in spell checking
An improved handheld electronic device and associated method employing an improved spell checking routine enable proposed spelling corrections having a close logical proximity to an active input to be output at a position of preference for easy selection by the user. By way of example, a base character and the various accented forms thereof can be said to have a logical proximity to one another that is closer than their logical proximity to any character having a different base character, whether additionally having a diacritical element or not.
US08296124B1 Method and apparatus for detecting incorrectly translated text in a document
A system that detects incorrectly translated text in a document. During operation, the system determines a target language for the document. The system then identifies one or more terms in the document that are invalid terms for the language. Next, the system analyzes correlations between these invalid terms, and, based on these correlations, determines whether one or more of the invalid terms comprise incorrectly translated text.
US08296120B2 FPGA simulated annealing accelerator
Iterative repair problems are generally solved using a combinatorial search method such as simulated annealing are addressed with a FPGA-based coarse-grain pipelined architecture to accelerate a simulated annealing based iterative repair-type event scheduling application. Over 99% of the work done by any simulated annealing algorithm is the repeated execution of three high-level steps: (1) generating, (2) evaluating, and (3) determining the acceptability of a new problem solution. A pipelined processor is designed to take advantage of these steps.
US08296118B1 Automated linearization analysis
A method and apparatus automatically determines equilibrium operating conditions of a system model. The automated method enables users of block diagram models of dynamic systems to utilize simulation to define operating conditions for linearization. The automated method further allows users to generate operating conditions during simulation instead of explicitly specifying them by hand or using trim analysis. In accordance with one example, the method of generating a linear time invariant model includes providing a system model. A user specifies at least one event at which a linearization analysis should be performed. A simulation of the system model is executed. The electronic device automatically performs the linearization analysis upon occurrence of the at least one event as the simulation is running. Output results are generated of the linearization analysis to form the linear time invariant model.
US08296113B2 Virtual steering of induction tool attenuation and phase difference measurements
An apparatus and method that provide steerable measurements of attenuation and phase difference are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a logging tool is provided with two triads of orthogonal receivers and a triad of orthogonal transmitters. A controller in the logging tool fires selected transmitters singly and in pairs, and determines measurements of ratios between signals received by the receiver triads. The measurement of sixteen ratios is sufficient to allow determination of attenuation and phase difference that would be measured by virtually steered receivers according to equations provided herein.
US08296110B2 Forming condition determination method and forming condition determination system
A forming speed determination method for determining a forming speed of a press-processing device with a plurality of measurement points on a sheet material to conduct press-forming of the sheet material with a press-processing device at a predetermined forming speed. Strain states at respective points on the press-formed sheet material are plotted on a forming limit diagram including the forming limit curve of a sheet material to produce a strain distribution chart. Subsequently, the closest point to the forming limit curve among the points is defined as a specific measurement point. When this specific measurement point is located in the bulge region, the forming speed of a press-processing device is decreased to be slower than the above-mentioned predetermined forming speed. Meanwhile, when this specific measurement point is located in the draw region, the forming speed of a press-processing device is increased to be faster than the above-mentioned predetermined forming speed.
US08296101B1 Systems and methods for evaluating environmental aspects of shipping systems
According to various embodiments, package evaluation systems and methods are provided for evaluating the sustainability of packaging used in the shipment of goods. In particular, the package evaluation systems and methods are configured for performing package evaluations and managing and providing access to data resulting from package evaluations. The package evaluations are designed to assess, among other things, the ability of sample packages to prevent damage to their contents, the volumetric efficiency of sample packages, and the sustainability of the materials used to construct sample packages. In addition, the systems and methods are further configured for assigning a certification to an entity associated with the evaluated packages based on the results of the evaluation.
US08296091B2 System and process for calibrating pyrometers in thermal processing chambers
A method and system for calibrating temperature measurement devices, such as pyrometers, in thermal processing chambers are disclosed. According to the present invention, the system includes a calibrating light source that emits light energy onto a substrate contained in the thermal processing chamber. A light detector then detects the amount of light that is being transmitted through the substrate. The amount of detected light energy is then used to calibrate a temperature measurement device that is used in the system.
US08296089B2 Method for compensating for angular transmission error of wave gear device
A positioning system (1) provided with an actuator (2) having a wave gear device (4) is driven and controlled by a semi-closed loop control for controlling the load position of a load device (5) based on the motor position of a motor shaft (31) of a motor (3). In a method for compensating for an angular transmission error by compensating for a motor shaft synchronous component θSync that occurs in synchrony with the motor position and is a relative rotation-synchronous component that includes an angular transmission error component of the wave gear device (4), the positioning system (1) is represented as a two-inertia model, and the motor shaft synchronous component θSync is represented as an oscillation source for producing a twisting action between the two inertia bodies in the two-inertia model. A motor current command iref is corrected by a compensation current command icomp calculated so as to allow the effect of the motor shaft synchronous component θSync on the load position to be compensated in this case, and a motor position command r is corrected by a motor position correction signal θcomp calculated in order to compensate for the effect of the motor shaft synchronous component θSync.
US08296088B2 Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials
Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.
US08296070B2 Method and apparatus for improved simulation of chemical and biochemical reactions
An integrated system for modeling, simulating and analyzing chemical and biochemical reactions includes a modeling environment for constructing a model of a chemical or biochemical reaction. The system also includes a simulation engine accepting as input said constructed model of the chemical or biochemical reaction and generating as output an expected result for a first chemical reaction using a first type of computational model and an expected result for a second chemical reaction using a second type of computational model. An analysis environment communicates with the simulation engine and displays the expected result.
US08296065B2 System and method for vitally determining position and position uncertainty of a railroad vehicle employing diverse sensors including a global positioning system sensor
A system vitally determines a position of a train. The system includes a plurality of diverse sensors, such as tachometers and accelerometers, structured to repetitively sense at least change in position and acceleration of the train, a global positioning system sensor, which is diverse from each of the diverse sensors, structured to repetitively sense position of the train, and a track map including a plurality of track segments which may be occupied by the train. A processor cooperates with the diverse sensors, the global positioning system sensor and the track map. The processor includes a routine structured to provide measurement uncertainty for each of the diverse sensors and the global positioning system sensor. The routine cross-checks measurements for the diverse sensors, and cross-checks the global positioning system sensor against the track map. The routine provides the vitally determined position of the train and the uncertainty of the vitally determined position.
US08296061B2 Presenting a travel route using more than one presentation style
Techniques are provided for presenting a route in a manner that emphasizes the route and provides context information. For example, a vivid color or vivid colors may be used to display the route, and pastel colors or other desaturated colors may be used for non-route context information. This may result in a map in which the vivid colors of the route stand out over the faded style of the non-route context information to emphasize the route. In this manner, the map may both emphasize the route and provide context information for the route.
US08296060B2 Method and device for assisting in the navigation of an airplane on the ground at an airport
A method and device for assisting in the navigation of an airplane on the ground at an airport employs a display unit for automatically presenting data relating to the path to be followed by the airplane at the airport in textual form on a display screen, and a display unit for automatically presenting this data in graphic form on a display screen, using a plot illustrating said path on an airport map.
US08296058B2 Method and apparatus of obtaining improved location accuracy using magnetic field mapping
Method and apparatus of increasing location accuracy of an inertial navigational device is described. The inertial navigation device generates real-time data and transmits the real-time data to a second device so that the second device may obtain a location of the inertial navigational device. The inertial navigational device receives an update message from the second device, wherein the update message is created at the second device based on a comparison of the real-time data generated by the inertial navigational device against a magnetic field database and adjusts the depicted location of the inertial navigational device based on the update message in order to increase the location accuracy of the inertial navigational device.
US08296052B2 Method for avoiding point rows for quadrilateral fields using autoguidance
A method for generating a swath pattern avoiding point rows for a work vehicle to be driven in a region of a field, which region can be described as having a first side boundary and an opposite second side boundary extending divergently between a first and an opposite second end boundary, the method generating a swath pattern including side by side swaths having centerlines that diverge uniformly between the end boundaries, the method also generating a plurality of swath patterns including options for disabling one or more individual rows of an implement for selection by an operator.
US08296051B2 Generalized high performance navigation system
A generalized high performance navigation system is provided using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. In one embodiment, a method of performing navigation includes receiving a LEO signal from a LEO satellite. The method also includes decoding a navigation signal from the LEO signal. The method further includes receiving first and second ranging signals from first and second ranging sources, respectively. In addition, the method includes determining calibration information associated with the first and second ranging sources. The method also includes calculating a position using the navigation signal, the first and second ranging signals, and the calibration information.
US08296042B2 Humidity detection via an exhaust gas sensor
Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine in a vehicle in response to an ambient humidity generated from an exhaust gas sensor. One example method comprises, during engine non-fueling conditions, where at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve of the engine are operating, generating an ambient humidity from the exhaust gas sensor and, under selected engine combusting conditions, adjusting an engine operating parameter based on the ambient humidity.
US08296031B2 Electronic hydraulic pressure control system and control method thereof
Disclosed are an electronic hydraulic pressure control system and a control method thereof, capable of detecting an error in differential pressure between a master cylinder and a wheel cylinder. The control method includes the steps of acquiring pressure of a master cylinder and pedal pressure according to a stroke distance of a pedal, detecting a time point at which the pressure of the master cylinder and the pedal pressure reach predetermined reference pressure, and determining that an error occurs if the time point exceeds a predetermined reference time point.
US08296029B2 Parking brake control system
A motor current detecting device is provided in a parking brake control system for detecting electric current flowing through an electric motor. And current supply to the electric motor is stopped in case of carrying out a parking brake releasing operation, when a time period in which a differentiated value of the electric current flowing through the electric motor is smaller than a predetermined threshold value exceeds a predetermined time. As a result, a partial braking condition, in which parking brake force partly remains even after the parking brake releasing operation, and which is caused by, for example, the elongation of the brake cable is prevented.
US08296024B2 Calibrating transmission motor torque
The described system and method allow a controller to calibrate a transmission variator of a continuously variable transmission for torque control by obtaining static and dynamic qualities and parameters of the variator through an automated calibration procedure. The system and method employ a pair of transmission mode configurations and operational configurations in combination to obtain system-specific information. In this way, the system is able to calibrate out the system variations to provide effective feed forward torque control of the continuously variable transmission. In an embodiment, a first calibration operation is performed while the transmission is neutralized and a second calibration operation is performed while the transmission is engaged in a mode providing a fixed variator output speed.
US08296022B2 Torque vectoring device and means for its control
A torque vectoring device directs different torques at will to the two wheels of a drive axle on a road vehicle. It has two hydraulically controlled disc clutches, connected to a drive shaft, extending through the device, and in engaged condition intended for connecting the drive shaft to either of two gear sleeves, each in splines engagement with an eccentric tube eccentrically journaled in relation to the drive shaft, and a torque transmitting mechanism with a gear ratio of 1:1 between the eccentric tube and a differential case sleeve, coaxial with the drive shaft and forming part of a differential case of a differential on the drive axle, to which differential the torque vectoring device is connected.
US08296018B2 Headrest system, seat with a headrest system, and vehicle including same
The invention relates to a headrest system comprising: a headrest device (1); a plurality of sensors (2, 3); and an electromechanical headrest device positioning system, associated to said sensors (2, 3). Data are recorded during an upward movement of the headrest device (1), relating to the distance between the headrest device (1) and the head in a plurality of positions of the headrest device (1) throughout said upward movement. The upward movement ends when, through the sensors, the system detects that the headrest is at a certain height. Based on this data recorded during the upward movement, the headrest device (1) is moved substantially horizontally until it is located at a certain distance from the head.
US08296016B2 Method for correcting measurements of the torque exerted on a steering wheel of an automobile vehicle electric power-assisted steering
The method consists of, when the instantaneous speed of the vehicle is greater than a pre-determined threshold: identifying that the vehicle travels in a straight line without torque exerted on the steering wheel; if the prior condition is met, determining an average residual torque for the steering wheel by calculating a sliding scale of measures of torque on the steering wheel; calculating a correction, if the average residual torque on the steering wheel is greater than a pre-determined minimum torque, which is proportional to the average residual torque to be applied to the torque measures on the steering wheel; calculating effective correction limited in terms of the speed of variation and amplitude in relation to the correction applied to the measures of torque on the steering wheel, said corrected measures being subsequently treated by the electronic calculator in order to control the electronic booster motor.
US08296015B2 Method and apparatus for decide turn condition using sensor
A method and apparatus of determining a straight-driving state or a turning state of a moving object using an acceleration sensor are provided. The method of determining a turning state using a sensor includes: reading sensor output signals of different axes from an acceleration sensor while a moving object is being driven wherein the acceleration sensor is an at least two axes acceleration sensor and detects an acceleration of the moving object; and comparing the read sensor output signals of the different axes and determining whether the moving object is in a straight-driving state or in a turning state.
US08296011B2 Systems and methods involving quadrant dependent active damping
A method for controlling a steering system, including, receiving a first signal representative of a torque applied to a steering wheel, receiving a second signal representative of a motor velocity of a motor operatively linked to the steering wheel, multiplying the first signal with the second signal resulting in a product signal, applying a backlash function to the product signal, wherein the backlash function imparts a defined hysteresis in the system, multiplying a defined first-third quadrant scaling factor with an active damping signal, and sending a resultant motor command signal to the motor responsive to determining that the product signal is a positive signal, and multiplying a defined second-fourth quadrant scaling factor with the active damping signal, and sending the resultant motor command signal to the motor responsive to determining that the product signal is a negative signal.
US08296007B2 Embedded vehicle data recording tools for vehicle servicing
Various embodiments include tools for vehicle data recording for vehicle servicing. A methods, a computer for installation in a vehicle, and a computer program product may be provided for recording diagnostic vehicle data. An input may be received from memory including a plurality of vehicle data recording parameters which comprise a vehicle data recording configuration. A data recording trigger signal may also be received. Upon receipt of the trigger signal, diagnostic data may be received from one or more vehicle modules over a vehicle network communicating with the computer. The diagnostic data may be based on the vehicle data recording configuration. The diagnostic data may be stored in memory for diagnosing one or more vehicle concerns.
US08296006B2 Tire pressure monitoring device
In a tire pressure monitoring device, a receiving apparatus 1 detects a received signal level from sensor units 2 to judge, based on the signal level, tires, a front wheel or a rear wheel, provided with the sensor units 2. It estimates collision of data signals from the sensor units 2a, 2b of the front wheel and from the sensor units 2c 2d of the rear wheels. When it estimates that the data signals from the sensor units 2a, 2b of the front wheel and from the sensor units 2c 2d of the rear wheels collide with each other, it executes a process for acting an antenna shifting part 13 so as to produce a difference between the reception intensity levels.
US08296004B2 Electrically-driven vehicle
In an electrically driven vehicle equipped with a battery usable for running, a power generation unit of engine driven type that charges the battery is detachably mounted on the vehicle including a case where at least an engine of the power generation unit is detachably mounted, and the vehicle includes first stop means for bringing the power generation unit in a stopped state when the power generation unit is installed in or removed from the vehicle, and a generation stop switch for making an operation request to the power generation unit. More specifically, the first stop means stops an operation request signal to the power generation unit through low-voltage system wires when the generation stop switch is ON (no operation request is made).
US08296002B2 Vehicle control apparatus
A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle, the vehicle provided with: a rotating electrical machine capable of inputting or outputting a torque with respect to an input shaft; and a transmission, which is disposed between the input shaft and an output shaft coupled with an axle, which is provided with a plurality of engaging apparatuses, which transmits a torque between the input shaft and the output shaft, and which can establish a plurality of gear stages having mutually different transmission gear ratios in accordance with engagement states of the plurality of engaging apparatuses, the transmission gear ratio being a ratio between a rotational speed of the input shaft and a rotational speed of the output shaft, the vehicle control apparatus provided with: a detecting device for detecting a braking operation amount of a driver; and an input shaft torque controlling device for controlling a torque of the input shaft such that in cases where the detected braking operation amount changes in a reducing direction which promotes a reduction in a braking force applied to the vehicle in a coast regeneration speed change period in which the gear stage is changed at the time of coast regeneration of the rotating electrical machine, a change in torque of the output shaft accompanied by the change in the braking operation amount is suppressed.
US08295991B2 Fan speed control system and method
A fan speed control system includes a fan, a hardware device, and a basic input/output system (BIOS) module. The BIOS module includes a memory unit, an edit unit, a searching unit, and a control unit. The memory unit stores a matching table of different hardware device numbers and corresponding fan speed control curves. The edit unit is operable to edit the matching table. The searching unit is operable to read the matching table and search which fan speed control curve matches with the hardware device number of the hardware device. The control unit is operable to select the matched fan speed control curve to control the fan speed of the fan.
US08295990B2 Low cost and flexible energy management system with a scheduling capability
A method and system for controlling the operation of accessories in a home energy management system which manages a plurality of communication networks. The schedules are generated by using a central controller and interacting with a user interface found on a device separate from the central controller. The plurality of schedules are stored in the storage of the central controller, and a current schedule is selected from the stored schedules. The selected schedule is loaded onto an accessory through one of the communication channels for controlling the associate accessory.
US08295987B2 Systems and methods for performance monitoring and identifying upgrades for wind turbines
A method for indicating a performance of a wind turbine is provided. Target performance data are created based at least in part on performance data for one or more wind turbines of interest. Baseline performance data are calculated based at least in part on performance data for a plurality of other wind turbines. The target performance data are compared to the baseline performance data to create a relative performance profile. In addition, a graphical representation of the relative performance profile may be created, and an available upgrade for the wind turbines of interest may be evaluated based at least in part on performance data for one or more wind turbines including the available upgrade.
US08295982B2 Heat dissipation apparatus, heat dissipation method thereof, and container data center utilizing the heat dissipation apparatus
A heat dissipation apparatus includes an air conditioning unit, a plurality of temperature sensors, a plurality of adjustable air outlet boards, a plurality of actuators, and a control unit. The temperature sensors determine the temperature of server racks. The adjustable air outlet boards guide airflow from the air conditioning device to the corresponding server racks. The actuator adjusts the corresponding adjustable air outlet board to alter the airflow to the corresponding server rack. The control unit receives the temperature detected by the temperature sensors to submit corresponding control signals, altering power supplied to the air conditioning unit and adjust the adjustable air outlet boards through the actuators. The present disclosure further provides a heat dissipation method and a container data center including the heat dissipation apparatus as disclosed.
US08295977B2 Medicine dispenser
(Object) To enable, in an operation of supplying a medicine to a medicine cassette, in which it is typical that the medicine once put in a vial bottle is recovered to a medicine cassette (medicine receiving container), an operation of specifying the medicine cassette to which the medicine is to be supplied to be performed more accurately and more efficiently.(Solving Means) Information used for specifying the medicine is read by reading a prescription code (d31) recorded as a bar code on a vial bottle (S202) or is input as search information through an operation portion (S221). As a result, a cassette shelf (2) (cassette code (d21)) to which a medicine cassette (1) for receiving the medicine corresponding to the input information is mounted is specified (S203, S224), and a shelf lamp (3) provided to the specified cassette shelf (2) is brought into a predetermined notification display state (blinking state).
US08295976B2 Method and device for determining the degree of filling of a container with filled envelopes
A system and method for determining the degree of filling of a container with filled envelopes is described including dynamically determining the real thickness of each of the filled envelopes of a plurality of filled envelopes before it is loaded into the container and evaluating the degree of filling of the container on the basis of the real thicknesses of envelopes thus determined.
US08295972B2 High performance milling
Technology for milling selected portions of a workpiece by a cutting tool of a numerical control machine is described. The described technology can receive a main toolpath, the main toolpath comprising one or more cuts; compute one or more transition toolpaths, each transition toolpath defining a transition area intersecting one or more of the cuts of the main toolpath; trim one or more cuts of the main toolpath near two or more points of intersection between the main toolpath and the transition toolpaths; connect the trimmed portions of the main toolpath with one or more connecting moves such that each connecting move is mostly inside one or more of the transition areas; and mill the selected portions of the workpiece by moving the cutting tool in accordance with the cuts, transition toolpaths, trimmed cuts, and connecting moves.
US08295971B2 Computer assisted determination of tapped threads from CAD file
A computer program, system and method receives a customer's CAD file of a custom part to be formed. Depending upon customer responses to several basic queries, the CAD file is analyzed to identify acceptable holes for tapping. For each identified hole, an appropriate and available thread size is automatically selected, even if the cylindrical recess differs in size from the characteristic size of the threaded hole. The customer is then automatically advised 10 of the results of the tapping analysis, preferably as part of a quotation for part manufacture that identifies the number of threaded holes in the part and preferably identifies the changes to the tapped holes and the specific thread form being quoted for the hole.
US08295969B2 Combinatorial processing management system
A combinatorial processing management system is described, including determining an identification for a substrate, retrieving data from tools operating on the substrate, generating an analysis of the data in response to the retrieving, and storing the data and the analysis in a database indexed by the identification. The analysis may include comparisons between multiple processes performed on multiple regions of the substrate. The multiple processes may process at least one region of the substrate differently from at least one other region of the substrate.
US08295964B2 Method for selecting equipment resources in a manufacturing process
A method for selecting equipment resources in a manufacturing process creates an execution equipment list by retrieving out of a database execution equipment required for starting a process segment. A list of available sub-equipments of the execution equipment is retrieved out of the database. Within the list of sub-equipments a check is performed on the availability of a totality of required equipments for each of a totality of work segments of the process segment respectively. The execution equipment is selected for the starting of the process segment. Each of the required equipments for execution of each of the work segments is selected respectively, in the case where the required equipment for the work segment is available. An output list is created and contains information about assignments of each of the required equipments to each of the work segments respectively in the case where all of the required equipments are available.
US08295957B2 Method and system providing a customized audio presentation tailored to a predetermined event sequence
There is provided a method of customizing an audio presentation for tailoring to a predetermined event sequence, one embodiment comprising identifying the predetermined event sequence from a predetermined event sequence database, associating a first audio asset with one or more selected events of the predetermined event sequence, synchronizing the timing of the first audio assets with the timing of the selected events, and linking the first audio assets to produce a customized audio presentation tailored to the predetermined event sequence. In one embodiment, the method includes downloading an interactive audio presentation content including an interactive audio presentation program, an audio assets database, and the predetermined event sequence database to a client computer. In one embodiment, a system for customizing an audio presentation tailored to a predetermined event sequence comprises a client computer, a client memory located on the client computer, and interactive audio presentation content.
US08295956B2 Control device having an integrated machine model
A production machine can be controlled by a control device in accordance with a control program which is stored in the control device. The production machine has at least two elements having interfaces, which are connected to one another at the interfaces. The control device stores element descriptions of possible elements, which respectively comprise at least one list of the existing interfaces, such that the control device can determine which elements can be connected to one another. The control device also stores a desired expansion description which at least comprises which elements the production machine has and which interfaces are said to connect the elements to one another. The control device has an operator interface which an operator of the production machine can use to request the desired expansion description which can be output to the operator on the basis of the request and can be changed by the operator.
