Document Document Title
US08464359B2 System and method for obtaining a status of an authorization device over a network
A system and method for determining the status of an authorization device over a network. Output signals indicative of the status of the authorization device are stored in a status file. An authorization datastore accesses the status file over the first network and obtains the status of the authorization device. A determination is made from the user identifier if the user is authorized to use the controlled device. Permission is granted to the user to use the controlled device if the user is determined to be authorized to use the controlled device.
US08464354B2 Content cryptographic firewall system
A system and method that regulates the various operations between computing stations and storage or content. Any operation that involves or may lead to the exchange or accessing of content (data) between storage or hosting content container and computing station may be regulated by means of a policy which comprise a set of rules. Rules may be defined according to specific criteria, including the type of storage, the type of content, the attributes of the content, and other attributes associated with the storage device and/or the content. The policy will be dynamically installed/updated upon a computing station for specific User(s) and will regulate the data operations that may take place between the computing stations and storage or content based on evaluation of the policy. Based on the evaluation of the policy, the requested operation is permitted, restricted in some areas, or denied.
US08464353B2 Method and system for content downloads via an insecure communications channel to devices
The present teachings provide for a method and system for facilitating content download to one or more remote devices via an insecure communication channel. The method comprises the steps of receiving at least one shared secret from a device via an insecure communications channel, each shared secret encoded and functioning as an identifier for the device, transmitting an encrypted file, from a file server, to the device associated with the encoded shared secret, receiving the shared secret in a plaintext forma via a secure communications channel, receiving a confirmation authorizing the release of a decryption key, and sending a decryption key corresponding to the transmitted file, for which the authorization for the release of the decryption key has been received. The decryption key is encrypted using the shared secret if transmission is via the insecure channel.
US08464350B2 System and method for in-private browsing
A method, system, and computer program product for operating a web browser in an open browsing mode and a private browsing mode. The method may include calculating, by a computer processor, a privacy probability that a website contains information sensitive to the user. The privacy probability may be based, at least in part, on historical use of the private browsing mode by the user. The method may also include comparing the privacy probability to a privacy threshold and automatically switching the browser from the open browsing mode to the private browsing mode for the website if the privacy probability is greater than the privacy threshold.
US08464346B2 Method and system simulating a hacking attack on a network
The present invention describes a method for performing one or more social engineering attacks on a plurality of humans connected in a network for assessing vulnerabilities of the humans, wherein the Network comprises at least one of a plurality of data processing devices, memory devices and a plurality of communication links. The method includes gathering information about human profiles including collecting information about target users from actively used social and search sites and performing an automated Social Engineering (SE) phase and updating an Information Model based on the gathered information. Furthermore, the method includes generating a Multiple Attack Vector (MAV) graph based on the information gathered and one or more scan parameters. Moreover, the method includes launching one or more social engineering attacks based on the MAV graph to assess vulnerabilities in the humans in the Network.
US08464343B1 Systems and methods for providing security information about quick response codes
A computer-implemented method for providing security information about quick response codes may include (1) identifying a matrix barcode, (2) determining that the matrix barcode includes a link to an internet resource, (3) determining the trustworthiness of the internet resource referenced by the matrix barcode, and then (4) augmenting the matrix barcode with a visual augmentation that is based at least in part on the trustworthiness of the internet resource. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08464341B2 Detecting machines compromised with malware
A computer system can be configured to identify when it has been infected with or otherwise compromised by malware, such as viruses, worms, etc. In one implementation, a computer system receives and installs one or more decoy contacts in a contact store and further installs one or more malware reporting modules that effectively filter outgoing messages. For example, a malware reporting module can redirect messages with a decoy contact address to an alternate inbox associated with the decoy contact. The same malware reporting module, or another module in the system, can also generate one or more reports indicating the presence of malware, either due to detection of the decoy contact address, or due to identifying messages in the decoy contact inbox. The host computer system that sent the message to the decoy contact can then be flagged as infected with malware.
US08464340B2 System, apparatus and method of malware diagnosis mechanism based on immunization database
An immunization system including: an immunization client apparatus which determines whether a target code is a malicious code by performing an immunization operation with respect to a first immunization signature and a code signature that is extracted from the target code and reports the result of the determination to an immunization server; and the immunization server which diagnoses whether the target code is the malicious code, updates a second immunization signature based on the reported result of the determination, and transmits to the immunization client apparatus an update message about the updated second immunization signature, wherein the immunization client apparatus updates the first immunization signature based on the received update message is provided.
US08464333B1 System and method for distributed multi-processing security gateway
A system and method for a distributed multi-processing security gateway establishes a host side session, selects a proxy network address for a server, uses the proxy network address to establish a server side session, receives a data packet, assigns a central processing unit core from a plurality of central processing unit cores in a multi-core processor of the security gateway to process the data packet, processes the data packet according to security policies, and sends the processed data packet. The proxy network address is selected such that a same central processing unit core is assigned to process data packets from the server side session and the host side session. By assigning central processing unit cores in this manner, higher capable security gateways are provided.
US08464329B2 System and method for providing security for SIP-based communications
A security device for SIP communications operates to inhibit the effect of malicious attacks and/or inadvertent erroneous events on the provision of SIP-based services within a private network and between private and public networks. The security device acts as a conventional Firewall, NAT and PAT to isolate SIP User Agents on the private network from SIP User Agents on the public network and to Blacklist undesired callers. Also, the security device preferably includes a virus scanner to scan attachments to sessions and/or other communications to identify and block virus contaminated data and the security device includes a hardened SIP stack to scan for and detect malformed SIP messages to prevent malicious attacks and/or inadvertent erroneous messages from adversely impacting the operation of SIP services.
US08464318B1 System and method for protecting web clients and web-based applications
A method for securing a web client against malicious web attacks, the method is performed by a secure gateway deployed between a web client and a web server. The method comprises receiving a uniform resource locator (URL) request from the web client; sending the URL request to the web server for executing server side web application code responsive to the URL request; receiving client side application code from the web server; executing the client side application code on behalf of the web client; and sending the web client user interface updates rendered responsive to the execution of the client side application code.
US08464311B2 Method and system for implementing privacy notice, consent, and preference with a privacy proxy
A method is presented for processing data for a privacy policy concerning management of personally identifiable information. A proxy intercepts a first message from a server to a client and determines that the first message initiates collection of personally identifiable information from a user of the client. The proxy then sends a second message to the client that requests consent from the user to the privacy policy. If the user provides consent within a third message that is received by the proxy from the client, then the proxy sends the intercepted first message to the client. If the user does not provide consent, then the proxy sends a fourth message to the server that fails the collection of personally identifiable information from the client by the server. The proxy may also obtain user preferences for options concerning management of the personally identifiable information by a data processing system.
US08464309B2 Server-based program recording scheduling
A DVR sends, over the Internet, to a server, information that indicates a set of programs. The information also may indicate a ranking of the programs in the set relative to each other. In response to receiving the information from the DVR, the server determines a “to do” list of programs that the DVR should record as those programs are broadcasted in the future. The “to do” list indicates recording times and channels for each program. The server sends the “to do” list back to the DVR over the Internet. The DVR receives the “to do” list over the Internet and stores the “to do” list. As the programs on the “to do” list are broadcasted, the DVR automatically records those programs at the list-specified times and on the list-specified channels. The DVR stores those programs on the DVR's hard disk drive for later viewing by the DVR user.
US08464304B2 Content creation and distribution system
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving and distributing user-generated video content. In one aspect, a method includes receiving video data from a client computing device, where the video data is captured using a camera connected to the client computing device in accordance with instructions executed on the client computing device to provide the video data in accordance with predetermined constraints. The video data is automatically transcoded into at least one different format based on user credentials associated with a user of the client computing device and/or attributes associated with the video data. At least one format of the transcoded video data defines a video file in a format appropriate for inclusion in a linear television programming transmission. The transcoded video data is uploaded to a server for distribution.
US08464287B2 Digital television signal for receiving PSIP data, method of processing digital television signal, and digital television receiver
A digital television signal for receiving program and system information protocol (PSIP) data, a method for processing the digital television signal, and a digital television receiver are disclosed. The digital television signal used in the digital television receiver in order to receive a program system information protocol (PSIP) data from a broadcast transmitter includes a rating region table containing the PSIP data. Herein, the rating region table includes a global rating value field defining a global rating value which is valid for all graphical rating regions, a rating region field defining a specific graphical rating region to be associated with the rating region table, and at least one local rating value field identifying a local rating value which is valid for the specific graphical rating region only.
US08464285B2 System and method for digital rights management of digital video broadcasting
A system and method for Digital Right Management (DRM) of Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB). The system for DRM of DVB includes a DVB transmitting device for transmitting content for the DVB and information on user's rights object for the content, and a DVB receiving device for receiving and storing the transmitted content, and playing the stored data in accordance with the information on the user's rights object. A sneak post view problem occurring during the DVB is solved, and thus the digital rights for the DVB content are efficiently protected. In solving the sneak post view problem, the existing rights object and the construction of the security association database can be used, without adding a separate construction.
US08464281B2 Techniques to remotely access object events
Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques to remotely access object events. An apparatus may comprise a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory may be operative to store a remote event bridge having a surrogate object that when executed by the processor is operative to allow an observer object for a first process to subscribe to an event of a subject object for a second process using the surrogate object. In this manner, the remote event bridge and the surrogate object operates as an interface between subject objects and observer objects without any modifications to either class of objects.
US08464278B2 Method for performing real-time analytics using a business rules engine on real-time heterogeneous materialized data views
A method for performing real-time analytics using a business rules engine on real time heterogeneous materialized data views is disclosed. The method comprises processing of rows produced by views corresponding to events. The rows are processed according to business rules by a view engine. Views with conditions equivalent to rule conditions are subscribed to by a rule engine, which outputs action messages corresponding to the rule condition. Where the rule condition is satisfied, a statement to that effect is sent, with any available reportlets, to an alert engine. The alert engine handles alert states corresponding to the action statement, saves any corresponding reportlets, and generates a message to fire an alert to a notification engine. The notification engine formats the alert and sends the alert by a selected medium, such as email, a webservice call, or another network protocol.
US08464273B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer-readable program
An information processing apparatus improves the efficiency of use of a program capable of dynamically interrupting another program with a process. The program capable of dynamically interrupting another program with a process is received via a network and applied to the other program. A setting is received indicating whether the predetermined program should be applied to the other program when, after the predetermined program is applied, a supply of power to at least a part of the information processing apparatus is terminated and then resumed. Reapplication necessity information indicating the setting is stored in a storage unit. The predetermined program is reapplied to the other program when, after the application of the predetermined program, the supply of power to the at least a portion of the information processing apparatus is terminated and then resumed, based on the reapplication necessity information.
US08464266B2 System and method for enforcing future policies in a compute environment
A disclosed system receives a request for resources, generates a credential map for each credential associated with the request, the credential map including a first type of resource mapping and a second type of resource mapping. The system generates a resource availability map, generates a first composite intersecting map that intersects the resource availability map with a first type of resource mapping of all the generated credential maps and generates a second composite intersecting map that intersects the resource availability map and a second type of resource mapping of all the generated credential maps. With the first and second composite intersecting maps, the system can allocate resources within the compute environment for the request based on at least one of the first composite intersecting map and the second composite intersecting map.