US08295950B1 Intelligent power management system
A refrigerated truck has a power management system for optimally distributing power between one or more energy sources, energy sinks, or energy storage components on the refrigerated truck. One such power consuming component includes a refrigeration unit that cools a refrigerated compartment of the refrigerated truck. Particularly with regard to this refrigeration unit, the power management system is operative to direct power from multiple power sources to the refrigeration unit so as to efficiently use available power. To do so, the power management system dynamically determines the availability of certain power sources and selects a preferred power source based on availability and a defined order of power source preference. For example, one defined order of power source preference may include, in order of preference upon availability, a shore power source, a truck engine generator drivingly connected to the refrigerated truck's engine, one or more auxiliary power sources, and a stand alone refrigerator unit engine.
US08295946B2 Electrode assembly with fibers for a medical device
An electrode assembly includes an electrode adapted to at least partially surround a first longitudinal portion of a target nerve or nerve bundle. The electrode includes an inner surface adapted to contact an outer surface of the target nerve or nerve bundle. The electrode also includes a plurality of fiber elements each having a proximal end and a distal end. The fiber elements are coupled at the proximal ends to the inner surface of the electrode and the distal ends of the fiber elements are operative to penetrate the outer surface of the target nerve or nerve bundle.
US08295937B2 Optimizing pitch allocation in a cochlear stimulation system
Optimizing pitch allocation in a cochlear stimulation system may include implanting an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes into the cochlea of a patient, where the electrode array has an associated implant fitting characteristic that defines a relationship between the implanted electrode array and audio frequencies, presenting sounds through the electrode array to the patient, receiving from the patient a selection of one of the sounds that most closely conforms to a single note, and determining a slope of the implant fitting characteristic of the electrode array based on the sound selected by the patient. Each sound may include a fundamental frequency and one or more harmonics. The optimization may also include changing a center frequency of a band pass filter associated with each electrode based on the determined slope.
US08295936B2 Implantable neurostimulator device
The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.
US08295932B2 Ingestible capsule for appetite regulation
A method is provided for treating a subject. The method includes administering to the subject an ingestible capsule containing one or more flexible support elements adapted to expand while in a stomach of the subject, thereby bringing a plurality of electrodes into contact with a wall of the stomach. The method also includes driving the electrodes to apply an electrical signal to the stomach wall at first and second times, the second time at last 24 hours after the first time. Other embodiments are also described.
US08295931B2 Self-sealing septum assembly
Exemplary septum assemblies include first and second housing components each defined by at least an inner surface, at least one sealing strip disposed at least partially on at least one of the inner surfaces of the housing components, and a compression member at least partially surrounding the housing components.
US08295928B2 Pre-excitation pacing for treatment of hypertension
Described herein are methods and apparatus for treating hypertension with electrical pre-excitation pacing therapy. Electrical pre-excitation of a hypertrophic region advances the timing of the regional contraction and reduces its contribution to the overall contraction. Such pre-excitation pacing therapy may be beneficial to hypertensive patients with an abnormal distribution of ventricular wall stress/strain.
US08295927B2 Closed loop impedance-based cardiac resynchronization therapy systems, devices, and methods
This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods measure an impedance and, in response, adjust an atrioventricular (AV) delay or other cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) parameter that synchronizes left and right ventricular contractions. A first example uses parameterizes a first ventricular volume against a second ventricular volume during a cardiac cycle, using a loop area to create a synchronization fraction (SF). The CRT parameter is adjusted in closed-loop fashion to increase the SF. A second example measures a septal-freewall phase difference (PD), and adjusts a CRT parameter to decrease the PD. A third example measures a peak-to-peak volume or maximum rate of change in ventricular volume, and adjusts a CRT parameter to increase the peak-to-peak volume or maximum rate of change in the ventricular volume.
US08295926B2 Dynamic nerve stimulation in combination with other eating disorder treatment modalities
A method for treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of nerves is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating a nerve using an electrode. The method further comprises performing a surgical procedure and/or administering a weight loss drug.
US08295917B2 Fluorescence endoscope and fluorometry method
A fluorescence endoscope and a fluorometry method that allow distinguishing between normal and affected areas in a simple manner by reducing the effect of the distance from a subject. A light source that emits light for irradiation of a subject, fluorescence image-acquiring section for acquiring an image of fluorescence contained in return light originating from the subject, fluorescence-image generating section for generating fluorescence image data based on fluorescence-related data acquired by the fluorescence image-acquiring section, region-of-concern defining section for defining a region of concern with a higher fluorescence intensity than a surrounding region based on the fluorescence image data, neighboring-region defining section for defining a neighboring region near the region of concern, and image-operation section for generating corrected image data based on the ratio of a grayscale level related to fluorescence intensity in the region of concern to a grayscale level related to fluorescence intensity in the neighboring region.
US08295910B1 Imaging method for monitoring delivery of high dose rate brachytherapy
A method for in-situ monitoring both the balloon/cavity and the radioactive source in brachytherapy treatment utilizing using at least one pair of miniature gamma cameras to acquire separate images of: 1) the radioactive source as it is moved in the tumor volume during brachytherapy; and 2) a relatively low intensity radiation source produced by either an injected radiopharmaceutical rendering cancerous tissue visible or from a radioactive solution filling a balloon surgically implanted into the cavity formed by the surgical resection of a tumor.
US08295906B2 MRI guided radiation therapy
Radiation therapy of a lesion within a patient is guided to take into account movement of the lesion caused by respiration and/or cardiac effects by using MRI to image the patient while on the treatment support to obtain a series of images of a location of the lesion within the patient while obtaining data relating to respiration and/or cardiac function of the patient to generate lesion movement data as a function of respiration and/or cardiac function. After the magnet is removed from the bunker, during the radiation therapy, real time data relating to respiration and/or cardiac function of the patient is used to guide the radiation therapy using the lesion movement data obtained during the imaging.
US08295904B2 Micro vein enhancer
The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.
US08295890B2 Intra-vehicular mobile device usage detection system and method of using the same
A system and method for detecting and storing mobile device usage by a driver of a vehicle. An antenna in a vehicle is configured and positioned to detect mobile device signals from the driver area in the vehicle. A processor in communication with the antenna analyzes the detected signals for frequency and strength. The antenna and processor may communicate with vehicle data collection systems (e.g., GPS, telemetry, etc.) such that the mobile device usage data may be collected along with the vehicle operation data. The mobile device usage data and vehicle operational data can be evaluated to determine the impact of mobile device usage by the driver of a vehicle. The data may be especially useful to the trucking, train, bus, and mass transit industries in order to educate drivers about the dangers associated with using mobile devices while driving.
US08295885B2 Methods and apparatus for providing restrictions on communications of a wireless communication device
Techniques in a wireless device for use in providing restrictions on communications via a cellular network are described. The wireless device communicates with a host enterprise server of a private network which is external to the cellular network for performing data synchronization in association with a personal information manager (PIM) application. The wireless device receives communication restriction information from this same host enterprise server in the private network, and stores this information in its memory. The wireless device determines whether a communication is restricted by comparing a user selected code of a communication attempt with one or more codes of the stored information. If the communication is determined to be restricted, the wireless device disallows the communication via the cellular network. If the communication is determined to not be restricted, the wireless device may allow the communication via the cellular network.
US08295878B2 Single number presentation for dual-mode phones
Providing a single number presentation to the party called by a dual-mode phone. The operation of the cellular side of a dual-mode phone is altered such that when the user attempts to place an outgoing call using the cellular phone, the call is redirected to a preprogrammed incoming phone number associated with the enterprise. When the enterprise PBX answers this call, the dual-mode phone transmits the desired number to the enterprise PBX. The enterprise PBX then places the call to the desired number, and in the process transmits the caller-id information assigned to the dual-mode phone.
US08295873B2 Communication terminal and method for use in radio communication system
A disclosed communication terminal includes a determination unit analyzing a received downlink control signal and determining an allowable maximum uplink transmission power level, a measurement unit performing different frequency measurement in a transmission gap period, a threshold determination unit determining whether the allowable maximum level is higher than or equal to a threshold within a predefined period before the start and/or after the end of the transmission gap period, a transmission power control unit setting an uplink transmission power level, and a transmission unit transmitting an uplink signal at the determined power level. If the allowable maximum level is higher than or equal to the threshold, the transmission power control unit sets the uplink transmission power level to or below a predefined level lower than the allowable maximum level within the predefined period before the start and/or after the end of the transmission gap period.
US08295871B2 Method and apparatus for limiting peer-to-peer communication interference
Peer-to-peer communication between user terminals in a licensed spectrum is enabled by a method comprising the following steps: —communicating directly, peer-to-peer, between the first and the second mobile terminal, and —disconnecting the peer-to-peer communication in dependence of control signals received or not received from the base station. Thus, according to the invention, the network is enabled to control the peer-to-peer communication between two user terminals.
US08295868B2 Downlink control information format for multiple codeword transmission
Systems and methods are disclosed that relate to a wireless communication system. Theses systems and methods include providing information from a base station to a mobile device than enables the mobile device to use at least one DCI format. In some embodiments, this information is provided by receiving data over a wireless communication channel. The transmitted data comprises identification information that identifies the format of the transmitted data being transmitted. These systems and methods may also include identifying the format of the transmitted data and processing the transmitted data using the identified format of the transmitted data.
US08295865B1 Method and systems for short message forwarding services
Methods and systems are described for processing visual messages, such as text or multimedia messages, originated from a mobile phone. In an embodiment, a visual message from an originating wireless telephonic device is directed to an original destination address associated with a user. An indication that the visual message has been received at a first telecommunications system, wherein an original destination associated with the original destination address is not available to receive the originating wireless telephonic device visual message. The visual message is wirelessly transmitted to an alternate destination.
US08295854B2 System for preventing text messaging while driving
A system and method are described to disable texting while driving a moving vehicle. The position and speed of a user's cell phone are compared with that of a registered master phone. If the position and speed track that of the master phone, it is assumed that the user is a passenger and not a driver, and texting is enabled for that user. Texting at speed is disabled for a master phone user who may be an ordinary citizen or may be a professional driver of a mass transit vehicle. The user of a master phone may utilize a different service provider than a passenger. Information parameter measurements such as cell phone position, velocity, and direction of travel are time stamped and then passed between service providers or alternately made available to other service providers by way of a central database.
US08295850B2 Random access channel frequency allocation
The present invention provides a method of allocating a frequency parameter for random access preamble transmission. The method includes determining a fixed location, in an operating bandwidth, of a frequency region for random access transmission wherein a relative location parameter defines the fixed location of the frequency region according to a bandwidth parameter, the relative location parameter being common to a plurality of cells. The present invention further provides a method of allocating a frequency parameter for random access transmission. The method comprises allocating a fixed location, in an operating bandwidth, of a frequency region for random access transmission, wherein the fixed location is configurable per cell.
US08295844B2 Mobile communications system, general base station apparatus, base station apparatus, and base station status control method
A mobile communications system is disclosed. The mobile communications system includes a first unit, provided at a base station apparatus, which controls a base station status by determining a request from an upper-layer general base station apparatus; and a second unit, provided at the general base station apparatus, which monitors for one or more mobile station apparatuses entering into/appearing in, or exiting/disappearing from a cell formed by the general base station apparatus, and, if at least one of the mobile station apparatuses enters into/appears in the cell formed by the general base station apparatus, requests for changing the base station apparatus to a service status, and, if all of the mobile station apparatuses exit/disappear from the cell formed by the general base station apparatus, requests for changing the base station apparatus to a radio unit stop status.
US08295841B2 Inter-carrier member handover apparatus and method
Provided are an inter-carrier member handover apparatus and method. In the inter-carrier member handover apparatus and method, data is transmitted or received by allocating a plurality of carriers to a single mobile terminal, a carrier aggregation, which includes a plurality of carrier members that process the allocated carriers, is managed, and a handover between the carrier members in the managed carrier aggregation is processed when the handover is required. Therefore, an intra-base station handover can be performed when a mobile terminal and a base station exchange data using a plurality of carrier frequency bands.
US08295839B2 Wireless communication method and apparatus for recovering data following a serving cell change based on a radio link control intelligence mode in effect
A wireless communication method and apparatus for recovering data following a serving cell change are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) includes a status prohibit timer that delays the transmission of normal status reports that indicate the status of data, (i.e., PDUs), that was successfully received and/or not successfully received after a serving cell change status report is sent. A serving radio network controller (SRNC) transmits a sequence of packet data units (PDUs). The status prohibit timer is advanced and the WTRU sends a normal status report to the SRNC without a delay caused by the status prohibit timer. In another embodiment, the WTRU receives a radio link control (RLC) intelligence mode indicator signal that indicates whether a non-intelligent radio network controller (RNC) RLC operation or an intelligent RNC RLC operation is in effect, and the WTRU generates normal status reports based on the indication of the signal.
US08295832B2 Method and system for providing information to a home system regarding a wireless unit roaming in a visited system
Methods and systems to provide a home system with information about a wireless unit roaming in a visited system based on information the wireless unit provides to the visited system. A mobile switching center (MSC-V) of the visited system receives the information from the wireless unit and routes a message to an international gateway. In response, the international gateway creates a new message or alters the original message, and transmits the new or altered message to a mobile switching center (MSC-H) of the home system. In response to receipt of the new or altered message, the MSC-H validates the wireless unit (if valid), creates a response to the new or altered message, and routes the response to the international gateway. The response may include an authorization period for the wireless unit and/or OCOS/TCOS information. In response, the international gateway creates a new response or alters the response, and transmits the new or altered response to the MSC-V. In response to receipt of the new or altered response, the MSC-V registers the wireless unit, provides the wireless unit with communication services in the visited system, or otherwise follows instructions in the new or altered response. If the wireless unit moves to an area served by a second MSC-V, the second MSC-V checks with the international gateway about the wireless unit. If an authorization period is in effect, the international gateway may provide a validation of the wireless unit to the second MSC-V without another message to the home system of the wireless unit.
US08295830B1 System and method for enabling authorization of local breakout for internet protocol multimedia services
A mobile communication terminal includes a registration module that initiates a registration of the mobile communication terminal with Internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystems (IMS) within a home network. The registration module initiates registration when the mobile communication terminal is roaming in a visited network. The mobile communication terminal also includes a session module that initiates a session set-up with the IMS to enable use of IMS resources. At least one of the registration module and the session module provide a first IP address to the IMS during at least one of the registration and the session set-up. The mobile communication terminal communicates with a first packet data network (PDN) that is local to the visited network using the first IP address in order to use at least one of the IMS resources.
US08295818B2 Broadcasting in wireless systems
In a radio access network, techniques for multicasting information from a radio network controller to radio nodes. The techniques further include broadcasting the information from the radio nodes to mobile access terminals. The information can include content to be delivered to the access terminals.
US08295815B2 Reject mobile-terminating SMS due to mobile not reachable flag
The present invention provides a technique to reduce the quantity of paging attempts to mobile terminals. The technique involves periodically rejecting mobile terminating SMS (MT-SMS) messages destined to a mobile subscriber who has already had no paging response success for a previous MT-SMS message until the mobile terminal is reachable or upon the timeout of a Mobile Not Reachable Flag (MNRF) rejection period. The present invention targets mobile subscribers who were out of radio coverage and allows the mobile subscriber to terminate voice calls. Mobile terminal originated activity is not affected. The present invention may co-exist with the existing SMS Center mobile terminating SMS polling mechanism in the market today.
US08295811B1 System and method for mobile phone activation
A method of activating a mobile phone is provided. The method comprises scanning a code accessible from an exterior of a package by an electronic scanning device coupled to a first computer, the package containing the mobile phone and retrieving a plurality of information associated with the mobile phone from a data store based on the code, the retrieving performed by one of the first computer and a second computer. The method also comprises transmitting the plurality of information by the provisioning application to a wireless communication network to at least partly provision wireless communication service to the mobile phone, whereby the wireless communication network is triggered to activate the mobile phone, wherein the transmitting is performed by the same computer that retrieved the plurality of information.
US08295806B2 Wireless network infrastructure
An access point of a network maintains information about data received at the access point from a server accessible via the network and provides to the server the information maintained at the access point. The access point then receives from the server a pavement for an account associated with an operator of the access point.
US08295802B2 Communication control device and communication control method for an emergency call over the internet
A communication control apparatus includes a database which stores identification information of a party on the other end of communication with whom communication should be controlled, a search circuit which acquires communication data for requesting a connection to a party on the other end of communication and searches the database for the identification information of the party on the other end of communication, and a control unit which, if the identification information of the party on the other end of communication is found in the database, transmits a connection termination request to a terminal of the transmission source, and further transmits a connection request thereto so as to establish, in place of the party on the other end of communication, a connection with the terminal of the transmission source of the communication data and controls communication between the transmission source and the party on the other end of communication.
US08295800B2 Apparatus and method for down-converting electromagnetic signals by controlled charging and discharging of a capacitor
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting and up-converting an electromagnetic signal. In embodiments, the invention operates by receiving an electromagnetic signal and recursively operating on approximate half cycles of a carrier signal. The recursive operations can be performed at a sub-harmonic rate of the carrier signal. The invention accumulates the results of the recursive operations and uses the accumulated results to form a down-converted signal. In embodiments, up-conversion is accomplished by controlling a switch with an oscillating signal, the frequency of the oscillating signal being selected as a sub-harmonic of the desired output frequency. When the invention is being used in the frequency modulation or phase modulation implementations, the oscillating signal is modulated by an information signal before it causes the switch to gate a bias signal. The output of the switch is filtered, and the desired harmonic is output.
US08295797B2 MIMO radio interfaces
A receiver front end includes a plurality of in-phase and quadrature phase receive processing blocks operable at first and second frequency bands and further includes a plurality of filtering and amplification blocks disposed within a corresponding ingoing signal path, a plurality of received signal strength indicator (RSSI) blocks coupled to receive an ingoing analog signal from a corresponding plurality of nodes disposed throughout the ingoing signal path, each of the plurality of RSSI blocks producing a signal strength indication, and wherein a baseband processor is operable to receive a selected signal strength indication and to produce at least one gain setting to at least one amplification block within the in-phase or quadrature phase receive processing blocks. In operation, the baseband processor receives a signal strength indication from each RSSI block to determine a total amount of gain and appropriate gain distribution within the receive signal path.
US08295791B2 RF front-end circuit
A RF front-end circuit connected to an antenna module includes a plurality of main transmission circuits, an assistant transmission circuit, a signal coupling circuit, and a switching module. Each of the main transmission circuits amplifies original signals as first amplified signals which include non-linear distortion. The assistant transmission circuit assists at least one of the main transmission circuits to reduce non-linear distortion. The signal coupling circuit coupled to the at least one main transmission circuit samples the first amplified signals from the main transmission circuit to obtain sampling signals. The assistant transmission circuit calculates the non-linear distortion of the main transmission circuit according to the sampling signals and the original signals, and generates compensation signals accordingly. The signal coupling circuit feeds back the compensation signals to the main transmission circuit to decrease non-linear distortion in the first amplified signals.
US08295782B2 RF bus access protocol and transceiver and methods for use therewith
A method includes determining whether information is to be transmitted via a radio frequency (RF) bus that supports direct intra-device communication between at least three circuits in a millimeter wave frequency band. When the information is to be transmitted via the RF bus, the method determines whether the RF bus is available. When the RF bus is available, the information is converted into RF bus signal, access to the RF bus is secured, and after access to the RF bus is secured, the RF bus signal is transmitted via the RF bus.
US08295780B2 Method for applying amplitude use to digital amplyfier with variable bit resolution or clock frequency and apparatus for excuting the method
Disclosed is an adaptive modulation scheme and apparatus thereof using an Analog/Digital (AJO) converter with variable bit resolution or clock frequency, the A/D converter including a transmitter including a modulator to modulate data to be transmitted according to a modulation scheme received from a receiver, an A/D converter to convert the modulated data into an analog signal using a bit resolution or a clock frequency received from the receiver, and a radio frequency (RF) processor to transmit the analog signal to the receiver through a wireless channel and a receiver including an RF processor to receive data through a wireless channel, a calculator to calculate a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of the data received through the RF processor, and a modulation controller to search a predetermined setting table for a corresponding modulation scheme and bit resolution using the calculated SNR and to transmit to a transmitter.
US08295772B2 Device for improved isolation characteristics in a telecommunications system
Apparatus in a wireless telecommunications system comprises at least a first antenna of a first polarization and a second antenna of a second polarization. The apparatus additionally comprises a receiver and a transmitter, and is intended for communication with at least one other device in the wireless telecommunications system. The apparatus is equipped with a polarization estimator for estimating the polarization state of a signal which is received from the one other device, and a polarization controller for adapting the polarization state of signals transmitted from the apparatus to the one other device on the basis of the estimate of the received signal.
US08295771B2 Bluetooth microphone array
The present invention discloses a wireless telephone system using microphone arrays together with additional signal processing to suppress the background noise in the surrounding environment. The signal processing resources of a wireless telephone and multi-channel transmission capabilities of the Bluetooth transmission are used to suppress the background noise. The wireless telephone system includes a Bluetooth transceiver communicating to a wireless telephone through a multi-channel Bluetooth transmission, and an array of microphones coupled to the Bluetooth transceiver. The array of microphones includes a first microphone producing a first audio signal output and a second microphone producing a second audio signal output. The first audio signal output and second audio signal output are transmitted to the wireless telephone through the first channel and second channel of multi-channel Bluetooth transmission respectively. The system and method of the present invention allows using low cost Bluetooth transceiver(s) with multiple microphone arrays to provide the background noise suppression.
US08295767B2 Method of manufacturing a microradio
A microradio is provided with a hysteretic switch to permit an optimum range increasing charging cycle, with the charging cycle being long relative to the transmit cycle. Secondly, an ensemble of microradios permits an n2 power enhancement to increase range with coherent operation. Various multi-frequency techniques are used both for parasitic powering and to isolate powering and transmit cycles. Applications for microradios and specifically for ensembles of microradios include authentication, tracking, fluid flow sensing, identification, terrain surveillance including crop health sensing and detection of improvised explosive devices, biohazard and containment breach detection, and biomedical applications including the use of microradios attached to molecular tags to destroy tagged cells when the microradios are activated. Microradio deployment includes the use of paints or other coatings containing microradios, greases and aerosols. Moreover, specialized antennas, including microcoils, mini dipoles, and staircase coiled structures are disclosed, with the use of nano-devices further reducing the size of the microradios.
US08295761B2 Selection and tuning of a broadcast channel based on interactive service information
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for tuning a broadcast processing system by using channel data from an interactive information source. The broadcast processing system interfaces with a broadcast medium and may include an interfacing apparatus that interfaces to the broadcast medium for extracting an appropriate broadcast signal and for tuning the broadcast processing system. The viewer uses a mobile terminal that communicates with the interactive information source over a first wireless communications path. The viewer may interact with the web site by navigating through the associated web pages in order to obtain broadcast information about the selected program, in which the broadcast information may be sent to the mobile terminal over the first wireless communications path. The broadcast information is processed by the wireless terminal in order to obtain the channel data. Consequently, the channel data may be sent to the broadcast processing system in order to tune the broadcast processing system to the selected program.