US08464257B2 Method and system for reducing power loss to backup IO start time of a storage device in a storage virtualization environment
A method and controller device for supplying battery power to a virtualized storage environment having a storage controller with a virtual machine manager and a second virtual machine. In response to a battery engaged event, the first virtual machine manager enables the image of the second virtual machine to be shared with a new instance of the second virtual machine so that the image does not have to be loaded therein. The first virtual machine manager then creates the new virtual machine. The old virtual machine shuts down non-necessary hardware devices and sets necessary hardware devices to low power mode. During this time, the new virtual machine executes a backup specific start-of-day (SOD) initialization sequence. The method also synchronizes the new and old virtual machines. The method also initiates a cache memory backup operation upon synchronization of the new and old virtual machines and then shuts down the old virtual machine.
US08464238B1 Method and system for managing storage area networks
Method and system for converting identifier information after a driver upgrade is provided. The method includes updating a driver for a peripheral device in a storage area network, wherein a first driver is replaced by a second driver and the peripheral device is operationally coupled to one or more target device; reading identifier information for the target devices; and converting identifier information for the target device from a format supported by the first driver to a format supported by the second driver.
US08464236B2 Data consistency in data processing systems
In order to avoid data inconsistency between accesses of different functions of an application to a global variable in a data processing system, a) symbolic object code of a totality of functions to be executed in the data processing system is provided and those functions of the totality, called interfering functions, are identified, which access an identical global variable; b) at least one of the interfering functions is selected; c) a step of the initialization of an auxiliary variable using the value of the global variable into the object code of each function selected in step b) or of a function calling a selected function prior to its call is inserted; and d) a symbol of the global variable in the object code of the selected function is replaced by a reference to a memory space of the auxiliary variable.
US08464234B2 Pre-parsed headers for compilation
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for creating and using pre-parsed headers. One or more header files may be scanned into tokens. These tokens may then be parsed into abstract syntax trees. The abstract syntax trees may then be serialized in a modular form into pre-parsed headers on a storage device. Based upon directives in one or more source files, the pre-parsed headers may then be deserialized into abstract syntax trees and loaded from the storage device. The loaded abstract syntax trees may then be used in the compilation of the source files.
US08464233B2 Compile time interpretation of markup codes
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for compile time interpretation of markup codes. Embodiments of the invention can be used to specify custom behaviors to be taken in response to any of a number of ways that markup codes (e.g., XML data) can be constructed and in response to any number of ways that markup codes can be accessed. At compile time, the construction of objects and/or the modes of access for objects using mark up codes are known. As such, the compiler, type-system and development environment can use a known set of custom behaviors to regulate or give feedback on what constructions or modes of access are allowed, and what their characteristics are.
US08464232B2 Compiler compiler system with syntax-controlled runtime and binary application programming interfaces
A compiler compiler system with a design paradigm different from traditional compiler compiler systems in many aspects. First, instead of parsing tree, compiler compiler runtime and binary are designed according to compiler compiler parsing model. Second, any semantics processing is totally separated from syntax processing. Third, the whole compilation process is defined as syntax processing and semantics processing followed by syntax processing performed under compiler compiler management supervision. Fourth, syntax processing has two phases: building compiler compiler runtime, and converting compiler compiler runtime into compiler compiler binary with available option to convert back compiler compiler binary to compiler compiler runtime. Fifth, compiler compiler runtime and binary syntax-controlled APIs are defined in terms of syntax. Sixth, there are formal methods de-compiling compiler compiler runtime and/or binary into original program text accordingly to syntax. Seventh, compiler compiler runtime and binary with their syntax-controlled APIs serve as a multiplatform for obfuscation, security, binary files processing, and program-to-program communication.
US08464225B2 Method and system for adaptive, generic code instrumentation using run-time or load-time generated inheritance information for diagnosis and monitoring application performance and failure
A system for generic, run-time adaptive placement of byte code instrumentation takes into account object oriented inheritance relationships that are stored in an inheritance repository. The inheritance repository, which mirrors the structure of the monitored application, is created at run-time and is updated if the code base of the monitored application changes either dynamically at run-time or by manually changing the configuration and restarting the application. The inheritance repository contains meta-data of application classes and their relationships, like direct and indirect inheritance. The inheritance repository information is used to evaluate generic instrumentation placement rules, like rules that match to methods of classes that inherit from a specific base class. The inheritance repository is generated concurrently with instrumentation placement at application load-time or run-time and persists between application runs to enable dedicated adaptation runs to create the repository.
US08464217B2 Object-oriented support for dynamic assignment of parallel computing resources
Improvements to object-oriented programming methods allow programmers to direct execution of dynamically generated, parallel computing tasks on variety of platforms. Data objects provide their data location information handle, plurality of which can be combined by arithmetic operations, thus providing application specific, computing platform non-specific method to inform executing environment about data needed for each programming object. During execution this information is used to produce platform specific data structure to aid in optimal processing node assignment. A new calling method greatly reduces data exchanges between objects running as separate tasks. These improvements are particularly well suited to programming method and computing machine presented by parent of this divisional patent application. As parent invention utilization results in dynamic allocation of large number of tasks, assignment of processing nodes at runtime to those tasks, load balancing with various distributed resource access schemes are critical problems to solve.
US08464216B2 Providing assistance for editing markup document based on inferred grammar
Methods and apparatus are provided for assisting a user who is editing a markup document on a computer. The user is presented with the markup document on a display of the computer for editing and provided with grammatical assistance based on a grammar inferred from current content of the markup document. The grammar may be inferred and updated automatically after the markup document is loaded or edited. The assistance provided may be based on a combination of an inferred grammar and a real grammar. The markup document can be an extensible markup language (XML) document.
US08464215B2 Embedded electronic device and method of implementing user interface therein
An embedded electronic device includes a display and a user interface system shown on the display. The user interface system includes a plurality of item display modules and item resource modules. Each item display module includes a position sub-module operable to position the item resource module, and a connection sub-module capable of linking to the item resource module. Each item resource module has at least one resource path sub-module to retrieve a resource.
US08464208B2 Capturing and utilizing specific module dependency information
Systems and methods are described for capturing and utilizing specific module dependency information. A hierarchical model can be created to arrange the components an existing software system in a particular hierarchy. The model defines a priority of dependencies among the components. A tool is provided for analyzing each class file of the system for references to other class files and determining, for each said class file, whether each reference is acceptable according to the hierarchical model. Once the class files and references have been analyzed, a surrogate class file can be automatically generated for the references that are determined to be unacceptable according to the hierarchical model. This process can utilize white lists and black lists associated with the class files, where the white lists specify modules to which references are acceptable and the black lists specify modules to which references are unacceptable.
US08464203B2 System and program product for executing program to thereby test the program
In a system for carrying out a program to be tested, an interrupt generator is provided; this program includes a plurality of routines designed to be called and executed in a predetermined order. The interrupt generator generates an interrupt request every time one of the plurality of routines is called. A determining unit is provided in the system. The determining unit determines whether a sequence of instructions in the program is normal based on historical information indicative of whether the interrupt request corresponding to at least one of the plurality of routines is generated.
US08464201B2 Electronic device and simulation method for checking printed circuit board power loss
An electronic device reads a layout file of a printed circuit board (PCB) to be manufactured from a storage device, obtains length information and section area information of copper cladding distributed on power source areas and ground trace areas in each of one or more layers of the PCB to be manufactured by analyzing the layout file, and calculates power loss in each of the one or more layers according to the length information, the section area information, a resistance value of the copper cladding, and preset parameters of a power supply module and an integrated circuit (IC) load to be located on the PCB. In response to a determination that the power loss in the layer exceeds a preset range, the electronic device indicates the locations of the power source areas and the ground trace areas of a layer in the PCB layout file which need to be redesigned.
US08464199B1 Circuit design using design variable function slope sensitivity
A method for designing an integrated circuit. A computer determines, for one or more paths in a circuit design, for a value of a design variable at which timing closure of the circuit design is achieved, an approximate slope of a function representing path delay as a function of the design variable. When the computer determines that one of the approximate slopes is not within a defined slope range, the computer determines an adjustment direction and an adjustment value based in part on the magnitude by which the slope is not within the defined slope range. The computer changes the circuit design of the path associated with the out-of-range slope, based in part on the adjustment direction and the adjustment value, so as to bring the slope within the defined slope range.
US08464198B1 Electronic design automation tool and method for employing unsensitized critical path information to reduce leakage power in an integrated circuit
An electronic design automation (EDA) tool and a method of employing unsensitized critical path information to reduce leakage power in a circuit. In one embodiment, the EDA tool includes: (1) an unsensitizable path identifier configured to receive information regarding designed devices in a circuit and information regarding identified critical paths therein, analyze a logical behavior of the circuit and identify critical and noncritical gates in unsensitizable ones of the critical paths thereof and (2) a transistor designator coupled to the unsensitizable path identifier and configured to designate relatively low threshold voltage transistors for use in the critical gates and designate relatively high threshold voltage transistors for use in the noncritical gates.
US08464195B1 Integrated circuit clock analysis with macro models
An integrated circuit clock analysis system receives a cell library of gates of the integrated circuit and generates a macro model for each of the gates, where each macro model includes at least one of a nonlinear current source model, an input parasitics model or a nonlinear capacitors model. The system then tunes the macro models and generates a simulation deck from an electrical netlist of a layout of the integrated circuit and the tuned macro models. The system then performs clock analysis simulation based on the simulation deck.
US08464189B2 Technology migration for integrated circuits with radical design restrictions
A method, system and program product for migrating an integrated circuit (IC) design from a source technology without radical design restrictions (RDR) to a target technology with RDR, are disclosed. The invention implements a minimum layout perturbation approach that addresses the RDR requirements. The invention also solves the problem of inserting dummy shapes where required, and extending the lengths of the critical shapes and/or the dummy shapes to meet ‘edge coverage’ requirements.
US08464182B2 Device, method, and graphical user interface for providing maps, directions, and location-based information
In accordance with some embodiments, a portable electronic device with a touch screen display displays a map in an untracked mode of a mapping application. The device receives location information for the device, and detects a first activation of a mapping mode user interface element. In response, the device enters a tracked mode of the mapping application. While in the tracked mode of the mapping application, the device detects a second activation of the mapping mode user interface element and, in response, enters a heading mode of the mapping application. While in the heading mode of the mapping application, the device detects a finger scrolling gesture and, in response, the device enters the tracked mode when the finger scrolling gesture moves the map less than a predefined amount or the device enters the untracked mode when the finger scrolling gesture moves the map greater than the predefined amount.
US08464180B1 Organizing graphical representations on computing devices
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying a current configuration of graphical representations displayed in a user interface presented by a computing device, each of the graphical representations being associated with a respective computer-executable application, determining at least one usage signal corresponding to each of the graphical representations, the usage signal reflecting user interaction with the respective associated computer-executable application, determining one or more success metrics indicative of an efficiency of the current configuration of graphical representations, generating, using an optimization technique, a modified configuration of graphical representations based on the usage signals and the one or more success metrics, and presenting, in the user interface, at least a portion of the modified configuration of graphical representations.
US08464178B1 System and method for communicating information over a network
A system and method displays information for a multiple programs, each containing zero or one agent, an application, and zero or more pods. The agent communicates with another device such as a network to retrieve or provide information. Information to or from the agent is displayed by an application in a window that is used by other applications, one application at a time. Information to or from the agent is also displayed in one or more windows, each window dedicated to a single pod, and such window being much smaller than the window displaying information from the application.
US08464168B2 Device home page for use in a device type manager providing graphical user interfaces for viewing and specifying field device parameters
A device management utility is described that includes a generalized graphical user interface facilitating access to a variety of resources associated with selected device types. In particular, the utility includes information interfaces communicatively linking the utility of a variety of data sources. In addition, the utility includes a graphical user interface display providing a variety of information associated with a selected device type. Such information includes device identification information, links to supplemental resources, and a set of screen selection controls for exposing multiple functional modes of operation of the device management utility.