US08295758B2 Method of correcting curl of sheet and recording apparatus
In a first step, a sheet is conveyed in a direction, whereby a leading end portion of the sheet is fed to a position between a decurl roller and a decurl pinch roller, which are in positions spaced apart from each other. In a second step, the leading end portion of the sheet is curved and held by causing the decurl pinch roller to come close to or press against the decurl roller. In a third step, the leading end portion of the sheet is withdrawn from between the decurl roller and the decurl pinch roller by conveying the sheet in a direction opposed to the conveying direction. After executing the first to third steps, the sheet is conveyed in the conveying direction through the first step while the sheet is curved by the decurl roller.
US08295756B2 Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus has a plurality of image forming units for forming a developer image on a recording medium, and a fixing device for fixing the developer image to the recording medium. Each of said image forming units has an image bearing body that bears the developer image, and a cleaning portion that removes residual developer from said image bearing body. Said cleaning portion of said image forming unit is disposed closest to said fixing device and includes a cleaning blade that has repulsion elasticity at a predetermined temperature, and said repulsion elasticity is lower than that of a cleaning blade of said cleaning portion of at least one of said image forming units disposed farther from said fixing device.
US08295752B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
The fixing device includes: a fixing member including a conductive layer capable of self-heating by electromagnetic induction; a drive unit rotationally driving the fixing member; a magnetic field generating member generating an alternate-current magnetic field intersecting with the conductive layer; a fixation pressing member movable so as to come into pressure contact with an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member and to separate from the outer circumferential surface; and a temperature measurement unit that includes a temperature detector and a support portion, that measures temperature of the fixing member with the temperature detector which is pressed by the support portion to be brought into contact with an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member, and that holds a contact state between the temperature detector and the inner circumferential surface in every state where the fixing member is displaced in accordance with movement of the fixation pressing member.
US08295750B2 Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus equipped therewith
A fixing apparatus includes a pair of fixing sections pressed against each other and including a fixing roller having a heater lamp incorporated therein and a pressure roller; an endless belt for heating the surface of the fixing roller by bringing a heating nip portion into contact with the fixing roller; and a plurality of support rollers supporting the endless belt therearound so as to give tension, and each having a heater lamp incorporated therein. The endless belt has a thickness of 0.08 mm or more and 0.14 mm or less, and the heating nip portion is formed in an angular range of 50° or more and 90° or less around a center axis of the fixing roller.
US08295746B2 Image forming apparatus including a secondary transfer unit and a sheet guiding member
One end of a sheet guiding member on a transfer nip side is located on a straight line connecting an exit of a registration nip formed between a pair of registration rollers and an entrance of the transfer nip or on an opposite side of an intermediate transfer belt across the straight line and on one side of a triangle formed by connecting rotation centers of the transfer member, the transfer roller, and the transfer guide roller or inside the triangle.
US08295745B2 Developer carrying member and developing assembly
A developer carrying member and a developing assembly are provided which can stably provide the toner with triboelectric charges, may prevent any problems such as image density decrease, density non-uniformity and spots around images even during running on a large number of sheets, and can enjoy a stable and good developing performance. The developer carrying member has a substrate and a resin layer, and the resin layer containing a thermosetting resin, an acrylic resin having specific units and electroconductive particles.
US08295744B2 Toner roller
In a toner roller that is suitable to take up a layer with toner particles on its outer surface. The toner roller has a roller-shaped inner body, and wherein a dielectric layer is arranged at an outer surface of the inner body. A high-resistance cover layer is located on said dielectric layer.
US08295741B2 Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A developer accommodating container is structured such as to be provided with a first accommodating portion in which the first feeding member is arranged, a second accommodating portion in which the second feeding member is arranged, a first communication portion communicating the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion in one end side, a second communication portion communicating the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion at the other end side, a developer replenishing portion arranged in the other end side rather than the second communication portion, in the other end side of the first accommodating portion, a developer discharge portion arranged in the other end side rather than the second communication portion, in the other end side of the second accommodating portion, and a flow rate regulating portion arranged between the second communication portion and the developer discharge portion, and regulating an amount of the passing developer.
US08295738B2 Developing unit containing a reduction portion and image forming apparatus using the developing unit
A developing unit including a retainer receiving portion for receiving a developer retainer, a first agitation portion adjacent to the retainer receiving portion, a second agitation portion adjacent to the first agitation portion, a first conveyance member received in the first agitation portion, a second conveyance member received in the second agitation portion, a layer thickness limiting member made of a magnetic material and disposed between the second conveyance member and the developer retainer to limit the layer thickness of a developer retained on the surface of a retaining member, and a blocking portion disposed on the upstream side of the layer thickness limiting member in the rotation direction of the retaining member and in a space located between the layer thickness limiting member and the second agitation portion to block a developer on the upstream side of the layer thickness limiting member from entering the space.
US08295735B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photosensitive bodies disposed along a moving direction of a recording medium; a drive mechanism for driving and rotating the plurality of photosensitive bodies; a plurality of exposure units, each exposure unit being associated with a respective one of the photosensitive bodies, the each exposure unit configured to expose the respective photosensitive body; a determining unit for determining an exposure-starting phase that is a rotation phase at an exposure-starting timing with respect to one photosensitive body among the plurality of photosensitive bodies; and a varying unit for varying a exposure-starting time difference between the exposure-starting timing of the one photosensitive body and an exposure-starting timing of an other photosensitive body disposed at a downstream side of the one photosensitive body in the moving direction of the recording medium, based on the exposure-starting phase.
US08295724B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus can include an image carrier, a transfer device, and an applying circuit, and a controller. The image carrier carries a developer image developed by developer. The transfer device transfers the developer image to a recording media. The applying circuit has an active device and applies a transfer bias voltage to the transfer device. The controller controls the applying circuit with a predetermined control signal during a start-up mode of the applying circuit and during a normal mode of the applying circuit. The normal mode is subsequent to the start-up mode. During the start-up mode of the applying circuit, the controller controls a value (a duty ratio) of the control signal (a PWM signal) with gradual increase and with interposing an interval period (τ2) between the gradual increase. A value of the control signal in the interval period does not activate the active device.
US08295721B2 Image-forming device for correcting an image formation position
An image-forming device includes an image bearing member, a data providing unit, an image-forming unit, a detecting unit, a first calculating unit, a determining unit, and a second calculating unit. The image bearing member has a surface moving at a surface speed. The data providing unit provides pattern data indicative of a target test pattern to be formed on a target position of the surface in response to a test instruction. The image-forming unit forms an actual test pattern on an actual position of the surface in accordance with the pattern data provided from the data providing unit, and configure to form an image in response to an image-forming instruction. The detecting unit detects the actual position. The first calculating unit calculates a deviation of the actual position from the target position. The determining unit performs a first determination of whether the surface speed when the data providing unit receives the test instruction is stable or unstable. The second calculating unit calculates a correction amount based on the deviation and the first determination. The image-forming unit forms, in response to the image-forming instruction, an image on a position of the surface. The position is corrected based on the correction amount.
US08295715B2 Optical receiver and optical phase control method thereof
An optical receiver includes: delay interferometers respectively provided in at least two branches that branch a reception signal; a phase shift amount control device that controls a phase shift amount of the delay interferometer in accordance with an optical phase control value; a balanced optical detecting section that respectively photoelectrically converts respective branch signals output from the delay interferometers; a data regenerating section that regenerates transmission data from the photoelectrically converted branch signals output from the balanced optical detecting section; a control section that outputs the optical phase control value based on a signal of the data regenerating section; and a memory that stores therein the optical phase control value output from the control section at the time of signal communication, as a history of control values, wherein the control section refers to the history of control values during a signal communication operation to determine the optical phase control value.
US08295714B2 Receiver algorithms for coherent detection of polarization-multiplexed optical signals
A digital signal processor (DSP) operating within, for example, an optical receiver wherein the DSP processes complex sample streams derived from a modulated optical signal, the DSP configured to perform a method of acquiring an intermediate frequency (IF) signal from within the received optical signal, the method comprising: processing at least one block of complex sample stream symbols using a frequency locked loop (FLL) to achieve an initial constellation lock condition, the FLL having a nominal lock-in spectral region; if an initial constellation lock condition is not achieved within a predetermined amount of time, shifting the spectral region processed by the FLL to a spectral region proximate a current operating spectral region.
US08295687B1 Indicating different video playback rates
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to indicating different video playback rates. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method that includes providing a user interface for a digital video editing system, the user interface including a graphical representation of playback time for a sequence of digital video; receiving input specifying a change in playback rate for the sequence of digital video; and showing the change in playback rate, the showing including providing marks along the graphical representation of playback time for the sequence of digital video; wherein the marks include different shapes to represent at least two different playback rates.
US08295686B2 Method of recording dubbing audio data onto a rewritable recording medium
A method for reproducing data includes reproducing still pictures and audio data in separate files, the still pictures and audio data being managed by using at least one playlist. The playlist includes first navigation information for the audio data and at least one playitem for the still pictures, and the first navigation information includes playitem-identifying information for linking the first navigation information and the playitem.
US08295682B1 Selecting previously-selected segments of a signal
Techniques and interface controls are described which allow users of signal editing applications to easily select previously-selected segments of the signal. As the user selects segments of the signal, the signal editing application automatically generates “selection history data”. The selection history data that is generated for a selected segment indicates the boundaries of the selected segment, and the sequence in which the selected segment was selected relative to other previously-selected segments. The signal editing application provides controls for re-selecting the previously-selected segments that are reflected in the selection history data. In response to user-input received through these controls, the signal editing tool reselects a previously-selected segment based on the boundaries indicated in the selection history data.
US08295678B2 Universal method of controlling the recording of audio-visual presentations by data processor controlled recording devices
Controlling the audio-visual recording by audio-visual recording devices within a facility comprising the host or owner of the facility predetermining a plurality of value levels of at least one attribute of said audio-visual content and predetermining a plurality of limitations on the recording of audio-visual content, each corresponding to each of the value levels. There is sensing the value level of said at least one attribute and limiting the recording of said audio-visual content based upon the value level of the one attribute.
US08295674B2 Video signal recording and reproducing apparatus
The video signal recording and reproducing apparatus of the invention includes: a receiving section for receiving a television signal; an image compression section for compressing an amount of information per unit time of the received continuous video signal; a writing section for intermittently writing a compressed video signal, obtained as an output of the image compression section, onto a hard disk apparatus via a magnetic head; a reading section for intermittently reading out the written compressed video signal from the hard disk apparatus via the magnetic head; a decoding section for restoring the read compressed video signal into an original video signal; a display section for displaying the restored video signal; and a control section for controlling the writing section and the reading section such that writing the video signal onto the hard disk apparatus and reading an arbitrary video signal, which was previously written onto the hard disk apparatus, from the hard disk apparatus are performed apparently simultaneously and continuously.
US08295667B2 Hole arranged photonic crystal fiber for low loss, tight fiber bending applications
A microstructured fiber or photonic crystal fiber is described having a doped solid core region and a cladding region, holes being provided in the cladding region, the fiber having a low hybrid splice loss to conventional fiber as well as being able to be tightly bent due to the microstructured cladding. The cladding region can contain a plurality of holes surrounding and distanced from the core. These holes are preferably located symmetrically around the core and extend longitudinally along the length of fiber. The holes may be two or more D-shaped holes or truncated D-shaped holes arranged symmetrically around the care. In other embodiments, the holes comprise hole structures arranged symmetrically around the core in a ring. The holes may be arranged having the inner side facing the core formed from arcs of a circle, e.g. equal arcs of a circle. Between the arcs circular holes may be provided called capillaries, i.e. smaller holes. According to the present invention, any number of holes may surround the core, preferably three or more. The fiber has low loss at small bending radii.
US08295662B2 Laser system
A laser system including an optical cable jumper with input and output terminals, and a laser gun, wherein the optical jumper transmits a laser beam from a bundle-type optical cable connected to an input terminal thereof to a single-type optical cable connected to an output terminal thereof. The laser gun is connected to the single-type optical cable at a rear of the optical cable jumper to illuminate the laser beam to a target object.
US08295649B2 System and method for parallel processing of images from a large number of cameras
A system and method for processing images includes a plurality of image providers configured to transmit images. A plurality of destination processors receives the transmitted images and transforms the transmitted images to internally useable image data. A plurality of feature object engines find and identify in the internally useable image data a plurality of objects. A plurality of object classifier engines index and classify the plurality of objects found by the feature object engines.
US08295646B2 Resolution converting method
A resolution converting method for converting a resolution of a binary image to an integral multiple resolution, includes: representing a density of an arbitrary position of the input image as an interpolation value; overlapping the output image on the input image in a setting that a pixel of an edge section of the output image is shifted by a minutely small quantity from a pixel position of the input image in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction; and allotting an area of a pixel to each pixel of an output image which overlaps an area of the input image, integrating interpolation values of the area of the input image, normalizing an value obtained by the integrating the area of the pixel, and determining a binary data.
US08295645B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program
An image processing apparatus capable of executing filter processing with a desired blurring degree selected in accordance with an application from a multi-valued image captured an object surface, the image processing apparatus comprises: a first filter processing device for executing smoothing processing on the multi-valued image, a second filter processing device for creating a reduced image reduced from the multi-valued image with an image reduction ratio, executing smoothing processing on the reduced image, and creating an enlarged image of the smoothed image enlarged with an image enlargement ratio corresponding to the image reduction ratio, and an image display device for displaying a processed image by the first filter processing device or the second filter processing device.
US08295639B2 Image correction apparatus, image correction method, and image correction program
An image correction apparatus stores therein a plurality of correction curves for determining a correction amount, calculates a feature value of average brightness in an input image, determines whether the calculated feature value is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and, for the input bright image with the feature value equal to or greater than the first threshold, counts the number of pixels equal to or less than a second threshold in the input image. The image correction apparatus calculates a feature value of average brightness from pixel values of the counted pixels, on a basis of whether the calculated feature value is equal to or greater than a third threshold, or, whether the number of pixels equal to or greater than the third threshold is a fourth threshold or more, obtains a correction curve to correct the input image.
US08295635B2 Methods and apparatus for facilitating elimination of ambient light from an image
An apparatus for facilitating elimination of ambient light from an image of an object, comprising an illumination apparatus adapted to sequentially illuminate the object using multiple lighting arrangements, an image sensor. The apparatus adapted to form on the image sensor (i) a first image of the object using a first illumination arrangement, (ii) a second image of the object using a second illumination arrangement, and (iii) a dark image of the object without illumination. The image sensor is adapted to A) compare an intensity value of a first pixel in the first image to an intensity value of a corresponding, first pixel in the second image to determine a first minimum intensity value, B) determine if the first minimum intensity value is greater than an intensity value of a corresponding, first pixel in the dark image by greater than a predetermined amount; and C) identify an ambient intensity value (a) as the first minimum intensity value, if the first minimum intensity value is not greater than the intensity value of the first pixel in the dark image by greater than the predetermined amount, or (b) as the intensity value of the first pixel in the dark image, if the first minimum intensity value is greater than the intensity value of the first pixel in the dark image by greater than the predetermined amount.
US08295630B2 Image processing system and method
An image processing system and method for comparing two monochromic images A2 and B2 is provided. The system and method thins objects in the monochromic image B2 so as to generate a skeleton image B3, thickens the objects in the monochromic image A2 to generate a bold image A4, and overlays the skeleton image B3 with the bold image A4 so as to generate an overlaid image AB1. The system and method further thins the objects in the monochromic image A2 so as to generate a skeleton image A3, thickens the objects in the monochromic image B2 to generate a bold image B4, and overlays the skeleton image A3 with the bold image B4 so as to generate an overlaid image AB2. The system and method outputs the overlaid images AB1 and AB2 on a display screen.
US08295616B2 Image processing device and method for image processing
An image processing device configured to compress image data to be used for printing with a plurality of compression levels having different compression rates includes a former stage compression unit, a storing unit and a latter stage compression unit. The latter stage compression unit is configured, after the former stage compression unit finishes compressing all of the areas, to recompress each of areas of a latest compression level at the moment being different from a compression level stored in the storing unit with the latest compression level.
US08295614B2 Collation apparatus and collation method
A 2D model fitting means 1201 estimates values of parameters optimum to generate a probe model image similar to a probe image and a gallery model image similar to a gallery image with an image variation model 1204. At that time, among a plurality of parameters of the image variation model 1204, the value of a parameter of which sameness between the probe image and the gallery image is to be judged as a target parameter is set to be the same for both images. A model goodness-of-fit evaluation means 1202 computes a model goodness of fit for the probe model image and the gallery model image to the probe image and the gallery image under the estimated parameters. A collation means 1203 compares the model goodness of fit with a threshold value to judge the sameness between the probe image and the gallery image.
US08295604B2 Image search method and device using affine-invariant regions
An image search method that is robust and fast (with computational complexity of logarithmic order relative to the number of models). The image search method including: extracting a plurality of specific regions possessing such a property that a shape can be normalized regardless of an affine transformation thereof, as affine-invariant regions from one or more learning images; calculating, with respect to a reference affine-invariant region, other neighboring affine-invariant regions as a set; deforming the neighboring affine-invariant regions by a transformation to normalize the shape of the reference affine-invariant region; and outputting the deformed shapes of the neighboring affine-invariant regions, together with combination of the reference affine-invariant region and the neighboring affine-invariant regions.
US08295600B2 Image document processing device, image document processing method, program, and storage medium
An image document processing device extracts a character sequence image having M number of characters in an image document, divides the image into individual character images, extracts features of the individual character images, and based on the features, selects N (N is an integer more than 1) character images in the order of degree of matching from a font-feature dictionary for storing features of all character images according to fonts, and generates an M×N index matrix for the extracted character sequence. In searching, the device searches an index-information storage section with respect to each search character included in a search keyword in an input search expression, and extracts an image document including an index matrix including the search keyword. This provides an image document processing device and an image document processing method each allowing indexing not requiring user's operation and each allowing highly precise searching without OCR recognition.
US08295598B2 Processing method and apparatus
A processing apparatus processes input pixel data by referring to pixel data of peripheral pixels. The processing apparatus divides an input image in a first direction, inputs pixel data of a divided image divided in the first direction in a second direction crossing the first direction at a right angle, and stores the inputted pixel data. When a pixel to be referred to for processing the stored pixel data is not included in the divided image, the processing apparatus outputs pixel data of the reference pixel based on the stored pixel data, and processes the stored pixel data by referring to the pixel data of the reference pixel.
US08295596B1 Adaptive histogram-based video contrast enhancement
The adaptive contrast enhancer uses an adaptive histogram equalization-based approach to improve contrast in a video signal. For each video frame, the histogram of the pixel luminance values is calculated. The calculated histogram is divided into three regions that are equalized independently of the other. The equalized values are averaged with the original pixel values with a weighting factor that depends on the shape of the histogram. The weighting factors can be also chosen differently for the three regions to enhance the darker regions more than the brighter ones. The statistics calculated from one frame are used to enhance the next frame such that frame buffers are not required. Many of the calculations are done in the inactive time between two frames.
US08295584B2 Pattern measurement methods and pattern measurement equipment
An object of the present invention is to provide methods and equipment capable of providing highly accurate matching using a template including multiple patterns even when the shapes of some patterns of the template are different from corresponding ones of a SEM image, and when the template and the SEM image have a magnification error. Proposed, as a technique for achieving the object, is a method for performing matching by selectively using some of multiple patterns provided in a predetermined region of design data, and equipment for implementing the method. Moreover, proposed, as another technique for achieving the object, is a method for performing first matching by using multiple patterns provided in a predetermined region of design data and thereafter performing second matching by using some of the multiple patterns provided in the predetermined region, and equipment for implementing the method.
US08295583B2 System and method for automatic recognition of undetected assets
In logistic scenarios where multiple assets are stacked to form a package of assets, it is often important to determine the number and types of assets which are stacked together. Various systems and methods of determining the content of a package of assets are known in the art, however, there are cases in which they fail to detect one or more assets and also fail to provide any indication that an asset has been overlooked or is missing. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system and method that enable to automatically detect one or more assets in a package which are missing. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system and method for detecting the number of missing assets and also specific characteristics of each of one or more missing assets.
US08295567B2 Systems and methods for ridge selection in scalograms of signals
According to embodiments, systems, devices, and methods for ridge selection in scalograms are disclosed. Ridges or ridge components are features within a scalogram which may be computed from a signal such as a physiological (e.g., photoplethysmographic) signal. Ridges may be identified from one or more scalograms of the signal. Parameters characterizing these ridges may be determined. Based at least in part on these parameters, a ridge density distribution function is determined. A ridge is selected from analyzing this ridge density distribution function. In some embodiments, the selected ridge is used to determine a physiological parameter such as respiration rate.
US08295564B2 Marking a location in a medical image
Methods and apparatus provide for marking a location in a medical image, including: providing a first marker within a first medical image, which shows an object, at a first location, determining a second location, which corresponds to the first location, within a second medical image showing the same object, marking the second location with a second marker, which is different to the first marker, and presenting the first medical image, the first marker, the second medical image and the second marker.
US08295553B2 Image analysis apparatus, image processing apparatus, and image analysis method
An image analysis apparatus includes a moving image input unit which accepts an input of a moving image of a subject irradiated with X-rays, a determination unit which analyzes the previous frame and current frame of the moving image, and determines based on the analysis result whether or not any of a change in relative position between an exposure field of the X-rays and an observation portion of the subject, a change in imaging condition of the moving image, and a change in observation portion of the subject is detected, and a feature amount setting unit which sets feature amounts extracted from the current frame in the current frame when the determination unit determines that any of the changes is detected, and sets feature amounts set in the previous frame in the current frame when the determination unit determines that no change is detected.
US08295552B2 Method for setting parameters of a vision detector using production line information
Disclosed are systems and methods for setting various operating parameters of a vision detector from production line information that can be supplied by a manufacturing technician who is not skilled in the art of the invention. These operating parameters include shutter time, video gain, idle time, frame count, and locator search range. The production line information includes line speed, field of view size, direction of motion, and object spacing.
US08295546B2 Pose tracking pipeline
A method of tracking a target includes receiving from a source an observed depth image of a scene including the target. Each pixel of the observed depth image is labeled as either a foreground pixel belonging to the target or a background pixel not belonging to the target. Each foreground pixel is labeled with body part information indicating a likelihood that that foreground pixel belongs to one or more body parts of the target. The target is modeled with a skeleton including a plurality of skeletal points, each skeletal point including a three dimensional position derived from body part information of one or more foreground pixels.
US08295545B2 System and method for model based people counting
An approach that allows for model based people counting is provided. In one embodiment, there is a generating tool configured to generate a set of person-shape models based on results of a cumulative training process; a detecting tool configured to detect persons in a camera field-of-view by using the set of person-shape models, and a counting tool configured to track detected persons upon crossing by the detected persons of a previously established virtual boundary.
US08295544B2 Image processing apparatus, image capturing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes an image clipping unit, a feature extracting unit, a candidate identifying unit, and a detecting unit. The image clipping unit clips a window image from a predetermined position of an original image. The feature extracting unit extracts a feature value of the window image on the basis of a predetermined criterion. The candidate identifying unit determines, on the basis of the feature value, whether the window image satisfies a predetermined condition for a candidate including a detection target. The detecting unit determines whether the window image includes the detection target if the window image satisfies the predetermined condition.