US08464166B2 Friends list management
A method and system of managing a user's friends in a virtual environment are presented. The method includes interacting a virtual character with a plurality of additional virtual characters in response to commands input from the user entered via the user computer. A subset of the additional users, the additional virtual characters, or a combination of the additional users and the additional virtual characters are designated as friends of the user in the virtual environment, and the friends are added to a list of friends associated with the user. The friends on the list displayed to the user can be ranked in an order based at least in part on the interacting of the virtual character controlled by the user with the plurality of additional virtual characters in the virtual environment.
US08464160B2 User interface device, user interface method, and recording medium
A user interface device (1) includes a display unit (2) which displays a first work space assigned to a user and a second work space different from the first workspace; a detection unit (3) which detects a position of the user; a calculation unit (4) which calculates an appropriate distance between the user and the second work space according to a type of an application program controlled by the user through the first work space; and a notification unit (5) which notifies the user that a distance between the position of the user detected by the detection unit (3) and the second work space is shorter than the appropriate distance calculated by the calculation unit (4).
US08464151B2 Layout of field area where merchandise and advertising information are inserted or determining position and size of area where merchandise and advertising information flow
Association information representing the association between the first information and the second information is set in the first record belonging to the first information and the second record belonging to the second information that are stored in a storage medium. A field area where data of the designated first record is inserted and a field area where data of the second record associated with the first record is inserted in accordance with the association information are laid out in a page on the basis of the template.
US08464150B2 Automatic language identification for dynamic text processing
Methods and systems which utilize, in one embodiment, automatic language identification, including automatic language identification for dynamic text processing. In at least certain embodiments, automatic language identification can be applied to spellchecking in real time as the user types.
US08464145B2 Serial interface devices, systems and methods
A serial interface device includes multiple serial link connections that receive at least address values and at least one error detection code (EDC) on different serial link connections, the EDC generated from at least the address values, the serial link connections for the address values and EDC operated separately from one another; and multiple output serial links, at least a first one of the output serial links outputting data values read from memory locations corresponding to the address values, and at least a second one of the output serial links different from and operated separately from the first one outputting EDC values generated for the data values read from the memory locations.
US08464138B2 Effective utilization of header space for error correction in aggregate frames
An apparatus for wireless communications is disclosed that includes a processing system configured to generate a first data packet and thereafter a second data packet, wherein each of the first and second data packets including a header and data, the processing system being further configured to generate an error correction code associated with the first data packet and embed the error correction code in the header of the second data packet.
US08464136B2 Data transfer protection apparatus for flash memory controller
The invention discloses a data transfer protection apparatus for a flash memory controller, placed between Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) and NAND Flash Chip. In encode path the hardware module selects a sequence of constant values, exclusive-or the original parity with that constant value. In decode path the hardware module detects the parity period, exclusive-or the parity which is read out from NAND Flash Chip with the same constant value sequence.
US08464127B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in resource allocation in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in resource reallocation in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes transmitting control information for the uplink resource reallocation to a corresponding terminal, according to the uplink resource reallocation, receiving an uplink packet from the corresponding terminal and determining whether the corresponding terminal receives the control information, and when the corresponding terminal does not receive the control information, informing the corresponding terminal of the determination result by transmitting a NULL signal over a feedback channel for previous uplink resource allocation. Thus, the resource utilization of the system can be raised by preventing repeated data retransmission until a next resource reallocation period.
US08464124B2 Receiving apparatus, receiving method and program, and receiving system
A receiving apparatus receives a low density parity check (“LCPC”) code and decode the LCPC code to provide for error check capabilities. A bit error rate (“BER”) controlling section is the frequency of the LCPC by using an index comprised of BER conditional information that indicates communication conditions affecting the power consumption at the time of decoding. The frequency is controlled on the basis of a reception interval of the low density parity check code.
US08464119B1 Defect recovery for iteratively-decoded data channel
In iterative decoding, a data recovery scheme corrects for corrupted or defective data by incorporating results from a previous decoding iteration. In one embodiment, a final multiplexer selects between the final detector output or a previous detector output based on the absence or presence of defective data. In another embodiment, the branch metrics for the defective data, which otherwise would be combined with a priori LLRs from an outer decoder of a prior stage, are ignored so that the a priori LLRs themselves are used alone. The two embodiments can be used together.
US08464118B2 Method and system for wireless real-time transmission of multichannel audio or video data
A method and a system for streaming multi channel digital isochronous data. The method is used for streaming multi channel digital isochronous data, e.g. audio data, in a standard wireless local area network transmission system where bandwidth is reserved for both contention-based traffic and contention free traffic and the audio data formed by samples is organized in audio frames and sent to receivers using multicasting, within consecutive beacon intervals. The contention free traffic of the beacon interval is adjusted to an optimum value, and the length of the beacon interval is adjusted such that a required amount of audio data can be sent to the receivers with minimum system delay.
US08464115B2 Fully X-tolerant, very high scan compression scan test systems and techniques
Scan testing and scan compression are key to realizing cost reduction and shipped quality. New defect types in ever more complex designs require increased compression. However, increased density of unknown (X) values reduces effective compression. A scan compression method can achieve very high compression and full coverage for any density of unknown values. The described techniques can be fully integrated in the design-for-test (DFT) and automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) flows. Results from using these techniques on industrial designs demonstrate consistent and predictable advantages over other methods.
US08464091B2 Byzantine fault tolerant dynamic quorum using a trusted platform module
A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium. The computer executable code is operable to dynamically adjust quorum requirements for a voting set V of a server cluster, including a plurality of servers, to ensure that a response of the server cluster to a client request remains Byzantine fault tolerant when at least one of: a failed server of the server cluster is replaced with at least one new server, such that a total set S of servers that have ever been members of the server cluster is increased, and an existing server is removed from the voting set V.
US08464090B2 Recovery of failed disks in an array of disks
A disk recovery system and method is provided for recovering data from a redundant array of independent (or inexpensive) disks. The method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The computer readable storage medium is operable to: determine input/output (I/O) characteristics of one or more disks in an array; monitor the one or more disks in the array to determine when any of the one or more of the disks have failed in the array; and automatically rebuild the failed disk from a standby pool by nominating a disk in the standby pool based on the I/O characteristics of the one or more failed disks prior to failure.
US08464085B2 Method and device for controlling operation of a portable electronic device
A method for controlling operation of a portable electronic device includes detecting an angle between a lid of the portable electronic device and a plumb line and controlling the operation of the portable electronic device according to the angle.
US08464068B2 Electronic module update detection
A method for detecting an unauthorized programming or installation of software on an electronic module on a vehicle. The method obtains information regarding programming of the electronic module. The information may be obtained by detecting a programming session of the electronic module or after the module has been programmed. The obtained information is compared with information identifying whether programming of the electronic module is authorized or unauthorized. A determination whether the programming is authorized or unauthorized is made based on the comparison.
US08464059B2 System and method for device bound public key infrastructure
Techniques are provided secured communication of data, such as in the context of a public key infrastructure (PKI). In one embodiment, the technique may involve using a private key that is bound to the device requesting the secure data, thereby making it harder for someone to copy, steal or fake. The private key may be generated by adding a filler code to a unique device identifier. The identifier may be based on at least one user-configurable parameter and at least one non-user-configurable parameter of the device.
US08464058B1 Password-based cryptographic method and apparatus
A password-based cryptographic method is effected between a first party with a specified identity and secret password and a second party with a master secret. During a registration phase, a long-term password-based public key is generated for the first party from its password and the master secret of the second party. Subsequently, to generate matching keys, asymmetric or symmetric, for the parties for a specific interaction, the first party generates short-term secret x, and computes a short-term password-based public key that requires for its computation direct knowledge of the first party's password and secrets x; the second party then transforms this short-term password-based public key into an clement X, complimentary to x, by using its master secret and at least a first-party-specific constituent of the first party's long-term password-based public key. The secret x and element X are then used to provide matching keys for the parties.
US08464054B2 Measurement probe systems for co-ordinate positioning apparatus
A measurement probe, such as a touch trigger measurement probe, is described that comprises a measurement portion for measuring an object and a data transfer portion for receiving data from and/or transmitting data to an associated unit. The measurement device also comprises an authentication module for verifying the authenticity of the associated unit. The authentication module may include a processor for running a one-way hash algorithm. Authenticity may be established using a challenge and response authentication process.
US08464045B2 Distributed digital certificate validation method and system
A distributed digital certificate validation method of a client connectable in communication with a host is provided. A first connection is made with the host to establish data communication with the host. A request for a certificate validation result is sent to the host. A file containing at least the requested certificate validation result is imported from the host and the imported file is stored locally for later retrieval of at least the requested certificate validation result.
US08464041B2 Optimization of storage device operating parameters
Example embodiments relate to storage devices, computing devices, and machine-readable storage media that optimize storage device operating parameters for desktop and notebook computing devices. Example embodiments allow for optimization of operating parameters of a storage device for one of a desktop computing device and a notebook computing devices based on provision of a command to the storage device. In example embodiments, upon receipt of such a command, the storage device may reconfigure its operating parameters to be optimized for the particular type of system.
US08464034B2 Consolidated boot parameter management systems and methods
Methods and systems for provision of boot parameters may comprise: receiving one or more boot parameter event notification registration requests; registering one or more boot parameter event receiver clients; and providing one or more boot parameters to one or more registered boot parameter event receiver clients.
US08464030B2 Instruction cracking and issue shortening based on instruction base fields, index fields, operand fields, and various other instruction text bits
A method, information processing system, and computer program product crack and/or shorten computer executable instructions. At least one instruction is received. The at least on instruction is analyzed. An instruction type associated with the at least one instruction is identified. At least one of a base field, an index field, one or more operands, and a mask field of the instruction are analyzed. At least one of the following is then performed: the at least one instruction is organized into a set of unit of operation; and the at least one instruction is shortened. The set of unit of operations is then executed.
US08464023B2 Application run-time memory optimizer
A computer implemented method optimizes memory page sizes during runtime. A process is identified from a policy file. The policy file contains at least one policy based threshold. A resource usage profiler monitors the process during runtime. The resource usage profiler determines whether the process exceeds the set of stated desired policies from the at least one policy based threshold. If the process exceeds the set of stated desired policies from the set of policy based thresholds, a performance projection for the process is executed to determine whether the process would experience a performance benefit from a different page size. Responsive to determining that the process would experience the performance benefit from the different page size, the page size for the process is changed.
US08464018B2 Resource management for data storage services
Provided are a method, system, and an article of manufacture, wherein resources corresponding to at least one copy pool are acquired, and wherein the at least one copy pool has been defined for a first primary storage pool of a storage hierarchy. The acquired resources are retained, in response to determining that data cannot be written to the first primary storage pool. The data is written to the at least one copy pool, in response to writing the data to a second primary storage pool of the storage hierarchy.
US08464017B2 Apparatus and method for processing data in a massively parallel processor array system
An apparatus and method for processing data in a Massively Parallel Process Array (MPPA) system are provided, in which a scheduling processor determines an array processor and an initial memory, and requests halt release to the array processor, which requests allocation of an additional memory or return of used memory to an address conversion controller, if allocation of additional memory or return of used memory is needed during program execution. The address conversion controller controls, upon receipt of the request for allocation of additional memory, conversion of a base address of additional memory to a physical address and, upon receipt of the request for return of used memory, deletes registered information from the address conversion table. The array processor requests return of additional memory to the address conversion table and transmits a terminal signal to the scheduling controller, upon completion of the program.
US08464005B2 Accessing common registers in a multi-core processor
Systems and methods for accessing common registers in a multi-core processor are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment a method may comprise streaming at least one transaction from one of a plurality of processing cores in a core domain directly to a register domain. The method may also comprise reassembling the at least one streamed transaction in the register domain for data access operations at the common registers.
US08463996B2 Multi-core multi-thread processor crossbar architecture
A processor chip is provided. The processor chip includes a plurality of processing cores where each of the processing cores being multi-threaded. The plurality of processing cores are located in a center region of the processor chip. A plurality of cache bank memories are included. A crossbar enabling communication between the plurality of processing cores and the plurality of cache bank memories is provided. The crossbar includes a centrally located arbiter configured to sort multiple requests received from the plurality of processing cores and the crossbar is defined over the plurality of processing cores. In another embodiment, the processor chip is oriented so that the cache bank memories are defined in the center region. A server is also included.
US08463989B2 Storage device and method utilizing both block I/O and file I/O access
A storage device and method for ensuring the provision of data as complete files in a storage device capable of processing both block input/output I/O and file I/O. For each logical volume, an attempt is made to unmount logical units (LUs) storing files triggered by a session start request for block I/O (login request) such as iSCSI, and to recognize (mount) files of logical units triggered by a session completion request for block I/O (Logout request). Block access processing units may also create a replication of a specified logical unit and set a relevant replicated logical unit as a logical unit for access.
US08463988B2 System and method for matching patterns
A pattern matching system detects strings contained in a target pattern to be detected within a data stream input by 1-byte data, and detects a regular expression representing the target pattern among regular expressions constructed by the detected strings.
US08463981B2 Storage apparatus having deduplication unit
It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage apparatus that can suppress access performance degradation owing to processing of data deduplication. The storage apparatus according to the present invention acquires a sum of the access frequencies to each of redundantly allocated pieces of data, and performs the deduplication on the pieces of data having the sum of access frequencies less than a prescribed threshold.
US08463980B2 Shared memory between child and parent partitions
A mechanism for the creation of a shared memory aperture between modes in a parent and child partition is described. The shared memory aperture can be created between any memory mode between the guest and any host. For example, a shared memory aperture can be created between the kernel mode on the child partition and the user mode on the parent partition.
US08463977B2 Use of PCI express for CPU-to-CPU communication
CPUs that generate PCIe auxiliary signals and changing clock signals nevertheless communicate with each other using PCIe owing to PCIe switch assemblies that are disposed in the communication paths to isolate and terminate the auxiliary signals from reaching other CPUs and to isolate changing clock signals, communicating with each other using a fixed clock derived from one of the changing clock signals. Also, the CPUs directly access the memories of CPUs to which they wish to write data so that data is directly written from one CPU memory to another without store-and-forward operations being needed in the network.
US08463974B2 System and method for displaying information regarding an unengaged plug-in unit
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and systems for displaying information regarding an unengaged plug-in unit are provided. A plug-in unit may include a processor and an information verification module communicatively coupled to the processor. The information verification module may include a non-volatile memory, a controller communicatively coupled to the non-volatile memory, and display communicatively coupled to the controller. The a non-volatile memory may store information. The controller may be configured to, when the plug-in unit is unengaged: (i) read the information from the non-volatile memory, and (ii) communicate control signals based at least in part on the read information. The display may be configured to, when the plug-in unit is unengaged, display graphic images or alphanumeric characters based at least in part on the control signals.
US08463973B2 Mechanism for voltage regulator load line compensation using multiple voltage settings per operating state
A system includes one or more processor cores, and a voltage regulator that provides an operating voltage to the one or more processor cores in response to receiving a voltage identifier signal that is indicative of the operating voltage. The system also includes a power management unit that may provide a first voltage identifier signal corresponding to a first operating voltage in response to determining that the processor cores are operating in a first operating state in which the one or more processor cores may draw up to a maximum load current. The power management unit may also provide a second voltage identifier signal corresponding to a second operating voltage, which is less than the first operating voltage, in response to determining that the processor cores are operating in a second operating state in which the processor cores are incapable of an increase in load current above a predetermined amount.
US08463970B2 Method and system for managing sleep states of interrupt controllers in a portable computing device
A method and system for managing sleep states of one or more interrupt controllers of processors contained within a portable computing device are described. The method includes a processor defining wake-up interrupt settings in a storage device contained within the portable computing device. This storage device may comprise message random access memory (“RAM”). After wake-up settings have been established in message RAM, a processor may generate an alert that the wake-up settings in the message RAM have been defined. Next, a controller reviews the wake-up interrupt settings in the message RAM for a plurality of interrupt controllers that correspond with a plurality of processors contained within the portable computing device. The controller merges the wake-up settings in the message RAM and then sends the merged wake-up settings to an always-on power manager (“APM”). The APM is responsible for issuing signals to place interrupt controllers of processors into a sleep state.
US08463965B2 Internal display port interface test method and device
An iDP interface test method includes transmitting test clocks to an iDP sink device; determining whether or not a link clock lock operation in the iDP sink device is successful based on a measurement result of an HPD signal when a clock lock operation for the test clocks is performed; transmitting test data and arbitrary video data to the iDP sink device if the link clock lock operation in the iDP sink device is successful; determining whether or not a symbol lock operation in the iDP sink device is successful when the symbol lock operation for the test data and the arbitrary video data is performed; and comparing a count result with a predetermined reference value, and determining link stability of the iDP sink device based on the comparison result.
US08463950B2 Information processing apparatus, execution control method, and recording medium storing execution control program
An information processing apparatus, an execution control method, an execution control program, and an execution control medium storing the execution control program are described. The information processing apparatus has a processor, which concurrently performs: (1) initializing hardware resources needed for execution of the information processing apparatus; and (2) expanding an operating system and a file system image stored in a nonvolatile memory in a compressed format and transferring the expanded operating system and file system image to a volatile memory using a direct memory access controller.
US08463946B2 Method for automatic radio operational mode selection
A method is performed to collect information in a machine including an on-board data link connecting a wireless device and at least one on-board module. The process includes providing a first operational mode for the wireless device that allows the wireless device to perform a first set of operations on data associated with the at least one on-board module and providing a second operational mode for the wireless device that allows the wireless device to perform a second set of operations on the data associated with the at least one on-board module, wherein the second set of operations is a subset of the first set of operations. The process also determines an operational mode for the wireless device based on predetermined criteria and configures the wireless device based on the determined operational mode. Further, the process includes operating the wireless device in either the first or second operational mode based on the configuring.
US08463944B2 Optimal compression process selection methods
A mechanism for determining an optimal compression technique for each data file when creating a computer archive file from a set of data files. A local archiving application receives an instruction to archive a set of data files and determines the file type and size of a data file in the set of data files. An optimal compression method for the data file is selected based on the file type and size of the data file. The archiving application compresses the data file using the optimal compression method. The archiving application updates meta data associated with the compressed file to include a meta compression format identifier of the optimal compression method used to compress the data file. The archiving application then repeats the determining, selecting, compressing, and updating for each data file in the set of data files to create an archive of the set of data files.
US08463943B2 All hazards information distribution method and system, and method of maintaining privacy of distributed all-hazards information
An information distribution method includes: gathering all-hazards information into an information exchange from a first information source; gathering all-hazards information into the information exchange from a second information source; distributing the all-hazards information from the information exchange to a first independently-controlled alert network; distributing the all-hazards information from the information exchange to a second independently-controlled alert network.
US08463939B1 System and method for optimized and distributed routing of interactions
A system for optimized and distributed routing of interactions, comprising a plurality of media servers operating adapted to handle interactions of one or more specific media types, a statistics server, a routing database, and a routing server. Upon receiving or initiating an interaction of a specific media type, a first media server from the media servers sends a route request message comprising at least an interaction identifier and a collection of interaction-specific data to the routing server, the statistics server receives event notifications from the media servers and computes one or more statistics, and the routing server executes, using statistical data from the statistics server and data from the routing database, a routing script in response to the route request message and sends a response to the first media server directing it to route the interaction to a specific target resource.
US08463931B2 Protected distribution and location based aggregation service
A system for and method of per access-point streaming media customization and privacy protected feedback in a wireless network. The system is operative to: encrypt real time streamed media content from a streaming media source; multicast the streamed encrypted media content for availability to a user device for playback, the user device sending out unicast responses at the time of joining or dropping the multicast; aggregate the unicast responses in the form of a connect multicast state or a disconnect multicast state of the user device based on the joining or dropping of the multicast; and provide information back to the streaming media source based on the aggregated unicast responses.
US08463930B2 Skip feature for a broadcast or multicast media station
A skip function for a broadcast or multicast media station is disclosed. In one embodiment, two content streams are simultaneously transmitted for a single radio station. A receiving device simultaneously receives the two content streams transmitted for the radio station. The receiving device provides playback of a first content stream of the two content streams. During playback of the first content stream, the receiving device buffers one or more most recently received content items from the second content stream. When a user of the receiving device initiates a skip, the receiving device performs a skip function by switching playback from the first content stream to the second content stream beginning at the start of the one or more most recently received content items from the second content stream that have been buffered at the receiving device.
US08463929B2 Optimising communications
A method, system and program for transmitting different quality versions of a stream to end-user nodes of a network. The method comprises: for each of a plurality of possible combinations of versions of the stream to different consuming end-user nodes, evaluating a utility function for each of those consuming end-user nodes, the utility function being dependent on the version and defining a quantitative measure of end-user benefit that would be experienced at the respective end-user node by consumption of the respective version; for each of said plurality of possible combinations of versions of the stream over said routes, determining an overall utility value based on the respective evaluation of the utility functions of each of said plurality of consuming end-user nodes; and selecting a preferred combination of versions of the stream over said routes based on the overall utility values of the different possible combinations.
US08463926B2 Technique for providing support for a plurality of mobility management protocols
A technique for registering a mobile terminal with an anchor node and for handling data packets after registration is provided. A method implementation of this technique comprises the steps of providing support for a plurality of mobility management protocols, wherein the mobility management protocols are deployed in parallel within a protocol stack of an anchor node, receiving, from a mobile terminal, a registration message, and selectively handling the registration message in accordance with the mobility management protocol associated with the registration message.
US08463924B2 Remote access of media items
Methods and systems that facilitate the downloading of media items to a first network device from a second network device are disclosed. A plurality of media items are identified. Media item metadata associated with the plurality of media items is obtained from the second network device and stored on the first network device. Media item content data associated with a first subset of the plurality of media items is obtained from the second network device and stored on the first network device. In this manner, only media item metadata associated with a second subset of the plurality of media items is stored on the first network device.
US08463922B2 Method for storing credentials in a J2EE connector architecture
A connector architecture implementation that is J2EE compliant and provides improved connection management capabilities. The connector architecture implementation provides a connector leak detection mechanism that detects connection leaks both automatically and manually. The connector architecture implementation pre-configures and manages the growth and reduction of a connection pool. The connector architecture implementation may be pre-configured by pre-populating the connection pool. Connection pool growth may be managed by generating connections in response to connection requests. A connection pool may also be configured to reduce the number of connections in the pool. The number of connections may be reduced if the connection demand decreases. Password credentials allowing access to services are used to provide additional connection management.