US08295526B2 Low frequency enclosure for video display devices
A television includes a flat panel display device for presenting video images, a housing for supporting the flat panel display device, and a first acoustic volume located substantially (a) inside the housing, and (b) behind the display device. Two or more acoustic drivers are provided for acoustically energizing the acoustic volume. The drivers are positioned such that acoustic energy put into the acoustic volume from the drivers is substantially additive and vibrational energy from the drivers substantially cancels out.
US08295524B2 Speaker unit to be used for projector
A speaker unit for a projector includes a first speaker, a fixing portion and a second speaker. Either the first speaker or the second speaker has a central hole to hold the vertical post of a projector. Two holes that are diagonally opposing each other are provided in the inner wall of the central hole. The two holes of the fixing portion may align with the two holes of the first speaker and fasteners may be used to fixedly connect the first speaker with the vertical post. A connective portion is provided on either of the two vertical walls of the first speaker and a connective portion is provided on either of the two vertical walls of the second speaker. Therefore, the second speaker may be connected with the first speaker by these connective portions.
US08295520B2 Method for determining a maximum gain in a hearing device as well as a hearing device
A method for determining a maximum gain is disclosed that is applicable in a forward signal path starting at a microphone (1) and ending at a receiver (11) of a hearing device, the maximum gain being a gain value at which just no feedback occurs. The method comprising the steps of estimating a estimated feedback transfer function (F′) characterizing a feedback signal path (15) starting at a receiver (11) and ending at a microphone (1) of the hearing device, while the hearing device is inserted into an ear of a hearing device user, and adapting the estimated feedback transfer function (F′) as a result of a changing feedback signal path (15) by applying an adaptive algorithm. The invention is characterized by determining the maximum gain from the estimated feedback transfer function (F′), in particular by coefficients of the estimated feedback transfer function.
US08295519B2 Codebook based feedback path estimation
The invention relates to a hearing instrument for processing an input sound to an output sound according to a user's needs. The invention further relates to a method of operating a hearing instrument and to use of a hearing instrument. The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative scheme for handling acoustic feedback in a hearing instrument. The problem is solved in that an input transducer for converting an input sound to an electric input signal and an output transducer for converting a processed electric output signal to an output sound, a forward path being defined between the input transducer and the output transducer, a feedback cancellation system for estimating the effect of acoustic feedback from the output transducer to the input transducer, the feedback cancellation system comprising a variable pre-estimated filter and a memory wherein a number of predetermined feedback channel impulse responses corresponding to a number of acoustic environments where substantial feedback is experienced are stored, and wherein the hearing instrument comprises a monitoring unit that—based on the current acoustic environment—is adapted to choose the currently most appropriate impulse response of the variable pre-estimated filter among the stored impulse responses. This has the advantage of providing a scheme for handling acoustic feedback that can adapt relatively fast to changing acoustic environments. The invention may e.g. be used in listening devices, such as hearing aids, head sets or active ear plugs, wherein customized feedback compensation is an issue.
US08295518B2 Filter bank system having specific stop-band attenuation components for a hearing aid
The circuit complexity or the filter order, respectively, of an analysis/synthesis filter bank system especially for hearing aids is to be reduced. For this reason, the stop-band attenuation of at least one of the transfer functions of the analysis filter bank is composed of a separately configurable, frequency-independent analysis basic attenuation component and a separately configurable frequency-dependent analysis attenuation component. Furthermore, the stop-band attenuation of at least one of the transfer functions of the synthesis filter bank is composed of a separately configurable, frequency-independent synthesis basic attenuation component, a separately configurable, frequency-dependent first synthesis attenuation component and a separately configurable, frequency-dependent second synthesis attenuation component which is also dependent on the manipulation of the sub-band signals. As a result, the stop-band attenuation can be reduced in dependence on frequency and the filter order can be correspondingly reduced.
US08295516B2 System, apparatus, method and program for controlling output
An output control system includes a plurality of output control apparatuses, the output control apparatuses controlling audio signals supplied to respective two-dimensionally arranged loudspeakers, including at least two loudspeakers in a vertical direction, and at least two loudspeakers in a horizontal direction, the audio signals respectively corresponding to images displayed on an array of a plurality of displays forming a multi-display apparatus. Each of the output control apparatuses includes a communication unit for exchanging information relating to one of a state and a process result of own apparatus with another output control apparatus, and a signal processing unit for processing an audio signal to be output to the corresponding loudspeaker based on the information relating to the other output control apparatus received via the communication unit.
US08295510B2 Power-saving amplifying device
An power-saving amplifying device is disclosed, the power-saving amplifying device uses a micro controller unit (MCU) to receive a control signal transmitted by a volume controller and to generate a decision signal based on the control signal; the MCU transmits the decision signal to the volume controlling circuit for obtaining a drive signal, then the volume controlling circuit transmits the drive signal to a power amplifier for driving a speaker to output a sound with a required volume; the MCU also calculates an output value of a PWM signal and transmits the PWM signal to a DC integrating circuit for rectifying and integrating the PWM signal into a DC voltage; the DC voltage is coupled with a voltage control terminal of the power supply to increase or decrease the DC voltage outputted by the power supply to the power amplifier, thereby reducing power consumption by using the volume to control the output voltage of the power supply.
US08295508B2 Processing an audio signal
A method and apparatus for processing an audio signal to enhance the perceived lower frequency content of the audio signal when played through an audio output device, includes an input configured to receive an audio input signal, a processor configured to filter the audio input signal to produce a high frequency signal and a low frequency signal, generate an enhancement signal by producing higher frequency harmonics from the low frequency signal, including a process of self convolution, and combine the high frequency signal with the enhancement signal to produce an output signal; and an output configured to receive the output signal and produce an audio output.
US08295506B2 Systems and methods for intra-oral based communications
Systems and methods are disclosed for capturing sound for communication by mounting one or more intra-oral microphones to capture sound; and mounting a mouth wearable communicator in the oral cavity to communicate sound with a remote unit.
US08295505B2 Earphone with controllable leakage of surrounding sound and device therefor
The invention relates to an earphone (1) with leakage control, which can be switched between states with and without leakage to adapt the earphone to different listening situations. The leakage of the earphone may be enabled and disabled automatically in dependence of the sound source and/or may be controlled manually by the user. The earphone is connectable to a device and comprises: a housing (2) substantially covering the external auditory meatus, and accommodating a loudspeaker element (3); the housing further comprising a channel (4) extending between an inner end (5) facing the external auditory meatus, and an outer end (6) facing the environment; and closure means (7) being switchable between a closed state in which said channel is substantially closed, and an open state in which said channel is admitting sound from the environment. The invention also relates to a device co-operating therewith, such as a mobile telephone.
US08295501B2 Method for testing echo cancellers
The performance of an echo canceller is assessed using a) a test signal launched from originating test equipment and b) a simulated echo of the test signal launched from terminating test equipment. The launch of the simulated echo signal is timed in such a way that it arrives at the tandem echo canceller(s) at a particular point in time relative to the arrival of the test signal, at the tandem echo canceller(s), when the tandem echo canceller(s) is (are) not able to cancel the simulated echo signal. The latter thus arrives uncanceled at the target echo canceller. The launch of the simulated echo signal is further timed in such a way that it arrives at the target echo canceller at a point in time relative to the arrival of the test signal, at the target echo canceller, when the target echo canceller is able to cancel the simulated echo signal. As a result, any residual echo received at the originating test equipment is a measure of the performance of the target echo canceller exclusive of the performance of the tandem echo canceller(s).
US08295490B1 Method and system for storing and providing an encryption key for data storage
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for providing an encryption key to a user are provided. The system may include a key storage module, an interface module, and an authentication module. The key storage module may be configured to store an encryption key for a user on an encryption key server, wherein the encryption key is used with user data on a data storage server. The interface module may be configured to receive a request for the encryption key from a client machine associated with the user. The authentication module may be configured to authenticate the user, wherein the interface module may further be configured to transmit the encryption key to the client machine in response to authenticating the user.
US08295485B2 Quantum communication system
A measuring unit for determining information from an input signal, the unit comprising a decoder configured to perform a measurement on said input signal using two operators, a first operator configured to distinguish between two orthogonal states of said input signal and a second operator selected from an inverting operator configured to invert the result of the measurement by the first operator and a null operator configured to have a null effect on the result of the measurement by the first operator.
US08295478B2 Cryptographic processing apparatus, algorithm constructing method, processing method, and computer program applying an extended feistel structure
To realize an extended-Feistel-type common-key block-cipher process configuration for realizing a diffusion-matrix switching mechanism (DSM). In a cryptographic process configuration in which an extended Feistel structure having a number of data lines: d that is set to an integer satisfying d≧3 is applied, a plurality of multiple different matrices are selectively applied to linear transformation processes performed in F-function sections. A plurality of different matrices satisfying a condition in which a minimum number of branches for all of the data lines is equal to or more than a predetermined value are selected as the matrices, each of the minimum numbers of branches corresponding to the data lines being based on linear transformation matrices included in F-functions that are input to a corresponding data line in the extended Feistel structure.
US08295475B2 Selective glitch detection, clock drift compensation, and anti-clipping in audio echo cancellation
The quality and robustness of audio echo cancellation is enhanced by selectively applying glitch recovery processes based on a quality measurement of the relative offset between capture and render audio streams. For example, large and small glitch detection is enabled for low relative offset variance; large glitch detection is enabled in a medium range of relative offset variance; and neither enabled at high variance. Further, a fast glitch recovery process suspends updating the adaptive filter coefficients of the audio echo cancellation while buffers are re-aligned to recover from the glitch, so as to avoid resetting the adaptive filter. When clock drift exists between capture and render audio streams, a multi-step compensation method is applied to improve AEC output quality in case the drifting rate is low; and a resampler is used to compensate the drift in case the drifting rate is high. An anti-clipping process detects clipping of the signals, and also suspends adaptive filter updating during clipping.
US08295472B2 System and method for incorporating customer hang-ups and web submissions into a phonecall-based support workflow
A method for managing calls and web-submissions includes receiving a web-submission at a first time; generating a first ticket associated with the web-submission; generating a first digital file indicating both the first ticket and that the web-submission was received from a system; storing the first ticket and the first digital file in a first record of a queue; receiving a live call at a second time; generating a second ticket associated with the live call; generating a second digital file when the live call changes into a hang-up call before being serviced by an agent, the second digital file indicating both the second ticket and that the live call was received from a device; storing the live call or the second ticket and the second digital file in a second record of the queue, the first record being positioned in the queue before the second record, the queue being configured to have the first record being serviced before the second record.
US08295463B2 Method and system for decoupling a calling application from an external application
A method and a system for decoupling a calling application from an external application in a manufacturing execution system, wherein the calling application interacts with the external application by requesting the execution of one or more external methods defined within the external application. First, the calling application obtains three lists from the external application, namely, the available external method list containing the ordered list of the available external methods, the usable parameter list containing the ordered list of the parameters usable by the external methods, and the signature list containing the list of signatures of the external method. The term signature indicated a coded way to define a method interface. The calling application requests a command to call a given external method from the external application by performing the following sub-steps: assigning, for the requested given method, a value to the position index within the available method list; getting the signature of the given method from the signature list by applying its position index; gathering, from the usable parameter list, the required parameters of the given method as indicated from its signature; and generating the command to call the external method with its required parameters.
US08295459B2 System and method for dynamically partitioning context servers
A system and method for dynamically partitioning context servers in a network in response to changes in network conditions. Context servers store information about calls in a telecommunications system. Network control elements can obtain call information from one or more partitions of the context servers to help make call control and reporting decisions.
US08295458B2 Systems and methods for monitoring “pay-as-you-go” telecommunication services
Telecommunication services systems and methods are disclosed. The telecommunication services systems and methods preferably enable the user and/or the responsible party to make payments as the user uses the telecommunication services. The systems and methods may also be employed to provide the user and/or the responsible party with specialized pricing options and other customized services.
US08295454B2 Digital photo frame with dial-a-tag functionality
A digital photo frame, including a memory for storing a plurality of digital photos, and tags associated with the digital photos, where a tag for a digital photo corresponds to an object appearing in the digital photo, a screen for displaying the digital photos, an interface for making connection with a communicator, wherein the communicator includes a storage for storing a contact list of phone numbers for objects, and a controller, coupled with the memory and the interface, for rendering one of the plurality of digital photos on the screen, and for instructing the communicator via the interface (i) to identify the phone number of a selected object, and (ii) to dial the identified phone number, in response to user activation of a tag associated with the rendered digital photo and corresponding to the selected object.
US08295449B2 Method and system for creating audio identification messages
The invention concerns a system (100) and method (200, 300, 400) for creating audio identification messages for a first communication device (102). In one arrangement, the method can include the step of populating a call list. This can be done by associating a recorded audio identification message with a caller identification (106) of a second communication device (104) that calls the first communication device, and storing (210) the recorded audio identification message in a call list. The audio identification message can be recorded by a user of the second communication device. In another arrangement, the method can include the steps of playing (308) the audio identification message and initiating (314) a call to an entry associated with the audio identification message.
US08295431B2 Non-contacting rotary joint
A rotary joint for transmission of data from a data source to a data sink, between a rotating part and a stationary part, includes a transmission line arrangement fed from a transmission means, and also a receiving means which taps signals from the transmission line arrangement with the aid of a receiving coupler arrangement. A control unit controls the data source. For transmission of data having a small band-width an encoder is provided which converts the data from the data source to a duobinary code.
US08295421B1 Data communications circuitry with high jitter tolerance
Integrated circuits with data communications circuitry are provided. The data communications circuitry on an integrated circuit may receive data that was transmitted from another integrated circuit at a data rate. The data communications circuitry may include oversampling circuitry that oversamples the data to produce an oversampled version of the data at an oversampled data rate. Downsampling circuitry in the data communications circuitry may be used to downsample the oversampled data. The downsampling circuitry may include cascaded groups of registers that store the oversampled data. The outputs of each of the groups of registers may be combined to form a combined parallel output. A downsampling control circuit may have a multiplexer that selects a subset of the signals from the combined parallel output in response to control signals from a transition detector. A middle bit detector may extract a bit value from the selected subset to use as the downsampled output.
US08295420B2 Image reading device
An image reading device including: a photoelectric conversion device that outputs an analog signal corresponding to an image read from a document; an A-D converter that converts the analog signal into a digital signal; a spread spectrum clock generation unit configured to generate a spread spectrum clock by executing frequency-modulation on a reference clock having a constant frequency; an acquisition timing setting unit configured to set an acquiring timing of the analog signal with reference to the spread spectrum clock; and an acquisition timing correction unit configured to execute a delay correction for the acquiring timing of the analog signal set by the acquisition timing setting unit in accordance with a frequency of the spread spectrum clock defined when the analog signal is outputted. The analog signal acquired at the corrected acquiring timing corrected by the acquisition timing correction unit is converted into the digital signal.
US08295419B2 Method and apparatus for generating synchronization signals for synchronizing multiple chips in a system
A clock generator circuit for generating synchronization signals for a multiple chip system. The clock generator circuit comprises generation of a synchronization signal from a reference clock and chip global clock with edge detection logic. In high performance server system design with multiple chips, a common practice for server systems is to use feedback clock and delayed reference clock to generate the synchronization signal. The generated synchronization signal is transferred to latches clocked by the global clock to be used for chip synchronization functions. As the system clock frequency is pushed higher, the phase difference between generated synchronization signal clocked by feedback clock and receiving latch clocked by global clock is becoming such a large portion of cycle time that this signal cannot be transferred deterministically. This invention resolves the uncertainty problem and allows the synchronization signals to be generated deterministically independent of the chip global clock cycle time.
US08295418B2 Adjacent channel interference detection for wireless communication
Techniques for detecting adjacent channel interference (ACI) in a wireless communication system are described. Input inphase (I) and quadrature (Q) samples are filtered with a first filter response to obtain filtered I and Q samples. The first filter response is designed to pass signal in an adjacent frequency channel while suppressing signals in a desired frequency channel and non-adjacent frequency channels. Correlations of the filtered I and Q samples are determined. The presence of ACI is detected based on the correlations of the filtered I and Q samples and the power of the input I and Q samples. If ACI is present, then whether the ACI is from a higher frequency channel or a lower frequency channel is determined based on one or more of the correlations. The input I and Q samples are filtered with a second filter response that is adjusted based on the detection of ACI.
US08295408B2 Receiving apparatus and method for signal detection
A differential amplifier stage under a band design whereby a data signal at a maximum transfer rate among received waveforms is subjected to attenuation upon passing through a transmission line is not amplified, and a signal at a transfer rate half the maximum transfer rate is amplified. If it is determined that a signal whose amplitude is larger in value than a high reference voltage, the signal is determined as a signal “1” while if smaller in value than a low reference voltage, the signal is determined as a signal “0”. If the first amplitude detector detects that the amplitude of the signal is smaller in value than the high reference voltage, and the second amplitude detector detects that the amplitude of the signal is larger in value than the low reference voltage, the present signal is determined as an inverting signal of an immediately preceding signal.
US08295406B1 Universal platform module for a plurality of communication protocols
A communication system comprising a multi-protocol, multi-bearer sub-system is described herein. The sub-system is a universal platform module that can transmit and receive one or more information signals in one or more protocols using one or more bearer services. In one embodiment, the sub-system may form a portion of a transceiver that is composed of a transmitter and a receiver, and which is a gateway server between a personal area network (PAN) and the global wireless network.
US08295400B2 Receiving method and apparatus, and communication system using the same
A radio unit receives burst signals in a target system or those in a MIMO system. A judgment unit determines if a MIMO signal having a form of channel corresponding to the target system is assigned posterior to a target LTS and a target signal. If a constellation of signal points in a position posterior to the target LTS and target signal corresponds to a constellation of signal points in a MIMO signal, the judgment unit judges that the MIMO signal is assigned in the received burst signal. If it is judged by the judgment unit that the MIMO signal was assigned, an instruction unit stops the operation of a baseband processing unit for MIMO-STS and the like assigned posterior to the MIMO signal.
US08295398B2 Data re-transferring method based on bit transformation
The present invention discloses a data re-transferring method based on bit transformation in a communication system which adopts a high order modulation and supports a re-transferring mechanism. The method includes the processes of: exchanging the location of each bit modulated to a symbol in a constellation figure used in Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) according to a selected transformation mode; mapping re-transferred data to each bit modulated to a symbol in a constellation figure of which the location has been exchanged; performing the QAM of the re-transferred data. With the method, storage amount can be decreased, balance of reliability of bits within the same data symbol after multiple re-transferring processes can be ensured, in addition, performance of the decoder and reliability of data transmission can be improved.
US08295396B2 System and method for power control in a wireless transmitter
A system and method for power control in a wireless transmitter. A power control loop includes a feed forward unit coupled to a data source, the feed forward unit processes a signal for transmission, a feedback unit coupled to the feed forward unit, the feedback unit generates a feedback signal representative of an output power level of the signal transmitted by the feed forward unit, a closed loop power control unit coupled to the feedback unit and to the feed forward unit, the closed loop power control unit generates an additive correction signal based on an error signal computed from the feedback signal and data provided by the data source or software instructions, and a ramp path power control unit coupled to the data source, the ramp path power control unit generates a multiplicative correction signal based on an additive correction signal and data provided by the data source.
US08295395B2 Methods and apparatus for partial interference reduction within wireless networks
Methods and apparatus that enable one or more wireless networks to minimize inter-cellular interference (ICI) at a receiver. In one embodiment, the network comprises an OFDM-based cellular network, and the method comprises utilizing a priori knowledge of non-data portions of signals from multiple base stations in order to schedule transmissions. In one variant, these non-data portions comprise pilot tones; the pilot tones can be scheduled onto various time-frequency resources of the network so as to minimize ICI. The mobility context of the receiver can also be used as a basis for dynamically adjusting the pilot tone density. In another variant, precoding (e.g., Tomlinson-Harashima preceding) can be applied to “shape” the non-data portions of the transmitted signals so as to mitigate ICI. In yet other variants, frame preambles and learning sequences are used as the basis for invoking selective transmission time shifts across the potentially interfering base stations so as to minimize ICI.
US08295384B2 Estimating spatial expansion matrix in a MIMO wireless communication system
Techniques are provided to derive the spatial expansion matrix used when one wireless communication device sends a transmission with a number of spatial streams less than the number of its transmit antennas to another wireless communication device. These techniques involve, at the receiving wireless communication device, generating channel estimate information for received transmissions sent with different numbers of spatial streams and to determine when sufficient information is available to estimate a spatial expansion matrix for different spatial expansion scenarios.
US08295383B2 Receiving apparatus and mobile communication system
A receiving apparatus is provided in which a single carrier signal is received by a plurality of receiving antennas, and multipath equalization and other cell interference suppression are carried out in a frequency domain at a same time. A plurality of antennas 1-1 to 1-N receives the single carrier signal. The DFT sections 3-1 to 3-N converts the reception signals into frequency domain signals. A channel estimating section 5 estimates a channel gain of a desired user signal by using pilot reception signals. An interference correlation matrix estimating section 6 estimates an interference correlation matrix from the pilot reception signals and a channel estimation value. A weight calculating section. A weight calculating section 7 receives the channel estimates and the interference correlation matrix and calculates equalization weights. An equalizing section 8 performs multipath equalization and other cell interference suppression to the desired user signal in a frequency domain. An IDFT section 9 converts an equalization signal into a signal in a time domain.
US08295382B2 Antenna multiplexing system and method of smart antenna and multiple-input multiple-output antenna
An antenna multiplexing system and a method of a smart antenna and a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output antenna are provided, wherein the system includes a MIMO antenna array and a smart antenna array, the smart antenna array includes several groups of antenna array elements in which the distance between neighbor antenna array elements is less than or equal to one half of wavelength, and the smart antenna array comprises at least two groups of antenna array elements with the coherence sufficient for the requirement of the MIMO applications. The method includes: in accordance with the type of the data to be transmitted, determining a transmitting mode and processing the data to be transmitted accordingly, and in accordance with the transmitting mode, controlling the MIMO antenna array or smart antenna array, so as to transmitting the data to the mobile terminal. With the premise that the actual coverage of TD-SCDMA system should be further improved, the requirement of higher user throughout could be met, and the MIMO antenna system could satisfy the requirement of the future system evolution. Both of the applications of the MIMO and the smart antenna could be met with the use of the same antenna feeding system, and the adaptive switching of the MIMO and the smart antenna with respect to the user could be achieved.
US08295377B2 Digital broadcasting system and data processing method
A transmitting system and method therein are disclosed, by which mobile service data is received and processed. The transmitting system includes an encoder, a signaling encoder, a group formatter, a transmission unit. The encoder encodes mobile data and the signaling encoder encodes signaling information. The group formatter forms data groups having the encoded mobile and signaling information. The data groups have a plurality of data blocks and specific data blocks of the plurality of data blocks include known data sequences. The transmission unit transmit broadcast signal including a parade that includes a collection of data groups having same FEC parameters. And the signaling information includes information identifying the parade and first assigned data group number for the parade to which a first assigned data group belongs.