US08463914B2 Facilitating rapid establishment of human/machine voice communication links over an IP network using last-known call-host endpoint states
A method and system are provided that enhance human/machine communication so as to more closely approximate natural human/human communication by more effectively establishing communications links for human-interactive media. Specifically, the speed and quality of the connection are improved by the method and system, resulting in a more natural user experience. The method includes a communication system receiving a call request from a requestor. The communication system has a Connection Proxy (CP) and a plurality of Endpoints (EPs). The CP has an endpoint state table (EST) configured to store state information associated with each of the plurality of endpoints (EPs). Based on the call request, the CP selects an EP using the EST. If the selected EP accepts the requested communications link, the CP establishes a communications link that excludes the CP itself. The CP also updates the EST based on a response to the call request from the selected EP.
US08463911B2 Exclusive control method of resource and exclusive controller of resource
Under the circumstances that a lock object which performs a restriction control on an exclusive use of a sharable resource is granting a second information processor a right of prior use of the sharable resource over a first information processor, a time length of exclusive use during which the sharable resource is exclusively used by the second information processor is measured when an attempt to acquire the right of prior use requested by the first information processor for the lock object fails, and least two standby operations are set, the at least two standby operations being carried out by the first information processor until the right of prior use of the sharable resource granted to the second information processor is no longer valid, and the time length of exclusive use is compared to a decision threshold value preset for evaluation of the time length of exclusive use so that one of the standby operations suitable for a comparison result is selected.
US08463906B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring functions of distributed data
A method and system of monitoring computer network activity including determining a first phase frequency estimate, associated with a first frequency vector, determined in response to receiving first bits from a first plurality of remote computer network devices. The first bits received from the first plurality of remote devices in response to satisfying a first activity threshold. Also, determining a second phase frequency estimate associated with a second frequency vector and determined in response to receiving second bits from a second plurality of remote devices. The second bits received from the second plurality of remote devices in response to a second activity threshold being satisfied. The second phase frequency estimate determined in response to the first phase frequency estimate exceeding a global threshold. Further, providing a frequency moment Fp in response to the second phase frequency estimate exceeding a refined threshold.
US08463881B1 Bridging mechanism for peer-to-peer communication
A high-speed optical interface for connecting computers to external I/O devices allows a number of native I/O formats to be encapsulated into PCIe Vendor Defined Messages (“VDMs”) for transfer over a single physical medium, preferably optical, and is thus referred to as the converged I/O (“CIO”) interface. Standard PCIe bridges are modified to support peer-to-peer communications, allowing greater exploitation of the capabilities of PCIe.
US08463880B2 Method and system for removing a tunnel between portal points
Systems and methods of removing a tunnel created when a client having an active IP session with a first portal point in a first subnet of a network, disconnects from the first portal point and reconnects to a second portal point in a second subnet of the network, the client maintaining an IP address assigned to it by the first subnet, embodiments of the method including the steps of determining whether data is scheduled to transfer from the second portal point to the client; if no data is scheduled, disconnecting the client from the second portal point; deactivating the IP session, whereby the IP address is released to the first subnet; removing the tunnel; reconnecting the client to the second portal point; and activating a second IP session between the client and the second portal point, whereby a second IP address is assigned to the client by the second subnet.
US08463870B1 Personalized audio system and method
A personalized audio system and method that overcomes many of the broadcast-type disadvantages associated with conventional radio stations.
US08463865B2 Video synchronization with distributed modules
A digital system is provided that includes a number of hardware accelerators. Each hardware accelerator is paired with a synchronization module that is configured to determine when a scheduled task can be started. Each synchronization module includes a network interface configured to send and receive messages to and from other synchronization modules and a configuration interface configured to receive task information from a host processor. Each synchronization module also includes a task scheduler configured to select a task in response to a received message and a task processor interface configured to initiate the selected task on a hardware accelerator coupled to the synchronization module.
US08463863B2 Systems and methods for protecting header fields in a message
Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein facilitate the transmitting, receiving, and processing of encoded messages wherein the header fields in the message header are protected. In one embodiment, the contents of the header fields to be protected are inserted into the message body as one or more additional lines of text, for example, prior to encoding and transmitting the message to a message recipient. Upon receipt of the message, the message recipient processes the encoded message such that the contents of the protected header fields can be extracted from the message body. Accordingly, by inserting the contents of the header fields to be protected into the message body, the header fields may be protected using existing standards and protocols for facilitating secure message communication.
US08463862B2 Methods and systems for dispatching messages to mobile devices
A mail server collects messages from a number of user accounts and presents them to the user from a single location. Forwarded messages are automatically reformatted for the receiving device, while a copy of the original message is retained. Messages may be reformatted to include the phone number of the message sender. The reformatted message can then present the user with an option to return the message via a phone call. The reformatted message can include more than one phone number, in which case the sender's phone numbers can be prioritized for presentation to the user. The reformatted message can also present the user with an option to review notes or other contact-specific information prior to responding to the message.
US08463859B2 Email system including synchronization server(s) providing synchronization based upon synchronization indicators stored on mobile devices and related methods
An email system may include an email server(s) configured to store email messages in a plurality of mailboxes, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices each configured to store email messages and an email synchronization indicator for a respective mailbox. The system may further include an email synchronization server(s) configured to establish synchronization sessions with the mobile wireless communications devices and retrieve the email synchronization indicators therefrom, and determine changes to the mailboxes and synchronize respective email messages between the mobile wireless communications devices and the email server(s) during the synchronization sessions based upon the retrieved email synchronization indicators. The email synchronization server(s) may also be configured to communicate updated email synchronization indicators to the mobile wireless communications devices, and terminate the synchronization sessions without storing of the updated email synchronization indicators at the email synchronization server(s).
US08463854B2 Facilitating interaction between web browsers
Users browsing the same website may join in a single communication forum by navigating to a predefined communication web server or website. Navigating to the predefined communication web server includes transmitting an access request to the web server. The access request includes various information including identification information associated with the referring website. Based on the identity of the referring website, the web server joins users into an appropriate communication forum. If a pre-existing communication forum corresponding to the referring website is unavailable, a new communication forum corresponding to the referring website may be created. The communication forum allows users viewing the same referring website to interact and communicate in a variety of ways.
US08463851B2 Promotion infrastructure supporting selected and emailed promotion delivery
An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity.
US08463843B2 Throttling of predictive ACKs in an accelerated network communication system
In a system where transactions are accelerated with asynchronous writes that require acknowledgements, with pre-acknowledging writes at a source of the writes, a destination-side transaction accelerator includes a queue for queue writes to a destination, at least some of the writes being pre-acknowledged by a source-side transaction accelerator prior to the write completing at the destination, a memory for storing a status of a destination-side queue and possibly other determinants, and logic for signaling to the source-side transaction accelerator with instructions to alter pre-acknowledgement rules to hold off on and pursue pre-acknowledgements based on the destination-side queue status. The rules can take into account adjusting the flow of pre-acknowledged requests or pre-acknowledgements at the sender-side transaction accelerator based at least on the computed logical length.
US08463839B2 Distributed computing environment
A method is described which allows a very large (greater than 100,000) number of applications to communicate logically through a many-to-many multicast cloud on the common carrier Internet efficiently by exploiting characteristics of the applications' data streams which allow substantial message culling as well as more standard routing optimization (conventional multicast and optimization standard to normal Internet routing systems). The method describes the function and type of three types of systems which operate together to implement the method. The first is a network enabled client application, such as a distributed simulation or game, which joins an application cloud or federation and communicates its internal state changes into the cloud via a communication applications programming interface. The second is a lobby manager or broker which accepts entry into a communication cloud or federation and provides information to the federation and the client application for establishing communications between them. And third, is a applications-specific routing system which provides the normal function of routing packets between Internet hosts (client applications running on these hosts), but also allows the routing functions to affected by modules in the router which are associated with the distributed application or simulation being implemented. These application “personalized” routing modules implement substantial application-specific message culling through message omission, rerouting, and other quality of service modifications to substantially reduce overall federation communication traffic and at the same time still effectively implement a point-to-multipoint distributed communications model between clients.
US08463823B2 Methods and systems for tracking backflow assemblies
A method of tracking backflow assemblies is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving backflow assembly data for water customers associated with a water supply system, generating a database based on the backflow assembly data, transmitting test reminder notifications to testers associated with the water customers, receiving test result data from the testers, updating the database based on the test result data, and transmitting the test result data to municipal administrators. The backflow assembly data includes water customer information, backflow assembly information and backflow test history information. The database is stored within a storage device. The testers are notified based at least partially on the backflow assembly data. The updated database is stored within the storage device.
US08463814B2 Copy protected digital data
The present invention relates to digital data comprising a passive part (2) comprising content (1) to be protected in encrypted form, an active part (3) comprising information (4) how to decrypt the content (1) comprised in the passive part (2) and a hidden part (6), wherein the active part (3) and the corresponding passive part (2) constitute an active content (8) and the hidden part (6) comprising information (7) about properties of the respective active content (8) and/or respective active part (3) and/or the respective passive part (2). The active part (2) of the active content (8) additionally comprises rules (5) to allow and/or forbid decryption of the content (1) comprised in the passive part (2) of the active content (8) based on the information (7) comprised in the hidden part (6). With that neither a central database has to be accessed nor a special hardware has to be provided.
US08463808B2 Expanding concept types in conceptual graphs
In one embodiment, searching documents includes generating a query conceptual graph for a search query. The query conceptual graph has graph terms representing concept types. A set of conceptually similar terms is identified for each graph term, and the set is mapped to the concept type represented by the graph term. Documents are searched in accordance with the set of conceptually similar terms. In another embodiment, selecting a document includes determining documents that satisfy a search query expressed as a query conceptual graph. A document conceptual graph that has graph terms representing concept types is generated for each document. A set of conceptually similar terms is identified for each graph term, where the set is mapped to the concept type represented by the graph term. A document is selected if terms of the sets associated with the document match terms associated with the query conceptual graph.
US08463785B2 Method and system for generating search collection of query
A method for generating search collection of query is disclosed, which can provide a search result list displayed by an optimized method of automatically generating a specific collection by each query, the method comprising obtaining a first query and search results selected by a user from a search result list generated in response to the first query; classifying the search results into one or more groups; and generating a search collection for the first query by each group.
US08463782B1 Identifying common co-occurring elements in lists
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for detecting correlations between terms. During operation, the system identifies one or more lists contained in one or more documents and identifies two terms co-occurring in the lists. The system further determines a correlation between the co-occurring terms, and places the co-occurring terms in a correlated-pair list based on the correlation.
US08463774B1 Universal scores for location search queries
A method for performing a location search includes receiving a location search query, identifying one or more geographic feature documents that satisfy the location search query, ranking the identified geographic feature documents in accordance with scores that are based, at least in part, on corresponding address support scores, to produce a set of ranked documents, and providing results, in accordance with the ranked documents, that identify at least one geographic feature corresponding to at least one of the ranked documents. An address support score for an identified geographic feature document can be based on one or more of: a standalone support score and a template support score.
US08463766B1 Systems and media for awarding credits based on provided usage information
Systems and media for awarding credits based on provided usage information are disclosed. More particularly, hardware and/or software for collecting and disseminating usage information related to electronic documents and for awarding usage credits to users in exchange for providing usage information are disclosed. Embodiments include receiving an indication of the usage of an electronic document by a user and aggregating the received usage indication for the document with usage indications relating to other users. Embodiments may also include creating document utilization information for the electronic document based on the aggregated usage indications and awarding usage credit to the user based on the user's providing statistics on the usage of the electronic document. Further embodiments may include transmitting an indication of the awarded usage credit to the user and receiving a request to use the usage credits.
US08463759B2 Method and system for compressing data
The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for compressing data. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one data string is received. The at least one data string includes characters. A token string corresponding to the at least one data string is generated. At least one repeated substring in the at least one data string is identified. A refer-back token associated with the at least one repeated substring is generated. The refer-back token indicates a position of the at least one repeated substring and a length of the at least one repeated substring.
US08463738B2 Attribute extraction method, system, and program
Sets of strings of which the drawing positions are arranged in one direction are extracted from a document as attribute groups. An attribute name score is calculated for each attribute group to determine an extent to which each attribute group is a set of attribute names. Based on the attribute name scores, an attribute name group is selected out of the attribute groups. From among the attribute groups, an attribute group which includes a string which is the same as at least one string of the attribute name group and of which the drawing position is the same as that of the string of the attribute name group is selected. From the string at the same drawing position, an attribute name is extracted. From the other strings of the selected attribute group than those at the same drawing position, an attribute value corresponding to the attribute name is extracted.
US08463736B2 Relational database management system having integrated non-relational multi-dimensional data store of aggregated data elements
Improved method of and apparatus for joining and aggregating data elements integrated within a relational database management system (RDBMS) using a non-relational multi-dimensional data structure (MDD). The improved RDBMS system of the present invention can be used to realize achieving a significant increase in system performance (e.g. decreased access/search time), user flexibility and ease of use. The improved RDBMS system of the present invention can be used to realize an improved Data Warehouse for supporting on-line analytical processing (OLAP) operations or to realize an improved informational database system or the like.
US08463727B2 Communication management system and communication management method
A communication management system comprises a first rule database storing a rule for extracting specific communication data among communication data; a search unit searching the first rule database to check if the communication data complies with a rule stored therein; an output unit which, when the communication data complies with the rule stored in the first rule database, outputs the communication data; an update unit accepting a change in a rule and updating it; a second rule database storing the updated rule changed by the update unit; and a database server transmitting the updated rule from the second rule database to the first rule database, and reflects in real time, the change in a rule.
US08463722B2 Implementing a neural associative memory based on non-linear learning of discrete synapses
This invention is in the field of machine learning and neural associative memory. In particular the invention discloses a neural associative memory structure for storing and maintaining associations between memory address patterns and memory content patterns using a neural network, as well as methods for retrieving such associations. A method for a non-linear synaptic learning of discrete synapses is disclosed, and its application on neural networks is laid out.
US08463721B2 Systems and methods for recognizing events
Systems and methods for recognizing events include a processor for executing machine readable instructions. The processor may be electronically coupled to an electronic memory. A temporal sensor may be electronically coupled to the processor for generating a sequence of temporal signals relating to an unrecognized event. The temporal sensor may transmit the sequence of temporal signals to the processor. The processor may execute the machine readable instructions to: input the sequence of temporal signals relating to the unrecognized event to a recurrent neural network; transform the sequence of temporal signals relating to the unrecognized event to a neural output relating to the unrecognized event with the recurrent neural network; input the neural output relating to the unrecognized event into a random forest classifier; and recognize a recognized event based upon a transformation of the neural output relating to the unrecognized event with the random forest classifier.
US08463717B2 Method and apparatus for predicting preference rating for content, and method and apparatus for selecting sample content
Provided are a method and an apparatus for predicting a preference rating for content, and a method and an apparatus for selecting sample content in order to predict a preference rating for the content. In the method of predicting a preference rating for the content, a list of users having similar preferences to a target user is extracted from content usage information collected with respect to the same content, and the target user's preference rating for the content is predicted by applying preference rating information of the users with similar preferences to a machine learning algorithm.
US08463714B1 Automated cross-cultural conflict management
A conflict or dispute between at least two parties is managed to reflect the cultural context of the parties. When the party is from a low context culture, conflict management assumes the party prefers to adopt a transactional viewpoint and to select from a set of possible resolutions. When the party is from a high context culture, dispute resolution assumes the party prefers to view the dispute as part of a relationship and to be advised as to appropriate actions. A system bridges between the cultural contexts of the parties by collecting and providing information in accordance with the preferred procedure of each party.
US08463710B2 System and method for processing tokenless biometric electronic transmissions using an electronic rule module clearinghouse
Herein is described a tokenless biometric method for processing electronic transmissions, using at least one user biometric sample, an electronic identicator and an electronic rule module clearinghouse. The steps for processing of the electronic transmissions comprise of a user registration step, wherein a user registers with an electronic identicator at least one registration biometric sample taken directly from the person of the user.
US08463708B2 System and method for using digital strings to provide secure distribution of digital content
A method and system for secure distribution of digital content, using a disintegration tool under control of a distributor of the digital content to divide the digital content into protected and unprotected segments, delivering the unprotected segments to the customer along with installation software and identification information. The segments to be protected are modified using the identification information on the distribution medium and hardware information unique to a particular customer device. Upon communication of this information from the customer device, the modified segments are sent to the customer device for integration with the unprotected segments to generate a modified digital content operable only on the particular customer device.
US08463702B2 Global compliance processing system for a money transfer system
A data processing system coupled to a rules database and a customer database is responsive to transaction requests representative of money transfers. The rules database includes information representative of transaction rules such as location-based rules, transaction type-based rules, customer-based rules, aggregated transaction value rules and currency exchange rules, at least some of which include an aggregation threshold. The system processes the transaction requests during transaction processing sessions to enable enforcement of governmental money transfer compliance requirements. Responses including requests for additional information, approvals and denials are provided by the system.
US08463695B2 System, report, and computer-readable medium for analyzing a stock portfolio
The present invention generally relates to a method for automatically generating a series of natural language news-based stories to be presented via a digital interface or printed publication to a portfolio user, and more specifically to a filter or selection of a handful of relevant and desired financial instruments, or events created in a large group of events such as sports results, travel information, auction related data, online shopping tools, social media, retail store promotion generation, search engine daily report, etc. for a specific use. These financial instruments, based on different selections from a portfolio manager via a management tool, are then used to either produce a strategies page where a list of useful covered call trade and hedged trade are displayed in the form of a table, or natural language news-based stories relating to a selected list of financial instruments found in a portfolio.
US08463663B2 Storage of purchase-related information
A memory tag is a transponder device with a memory for storing digital content. Purchase-related information for a product is stored in such a memory tag. A write capability of the memory tag is disabled.
US08463652B2 Method and system to facilitate on-line trading
A method and system to facilitate on-line transactions is presented. An example system, in one embodiment, comprises a content scanner, a security symbol resolver, a web page manipulator, an event detector, and a trading ticket activator. The content scanner may be configured to scan a web page in order to detect security symbol information. The page manipulator may be configured to insert a trading control into the web page to produce a trade-enabled web page. The trading control may be used by users accessing the trade-enabled web page to initiate trades using the trading service associated with the trading control. The system may be provided on a client (e.g., as a browser plug-in) or on a server, as a trading access module associated with a particular web site.
US08463640B2 Method and appartus for adaptively updating recommend user group
A method of adaptively updating a first recommended user group list of a first user connected to a network, in which a predetermined number of second users are selected from the first recommend user group list that is a list of users having a high similarity to the first user in consuming contents. A predetermined number of third users having a high similarity to the first user is selected from second recommend user group lists respectively of the selected second users possess. The first recommend user group list is updated to include the selected third users. As the preference of a user changes, the recommend user group may be reconfigured with updated recommend users by reflecting a corresponding preference. Also, quality contents can be provided by recommending a user of a corresponding terminal with the contents preferred by other users in the updated recommend user group list.
US08463632B2 Management and automatic invocation of scheduled collaboration events
A collaboration event framework can be used to schedule and automatically invoke a collaboration event. An event coordinator may schedule a collaboration event, and the framework will automatically initiate contact with event participants using participant contact preferences. Participants can be asked to enter an identifier to verify the participant's identity. An event coordinator may be presented with a display that indicates the status of participants of the collaboration event. A system administrator may review all scheduled collaboration events to determine resource shortages.
US08463629B2 Method, apparatus, and program for pre-selling tickets to effect a booking of an event
An apparatus, method, and program for pre-selling tickets to determine whether to book an event or activity, and for facilitating the sale of those tickets. Consumers who pre-purchase a ticket are plainly notified if an event has not yet been booked. They are also shown the progress toward the likely booking of the event. A successful pre-sale of tickets triggers the booking of the event. An unsuccessful pre-sale results in the event not being booked. Consumers who help effect an event booking may be given privileges over those who purchase traditional tickets for the same event after it has already been booked.
US08463620B2 Connecting consumers with service providers
A request to generate a medical service team for a particular consumer of medical services is received and records including names of one or more medical service providers associated with providing a medical service to the consumer of medical services are retrieved from a data repository. An electronic invitation to join the medical service team associated with providing medical services to the consumer of medical services is sent and responses to the invitation are received. A listing of medical service team members is generated from the responses and the records.
US08463617B2 Network subscriber usage recording system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a network subscriber usage recording system and method with configurable audit system. In one embodiment, a network subscriber usage recording system comprises an encapsulator for reading a plurality of network subscriber metadata records from a network data source and converting the network data records to a plurality of data normalized metered events. An aggregator is provided for processing the data normalized metered events to create aggregated normalized metered events. An auditor is provided for generating audit normalized metered events based on the data normalized metered events.
US08463612B1 Monitoring and collection of audio events
Various embodiments of the invention provide a facility for monitoring audio events on a computer, including without limitation voice conversations (which often are carried on a digital transport platform, such as VoIP and/or other technologies). In a set of embodiments, a system intercepts the audio streams that flow into and out of an application program on a monitored client computer, for instance by inserting an audio stream capture program between a monitored application and the function calls in the audio driver libraries used by the application program to handle the audio streams. In some cases, this intercept does not disrupt the normal operation of the application. Optionally, the audio stream capture program takes the input and output audio streams and passes them through audio mixer and audio compression programs to yield a condensed recording of the original conversation.
US08463611B2 Method and system for improving the fidelity of a dialog system
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for improving the fidelity of a dialog system. In one embodiment, a first input generated by a user of a first system operating in a first modality is accessed. In embodiments of the present invention, the first system also generates a first output corresponding to the first input. An second input from a second user, who is engaged in a conversation with the first user, is accessed by a second system. The second input is then utilized to modify the first output of the first system.
US08463606B2 System for analyzing interactions and reporting analytic results to human-operated and system interfaces in real time
A computerized system for advising one communicant in electronic communication between two or more communicants has apparatus monitoring and recording interaction between the communicants, software executing from a machine-readable medium and providing analytics, the software functions including rendering speech into text, and analyzing the rendered text for topics, performing communicant verification, and detecting changes in communicant emotion. Advice is offered to the one communicant during the interaction, based on results of the analytics.
US08463601B2 Sending speech packets with same and complementary subsets of fixed codebook pulses
Packets of real-time information are sent with a source rate greater than zero kilobits per second, and a time or path or combined time/path diversity rate initially being zero kilobits per second. This results in a quality of service QoS, optionally measured at the sender or the receiver. When the QoS is on an unacceptable side of a threshold of acceptability, the sender sends diversity packets at an increased rate. Increasing the diversity rate while either reducing or maintaining the overall transmission rate is new. CELP-based multiple-description data partitioning sends the base or important information plus a subset of fixed excitation in one packet and sends the base or important information plus the complementary subset of fixed excitation in another packet. Reconstruction produces acceptable quality when only one of the two packets is received and better quality when both packets are received. Reconstruction provides for single and multiple lost packets.
US08463594B2 System and method for analyzing text using emotional intelligence factors
A system, method and computer program products for facilitating the automated reading, disambiguation, analysis, indexing, retrieval and scoring of text by utilizing emotional intelligence-based factors. Text quality is scored based upon character development, rhythm, per-page quality, gaps, and climaxes, among other factors. The scores may be standardized by subtracting the population mean from an individual raw score and then dividing the difference by the population standard deviation.