US08295373B2 Virtual multicarrier design for orthogonal frequency division multiple access communications
Embodiments of the present invention provide a virtual multicarrier design for orthogonal frequency division multiple access communications. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08295368B1 Method and apparatus for improved interfacing of connections between a multiplicity of handheld devices
A system and method for the provision of communication across multiple devices in a multiplicity of communication environments, whether in a serial interface environment, or whether used in Bluetooth protocol-based devices, as well as in other communication devices, (ZigBee/WiFi/Wimax, etc.) that normally cannot readily establish such data exchange. The invention accomplishes this through inventive techniques and a circuit that uses multi-state voltage levels to multiplex RS232 communication between at least two, but normally three or more RS232 devices. To this end, the present invention enables a device having RS232 connection between at least two sub-systems, while each sub-system communicates with other external RS232 devices using same RS232 connection between at least two sub-systems.
US08295367B2 Method and apparatus for video signal processing
Systems and methods of processing a video signal are provided. A potential block boundary can be detected between a first block and a second block of a frame of the video signal, wherein the frame, the first block, and the second block each include a plurality of pixels. An offset parameter can be determined for at least one pixel of at least one of the first block and the second block. Based on the offset parameter, a boundary verification value of at least one of the first block and the second block can also be determined. Based on the boundary verification value, it can further be determined if the potential block boundary includes a block boundary.
US08295357B2 Method and apparatus for angular-directed spatial deinterlacer
In one embodiment, an apparatus and method for an angular-directed spatial deinterlacer are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises calculating a cost measure for each of multiple angle candidates for a target pixel block to be deinterlaced in a spatial-only domain, determining a horizontal angle measure for the target pixel block, establishing a global minimum angle from the multiple angle candidates by determining the lowest cost measure from the multiple angle candidates, establishing a local minimum angle from the multiple angle candidates by sifting through the angle candidates in a hierarchical manner, and filtering the global minimum angle and the local minimum angle to create a value for interpolating the target pixel block for deinterlacing. Other embodiments are also described.
US08295355B2 Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding motion vector
Provided are methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding a motion vector. The method of encoding a motion vector includes: selecting a mode from among a first mode in which information indicating a motion vector predictor of at least one motion vector predictor is encoded and a second mode in which information indicating generation of a motion vector predictor based on pixels included in a previously encoded area adjacent to a current block is encoded; determining a motion vector predictor of the current block according to the selected mode and encoding information about the motion vector predictor of the current block; and encoding a difference vector between a motion vector of the current block and the motion vector predictor of the current block.
US08295353B2 Image encoding device, image encoding control method, and program
An image encoding control method for controlling processing for encoding data of an input moving image based on an interlace system comprises: a step of determining whether or not a chrominance-component motion vector generated based on the luminance-component motion specifies a reference prohibition region preset at least one of outside an upper boundary and outside a lower boundary of the reference image, for each combination of a field type of the region to be encoded and the field type of the reference image; and a step of prohibiting, when the chrominance-component motion vector generated based on the luminance-component motion vector specifies the reference prohibition region, the luminance-component motion vector from being output as a motion vector specifying a region that is most similar to the region to be encoded.
US08295348B2 Method for controlling moving picture encoding using channel information of wireless networks
Disclosed is a method for controlling bit rates in consideration of wireless channel environment by an apparatus that transmits and receives moving picture encoding data via a wireless network. The apparatus for transmitting/receiving data through a wireless communication network connected to the apparatus including a channel state analyzing unit for analyzing a wireless channel environment, an encoding controller for generating control information containing information about a quantization parameter, skip or non-skip of frames indication, frame type indication, and use or non-use of an Error Resilient Tool (ERT) indication, in consideration of an analyzation result received from the channel state analyzing unit, a moving picture encoding unit for encoding incoming moving picture data, based on the control information received from the encoding controller; and a data transmitting/receiving unit for transferring the encoded moving picture data through the wireless channel to an exterior.
US08295341B2 Cognitive radio device
An example Cognitive Radio (CR) described herein may include equalization and Automatic Modulation Classification (AMC). The equalization may employ digital filter techniques with an adjustable length or order. The output of the equalization may be provided to the AMC, where the AMC may be adapted to identify various characteristics about the RF environment and also to identify probabilities of classification associated with the performance of the AMC itself. The CR device may be configured to adjust the equalization using feedback from the AMC to enhance performance of each other.
US08295338B2 Generated set top calibration patterns in manufacturing
Included are systems and methods for performing an internal operations test to a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes creating a test pattern for testing video functionality of the STT, sending the created test pattern to a digital encoder, and converting the test pattern to an analog signal.
US08295332B2 Channel estimation device and method, demodulation device and method, and fading frequency decision device and method
In this invention, a channel estimation value of data symbols of a data channel is calculated by weighting and averaging pilot symbols in a parallel time multiplexing method. Also, a channel estimation value of data symbols during each data symbol interval is calculated by dividing data symbols in a slot into a plurality of data symbol intervals, selecting pilot symbols suitable for calculation of a channel estimation value of data symbols during each data symbol interval and weighting and averaging that pilot symbols. Also, a fading frequency is detected based on an inner product value of pilot symbols. Weighting factors are changed based on the detected fading frequency. Also, a channel estimation value is calculated by weighting and averaging pilot signals using a plurality of weighting sequences. The calculated channel estimation value is used to demodulate received data. The output data with the highest quality is selected by judging reliability of these plurality of demodulated data. It is also possible to select some weighting sequences based on the result of the reliability judgment of the demodulated data for predetermined period of time. In this case, after the selection, demodulation is performed by using these selected weighting sequences only.
US08295330B2 Method and apparatus for communication signal processing based on mixed parametric and non-parametric estimation of impairment correlations
According to the teachings presented herein, a method and apparatus for communication signal processing advantageously use a mix of parametric and non-parametric correlation estimation in communication signal processing. Non-parametric estimation generates an “overall” correlation estimate for a received communication signal, and parametric estimation generates a “component” correlation estimate. The component correlation estimate is removed from the overall correlation estimate to form a partial correlation estimate that is used to process the received communication signal at least initially, such as in a pre-equalization stage. The overall and component correlation estimates are generated as impairment and/or data correlation estimates.
US08295328B2 Doppler frequency control of G-rake receiver
A control system and method for controlling a spread spectrum receiver such as a generalized Rake (G-Rake) receiver or chip equalizer based on a frequency shift (fD) of a received signal. A hybrid channel estimator outputs a low-rate channel estimate such as a slot average channel estimate if fD is less than or equal to a threshold value. If fD is greater than the threshold, a plurality of high-rate channel estimates such as interpolated channel estimates is produced. An impairment covariance matrix estimates correlations between impairment on different fingers of the G-Rake receiver. The update rate of the matrix is controlled dependent on the value of fD. A combining weights calculator then calculates sets of combining weights based on the channel estimates and the impairment correlation estimates.
US08295327B2 Method and apparatus for estimating noise variance
The invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for estimating a noise variance in a receiver of a code multiplex telecommunications system with orthogonal spreading codes, wherein respective real and imaginary parts of a sum and a difference of two estimated symbols having substantially same amplitudes are determined, and then respective minimum energy components of the determined real and imaginary parts of the sum and difference are determined. The respective minimum energy components are finally combined to obtain the noise variance. Thereby, noise variance can be estimated simply based on addition and comparison operations, which reduces complexity and processing load.
US08295323B2 Synchronization for frequency hopping (FH) communication
A method for synchronization of transmitted and received signals in frequency hopping communications systems. A synchronization unit is arranged for synchronization of transmitted and received signals in frequency hopping communication systems and a frequency hopping communication system including a synchronization unit.
US08295322B2 Method for forming a laser resonator so that optical components of the laser resonator are aligned
A laser resonator and method for forming the laser resonator are provided. The method comprises placing a housing for the laser resonator in an alignment fixture, attaching a bond plate to an optical component of the laser resonator, attaching a first end of an alignment arm to the bond plate attached to the optical component, attaching a second end of the alignment arm to the alignment fixture such that the optical component is disposed over the housing, aligning, via the alignment fixture and the alignment arm, the optical component relative to the housing, and bonding the aligned optical component to the housing. The first end of the alignment arm may removed once the aligned optical component is bonded to the housing.
US08295313B2 Video instant messaging system and method thereof
A video instant messaging method includes: picking up information in front of a display panel from different directions to capture a number of facial images; extracting a number of groups of characteristic vectors from the facial images respectively; measuring a number of degrees of similarity each associated with a extracted characteristic vector using a group of reference characteristic vector; calculating a number of total degrees of similarity each associated with a facial image using the measured degrees of similarity; and transmitting the facial image having the highest total degree of similarity.
US08295307B2 System and method for adapting transmit data block size and rate based on quality of communication link
System and method for transmitting data to a remote communication device to achieve desirable transmit data block size and data rate based on measurements of the communication link quality to the remote device. The method entails selecting an initial transmit data rate and power based on an initial measurement of the link quality, and a default size for the transmit data block. The data block is then transmitted to the remote, and an acknowledgement (ACK) message is received from the remote. If the ACK message indicates that the data block was properly received, the size for the next data block to be transmitted is increased. Otherwise, the size for the next data block may be decreased or remain the same. Additionally, the transmit data rate may be increased if the remote properly receives a defined number of consecutive data blocks, or decreased if the remote does not receive a defined number of consecutive data blocks.
US08295306B2 Layer-4 transparent secure transport protocol for end-to-end application protection
Techniques for providing layer 4 transparent secure transport for end-to-end application protection are described herein. According to one embodiment, a packet of a network transaction is received from a client over a first network, where the packet is destined to a server of a data center having a plurality of servers over a second network. The packet includes a payload encrypted without encrypting information needed for a layer 4 of OSI (open system interconnection) layers of network processes. The layer 4 process is performed on the packet without having to decrypting the payload to determine whether the packet is eligible to access the destined server over the second network based on the unencrypted layer 4 information. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08295302B2 Methods and apparatus for ensuring compatibility on a high performance serial bus
A data communications system is disclosed having at least one Legacy cloud coupled to at least one Beta cloud. The system further having at least one BOSS node and at least one border node. A method for ensuring compatibility is disclosed comprising determining when the BOSS node is idle, determining whether the last packet transmitted by any border node was an Alpha format packet if the BOSS node is idle, and unlocking the Legacy cloud if the last packet transmitted by the border node was not an Alpha format packet.
US08295298B2 Device with ethernet switch function and single ethernet connector
A Local Area Network (LAN) device is provided that includes an integrated switching function and a single network port. More specifically, the single network port of the LAN device may be used to provide communications over two different channels to/from two different external network devices. Thus, the LAN device may be utilized as an intermediary network device in a bus or chain network configuration even though it only comprises a single network port.
US08295296B2 Programmable high-speed cable with printed circuit board and boost device
An HDMI cable carries high speed encoded data which are transmitted differentially over data channels, along with a clock. High-frequency loss and differential skew within a differential signal may be compensated by analog circuits embedded in the cable. These embedded circuits are tuned at production for best performance by observing the quality of the recovered analog signal. The embedded circuits are powered by a combination of power sources, both carried within the cable, and harvested from the high-speed signals themselves.
US08295295B2 System and method for automatically segmenting and merging routing domains within networks
A system and a method for automatically segmenting and merging routing domains within a network. The system includes one or more gateway devices and a plurality of nodes segmented into one or more routing domains. Each of said plurality of nodes maintains a single gateway device from among said plurality of gateway devices as the node's primary gateway at any time. Each of said gateway devices possesses a gateway color attribute. Each of said plurality of nodes maintains a node color attribute value whose value is derived from the value of said gateway color attribute of then node's primary gateway. Each node's routing domain is determined by the node's color attribute value.
US08295290B2 Energy efficient control of data link groups
Where parallel links between network devices are aggregated into link groups to support the transport of associated data streams, the link groups can be managed in an energy efficient manner by defining each link group as consisting of a primary link and one or more secondary links. The primary link in a link group remains enabled at all times but the secondary links are enabled only when needed and are disabled when no longer needed, minimizing power consumption for the secondary links (and the link group).
US08295287B2 Network traffic shaping for reducing bus jitter on a real time controller
System and method for controlling access to a bus. A Network Interface (NI) is coupled to a memory via the bus, and receives a schedule to a Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller on the NI. The schedule indicates one or more timeslots reserved for transmission of deterministic data, and further indicates one or more available timeslots which are not reserved for transmission of deterministic data. The NI receives first data for transmission onto the bus, during a first timeslot of the available timeslots, where the first data are received in a non-deterministic manner, and determines that the first timeslot is a reserved timeslots based on the schedule. The first data are buffered in a buffer memory during the first timeslot, and transferred to the first memory via the bus during a second timeslot after the buffering, where the second timeslot is one of the one or more available timeslots.
US08295284B1 Dynamic, conditon-based packet redirection
In one embodiment, at a packet-forwarding engine for receiving packet flows and conditionally routing packets in the packet flows to one or more applications, a method includes receiving from a particular one of the applications a request that requests the packet-forwarding engine not to route the particular one of the packet flows to the particular one of the applications and identifies one or more conditions for routing particular ones of the packets in the particular one of the packet flows to the particular one of the applications. The method further includes, receiving a particular packet in the particular one of the packet flows, determining whether one or more of the conditions for routing the particular packet to the particular one of the applications are met, and routing or not routing the particular packet to the particular one of the applications based on the determination.
US08295283B2 Method, system, and device for transmitting TRAU frame over a packet network
A method for transmitting a transcoder & rate adaptation unit (TRAU) frame over a packet network according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving a packet TRAU (P_TRAU) frame sent from an opposite device; parsing the P_TRAU frame to obtain control information required for packet network transmission; and processing data in the P_TRAU frame according to the control information. A system and device for transmitting a TRAU frame over a packet network are also provided. With the P_TRAU frame that carries the control information required for packet network transmission, the Abis interface may use the packet mode instead of the time division multiplex (TDM) mode for transmission bearer and the delay, jitter, packet loss, and disorder in the packet mode are solved.
US08295281B2 Communication system, communication terminal device used in communication system and communication method used in communication system
A communication system includes a first communication terminal connected to an internal communication network, a second communication terminal connected to an external communication network arranged in an area, and a connection device which connects the internal communication network and external communication network to each other, wherein the second communication terminal includes means for storing first transmission-destination identifying information included in the data area of a communication packet transmitted from the first communication terminal, means for comparing the first transmission-destination identifying information and second transmission-destination identifying information included in the header area of a communication packet, means for adding the second transmission-destination identifying information to the communication packet to be transmitted to the first communication terminal when the first transmission-destination identifying information and the second transmission-destination identifying information do not coincide with each other.
US08295276B2 Method and apparatus for transporting multiprotocol label switching frames over physical communication links
The invention includes a method and apparatus for transporting a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) frame over a communication link. In the egress direction of communication, a method includes encapsulating the MPLS frame within a Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) frame, forming an augmented frame by adding at least one Ethernet Media Access Control (MAC) header field to the GFP frame, and transmitting the augmented frame over the communication link. In the ingress direction of communication, a method includes receiving an augmented frame over a communication link, removing at least one Ethernet Media Access Control (MAC) header field from the augmented frame to extract thereby a Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) frame, and decapsulating the MPLS frame from within the GFP frame.
US08295264B2 MBMS soft combining
A method of conducting soft combining of at least two received MBMS signals in a user equipment (112) of a radio telecommunications network (100), the method including: demodulating (202) at least a subset of the received MBMS signals; converting (208-1-208-m) a floating point slot data vector to a fixed point slot data vector for each demodulated received MBMS signal; and soft combining (214) the fixed-point slot data vectors derived from at least two of said received MBMS signals.
US08295258B2 Enhancing WLAN performance in the presence of interference
A wireless access point coherently receives signals transmitted from client devices and from interfering devices, measures noise and interference capture samples from the received signals, and computes a characterization of noise plus interference. Receive gains and threshold levels are adjusted based on the computed noise plus interference characterization. A set of weights for an interference suppression spatial filter are calculated from the measured noise and interference capture samples and used to produce a filtered signal by spatially filtering the received signals such that interference is spatially nulled in the filtered signal. The method may also include setting PHY parameters at the wireless access point based on the computed noise plus interference characterization. In some embodiments, a protection transmission is transmitted from the wireless access point, requesting connected client devices to suspend transmissions during a specified time period.
US08295255B2 Wireless LAN system, access point, and method for preventing connection to a rogue access point
A wireless local area network system includes one or more access points connected to a wired network which is part of the system. To prevent wireless terminals from communicating with a rogue access point that is not connected to the wired network, a legitimate access point detects the rogue access point, determines its beacon signal period, and sets a timer to generate timings at which the rogue access point is expected to transmit the beacon signals. At each of these timings, the legitimate access point creates and transmits interfering data that interfere with the rogue access point's beacon signals.
US08295242B2 System and method for exchanging policy information in a roaming communications environment
An apparatus for optimizing roaming in a network environment is provided that includes a bearer manager operable to receive a registration request from a user. An identity of a visited network and access network information is included with the request, a bearer manager consulting the policy server for a policy decision as part of an IP-address assignment or mobile IP registration process. The policy server providing the assigned IP-address, a visited network provider identity and access network information to a home policy server via policy peering. The policy server authorizing the registration and remembering the identity of the visited network provider and the access network information, whereby when the user performs registration, an application manager can request authorization from the policy sever, which checks the identity of the visited network and possible the access network and determines whether to authorize the registration.
US08295240B2 Discontinuous reception start offset coordinated with semi-persistent scheduling system and method
A user agent comprising a processor enabled to configure the user agent to adjust a discontinuous reception (DRX) start offset when a downlink assignment is one of configured and reconfigured. The DRX start offset is adjusted to satisfy the equation (10*SFNstart time+subframestart time)modulo(Long DRX Cycle)=DRX start offset.
US08295237B2 Base station and scheduling method thereof
A scheduling method for a base station which transmits an identical packet or data to mobile stations via a plurality of transmission antennas based on a transmission diversity system is provided. In this scheduling method, a first transmission phase for each mobile station is monitored when a packet is diversity-transmitted to each of the mobile stations using a shared channel, and a second transmission phase for each mobile station is monitored when data is diversity-transmitted to each of other mobile stations using a dedicated channel. Then a degree of interference in all the dedicated channel mobile stations, which is generated when a packet is diversity-transmitted to a shared channel mobile station, is calculated using the first and second transmission phases for each shared channel mobile station, and a packet is transmitted preferentially to a shared channel mobile station whose degree of interference is the lowest.
US08295236B2 Base station apparatus and communication control method
A base station apparatus capable of communicating with a user equipment terminal using an uplink shared channel, includes a resource allocation unit configured to allocate radio resources according to a first resource allocating scheme for dynamically allocating radio resources and a second resource allocating scheme for periodically allocating radio resources, wherein the resource allocation unit uses the radio resources to be allocated according to the second resource allocating scheme as the radio resources to be allocated according to the first resource allocating scheme, when the base station apparatus receives a signal to release the radio resources to be allocated according to the second allocating scheme.
US08295234B2 Apparatus and method for fairly allocating resources in band AMC mode of wideband wireless access system
A method and an apparatus for allocating resources in a band adaptive modulation and coding (band AMC) mode of a wideband wireless access system are provided. The method includes, when two or more mobile stations transmit channel quality information (CQI) through an overlapping band, examining whether the mobile stations transmit information indicating that the overlapping band is the highest band thereof, comparing tag values of the mobile stations transmitting the information indicating that the overlapping band is the highest band thereof and selecting one of the tag values having the highest priority, allocating a subchannel corresponding to the highest band to the mobile station having the selected tag value, and changing the tag values of the mobile stations transmitting the information indicating that the overlapping band is the highest band thereof on the basis of the result of the comparison to reset the tag values.
US08295233B2 System and method for semi-persistent resource scheduling
A component in a telecommunications system is provided. The component includes one or more processors configured to promote semi-persistent scheduling of a resource and to send a release message. The release message informing the user equipment to cease attempting to process data from the downlink portion. Also provided is user equipment comprising one or more processors configured to promote providing an indication that a request for an uplink resource is related to a voice over Internet Protocol call.
US08295225B2 Reverse link feedback for interference control in a wireless communication system
Systems and methodologies are described that provide techniques for generating and utilizing reverse link feedback for interference management in a wireless communication system. Channel quality and/or interference data can be obtained by a terminal from a serving sector and one or more neighboring sectors, from which an interference-based headroom value can be computed that contains interference caused by the terminal to an allowable range. The interference-based headroom value can then be provided with power amplifier (PA) headroom feedback to the serving sector. Based on the provided feedback from the terminal, the serving sector can assign resources for use by the terminal in communication with the serving sector. Further, the serving sector may choose to honor or disregard a received interference-based power value based on quality of service and/or other system parameters.
US08295214B2 Reducing transmit signal components of a receive signal of a transceiver
Embodiments of a method and apparatus of reducing transmit signal components of a receive signal of a transceiver are disclosed. One method includes generating a transmit signal by passing a pre-driver transmit signal through a transmit driver. An echo cancellation signal is generated by passing the pre-driver transmit signal through an echo cancellation driver. A residual echo signal is generated by passing a pre-driver residual echo cancellation signal through a residual echo cancellation driver. The transceiver simultaneously transmits the transmit signal, and receiving the receive signal. At least a portion of an echo signal of the receive signal is canceled by summing the echo cancellation signal with the receive signal. At least another portion of the cancellation echo signal of the receive signal is canceled by summing the residual echo cancellation signal with the receive signal.
US08295212B2 System and method for TDD/TMA with hybrid bypass switch of receiving amplifier
An arrangement of hybrid couplers, selectively removing RF amplifiers from a receiving path from an antenna back to a receiver in response to an event, the event switching impedances of switchable impedances connecting to ports of the hybrid couplers, between a matching impedance and mismatching impedance. The matching and mismatching impedances change coupling characteristics of the hybrid couplers between a normal coupling and a bypass coupling. In the normal coupling the hybrid couplers provide port-to-port coupling placing the RF amplifiers within the receiving path and, in the bypass coupling, the hybrid couplers provide port-to-port coupling bypassing the RF amplifiers. Optionally, transmitted signal power is detected to identify transmit and receiving intervals. During detected transmit intervals, isolation switches isolate the RF amplifiers from the feedback path and, during receiving intervals and, during detected receiving intervals, the isolation switches RF amplifiers into the feedback path to amplify reception signals. Optionally a hybrid coupler switch is placed between the two circulators to increase the isolation in the RX mode reducing feedback to the LNA's.
US08295209B2 Frame structures with flexible partition boundary for wireless networks
Various example embodiments are disclosed herein. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a wireless interface, and a controller, the apparatus being configured to: transmit a downlink subframe of a frequency division duplex (FDD) frame to one or more mobile stations in a wireless network, each wireless station being assigned to one of a plurality of groups, such as, for example, one of group 1 or group 2, the downlink subframe including at least: a group 1 portion and a group 2 portion, wherein a group boundary between the group 1 portion and the group 2 portion of the downlink subframe is variable, at least one of the group 1 portion and the group 2 portion including a group boundary information identifying a location of the group boundary or a location of the group 2 portion in the downlink subframe.