US08463592B2 Mode supporting multiple language input for entering text
Strings entered into a computer system are converted to a common language. The process of converting strings to a common language comprises determining a user-selected target language, associating a user-selected primary input language with the target language and associating a user-selected secondary input language with the target language. The process further comprises obtaining a string of at least one character, converting the obtained string from the primary input language to the target language if the obtained string corresponds to a valid string in the primary input language and converting the obtained string from the secondary input language to the target language if the obtained string corresponds to a valid string in the secondary input language and is not a valid string in the primary input language.
US08463584B2 Interactive filling simulation on 3D injection molding models
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for interactively simulating an injection mold model. A three-dimensional CAD model is identified representing an injection mold cavity. The mold cavity includes a location of at least one gate. A potential fill pattern is determined for injection of a material into the injection mold cavity. The determined fill pattern is based at least in part on the geometry and dimensions of the modeled mold cavity and the location of the at least one gate. A strip model of the CAD model is generated based at least in part on the determined fill pattern. The strip model is used to perform a strip analysis simulating injection of the material within the injection mold cavity.
US08463579B2 Methods and arrangements for detecting weak signals
The invention provides a method and an arrangement for detecting moving point-targets within a large set of noisy measurements. The method is based on Bayesian model selection where the measurements containing targets are modeled with their physical trajectories and the non-target measurements are modeled with the statistical distribution of measurements containing no targets. An a posteriori probability density function is utilized together with a optimization algorithm specifically designed for this problem. Advantages of the invention involve a numerically efficient formulation of the a posteriori probability density, combined with the optimization algorithm. The main applications of the invention are in detecting moving targets within e.g., radar, sonar, lidar and telescopic measurements. The method is also applicable for multi-instrument data fusion.
US08463575B2 Gear meshing angle detection method and device
Based on a left tooth surface (28) having a maximum accumulated pitch error ALmax (when clockwise direction is a positive direction) and a right tooth surface (29) having a minimum accumulated pitch error ARmin (when clockwise direction is a positive direction), which are conceived to most likely have insufficiently ground portions, a correction value δθ which cancels these accumulated pitch errors for suppressing the accumulated pitch error after grinding is obtained. A reference tooth groove angle θ0 is corrected by the correction value δθ, thereby obtaining the meshing angle θ of the work gear. All teeth detection and signal processing in a short period of time is realized by using a displacement sensor and a high-speed meshing-dedicated circuit board.
US08463574B2 Method to orient a sphere or ball
A method for aligning a sphere to a desired orientation includes imaging a non-surface alignment feature of the sphere and calculating a current orientation of the sphere based on an image of the non-surface alignment feature. Using these calculations, a relationship between the current orientation of the sphere and the desired orientation of the sphere is calculated and communicated to a motion control device, and aligning the sphere into the desired orientation using the motion control device.
US08463570B2 Method for testing electronic device
A method for testing an electronic device is implemented with a host computer. The host computer detects a test status of the electronic device. The host computer stores a test order table that indicates the test status and test order corresponding to the test status. The host computer transmits a test order based on the test status and the test order table to the electronic device. The electronic device executes a self-test based on the test order.
US08463567B2 Presentation of unbalance information for electrical asset management
Disclosed herein is an approach that presents unbalance information obtained from electrical assets in a manner that facilitates management of the electrical assets. In one aspect, a screen view is generated that provides a visual representation of the electrical assets as partitioned into one or more groupings that are each based on a common operational characteristic associated with the electrical assets. The screen view also contains unbalance information that is associated with each of the electrical assets in the one or more groupings and an indication of whether there is a presence of abnormal operation associated with each of the one or more groupings.
US08463566B2 Estimation of solenoid actuator force performance by analysis of voltage and current signals
A method of estimating force output of a solenoid assembly including a solenoid coil and a corresponding armature upon which the solenoid coil exerts a magnetic solenoid force is provided. The method includes a step of measuring a plurality of data points of current being drawn by the solenoid coil resulting in a plurality of measured current values, a step of measuring a plurality of data points of voltage being supplied to the solenoid coil resulting in a plurality of measured voltage values, and a step of estimating the magnetic solenoid force exerted upon the corresponding armature based on the pluralities of measured voltage and current values, resulting in an estimated force value.
US08463558B2 Electronic hand held ion measurement device and method
A hand held ion tester includes a housing sufficiently small to be conveniently held in a human hand. A sample chamber is formed in the housing and has a sample inlet in the upper surface of the housing. An ion selective electrode is positioned in the sample chamber so as to be in liquid communication with samples positioned in the sample chamber. A key board and a display are positioned on the upper surface of the housing and a central processing unit contained within the housing is electrically coupled to the ion selective electrode, the key board and the display. The central processing unit is designed and connected to receive signals from the ion selective electrode, process the signals and display processed information on the display.
US08463557B2 Method and system for the detection and identification of explosives and/or contraband
A nuclear quadrupole resonance system which senses the stimulated emission from target molecules includes in a calibration step and a stimulated emission response detection step, with the system employing clutter cancellation involving linear regression and the use of cross correlation with a series of known molecular signatures, both increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of the system.
US08463552B1 Methods for medicinal dosage determination and diagnosis
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for diagnosing tissue abnormality or diseases, determining effective drug dosages, and monitoring therapeutic drug treatments. The methods and systems described utilize tissue imaging in situ and computer modeling.
US08463551B2 Consistent dip estimation for seismic imaging
Systems and methods perform consistent dip estimation for seismic imaging. An example system applies global consistency constraints during iterative volume dip estimation of a seismic volume to improve upon conventional dip estimation methods. With each iteration, the system applies single and joint dip constraints, checking local dip estimates for reciprocity, causality, consistency, and vertical and lateral continuity. At discontinuities in the seismic volume, local divergences are marked with a quality attribute. Upon convergence of the volume dip estimation, the volume may be rendered in 3D, including the discontinuities. In performing volume dip estimation, the system can also provide automatic horizon interpretation and automatic fault detection.
US08463542B2 Method for localization of a route section in a map
A method for the localization of a certain route section from a first digitized map in a second digitized map. An origin root point is established with regard to a route section in the first map, and the coordinates of this origin root point are determined. Starting from the origin root point, an origin tree structure is generated from a plurality of branches. A reference root point is established in the second map in the vicinity of the coordinates of the origin root point, and in a similar way, a reference tree structure is generated, starting from the reference root point, from a plurality of branches on which tree points are situated in such a way that they correspond in each case to a point of a traffic route in the second map.
US08463541B2 Camera-based indoor position recognition apparatus and method
A camera-based indoor position recognition apparatus includes: a floor capturing unit capturing a floor image by controlling a camera installed on a ceiling of an indoor space; a grid map generator constructing a grid map including cell images and position values by dividing the captured floor image into cells of a predetermined size and assigning the position values to the cells; a transceiver performing a data communication with a robot in the indoor space; and a controller providing an identifier-registration and a current position-information to the robot in accordance with an identifier-registration-requesting message and a position-information-requesting message of the robot, wherein the identifier-registration-requesting message and the position-information-requesting message of the robot are delivered from the transceiver.
US08463525B2 Variable valve timing control apparatus and method for controlling variable valve timing device
A control device projects a lock pin to lock a VCT phase in an intermediate lock phase when a lock request occurs. A learning unit learns one of a most retarded phase, a most advanced phase, and an intermediate lock phase, as a reference phase. A control unit sets a target phase according to the reference phase and controls the control device. A monitor unit determines that the VCT phase has passed through the intermediate lock phase when the lock request occurs before completion of learning of the reference phase, and when a change in the VCT phase becomes greater than a threshold. The threshold is set to be greater than a sum of i) a design value of a phase difference between the intermediate lock phase and one of the most retarded phase and the most advanced phase and ii) a range of a product variation of the phase difference.
US08463524B2 Air quantity control device of internal combustion engine
An ECU calculates actual intake air quantity suctioned into a combustion chamber or a value correlated with the actual intake air quantity as an actual measurement data based on a measurement value of an airflow meter. The ECU calculates intake air quantity estimated to be suctioned into the combustion chamber or a value correlated with the estimated intake air quantity as an estimation data based on a drive state of a throttle actuator. The ECU detects an abnormality in the throttle actuator based on a deviation degree between the actual measurement data and the estimation data. In the abnormality detection, the ECU changes at least one of an abnormality determination value used in the abnormality determination using the deviation degree, the actual measurement data and the estimation data based on a fuel property sensed with a fuel property sensor.
US08463519B2 Towed equipment brake controller
A brake controller (10) transmits a signal indicative of a braking force to electric brakes (126, 128) of towed equipment, such as a trailer or towed vehicle (120). The brake controller (10) can include at least one characteristic sensor (32), such as an accelerometer, reactive to a braking force applied by the driver of the towing vehicle (110) or to changes in attitude or orientation of the towed equipment. A microprocessor (140) acts upon a signal from the at least one characteristic sensor (32) to determine output settings used to activate the towed equipment braking system for application of sufficient braking force for desired slowing of the towed equipment in concert with the towing vehicle (110). Activation of braking systems of the towed equipment includes the use of wireless signals. Additionally, the use of the right-side brake and the left-side brake for sway control is disclosed.
US08463518B2 Safe determination of contact point
Implementation of a safety function that secures the value of the contact point, which is important for twin clutch systems, against wrong determination. It is part of a safety system that ensures functional safety for twin clutch systems.
US08463516B2 Starter release
A process and device for controlling a motor vehicle with an initialization device (43) for startup and a clutch actuated by means of a clutch actuator set (45) between a drive unit and a gear with a control device (41) by means of which at least one control of the clutch actuator set (45) and an acquisition of measurement data of a sensor (47) takes place for the purpose of determining the position of the clutch, characterized in that to verify the state “clutch open” upon startup, a positioning of the clutch actuator set (45) that has been set and stored before or during shutdown is compared to a positioning that was acquired during a predetermined movement course of the clutch actuator set (45) after startup by means of a distance measurement, which takes place at least in a segment of that movement course, whereby the state “clutch open” is recognized, in particular, when the magnitude of the comparison is within a predetermined tolerance range. By means of the invention one can further reduce the probability of the setting into motion of a motor vehicle after startup, which is critical in terms of safety.
US08463511B2 Traction control device
An object of the invention is to provide a traction control device capable of preventing a reduction in acceleration. A traction control device of the invention includes a braking mechanism controller that controls a braking mechanism. The braking mechanism controller includes: a target brake torque calculating section that calculates a target brake torque to each of wheels based on the rotation speed of the wheel and an estimated vehicle speed; a target brake torque determining section that determines whether or not the target brake torque reaches or exceeds a per-stored threshold; a reference wheel determining section that selects a reference wheel used as a reference for controlling the braking mechanism based on the target brake torque to each of the wheels; and a target brake torque reducing section that reduces the target brake torque in accordance with a difference between the target brake torque to the reference wheel and the threshold when the target brake torque to one of the wheels reaches or exceeds the threshold.
US08463503B2 Impact signal processor for front impact acceleration sensor
The present invention features an impact signal processor. In preferred aspects, the impact signal processor comprises a first speed signal detection unit detecting a first speed signal of a vehicle using acceleration sensor data provided from an ACU (Airbag Control Unit) sensor, a second speed signal detection unit detecting a second speed signal of the vehicle using acceleration sensor data provided from a FIS (Front Impact Sensor) sensor, a phase lead unit, and a front impact speed estimation unit.