US08295205B2 Contact matching of changing content across platforms
A method includes matching at least one device-associated contact from a list of contacts on a mobile device with at least one web-associated contact from another list of contacts associated with a web-based application and downloading media content associated with the at least one web-associated contact to the mobile device with an indication of the device-associated contact with which it is to be associated. The mobile device launches media content associated with a contact on the occasion of call related activity with the contact.
US08295203B2 Methods and systems to store state used to forward multicast traffic
Methods and systems are described to store state used to forward multicast traffic. The system includes a receiving module to receive request to add a first node to a membership tree. The membership tree includes a first plurality of nodes associated with a multicast group. The system further includes a processing module to identify a second node in the first plurality of nodes and to communicate a node identifier that identifies the first node over a network to the second node. The node identifier is to be stored at the second node to add the first node to the membership tree. The node identifier is further to be stored in the membership tree exclusively at the second node to enable the second node to forward the multicast traffic to the first node.
US08295198B2 Method for configuring ACLs on network device based on flow information
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for using network flows records exported from network routers to provide information about the traffic entering/exiting the device. Network routers or hubs can be configured to authorize or deny various types of network traffic between two network devices whose traffic transits via the router. The method presented describes the creation and application of access control lists on the router from information derived from the network flow information exported by the network router.
US08295197B2 Apparatus and method of determining maximum segment size of data call in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for determining a maximum segment size (MSS) in a mobile communication system. When the portable terminal accesses a multimedia service server through a data call, the method includes confirming whether or not a maximum segment size (MSS) of the server is stored; if the MSS is stored, the server is accessed using the MSS; and if the MSS is not stored, determining the MSS of the server through a ping procedure.
US08295179B2 Method and system for measuring quality of networking nodes
This method is applied to nodes of networks based on carrier sense measurements and defines as well as determines accurately the values of two quality metrics to characterize respectively the accuracy of a node in carrier sensing and the ability of said node to cope with a given workload of concurrent incoming and outgoing communication traffic. These two quality metrics characterizes the intrinsic losses of a node due to different hardware and software limitations, which generate unexpected traffic losses in the node and make experimentally obtained results not match with those obtained through theoretical models. A testing controlled scenario is provided for allowing to measure the values of the two quality metrics separately, detecting the presence of the maximum value measured for concurrent workload of the node under test in the measurement of the accuracy of said node in carrier sensing.
US08295178B2 Manual configuration for sites that cannot give read/write credentials to a voice over internet protocol (VOIP) monitor
Read-only VoIP node configuration includes monitoring the VoIP network to determine the performance of the various nodes, and data from nodes is collected and stored. Where the nodes are not currently operating or cannot be monitored, no data is assigned in the non-operating nodes. The monitoring results are presented to a user, and misconfigured or faulty nodes are identified based upon predefined criteria. Information is then provided to a user to guide the user through the process of configuring the identified faulty/misconfigured node. The configuration commands for an appropriate network device may be presented to user so that user (with write authority) may implement and carry out the configurations commands.
US08295166B2 High speed industrial control and data acquistion system and method
A high speed industrial control system and data acquisition system and method are disclosed that enable high speed data transmission rates from an control system to a remote client application. In one embodiment, the system includes a first processor, a second processor, an open-socket interface, and a client application. The first processor is configured to generate data arrays and the second processor is configured to receive and convert the arrays into time stamped message sets. The open-socket interface may be coupled to the second processor and may be configured to transmit packet sets from the second processor to a client application. The client application may be configured to convert each packet set into individual records that are included in a standard structured data format. One of the standard structured data format may be a standard database format.
US08295165B2 Apparatus and method for handling radio link failure in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of handling a radio link failure in a wireless communication system is provided. Upon detecting a radio link failure in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, a user equipment starts a radio link failure timer of which timer value is selected among at least one timer value for at least one RB. The user equipment attempts a RRC connection re-establishment while the radio link failure timer is running, and transitions to a RRC idle state when the radio link failure timer is expired.
US08295164B2 Network-connection redundant system for devices with cascade networking capability and method applied on the system
Disclosed is a network-connection redundant system for devices with cascade networking capability, and a method applied on the system. Every device capable of network connection preferably has two network ports, which are respectively connected to the same or different network nodes. The route of network packets can be controlled by defining the roles of ports. One emergent redundant connection is achieved. According to the preferred embodiment, every port is defined as one role such as forward port or blocked port after the network formed by the nodes and devices is initialized. It is featured that a plurality of connection-confirmation packets periodically transmitted or received by the network nodes are used to determine whether state of the connection changes or not. If there is any change, the role for each port is re-defined based on the relevant information. A redundant connection is then established.
US08295162B2 System and method to achieve sub-second routing performance
A system and method for routing data, the system having a processor, an interface in communication with the processor and capable of being in communication with a second system for routing data, a memory unit in communication with the processor, the memory unit having a network routing table having a plurality of routes, the plurality of routes having a first route; and a network failure route selection logic including instructions adapted to configure the processor to determine when the first route is inoperative, transmit a first data packet to the second system for routing data when the first route is inoperative and utilize a second route selected from one of the plurality of routes, the second route being different from the first route.
US08295161B2 Network apparatus that determines whether data is written into buffer based on detection of a memory error
A network apparatus includes: an input interface unit; a first and second line switching units cross-connecting output signals from the input interface unit; an output interface unit including a selection unit selecting outputs from the first or second line switching units; and a CPU. The line switching units each include: a control signal generation unit storing setting data in a memory and generating a line switching control signal based on the setting data; a memory error detection processing unit detecting a memory error and outputting error information; and a main signal processing unit writing setting data into a buffer when an error is not detected, and holding setting data stored in the buffer when the error is detected, and which performs cross-connection processing according to the setting data stored in the buffer. The CPU controls the selection unit according to the error information.
US08295159B2 Timer poll retransmission expiry in a wireless communication system
Providing for improved acknowledgment and retransmission protocols for wireless communication is described herein. By way of example, the acknowledgment and retransmission protocols can comprise including a poll element, or reply command, within a data unit that is part of a wireless transmission. A timer is set following sending the wireless transmission, and if a reply is not received within expiration of the timer, retransmission is triggered. According to specific aspects, retransmission comprises resending the data unit that includes the poll element or reply command. In this manner, redundant retransmission can be mitigated, whether because a receiver fails to successfully receive one or more subsets of the wireless transmission, or because the transmitter fails to obtain a reply to the wireless transmission.
US08295158B2 Method of session processing in an IMS and interrogating-call state control function
A method of session processing in the Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) comprises: Interrogating-Call State Control Function (I-CSCF) accessing the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to query the registration location of the called user, the I-CSCF sending the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) request to the Serving-Call State Control Function (S-CSCF) based on the response of the HSS; when the response time of the S-CSCF to the SIP request sent from the I-CSCF has expired, the I-CSCF re-selecting the S-CSCF, and sending the SIP request to the S-CSCF. And an Interrogating-Call State Control Function is provided. According to the present invention, if the S-CSCF returned by the HSS to process the unregistered service of the IMS user does not responded because of the device failure or communication interruption or the like, the I-CSCF can re-select other S-CSCF to process the unregistered service of the IMS user, so as to improve the quality of service and to increase the satisfaction of user.
US08295144B2 Optical pickup device and optical disc apparatus
An optical pickup device includes a semiconductor laser for emitting laser light, an objective lens for irradiating luminous flux emitted from the semiconductor laser to an optical disc, a branching element having a plurality of regions for branching luminous flux reflected from the optical disc to a plurality of fluxes, and a photodetector having a plurality of light receiving parts which receive luminous flux branched by said branching element. Luminous flux which enters at least two regions arrayed along a direction which is made substantially coincident with a tangential direction of the optical disc in regard to substantially a center of the branching element is arranged along a direction which is made substantially coincident with a radial direction of the optical disc on the photodetector.
US08295139B2 Method and device for optical recording onto optical disc medium
There is provided an optical recording method for directing a recording pulse train to an optical disc medium to form marks thereon and for recording information as information about the edge positions of said marks and the spaces between marks, the recording pulse train having been created by modulating laser light into plural power levels. The method includes: coding to-be-recorded data into coded data consisting of the combination of marks and spaces; classifying said marks within said coded data on the basis of the mark length and the preceding or succeeding space lengths of the marks; shifting the position of the second pulse edge counted from the end portion of the recording pulse train for forming said marks, depending on the result of said classification, to adjust said recording pulse train; and directing said recording pulse train to the optical disc medium to form said marks thereon.
US08295136B2 Optical recording device and method
Before new information is recorded on a comparatively deep recording layer in a multilayer optical recording disc, a predetermined target value of a reproduced signal parameter is read from the disc itself or from a separate storage unit, the recorded/unrecorded states of the shallower recording layers are determined, and the target value is corrected on the basis of these states. The correction is based on a predetermined difference in the value of the reproduced signal parameter caused by a difference in the recorded/unrecorded states of the shallower recording layers. The corrected target value is used in calibration of the recording power by means of a test write. This correction of the target value permits reliable recording on a multilayer optical disc without delaying the start of the recording process.
US08295134B2 Optical disc, optical disc recording method and apparatus, and optical disc reproducing method and apparatus
As a synchronization signal pattern to be added, a pattern is generated (second SYNC pattern), which has a pattern that breaks a maximum run inserted in a pattern excluding a minimum run is used so that intersymbol interference does not occur readily on a high-density disc, and addition processing of a conventional synchronization signal pattern (first SYNC pattern) is switched according to identification information indicating whether or not a high-density disc for generation.
US08295127B2 Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus having a main battery for performing main operations of the communication apparatus so as to connect or remove from the device freely. The communication apparatus includes a clock unit and a control unit. The clock unit configured to count a current time by using power supplied by the main battery, and configured to acquire the current time from a base station based on the main battery was connected after the main battery was removed the communication apparatus. And the control unit configured to control so as to set the current time acquired by the clock unit as the current time counted.
US08295126B2 Method and apparatus for processing a calendar database for time zone shifting
A system, method and apparatus for processing a calendar database for time zone shifting are provided. The calendar database is processed to determine a first set of event data associated with a first time zone and a second set of event data associated with a second time zone. Time zone calendar view data is produced, the time zone calendar view data enabled to control a display device to produce a time zone calendar view comprising representations of the first set and the second set sorted according to their associated time zones, said representations displayed on a timeline adjacent to one another, with concurrent times in each of the first time zone and second time zone temporally aligned. A display device is controlled, via the time zone calendar view data, to produce the time zone calendar view.
US08295124B2 Method for separating independent simultaneous sources
This is a method of separating simultaneous sources that uses an inversion-type approach. Each source will preferably activated at a random time with respect to the others. These random delays tend to make the interference between sources incoherent while the reflections create coherent events within a series of shots. The shot separation is performed via a numerical inversion process that utilizes the sweeps for each shot, the start times of each shot, and the coherence of reflection events between nearby shots. This method will allow seismic surveys to be acquired faster and cheaper.
US08295123B2 Current rectifying element, memory device incorporating current rectifying element, and fabrication method thereof
In a current rectifying element (10), a barrier height φA of a center region (14) of a barrier layer (11) in a thickness direction thereof sandwiched between a first electrode layer (12) and a second electrode layer (13) is formed to be larger than a barrier height φB of a region in the vicinity of an interface (17) between the barrier layer (11) and the first electrode layer (12) and an interface (17) between the barrier layer (11) and the second electrode layer (13). The barrier layer (11) has, for example, a triple-layer structure of barrier layers (11a), (11b) and (11c). The barrier layers (11a), (11b) and (11c) are, for example, formed by SiN layers of SiNx2, SiNx1, and SiNx1 (X1
US08295117B2 Memory power supply circuit
A memory power supply circuit includes a memory module, a micro control unit (MCU), a phase switch circuit, and a multi-phase pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller. The MCU is operable to determine required current to be supplied to the memory module and output corresponding phase switch signals to the phase switch circuit. The PWM controller includes a number of phase pins connected to the phase switch circuit. The phase switch circuit controls enable states of the phase pins of the PWM controller.
US08295114B2 Semiconductor memory cell array including dummy bit-line and word-line and semiconductor memory device having the same
A semiconductor memory cell array includes a plurality of bit-lines, a plurality of word-lines, a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of dummy memory cells, a plurality of dummy bit-lines, and a plurality of dummy word-lines. The dummy bit-lines are in outer regions of the bit-lines. The dummy word-lines are in outer regions of the word-lines. The dummy bit-lines are maintained in a floating state. The dummy word-lines retain a turn-off voltage.
US08295112B2 Sense amplifiers and exemplary applications
Embodiments of the invention are related to sense amplifiers. In an embodiment involving a sense amplifier used with a memory cell, signals BL, ZBL, SN and SP are pre-charged and equalized to a voltage reference, e.g., Vref, using an equalizing signal. A compensation signal, e.g., SAC, is applied to compensate for the mismatch between transistors in the sense amplifier. The word line WL is activated to connect the memory cell to a bit line, e.g., bit line ZBL. Because the memory cell shares the charge with the connected bit line ZBL, it causes a differential signal to be developed between bit lines BL and ZBL. When enough split between bit lines BL and ZBL is developed, signals SP and SAE are raised to VDD (while signal SN has been lowered to VSS) to turn on the sense amplifier and allow it to function as desire. Other embodiments and exemplary applications are also disclosed.
US08295108B2 Architecture, system and method for compressing repair data in an integrated circuit (IC) design
Architecture, system and method for providing compression of repair data in an IC design having a plurality of memory instances. In one embodiment, the repair data storage method includes determining repair data for each of the memory instances and compressing the repair data into a compressed format that is stored in a shared nonvolatile storage common to the memory instances.
US08295105B2 Semiconductor memory device
A Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) includes word lines WL, bit lines BL, address decoders that select one of the word lines WL in response to an address signal AD, a sense amplifier that is activated in response to a sense amplifier enable signal SAE, and a sense amplifier control circuit that generates the sense amplifier enable signal SAE. In this device, the more distant the word line WL is from the sense amplifier, the longer the sense amplifier control circuit sets the delay time of the sense amplifier enable signal SAE so that the more distant the word line WL is from the sense amplifier, the later the sense amplifier is activated.
US08295102B2 Bitline voltage driver
A method and structure for passing a bitline voltage regardless of its voltage level via a bitline in a memory device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting the bitline voltage of the bitline, feeding a control signal at an activation voltage level to the bitline pass device to maintain a pass voltage differential of the bitline pass device when the bitline is selected and passing the bitline voltage via the bitline pass device in response to the control signal, where the pass voltage differential is greater than a threshold voltage of the bitline pass device regardless of a level of the bitline voltage.
US08295097B2 Channel precharge and program methods of a nonvolatile memory device
A channel pre-charge method of a nonvolatile memory device including a cell string includes pre-charging a channel of the cell string according to a first word line bias condition and pre-charging the channel of the cell string according to a second word line bias condition, different than the first word line bias condition.
US08295088B2 NAND architecture memory with voltage sensing
A NAND architecture non-volatile memory voltage sensing data read/verify process and sense amplifier has been described that senses data in floating gate or floating node field effect transistor memory cells using a voltage sensing data read/verify process. The voltage sensing process utilized a reference NAND string and reference memory cell that is coupled to a reference bit line. A voltage is precharged onto a bit line to be read and an associated reference bit line. The bit line is then coupled to a NAND string and selected memory cell while the reference bit line is coupled to a reference NAND string and selected reference memory cell. The relative voltage level of the bit line and reference bit line are then set by the relative currents flowing through the coupled NAND string and reference NAND string, and the voltage differential read by a coupled voltage sense amplifier.
US08295082B2 Gate level reconfigurable magnetic logic
A re-programmable gate logic includes a plurality of non-volatile re-configurable resistance state-based memory circuits in parallel, wherein the circuits are re-configurable to implement or change a selected gate logic, and the plurality of non-volatile re-configurable resistance state-based memory circuits are each adapted to receive a logical input signal. An evaluation switch in series with the plurality of parallel non-volatile re-configurable resistance state-based memory circuits is configured to provide an output signal based on the programmed states of the memory circuits. A sensor is configured to receive the output signal and provide a logical output signal on the basis of the output signal and a reference signal provided to the sensor. The reconfigurable logic may be implemented based on using spin torque transfer (STT) magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) magnetoresistance random access memory (MRAM) as the re-programmable memory elements. The logic configuration is retained without power.
US08295078B2 Semiconductor memory cell and array using punch-through to program and read same
An integrated circuit device (for example, logic or discrete memory device) comprising a memory cell including a punch-through mode transistor, wherein the transistor includes a source region, a drain region, a gate, a gate insulator, and a body region having a storage node which is located, at least in part, immediately beneath the gate insulator. The memory cell includes at least two data states which are representative of an amount of charge in the storage node in the body region. First circuitry is coupled to the punch-through mode transistor of the memory cell to: (1) generate first and second sets of write control signals, and (2a) apply the first set of write control signals to the transistor to write a first data state in the memory cell and (2b) apply the second set of write control signals to the transistor to write a second data state in the memory cell. In response to the first set of write control signals, the punch-through mode transistor provides at least the first charge in the body region via impact ionization. The transistor may be disposed on a bulk-type substrate or SOI-type substrate.
US08295072B2 Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) utilizing magnetic flip-flop structures
Non-volatile magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices that include magnetic flip-flop structures that include a magnetization controlling structure; a first tunnel barrier structure; and a magnetization controllable structure that includes a first polarizing layer; and a first stabilizing layer, wherein the first tunnel barrier structure is between the magnetization controllable structure and the magnetization controlling structure and the first polarizing layer is between the first stabilizing layer and the first tunnel barrier structure, wherein the magnetic flip-flop device has two stable overall magnetic; configurations a second tunnel barrier structure and a reference layer, wherein the second tunnel barrier structure is between the magnetic flip-flop device and the reference layer.
US08295070B2 Resistance change memory
According to one embodiment, a resistance change memory includes a stacked layer structure stacked on a semiconductor substrate in order of a first conductive line, a first variable resistance element, a second conductive line, a second variable resistance element, . . . a n-th conductive line, a n-th variable resistance element and a (n+1)-th conductive line, where n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2, and a first to a n-th drivers which drives the first to the (n+1)-th conductive lines. The odd-numbered conductive lines are extends in a first direction along a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The even-numbered conductive lines are extends in a second direction along the surface of the semiconductor substrate. Sizes of the first to (n+1)-th drivers become large gradually from the first driver to the (n+1)-th driver.
US08295069B2 Power conversion with added pseudo-phase
Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.
US08295067B2 Power converter using a rectifier with normally on transistors
The invention relates to a power converter comprising, in particular, a rectifier comprising at least one switching leg provided with two transistors (T1-T6) connected in series. The transistors (T1-T6) are of the normally ON field-effect type, for example JFETs, and are each controlled by a gate control device (CT1-CT6). Each gate control device comprises, in particular: an output (OUT1) connected to the gate (G) of the controlled transistor, a voltage rectifier element connected between the output of the control device and an input (in1, in3) of the converter, a capacitor (C11) connected between the source (S) of the transistor and a point situated between the output of the control device and the voltage rectifier element.
US08295061B2 Board connecting bracket and electronic instrument having the same
A board connection bracket and an electronic instrument having the same are provided. The electronic instrument includes an electronic instrument body which includes a plurality of board fixing parts on a surface; a printed circuit board which is mounted on the surface of the electronic instrument body; and a board connection bracket which connects the printed circuit board to one of the board fixing parts to fix the printed circuit board to the electronic instrument body.
US08295056B2 Silicon carrier structure and method of forming same
A silicon carrier structure for electronic packaging includes a base substrate, a silicon carrier substrate disposed on the base substrate, a memory chip disposed on the silicon carrier substrate, a microprocessor chip disposed on the silicon carrier substrate, an input/output chip disposed on the silicon carrier substrate, and a clocking chip disposed on the silicon carrier substrate.
US08295047B1 Changing data center cooling modes
A method of providing utilities to a computer data center is discussed. The method includes initially connecting one or more non-evaporative cooling units to a data center as primary cooling plants, obtaining a government-issued water permit, and after obtaining the government-issued water permit, transitioning primary cooling for the data center to one or more evaporative cooling towers.
US08295043B2 Protective sleeve for portable electronic devices
The present invention relates to a protective sleeve for portable electronic devices. The protective sleeve for portable electronic device includes a sleeve frame, a cover, and a turning structure. The sleeve frame includes a plurality of connecting sidewalls cooperatively defining a space for receiving the portable electronic device. The cover is covering the space of sleeve frame. The cover is connected to the sleeve frame and can be opened via the turning structure. The protective sleeve for portable electronic device is convenient for use, and can fully protect the portable electronic device.
US08295037B1 Hinged electronic device having multiple panels
An electronic device, such as an electronic book (“eBook”) reader device, is configured with two panels connected via a hinge. A first panel includes components such as a battery, a main logic board, a wireless networking interface, and so forth while a second panel includes a display component such as an electrophoretic display. The panels may be opened for use wherein the display is visible to a user, or closed such that the first panel protects and/or obscures the second panel and the display located therein.
US08295032B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a solid electrolytic capacitor having sufficiently low impedance at high frequencies in which a conductive polymer formed on a dielectric oxide film has good adherence to the dielectric oxide film, and a manufacturing method of the solid electrolytic capacitor. The solid electrolytic capacitor of the present invention includes a valve metal; a dielectric oxide film layer formed on a surface of the valve metal; and a solid electrolyte layer, comprising a conductive polymer layer, formed on the dielectric oxide film layer. The conductive polymer layer contains, as an additive, 0.1 wt % to 30 wt % of an organic oligomer having an average degree of polymerization of 2 to 100.
US08295030B2 Composite membrane for a capacitor
A composite membrane for a capacitor, comprising: a carrier; a mixture of a catalytic material for catalyzing hydrogen and oxygen, and a dispersion resin. The catalytic material is selected from the group consisting of a precious metal in Group VIII of the periodic table of elements and their alloys, and a rare earth metal of the La group of rare earth metals and their alloys. The carrier is a film formed by at least one of the following: polypropylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyamide. The carrier can include asbestos fibers, polypropylene fibers, or their mixture. The dispersion resin can be one of the following: ethylene, Nafion™, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, CMC, and the like. The present disclosure also provides a method for making a composite membrane, and a capacitor with the composite membrane.
US08295022B2 Overstress protection apparatus and method
An overstress protection apparatus includes a switch detector. The switch is arranged in a grounding path of a load system. The detector detects the current, voltage or temperature of the load system to determine a signal for controlling the switch, to thereby protect the load system working in normal conditions.
US08295020B2 Electronic circuit
Provided is an electronic circuit including an upper control unit and a lower control unit. The upper control unit performs a logic transition of a gate signal so as to off-latch an upper switch by using the fall edge of a drive signal as a trigger and release the off-latch of the upper switch by using the rise edge of a monitor signal as a trigger. The lower control unit performs a logic transition of the gate signal so as to off-latch a lower switch by using the rise edge of the drive signal as a trigger and release the off-latch of the lower switch by using the rise edge of a monitor signal as a trigger.
US08295014B1 Disk drive head gimbal assembly having a flexure tail with transverse flying leads
A head gimbal assembly for a disk drive includes a read head, a load beam, and a laminate flexure. The laminate flexure includes a structural layer, a dielectric layer, and a conductive layer that includes a plurality of electrical traces. The laminate flexure includes a tongue portion that connects to the read head, and a flexure tail that extends away from the tongue portion and includes a plurality of flexure bond pads that may facilitate ultrasonic or ACF bonding. Each of the plurality of flexure bond pads consists of a widened region of a corresponding one of the plurality of electrical traces in the conductive layer, and a gold coating upon the widened region. The widened region of each of the plurality of electrical traces extends transverse to the flexure tail's longitudinal axis at least 2.5 times more than it extends parallel to the flexure tail's longitudinal axis.
US08295013B1 Disk drive head stack assembly having a flexible printed circuit with heat transfer limiting features
A head stack assembly (HSA) for a disk drive includes an actuator body, at least one actuator arm extending from the actuator body, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The FPC includes first and second pluralities of electrically conductive FPC traces, each having a distal portion that terminates at a respective one of a plurality of FPC bond pads. The HSA also includes a head gimbal assembly (HGA) having a laminate flexure with a plurality of electrically conductive flexure bond pads that are bonded to the plurality of FPC bond pads. A width of at least one of the first plurality of FPC traces is greater than a width of at least one of the second plurality of FPC traces. The distal portion of at least one of the first plurality FPC traces includes a first opening therethrough, for example less than 1 mm from its corresponding FPC bond pad.
US08295012B1 Disk drive suspension assembly with rotary fine actuator at flexure tongue
A head gimbal assembly includes a rotary fine actuator attached to the head mounting tongue. The rotary fine actuator includes a fixed portion, a head mounting platform, first and second piezoelectric elements, and first and second curved compliant members. The first piezoelectric element is bonded to the fixed portion at a first bonding surface, and to the head mounting platform at a second bonding surface. The second piezoelectric element extends between the fixed portion and the head mounting platform. The first and second curved compliant members extend between the fixed portion and the head mounting platform. A read head is bonded to a mounting surface of the head mounting platform. The first and second bonding surfaces are parallel to the mounting surface. The read head is disposed between the first and second piezoelectric elements.
US08295011B2 Slider, head gimbal assembly and disk drive unit with the same
A slider for a head gimbal assembly includes a trailing surface, a plurality of connection pads arranged on the trailing surface adapted for both bonding the slider to a suspension of the head gimbal assembly and testing the performance of the slider. At least a part of the connection pads each comprises a bonding portion and a testing portion electrically connected to the bonding portion and larger than the bonding portion, all the bonding portions and the rest part of the connection pads are arranged in a first row and the testing portions are arranged outside the first row. The slider of the present invention has a new pad layout to facilitate bonding of the connection pads and permit to provide additional pads thereon to connect the additional sensors therein for precise reading and writing, thereby improving the performance of the slider. The invention also discloses a head gimbal assembly and a disk drive unit including the same.
US08295002B1 Null servo demodulation for short servo wedge in disk storage systems
In a disk storage system, the disk may include a full null servo position error signal (“PES”) wedge, followed by a data wedge, and then a short null servo PES wedge. To improve the accuracy with which information read from the short null servo PES wedge can be used to help keep the read head centered over the information track being read, the short null servo PES wedge may include a calibration field. Information read from the calibration field can be used to compensate the subsequently read PES information in the short wedge for possible sampling phase error that may have accumulated since the full null servo PES wedge was read. This type of short null servo PES wedge also has other possible uses.
US08295001B2 Systems and methods for low latency noise cancellation
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, a data processing circuit is discussed that includes a data detector circuit, a detector mimicking circuit, and an error calculation circuit. The data detector circuit is operable to perform a data detection process on a first signal derived from a data input to yield a detected output. The data mimicking circuit is operable to process a second signal derived from the data input to yield a mimicked output. The error calculation circuit is operable to calculate a difference between the second signal and a third signal derived from the mimicked output to yield a feedback signal. The feedback signal is operable to modify the data input during a subsequent period.
US08294988B2 Dual field of view refractive optical system with external pupil and internal stabilization
An optical system including a first lens group configured to correct for lateral chromatic aberration, and an adjacent second lens group configured to correct for axial chromatic aberration. The optical system includes a detector disposed behind the second lens group, a mechanism for switching the optical system between a narrow field of view configuration and a wide field of view configuration, and a ray path steering system including a pair of counter-rotating grisms disposed in front of the first lens group. The optical system also includes a stabilization system configured to suppress image jitter and including a mechanism for decentering at least one lens in the first or second lens groups orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical system. A pupil of the optical system is located external to the first and second lens groups for location of a cold shield within a cryo-vac Dewar enclosing the detector.
US08294987B1 Image transforming device
An image transforming device enables 3-D auto-stereoscopic display of a two-dimensional projected image. Optical waveguides in the form of ribbons are used. A stack of ribbons at a receiving end receives the projected image. A horizontal and vertical ribbon arrangement at the other end of the ribbon forms a screen for display of a transformed 3D image. A spacer material at the output end separates the vertical positioning of each ribbon. A screen may be assembled from the output ends of multiple devices forms. The two-dimensional image may be projected in changing colors. When changing colors are projected, the device may further include two lens arrays: a static micro-lens array and a dynamic array of micro-lenses, which is capable of motion synchronized with the changing colors.
US08294986B2 Observation device
The observation device includes a micro optical system and a macro optical system. The observation device is configured in such a way that the micro and macro optical systems share an image position and that the first pupil position of the micro optical system and the second pupil position of the macro optical system substantially coincide with one another.
US08294981B2 Optical amplifiers using switched filter devices
Described are Gain Flattening Filters (GFFs) implemented using mechanical translating assemblies to move selected thin film Gain Attenuating Filters (GAFs), and combinations of selected GAFs, into or out of the output path from an optical amplifier. The GAFs may be used singly, or in combinations that synthesize many target filter characteristics. The GFF is primarily adapted for WDM systems operating with a wavelength range of approximately 1520 nm to 1620 nm. Several embodiments are shown for effectively combining different GAFs to provide multiple GFF curves.
US08294976B1 Method for reducing substrate charging
An electrostatically actuatable micro electromechanical device is provided with enhanced reliability and lifetime. The electrostatically actuatable micro electromechanical device comprises: a substrate, a first conductor fixed to the top layer of the substrate, forming a fixed electrode, a second conductor fixed to the top layer of the substrate, and a substrate area. The second conductor is electrically isolated from the first conductor and comprises a moveable portion, suspended at a predetermined distance above the first conductor, the moveable portion forming a moveable electrode which approaches the fixed electrode upon applying an actuation voltage between the first and second conductors. The selected substrate surface area is defined as the orthogonal projection of the moveable portion on the substrate between the first and second conductors. In the substrate surface area at least one recess is provided in at least the top layer of the substrate.
US08294972B2 Display devices
A display device may include a substrate, a thin film layer formed on the substrate and/or having a light absorptance that varies according to an electric field applied to the thin film layer, and/or electrodes disposed to apply the electric field to the thin film layer and/or configured to change the electric field applied to the thin film layer.
US08294969B2 Scan element for use in scanning light and method of making the same
A scan element includes a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an electromagnetic wire coil and having a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis. At least one elastomeric support has a first end coupled to the flange. A permanent magnet has first and second surfaces, a central axis, and a magnetization direction oriented generally transverse to the central axis of the permanent magnet. The magnet is supported by a second end of the elastomeric support. A mirror has a central axis and is mounted on the second surface of the magnet. The central axes of the mirror and magnet are coaxial with the central axis of the bobbin. The elastomeric support provides a return force when the magnet and the mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil.
US08294963B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus capable of realizing miniaturization of apparatus and low cost is supplied. In the image forming apparatus, an inputting section inputs gradation data values P with N bits; a gradation changing section changes the gradation data value P into a data set including 2(N−M) (M
US08294958B2 Scanner system and method for scanning providing combined geometric and photometric information
A scanner system and corresponding method, the system comprising: a scanner device (1); a target 17) and a processor (21). The scanner device (1) comprises: an emitter (13) for projecting patterned light and a sensor (12) for capturing images of the object (19). The target (17) has predetermined features visible to the sensor simultaneously with the object for enabling the processor to determine the location of the sensor with respect to the object. The generates a three-dimensional model of the object on the basis of images of the object with the patterned light projected thereon. The scanner device further comprises a light source (14) for directionally illuminating the object (19), and the sensor (12) is arranged to capture images of the illuminated object. The processor generates sets of photometric data for the object when illuminated from different directions. The processor combines the geometric data and photometric data to output a model comprising geometric information on the object together with photometric information spatially registered with the geometric information.
US08294954B2 Image forming apparatus and method for reducing the difference of image qualities between the image data read by a plurality of reading units
An image processing controlling unit calculates an image processing parameter to reduce an image quality difference between image data read by a first reading unit and a second reading unit depending on a reading characteristic of a reading unit indicated by attached information (reading-unit information) received together with the calculating request and a writing characteristic of a printer. The calculated image processing parameter is stored in a memory. Next, when printing the image data, a middleware unit causes a printer to print the image data based on the image processing parameter held in the memory.
US08294950B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes; a chart data forming unit that forms density correcting chart data to be printed, in which reference density patterns and adjusting density patterns are arranged so that a connection angle, and the adjusting density patterns have different densities in the respective patterns; a printing unit that prints a density correcting chart in which the reference density patterns and the adjusting density patterns are arranged adjacent to each other in respective patterns; a receiving unit that receives an input of a density adjusting value of a desired pattern, on the basis of comparison of density between the reference density patterns and the adjusting density patterns which has been obtained from visual observation of a user on the printed density correcting chart; and a tone correcting unit that conducts tone correction of the desired pattern.
US08294937B2 Print system for conferencing and print method thereof
A print system for conferencing includes a plurality of print apparatuses that are provided in a plurality of conference locations and interconnected via a network; a storage that registers in itself, data of conference material and information of prospective attendees from the respective conference locations; and a detector that detects the start of a conference. Each of the print apparatuses obtains and records the registered data of conference material and information of prospective attendees from the conference location where the print apparatus is provided, then prints as many copies of conference material as the number of the prospective attendees, if the start of a conference is detected.
US08294933B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium for registering attributes for printing
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive information indicating capability of each image forming apparatus from a plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network, a capability determination unit configured to determine, by using the information received by the receiving unit, whether a number of predetermined capabilities of an image processing apparatus that have been implemented, is equal to or higher than a predetermined ratio to the number of a plurality of image processing apparatuses, and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to an image processing apparatus serving as a distribution destination, a combination of information including the predetermined capabilities of the image processing apparatus as a setting, if the capability determination unit determines that the number of the predetermined capabilities of the image processing apparatus that have been implemented, is less than the predetermined ratio.
US08294929B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming system, method of printing sample print, and computer program product
An image forming apparatus is able to select a paper-delivery destination for a print output. The image forming apparatus includes a print-process managing unit that divides a print job into print processes and controls a print output; and a sample-print-output controlling unit that controls execution of a sample print output by causing, in response to a sample-print-output request, an interrupt of a duplicate of a predetermined print process of the print job, with the paper-delivery destination being changed, to be handled by the print-process managing unit.
US08294924B2 Printing system, printing method and printing apparatus
A printing system having an image reading apparatus and a printing apparatus which is network-connected or locally connected to the image reading apparatus, and which stores print jobs sent from the image reading apparatus or other apparatus in a queue, and implements printing processing sequentially from a print job existing at a head of the queue, in which the image reading apparatus comprises a print job cancel request unit that issues a cancel request for a print job to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus comprises: a cancel request reception unit that receives the cancel request sent by the print job cancel request unit; a cancel requester identifying unit that identifies a cancel requester from the cancel request received by the cancel request reception unit; a print job specifying unit that specifies, as a canceled print job, a print job which has been first searched out by searching for the print job from the cancel requester identified by the cancel requester identifying unit in a direction from a tail of the queue to the head thereof; and a print job cancel unit that deletes from the queue the canceled print job specified by the print job specifying unit.
US08294923B2 Printing of electronic documents
An electronic document is distributed for use as a form wherein users can fill in characters in selected fields. The electronic document contains an embedded program for printing a bar code that represents the characters entered in the fields. The embedded program generates commands for making a printer print basic geometrical elements (such as polygons) that form configurations that represent the characters (or compactions of characters etc.). Thus on one hand bar codes can be generated in the distributed document after the user has entered data and on the other hand the author of the document retains full control over how the entered characters will be converted into a bar code. Preferably, the embedded program has the capability to adapt the configuration of geometrical elements that is used to represent the characters dependent on factors other than the data values that can be decoded from the bar code.
US08294916B2 Apparatus, system, management method, and computer program
An apparatus changes setting for inhibiting processing of an electronic document executed in a document processing apparatus to setting for permitting the processing of the electronic document. After the setting for permitting the processing of the electronic document, upon reception of information indicating that the electronic document has been processed, the apparatus changes the setting for permitting the processing of the electronic document to setting for inhibiting the processing of the electronic document.
US08294915B2 Interface circuit for utilizing a facsimile machine coupled to a PC as a scanner or printer
Printing and scanning methods using a facsimile machine communicating with a computer over a bi-directional direct passive link connected between digital communication ports of the computer and facsimile machine Upon receipt of an instruction at the facsimile machine, the printing method includes receiving digital image data from the computer via the bi-directional direct passive link. The digital image data is processed substantially as it is received at the facsimile machine and printed onto media. Upon receipt of an instruction at the facsimile machine, the scanning method includes scanning content from media provided within the facsimile machine to create digital image data digital image data representative of the content, and providing the digital image data substantially as it is created to the computer via the bi-directional direct passive link. The instructions and digital image data are transmitted in a standard facsimile machine format using standard facsimile machine protocols.
US08294914B2 Image forming apparatus and method for changing number of lines in band buffer based on memory size to be required
Disclosed herein is an image forming apparatus, including: a language analysis unit for analyzing print data and generating data having an intermediate format between the print data and bitmap data generated based on the print data; an image processing unit for rasterizing the generated data having the intermediate format for each band by using the predetermined number of lines and generating the bitmap data; a memory for holding the data for which rasterizing processing is being performed by the image processing unit; a printing unit for performing printing based on the generated bitmap data; and a number-of-line switching unit for switching the number of lines of the band in the rasterizing processing of the image processing unit according to whether the print data is data that can include transparency processing data or not.
US08294901B2 Optical tomography having path length control based on object position
Provided is an optical tomographic imaging apparatus which enables simplification and cost reduction without reducing accuracy when moving part of an object is moved in an optical axis direction of measuring beam. The apparatus using return beam of measuring beam reflected or scattered by an object and reference beam reflected by a reference mirror to image the tomographic image, includes: a reflecting position controlling device for controlling the reflecting position of the reference mirror; a detecting device for a position in a moving part having an optical system for observing the moving part illuminated by an optical system imaging the same on an area sensor based on the Scheimpflug principle and detects position information that the moving part is moved in the direction; and a device for driving the reflecting position controlling device to control the optical path length of the reference beam based on the position information.
US08294899B2 Mapping concentrations of airborne matter
A method of mapping concentrations of airborne matter from an emission source of interest in an emission plume is provided. The method involves measuring airborne matter at one or more than one identified locations using an optical sensing instrument (OSI) operatively connected with one or more than one matter samplers and mounted on a vehicle. The one or more than one airborne matter samplers are passed through an airspace to be sampled, and one or more concentration measurements are obtained. Geographic positions and altitude values for each of the one or more identified locations are established, and a point concentration measurement for the airborne matter for each identified location determined. The concentration measurements are mapped relative to the geographic position and altitude values for each of the one or more identified locations to obtain an airborne matter concentration distribution map in one or more measurement surfaces through a cross-section or profile of the emission plume. The method further comprises a step of determining a representative wind velocity distribution at one or more measurement surfaces and calculating the mass flow rate of airborne matter across the measurement surface in mass per unit time.
US08294896B2 Determining in-band optical signal-to-noise ratios in optical signals with time-varying polarization states using polarization extinction
A method and apparatus for improving the accuracy of in-band OSNR measurements using a conventional polarization extinction or polarization-nulling method. In particular, the severe degradations of the polarization extinction that result from slow and fast polarization fluctuations in the optical signal components during the in-band OSNR measurement are substantially mitigated by rapidly and/or randomly changing the state of polarization prior to conventional polarization control and filtering.
US08294888B2 Surface defect inspection method and apparatus
The present invention provides an apparatus and method which enable detecting a microscopic defect sensitively by efficiently collecting and detecting scattering light from a defect in a wider region without enlarging the apparatus. In the apparatus for inspecting a defect on a surface of a sample, including illumination means which irradiates a surface of a sample with laser, reflected light detection means which detects reflected light from the sample, and signal processing means which processes a detected signal and detecting a defect on the sample, the reflected light detection means is configured to include a scattering light detection unit which collects scattering light components of the reflected light from the sample by excluding specularly reflected light components by using an aspheric flannel lens and detecting the scattering light components.
US08294886B1 Alignment method for solar collector arrays
The present invention is directed to an improved method for establishing camera fixture location for aligning mirrors on a solar collector array (SCA) comprising multiple mirror modules. The method aligns the mirrors on a module by comparing the location of the receiver image in photographs with the predicted theoretical receiver image location. To accurately align an entire SCA, a common reference is used for all of the individual module images within the SCA. The improved method can use relative pixel location information in digital photographs along with alignment fixture inclinometer data to calculate relative locations of the fixture between modules. The absolute locations are determined by minimizing alignment asymmetry for the SCA. The method inherently aligns all of the mirrors in an SCA to the receiver, even with receiver position and module-to-module alignment errors.
US08294882B2 Photonic mixer and use thereof
The photonic mixer comprises a couple of an injecting contact region (3, 4) for injecting the majority carrier current into the semiconductor substrate (1) and a detector region (7, 8) for collecting the photocurrent. The injecting contact region (3, 4) is doped with a dopant of the first conductivity type (p+) at a higher dopant concentration than the semiconductor substrate (1). The detector region (7, 8) is doped with a dopant of a second conductivity type (n+) opposite the first conductivity type and has a junction (11, 12) with the semiconductor substrate (1), a zone of the semiconductor substrate (1) around said junction (11, 12) being a depleted substrate zone (101, 102). The couple further comprises a field shaping zone (13, 14) of the first conductivity type (p−) defining a lateral edge of the couple and having a dopant concentration higher than the dopant concentration of the semiconductor substrate (1), for example between the dopant concentrations of the semiconductor substrate (1) and the injecting contact region (3, 4), which field shaping zone (13, 14) is designed to limit said depleted substrate zone (101, 102) laterally.
US08294868B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device is disclosed. The liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates, the liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules and ionic impurities originated from a wall defining the liquid crystal layer, a common voltage line, formed on an outer area of the first substrate, a common electrode formed on the second substrate, and a seal line formed to cover the common voltage line the seal line including a conductive ball configured to attract ionic impurities toward a surface of the seal line when a polarized voltage is applied to the conductive ball.
US08294854B2 Liquid crystal display comprising a reflection region having first, second and third recesses and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a reflection region for reflecting incident light toward a display surface, wherein, the reflection region includes a metal layer formed on a substrate, a semiconductor layer formed above the metal layer, and a reflective layer formed above the semiconductor layer; and the reflection region includes a first recess formed on a surface of the reflective layer, a second recess formed on the surface of the reflective layer in the first recess, and a third recess formed on the surface of the reflective layer in the second recess. The liquid crystal display device provides a low-cost transflective-type or reflection-type liquid crystal display device having a high image quality.
US08294853B2 Color filter with optical transmissive step-forming layer and its manufacturing method, and a liquid crystal display device using the color filter
An object of the invention is to accurately and easily manufacture a color filter. A method of manufacturing a color filter comprises: a first step of forming a first rib (220) forming a light shield layer and a second rib (230) having a smaller height than the first rib (220) in pattern on a base layer (1) by means of a photolithography method; a second step of forming a step-forming layer (4) by dripping an optical transmissive material into an area defined by the first and second ribs (220, 230) by means of ink-jet technique; and a third step of forming a coloring layer by dripping an optical coloring material (5) into an area defined by the first rib (220) by means of ink-jet technique after forming the step-forming layer (4).
US08294837B2 Sensor array substrate, display device including the same, and method of manufacturing the same
A sensor array substrate, a display device including the sensor array substrate, and a method of manufacturing the sensor array substrate are provided. The sensor array substrate includes a substrate, a first sensor formed on a first pixel area of the substrate and configured to detect light, an overcoat layer formed on the first sensor, and a shield layer formed over the overcoat layer, wherein the shield layer overlaps the first sensor.
US08294836B2 Liquid crystal display device and projector
A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel which has a liquid crystal device containing liquid crystal operating in twist nematic mode and a micro-lens array disposed adjacent to the liquid crystal device; a first optical compensating plate disposed on the incident side of the liquid crystal panel to optically compensate the liquid crystal device; and a second optical compensating plate disposed on the exit side of the liquid crystal panel to optically compensate the liquid crystal device. A first retardation of the first optical compensating plate in system optical axis direction is larger than a second retardation of the second optical compensating plate in the system optical axis direction.
US08294829B2 Television receiver, channel tuning method for automatically updating channel data and channel scan method for more rapid and reliable channel scanning
A television receiver including: a reception control unit which judges whether reception of the cable television broadcast signal has succeeded, by setting the channel data composed of the combination of the frequency table stored in the first storage unit and the modulation method stored in the second storage unit, the modulation method corresponding to the tuned channel. The reception control unit sequentially changes the channel data to be set in a previously determined order to make the reception unit receive the cable television broadcast signal corresponding to the tuned channel when the reception control unit judges that the reception of the cable television broadcast signal has not succeeded.
US08294822B2 Method and system for key aware scaling
A video processing device may process video input comprising a plurality of streams, wherein images corresponding to at least some of the plurality of streams may be displayed concurrently. The video processing device may determine, prior to processing of a pixel in one of the plurality of streams whether the pixel comprises one or more keyed video parameters; and if the pixel comprises at least one keyed parameter, one or more other pixels may be selected, and a video parameter corresponding to the at least one keyed video parameter of the pixel may be generated based on the selected one or more other pixels. The generated video parameter may then be utilized instead of the at least one keyed video parameter during the processing of the pixel. This may comprise luma and/or chroma based scaling. Outputs of the processing of the pixel may be post-processed, by clamping at least one of the video parameters.
US08294819B2 De-interlacing apparatus and method and moving caption compensator
A de-interlacing method includes the following steps. A de-interlacing pixel datum of a target pixel is obtained according to a current field and multiple correlated fields. A caption region of the current field is defined according to the fields, and a region motion vector and a region confidence are correspondingly obtained. When the target pixel belongs to the caption region, a compensation pixel datum of the target pixel is obtained by motion compensation according to at least a part of the fields and the region motion vector, and the target pixel is judged as a foreground pixel or a background pixel to output a compensation select signal according to the region motion vector and the region confidence. The de-interlacing pixel datum or the compensation pixel datum is outputted as a correlated pixel datum of the target pixel according to the compensation select signal.
US08294816B2 Imaging apparatus containing lens mount without mirror box
The imaging apparatus includes a lens mount to which a lens unit is mountable, an imaging unit operable to generate an image signal, and a shutter unit that is arranged between the lens mount and the imaging unit, and is capable of limiting the light incident on the imaging unit, opening and closing at least at recording and being kept in an opened state during a recording preparation operation, and a main frame to which the lens mount, the shutter unit and the imaging unit are fixed.
US08294776B2 Imaging apparatus and imaging method
Disclosed herein is an imaging apparatus including imaging means confitured to photograph an image of a scene that is in a direction in which a user sees, outside world information acquisition means confitured to acquire outside world information, and control means confitured to control an operation of the imaging means based on the outside world information acquired by the outside world information acquisition means.
US08294772B2 System and method for monitoring connections within an analog video system
The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring connection performance within a network. In one embodiment, the invention is implemented by analyzing an array of status bits outputted by an analog to digital video decoder. By storing and statistically analyzing an array of status information units, the person monitoring the network can quickly and efficiently be notified of a connection problem, such as a degrading connection resulting in an intermittent signal. In another embodiment, the system and method are implemented by analyzing an array of time stamps outputted when processing frames of video from an analog video camera.
US08294768B2 System and method for motion detection
A detection system detects moving objects in a scene by processing two consecutive images of the scene. The two consecutive images are captured by a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera and fed back to the system. The system obtains position information of the moving object in the scene, and adjusts parameters, such as a shoot angle, and a focal length of the PTZ camera, according to the position information of the moving object. Therefore, the PTZ camera can be aimed to follow the motion area and adjusted to optimum focal length.
US08294767B2 Body scan
A depth image of a scene may be received, observed, or captured by a device. The depth image may then be analyzed to determine whether the depth image includes a human target. For example, the depth image may include one or more targets including a human target and non-human targets. Each of the targets may be flood filled and compared to a pattern to determine whether the target may be a human target. If one or more of the targets in the depth image includes a human target, the human target may be scanned. A skeletal model of the human target may then be generated based on the scan.
US08294761B2 Apparatus for inspecting a vehicle brake component and method for performing such inspection
An apparatus for the inspection a vehicle component to detect the presence of a part defect and a method for performing the inspection. According to one embodiment, the apparatus for inspecting the vehicle component comprises: a camera having a lens; a borescope having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively disposed adjacent the camera and the second end having a mirror disposed therein; and a light source for supplying light to the borescope whereby the mirror is operative to reflect an image of an area of the vehicle component to be inspected to the camera.
US08294760B2 Electronic part recognition apparatus and chip mounter having the same
An electronic part recognition apparatus and a chip mounter having the same are provided. The apparatus includes a part conveyor unit for moving an electronic part along a path and mounting the part at a mounting position, a position recognition portion for continuously recognizing position information of the part conveyor unit moving along the path, a controller for receiving the position information from the position recognition portion and generating a photographing signal, and an image processing unit for receiving the photographing signal from the controller and time-exposing the part to light to photograph an image of the part when the part is located at a part recognition region while the conveyor unit moves. The apparatus can capture an image of a part suctioned by a nozzle installed in a head of a chip mounter and moved without stoppage of the head to recognize a state of the suctioned electronic part.
US08294759B2 Calibration method of electronic device test apparatus
In an electronic device test apparatus using image processing technology to position an IC device relative to a socket, a calibration method of an electronic device test apparatus of calibrating a relative position of a device camera with respect to a socket, the method comprising: calculating an offset amount of a socket guide with respect to the socket on the basis of a relative position of the socket camera with respect to the socket guide and a relative position of a socket camera with respect to the socket; and adding this offset amount to the relative position of the device camera with respect to the socket guide so as to calculate the relative position of the device camera with respect to the socket.
US08294747B1 Automated initiation of a computer-based video conference using a mobile phone telephony session
Techniques are described for initiating a video conference between two video conferencing devices by leveraging information obtained from two mobile phones that are engaged in a mobile phone session with one another and are each associated with a respective one of the video conferencing devices. A video conferencing device may obtain the information, including the telephone numbers for both mobile phones, using a Bluetooth connection between the mobile phone and the video conferencing device. A data center receives and maintains the mobile phone session information, determines whether each mobile phone engaged in the mobile phone session is associated with an available video conferencing device, and, if so, invites the associated video conferencing devices to initiate a video conference with one another.
US08294745B2 Optical writing device and optical writing method
An optical writing device includes a light source that emits multiple laser beams; a separating unit that separates each of the multiple laser beams into a monitor beam and a scanning beam; a photoelectric converting element 218 that outputs a monitor voltage depending on a quantity of the monitor beam; a memory that stores an initial correction value for correcting a set common current; and a microcontroller that calculates a reference current, which is produced by correcting the common current updated on the basis of the monitor voltages with the initial correction values, obtains corrected currents by correcting the common current with the calculated correction values, controls each quantity of the laser beam on the basis of the corrected currents, and determines that the light source is degraded if a ratio of the corrected current to the reference current is larger than a predetermined threshold value.
US08294742B2 Optical printer head and image forming apparatus
An optical printer head comprises a base, a light-emitting device array mounted on the base, a lens array placed above the light-emitting device array; and a support member including a base bonding surface to which the base is bonded and a through hole, an opening of the through hole being positioned at the base bonding surface, wherein the base is bonded to the base bonding surface through an adhesive member and a part of the adhesive member is attached to an inner surface of the through hole.
US08294738B2 Liquid crystal display
There is provided a liquid crystal display. A liquid crystal display panel displays an image. An external light sensor senses a color temperature of external light around the liquid crystal display panel. The output luminance of a backlight is controlled in response to an adjustment dimming signal which is varied according to an input image. A gamma curve adjustment circuit restores an original color of the display image irrespective of a change in the viewing environments by modulating input digital video data based on the color temperature of the external light or a relative maximum white luminance for the adjustment dimming signal.
US08294727B2 Metainformation add-on apparatus, image reproducing apparatus, methods of controlling same and programs for controlling same
Keywords are appended to an image portion in one portion of a color image. In order to achieve this, a color bar is displayed on the color image, a color is designated by the position of a mark in the color bar, an image portion having the designated color is detected, a keyword table having keywords corresponding to the detected image portion is displayed, a desired keyword is selected from the displayed keyword table, and characters representing the selected keyword are displayed. Items of data representing the detected image portion, data representing the designated color and data representing the keyword are stored as metainformation in the image file of the color image.
US08294726B2 Methods and apparatus for multiple texture map storage and filtering
A method for a computer system including receiving a file comprising textures including a first and a second texture, and metadata, wherein the first texture need not have a predetermined geometric relationship to the second texture, wherein the metadata includes identifiers associated with textures and includes adjacency data, associating the first texture with a first location on an object in response to an identifier associated with the first texture, associating the second texture with a second location on the object in response to an identifier associated with the second texture, determining an edge of the first texture is adjacent to an edge of the second texture in response to the adjacency data, and performing a rendering operation with respect to the first and the second surface on the object to determine rendering data in response to the first texture and to the second texture.
US08294713B1 Method and apparatus for illuminating objects in 3-D computer graphics
A method and apparatus for illuminating objects in 3-D computer graphics are described in which a single equation that employs two light sources is used to perform vertex shading. In the vertex shading equation, a direct light source is used to calculate a diffuse component of the lighting, while a rotated light source is used to calculate a specular component of the lighting. Using a single equation that employs two different light sources may provide better lighting for portions of object(s) when compared to conventional vertex shading techniques, while doing so at the same or similar computational cost as conventional techniques that use a single light source to calculate the diffuse and specular components.
US08294705B2 Virtual network operations center
A system, method, program product and service for implementing a virtual network operations center. A system is disclosed that includes: a system for rendering three dimensional (3D) models in an observation space, in which the 3D models mirror actual components in an associated operations center. Also included is a system for rendering a virtual display in the observation space, wherein the virtual display provides a message board for operators viewing the observation space, a cueing system for generating cues within the 3D models; and a communications hub for providing bidirectional communications with the associated operations center.
US08294702B2 Display device, method for driving same, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a display device including: a pixel array part including row first drive lines, row second drive lines, and column signal lines; and a drive part including a horizontal drive circuit, a first vertical drive circuit, and a second vertical drive circuit, wherein the first vertical drive circuit simultaneously drives pixels on two rows adjacent to each other, the second vertical drive circuit simultaneously drives pixels on two rows adjacent to each other, and a pair of rows of the pixels simultaneously driven by the first vertical drive circuit and a pair of rows of the pixels simultaneously driven by the second vertical drive circuit are shifted from each other by one row, for light-emission operation of the pixels on a row-by-row basis.
US08294701B2 Display panel device, display device, and control method thereof
A display panel device includes: a luminescence element; a capacitor including first and second capacitor electrodes; a driver having a gate connected to the first capacitor electrode for allowing a drain current to flow through the luminescence element; a first switch switchably interconnecting a data line and the first capacitor electrode for supplying a signal voltage to the capacitor; a second switch switchably interconnecting a source of the driver and the second capacitor electrode; and a controller. The controller is configured to: turn ON the first switch while the second switch is ON to supply the signal voltage to the first capacitor electrode and flow a current between the source of the driver and the second capacitor electrode; and, after predetermined time period, turn OFF the second switch to cause non-conduction between the source of the driver and the second capacitor electrode.
US08294696B2 Display device and method of driving the same
The present invention provides a display device and a method of driving the same. The display device includes a plurality of display pixels to display an image, a plurality of data lines connected to the display pixel, and a plurality of sensing lines connected to the display pixel. Each display pixel includes: a driving transistor including a control terminal, an input terminal, and an output terminal; a capacitor connected to the control terminal of the driving transistor; a first switching transistor connected to the data line and the control terminal of the driving transistor; a light-emitting element to receive a driving current from the driving transistor, the light-emitting element to emit light; a second switching transistor connected between the sensing line and the output terminal of the driving transistor; and a third switching transistor connected between the output terminal of the driving transistor and the light-emitting element, wherein the driving transistor is a p-channel electric field effect transistor.
US08294690B2 Method and device for detecting terminal connection of 4-terminal or 5-terminal resistive touch panel
A device and method for detecting connections of a 4- or 5-terminal resistive touch panel are disclosed. The device includes five terminals and a detecting unit. When the five terminals are connected to the touch panel, the detecting unit provides a high potential and a low potential to first and last of the five terminals, respectively, thereby determining whether the touch panel is a 4- or 5-terminal resistive touch panel by determining if there is a closed circuit between the two terminals.
US08294687B1 False touch filtering for capacitance sensing systems
Apparatuses and methods of false touch filtering are described. One device includes a controller and a capacitance sensing array including multiple sense elements (e.g., intersections of TX and RX electrodes). The controller includes a capacitance sensing circuit coupled to the capacitance sensing array, and a filter circuit coupled to the output of the capacitance sensing circuit. The controller is configured to receive, from the capacitance sensing circuit, data representing capacitances of the sense elements, process the data to identify activated sense elements, and filter the data to remove false touch events based on a spatial relationship of activated sense elements.
US08294683B2 Method of processing touch commands and voice commands in parallel in an electronic device supporting speech recognition
A method of processing touch commands and voice commands in parallel in an electronic device supporting speech recognition includes detecting a touch-down event on a touch-sensitive screen of the electronic device when touch input is sensed on the touch-sensitive screen, the touch-sensitive screen displaying one or more soft buttons, each soft button executing a corresponding command upon activation of the soft button. A microphone of the electronic device is activated to receive voice instructions in response to detecting the touch-down event. A touch-up event is detected when touch input is no longer sensed on the touch-sensitive screen, and it is determined whether a voice command was detected in a time period between the touch-down event and the touch-up event. The voice command is then executed if the voice command was detected.
US08294679B2 Display and operation device, operation device, and program
A display and operation device includes a display unit; a touch panel disposed on a display panel of the display unit; and a control unit for displaying a plurality of icons as an operation screen on the display panel of the display unit, the size of each of the plurality of icons being larger for the icons that are farther from a base point positioned in the vicinity of a periphery of the display panel on the device.
US08294673B2 Input device that adjusts its operation mode according to its operation direction and a control method thereof
An input device that adjusts its operation mode according to operation directions includes a movement sensing module, an operation direction control unit, a micro-control unit, and a transmission module. The movement sensing module for sensing a plurality of reflection images relative to a light source that is reflected by a reflection surface. Furthermore the movement sensing module obtains a movement displacement amount and a movement direction of the input device according to pattern variations between the reflection images. The operation direction control unit provides an operation direction of the movement sensing module. The micro-control unit converts the movement direction sensed by the movement sensing module according to the operation direction of the movement sensing module. The transmission module transmits the movement displacement amount and the converted movement direction of the input device to a host terminal so as to control a cursor displayed on the host terminal.
US08294669B2 Link target accuracy in touch-screen mobile devices by layout adjustment
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for improving link target accuracy for a mobile browser with a touch-screen display. The system receives a page with a plurality of selectable text objects and adjusts the page layout. The method further includes placing a number of targets within the web page. Each target is associated with one selectable text object, and the selectable text object can only be activated by the target. The targets are sufficiently separated from each other, thus allowing a user to hold the touch-screen display and select the selectable text object by tapping on the target with substantial accuracy. Another embodiment of the present invention allows a user to select a selectable text object by performing a gesture.
US08294667B2 Directional input system with automatic correction
A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.
US08294661B2 Controlling image display according to a high-luminance reference value and a low-luminance reference value
A projection display unit includes: a light modulation panel which modulates light from a light source in accordance with a given image signal; an iris diaphragm which regulates, by changing a diaphragm diameter, a transmission amount of light modulated by the light modulation panel; a histogram creator which creates a histogram of a luminance signal distribution of the image signal; a histogram analyzer which analyzes the created histogram to specify high-luminance and low-luminance reference values in the histogram; a reference value derivation section which derives a single reference value from both the high-luminance reference value and the low-luminance reference value specified by the histogram analyzer; and an iris controller which determines the diaphragm diameter of the iris diaphragm for the light modulated by the light modulation panel in accordance with the image signal on the basis of the single reference value specified by the reference value derivation section.
US08294625B2 Antenna diversity system
An antenna of the present invention includes an electrical half wave monopole antenna element fixedly attached to a surface, where the antenna element includes an electrical center. A first electrical feed point is located on a first side of the antenna element. A second electrical feed point is located on a second side of the antenna element. The second side generally opposes the first side of the antenna element. The first and second electrical feed points are about one-twentieth a wavelength from the electrical center. A first signal corresponds with the first electrical feed point and a second signal corresponds with the second electrical feed point. The first signal is out of phase when compared to the second signal.
US08294618B2 Multiband antenna
A multiband antenna includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit. The first antenna unit includes a first radio member and a second radio member connected to the first radio member. The second antenna unit includes a third radio member and a fourth radio member connected to the third radio member. The first antenna unit receives/sends wireless signals at relatively higher frequencies; the second antenna unit receives/sends wireless signals at relatively lower frequencies.
US08294616B1 Using antennas separated in flight direction to avoid effect of emitter clock drift in geolocation
The location of a land-based radio frequency (RF) emitter is determined from an airborne platform. RF signaling is received from the RF emitter via first and second antennas. In response to the received RF signaling, signal samples for both antennas are produced and processed to determine the location of the RF emitter.
US08294611B2 Method for the transmission of additional data along with navigation messages in a satellite navigation system
A method for transmitting additional information in a satellite navigation system includes providing a navigation message including a continuous data stream having a prescribed bit rate and structuring the navigation message in a plurality of pages generated according to a prescribed page definition so as to transmit information, wherein each of the plurality of pages includes a checksum calculated as a function of information contained in the page. The method further includes generating at least one new page containing the additional information so as to form a changed, navigation message according to a further page definition that differs from the prescribed page definition such that the checksum calculated as a function of information contained on the page generated according to the prescribed page definition is false; and transmitting the at least one new page.
US08294609B2 System and method for reduction of point of origin errors
A method of using a discriminant analysis and Kalman filter cascade to improve the accuracy of point of origin solutions. Tracking information about a potential target is utilized by an initial discrimination function to classify the target as a projectile. Using that information, the output of a first Kalman filter is fed into an additional discrimination function to further classify the type or sub-class of the projectile. A second Kalman filter can employ type-specific information to obtain a point of origin solution with increased efficiency and accuracy.
US08294608B1 Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
A forward facing sensing system for a vehicle includes a windshield electronics module disposed in the vehicle cabin behind the windshield, a radar sensor device disposed within the windshield electronics module with a sensing direction forward of the vehicle, an image sensor disposed within the windshield electronics module with a viewing direction forward of the vehicle, and a control operable to analyze images captured by the image sensor in order to, at least in part, detect an object present forward of the vehicle in its direction of forward travel. The control, at least in part, determines that a potentially hazardous condition may exist in the path of forward travel of the vehicle. The radar sensor device and the image sensor collaborate in a way that enhances the sensing capability of the sensing system for the potentially hazardous condition in the path of forward travel of the vehicle.
US08294594B2 On-board vehicle warning system and vehicle driver warning method
An on-board vehicle warning system includes a vehicle location detecting section, a traffic regulation retrieving section, an incoming message receiving section, a vehicle information detecting section, a potential violation alerting section. The traffic regulation retrieving section is configured to retrieve information relating to a local traffic regulation corresponding to the location of the host vehicle from traffic regulation data including traffic regulations relating to a plurality of jurisdictions. The potential violation alerting section is configured to determine a potential traffic violation based on the intersection information and the vehicle travel information, and to selectively produce a driver notification to a driver of the host vehicle based upon a determination of the potential traffic violation according to the local traffic regulation corresponding to the location of the host vehicle.
US08294589B2 Real time radioactive training
A method of and a system for tracking radioactive sources includes at least one RFID tag attached to a radioactive source shield, the shield receiving a radioactive source at a base location, and a TRX-Gamma box for detecting identification information from the RFID tag and sensing a first gamma radiation count from the radioactive source shield. The identification information and the first gamma radiation count are stored and the shield with the radioactive source is transported to a job location where the radioactive source is removed from the shield. At the job location, a check is made that the radioactive source has been returned to the shield by comparing any newly detected identification information with the stored identification information, and by comparing a sensed second gamma radiation count with the first gamma radiation count.
US08294575B2 Reteachable non-contact switching circuit
A method for reteaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes comparing the acquired identification code with all stored identification codes of other targets previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching and reteaching the switching circuit for switching based on the acquired identification code if the acquired identification code is different from all stored identification codes previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching.
US08294568B2 Wireless mine tracking, monitoring, and rescue communications system
An intrinsically safe accurate location information network for personnel and assets in underground mines, including wireless access points and subnetwork controllers, active wireless locator/messenger tags, network controller(s), and enterprise servers running application control software. The wireless access points are installed in mine entries and crosscuts and track the active wireless locator/messenger tags. The active tags may be worn by mine personnel or installed in mining equipment. The network subsystems form relay networks that wirelessly carry telemetry and control data without the need to penetrate the earth. The subsystems determine the location of persons and assets underground and monitor safety-related information, which can be used for disaster avoidance, early warning of impending disaster, and improved rescue effectiveness.
US08294566B2 Emergency warning system and method of installation
An emergency warning system includes a plurality of emergency annunciators for installation in a physical zone, a zone controller and a master controller. Each emergency annunciator is operable to independently and periodically perform a self-test for verifying its capacity to annunciate an emergency and to transmit a report of the self-test result. The zone controller is operable to receive the reports from each emergency annunciator and generate and transmit a zone report representing a consolidation of the received reports. The zone controller can also transmit an activation command to the emergency annunciators based on a received zone activation command. A master controller is operable to receive the zone report and generate therefrom a user notification indicative of the self-test results as well as to transmit the zone activation command in response to a trigger condition. The system may be easily installable through addition of the above components to an existing computer networking infrastructure.
US08294554B2 RFID location systems and methods
Embodiments of the present invention include radio frequency identification location systems and methods. In one embodiment, RF signals are transmitted from one or more RFID readers, and in accordance therewith, backscattered signals are received from a tag to be located. A plurality of measured position parameters are used to determine a location of the tag. In one embodiment, one reader may transmit and three readers may receive signals to determine the position of a tag. In other embodiments, multiple readers may transmit and receive. In another embodiment, one reader may transmit from different positions to locate a tag. Embodiments of the invention may be used to track a moving tag. A reader's position may be determined using GPS, reference tags, or the reader may be positioned in a known location. A map may be provided to a user to display the location or movement of a tag or a corresponding item.
US08294551B1 Systems and methods to deliver information to a member
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media deliver a variety of personalized information to a member of an association. In embodiments, information intended for delivery to a member, with or without request by the member, may be delivered via a television transmission, a telematic transmission to a vehicle, or a read-only memory. A password or biometric may be used to authenticate the intended viewer of the delivered information prior to displaying it.
US08294548B2 System and method for using sound to differentiate keypresses
A method for associating sounds with different keypresses, involving receiving an input of a first keypress from a keyboard including a plurality of keys, wherein the keyboard is associated with a computing device, determining whether a key corresponding to the first keypress is one of a plurality of significant elements, wherein the plurality of significant elements is a subset of the plurality of keys, determining a first sound event associated with the key, when the key is one of the plurality of significant elements, and outputting a first sound associated with the first sound event.
US08294544B2 Method for making magnetic components with M-phase coupling, and related inductor structures
An M-phase coupled inductor including a magnetic core and M windings, where M is an integer greater than one. The magnetic core is formed of a core material, and the magnetic core includes a first outer leg forming a first gap. The first gap includes a first gap material having lower magnetic permeability than the core material. Each winding is wound at least partially around at least a portion of the magnetic core, and each winding has a respective leakage inductance. The first gap causes the leakage inductances to be greater than if the first outer leg did not form the first gap. The coupled inductor may be used in a power supply, and the power supply may be used in a computing apparatus.
US08294542B2 Magnetic suspension device
A magnetic suspension device comprises a magnetic base and a suspension body. The suspension body is suspended above the magnetic base. The suspension body is provided with a receiving coil and at least one luminous body. The magnetic base is provided with a transmitting coil. The transmitting coil transmits an AC signal to the receiving coil. The receiving coil converts the AC signal transmitted by the transmitting coil into electric energy and supplies the electric energy to the luminous body for emitting light. In the magnetic suspension device of the present invention, the transmitting coil is arranged at the magnetic base, and the receiving coil is arranged in the suspension body. Wireless power transmission is realized through the transmitting coil and the receiving coil, so, the luminous body arranged on the suspension body can emit light without any cell and external power supply. This wireless power transmission method can avoid the impact on the operation of the suspension body, which not only can ensure the favorable suspension effect of the suspension body, but also can make the suspension body emit light. The magnetic suspension device has a very good decorative effect, and can be widely used in fields such as toys, ornaments, advertisements, and so on.
US08294535B2 Electrical component and production method
A component includes a first substrate having a first front side for holding first component structures, and a second substrate having a second front side for holding second component structures. The first and second substrates are connected together electrically and mechanically. The first and second front sides face each other. The first and second component structures include SAW structures, FBAR structures, MEMS sensors or switches, or MEOPS components, or combinations thereof.