US08463492B2 Efficient AC operation using dew-point temperature
A system for controlling air-conditioning in a vehicle includes an input, a sensor, a first offset module, and an evaporator temperature control module. The input receives an input temperature. The first sensor measures a first dewpoint temperature of air adjacent to a windshield of the vehicle. The first offset module generates a second dewpoint temperature based on the input temperature and generates a first offset based on the first and second dewpoint temperatures. The evaporator temperature control module generates a target evaporator temperature based on the first offset.
US08463491B2 Autolocation of all tire ID's on a multi-axle vehicle
Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for identifying tire locations associated with a vehicle. Sensed variations in tire related parameters are measured as a vehicle traverses a known or ascertainable travel path. Data accumulated over one or more measurement windows may be analyzed to determine the location of each individual tire associated with a vehicle. Measurements and accumulation of data may be initiated upon detection of a stationary vehicle state exceeding a predetermined time, a predetermined lateral acceleration, and/or a predetermined vehicle speed.
US08463489B2 Diagnostic information collection apparatus
A diagnostic information collection apparatus includes: multiple abnormality detection sections corresponding to respective diagnostic objects in a vehicle to detect an abnormality; and a memory. Each abnormality detection section includes: an abnormality occurrence determination unit; an abnormality confirming unit; a normality conforming unit; a state information generation unit that generates state information indicative of a determination result whether abnormality decision is in progress; and an abnormality-related information processing unit that controls the memory to store identification information about the diagnostic object when the abnormality occurrence determination unit determine the abnormality occurrence at a first time, specifies another abnormality detection section having state information indicative of abnormality decision in progress, and controls the memory to store identification information of the specified another abnormality detection section.
US08463486B2 Impact sensing and identification system for pedestrian protection device
A system for identifying an object impacting a vehicle bumper during a collision. The system receives acceleration values from each of a plurality of sensors and calculates a center strength value based on the acceleration values. The center strength value is indicative of the amount of force that is applied to the center of the vehicle bumper. The system then determines a preliminary impact location on the vehicle bumper based at least in part on the acceleration values. A normalized intrusion value is calculated based on the center strength value, the impact location, and a bumper stiffness factor. The bumper stiffness factor is indicative of the stiffness of the bumper at the impact location. The system then identifies the object impacting the vehicle bumper based at least in part on the normalized intrusion value.
US08463479B2 Method for operating a motor vehicle
In a method for operating a motor vehicle, an actuation speed of a power input element, e.g., an accelerator pedal, is detected and evaluated, and a drag torque is influenced as a function of the detected actuation variable. At least one measure which influences the drag torque is carried out if the following conditions are all satisfied: (i) an actuation speed is less than a limiting value, (ii) a position of the input element is greater than zero, and (iii) the power input element is actuated in the direction of a power reduction.
US08463476B2 Hybrid vehicle control apparatus
A hybrid vehicle control apparatus (1) provided with: an internal combustion engine (200); a rotating electrical machine (MG2); and a power transmission mechanism (300) which is provided with a plurality of rotational elements each having a play in its rotational direction and which can transmit a torque between a drive shaft coupled with an axle and the internal combustion engine or the rotating electrical machine, the hybrid vehicle control apparatus including: a judging device (100) for judging whether or not an input/output torque of the rotating electrical machine to the drive shaft crosses an avoidance area, which is set as generating a rattle caused by the play in the power transmission mechanism in a process that the input/output torque converges to a target torque; and a reducing device (100) for reducing a crossover time as a time required for the input/output torque crossing the avoidance area in a case where the input/output torque is judged to cross the avoidance area, with respect to a reference time as a time required for the input/output torque crossing a torque area corresponding to the avoidance area in a case where the input/output torque does not cross the avoidance area.
US08463475B2 Control device for electric vehicle
A control device for an electric vehicle where a threshold storing unit is provided which stores two large and small thresholds and (first threshold>second threshold), and a drive state switching unit is provided which reduces torque output of a drive motor, while allowing accessories to operate, when a remaining energy capacity SOC from a remaining energy capacity detecting unit fails below the first threshold, and stops power supply to the drive motor, while allowing the accessories to operate, when the remaining energy capacity SOC from a remaining energy capacity detecting unit falls below the second threshold.
US08463470B2 Shallow water highlight method and display systems
A digital mapping display and related system for fishing, and other applications.
US08463469B2 Digital railroad system
Systems are provided for efficiently managing the effects of a change to a transportation system's state. One example system comprises a plurality of distributed data input and data output terminals, the distributed data input terminal configured to automatically generate data related to a first aspect of transportation system operation, at least one of a distributed database and a synchronized database configured to store data, a plurality of distributed computational engines configured to receive data from at least one database, and based on the data received, automatically manage operations of a second, different aspect of the transportation system operations, and a communications network linking the data input terminals, the data output terminals, the databases, and the computational engines, wherein the change to the transportation system's state is initiated by the data generated at the distributed input terminals.
US08463467B2 Device for controlling relative position(s) by analyzing dual-frequency signals, for a spacecraft of a group of spacecraft in formation
A control device (D), for a spacecraft (S1) of a group of spacecraft moving in formation, comprises i) an assembly consisting of three antennas (A1-A3) installed on a face of the spacecraft (S1) and capable of emitting and/or receiving first and second RF signals exhibiting first and second frequencies spaced apart by a chosen frequency gap, ii) first measurement means (M1) charged with determining first and second differences in path length between antennas (A1-A3), corresponding to the first frequency and to the frequency gap, on the basis of the first and second signals received by the antennas and originating from another spacecraft, iii) second measurement means (M2) charged with delivering measurements of rotation undergone by the spacecraft (S1), and iv) processing means (MT) a) charged with coarsely estimating the direction of transmission of the signals received on the basis of first and second initial path length differences, b) with ordering the positioning of the spacecraft (S1) so that a chosen axis of a frame of reference tied to said spacecraft is aligned with respect to the coarse direction of transmission, c) with ordering the rotational turning of the spacecraft (S1) about the chosen axis, d) with precisely estimating the direction of transmission of the signals emitted by the other spacecraft (Si′) on the basis of the rotation measurement and of a measurement of variation of the first path length difference induced by this rotation.
US08463465B2 Compound aircraft control system and method
The Invention is a control system for a compound aircraft. A compound aircraft has features of both a helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft and provides redundant control options. The control system allows an authorized person to select any of plurality of operational objectives each of which is designed to achieve any particular command.
US08463462B2 Systems and methods for braking system testing
Systems and methods are provided that may he useful for testing braking systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. A system is disclosed that allows for built in testing. For example, a method if provided comprising sending, from a brake controller, a test command set to at least one of an electromechanical actuator (EMAC) and a brake servo valve (BSV) in response to a landing gear retraction, receiving, at the brake controller, feedback from the at least one of the EMAC and the BSV in response to the test command set, and comparing, at the brake controller, the feedback with a predetermined signature.
US08463446B2 Operating method for a cooling section having centralized detection of valve characteristics and objects corresponding thereto
In a cooling section having a plurality of coolant outlets, the coolant outlets are supplied with the coolant via transmission lines and a mutual main line. Individually opening and closing valves are disposed in the transmission lines. An automation device of the cooling section opens and closes the valves at valve-specific opening and closing times during the normal operation of the cooling section in order to apply coolant to the rolling stock according to a quantitative target coolant course. During the determination of the opening times, the automation device considers a respective valve-specific characteristic. In calibration operation of the cooling section, the respective characteristic is initially determined at least for some of the valves by opening and closing the respective valve, and detecting the chronological course of the quantitative coolant flow effected thereby by a measuring arrangement disposed in the main line.
US08463427B2 Automatic apparatus for loading and unloading biological material test tubes in a pneumatic mail system
An apparatus and method adapted to automatically load and unload biological material test tubes into and from a capsule suitable for handling in a pneumatic mail system, the test tubes being supported by a test tube container which may be removably accommodated in the capsule, wherein the apparatus includes a loading and unloading interface, a receiving/dispatching station for conveying capsules to/from various biological material collection departments and a receiving/dispatching station for conveying capsules to/from biological material testing departments, and devices adapted to handle arriving test tube containers and test tubes to be dispatched to a bench, including a loading area and an unloading area for test tubes and test tube containers, arriving material identifying and checking devices and orienting devices for test tube containers, including a control unit adapted to coordinate the devices during the loading and unloading operations.
US08463422B2 Apparatus and method for user-specific monitoring and control of production
An extruder or injection molding machine with user-specifically monitoring and regulating processing of plastic materials includes a material feed, a plasticizer, and a mold. A process input variable, e.g. cost of the apparatus, raw material, power, and processed quantity, can be inputted with an input device and transmitted to a controller. A process monitoring variable, e.g. the duration of a product cycle, product cost, raw material used/power consumed per product cycle, expected purchase price for a given quantity of a product, and number of product cycles until maintenance, can be determined in real time from a process control variable and/or process input variable. A value of a process monitoring variable, such as the actual desired, or mean value, the value integrated since starting, the history or tendency of this value, can be outputted on an output device in form of a characteristic diagram.
US08463418B2 Methods and apparatus for fabricating porous 3-dimensional cell culture construct for cell culture and other biomedical applications
The present invention provides an RP system which can directly use hot melt polymers for fabricating porous 3D construct for cell culture and other biomedical applications based on a CAD design. To realize the direct use of polymer hot melt, the RP system uses a hot melt chamber which is mounted on a robotic dispensing ann or a XYZ motion control system. The hot melt chamber is equipped with a delivery mechanism to force the molten polymer passing through a nozzle. The extruded polymer thin filament deposits onto the positions according to the computer generated model, in a layer-by-layer fashion, similar to FDM. The present invention can use any type of thennal plastic polymer pellets, beads, particles, which are suitable for extrusion and injection molding, as well as composites of two or more different thermal plastic polymer blends, inorganic particle/thennal plastic composites.
US08463416B2 System and method for on-line planning utilizing multiple planning queues
Features described herein relate to concurrently processing multiple batches of job requests for one or more machines and/or components thereof, using a plurality of job planning queues. Each batch of job requests is allocated to a planning queue, and each planning queue comprises an unplanned subqueue that stores unplanned jobs, an unsent subqueue that stores planned jobs waiting to be executed, and a sent subqueue that stores planned jobs that have been output to the machine(s) for execution. A job planner and related components determine which unsent subqueue has the fewest planned jobs at a given point in time, and selects an unplanned job from the unplanned subqueue in the same planning queue as the identified unsent subqueue. The planner then generates a plan for the selected job and inserts the planned job into the unsent subqueue for eventual output to the machine(s) for execution. In this manner, the unsent subqueues for each planning queue are maintained with substantially equal numbers of planned jobs ready for execution, which improves throughput by ensuring that all machines and/or associated components are kept busy.
US08463413B2 Method and an apparatus for processing an audio signal
A method of processing an audio signal is disclosed. The present invention includes receiving the audio signal including object information, obtaining correlation information indicating whether an object is grouped with other object from the received audio signal, and obtaining one meta information common to grouped objects based on the correlation information.
US08463411B2 Model predictive control with variable trajectory sharing
One or more techniques are provided for the sharing of variable trajectories between multiple controllers in a control system. In general, the present technique is based upon the sharing of predicted desired variable trajectories between multiple controllers requiring a common input variable. In one embodiment, a common input variable is shared between two controllers, wherein one controller is tuned to have dominant control with regard to the shared variable. Each controller determines and communicates their own desired trajectory for the shared variable to the other controller and in doing so, the constraints associated with each controller are shared and honored by the other controller. Based on the communicated trajectories, the dominant controller may exercise control over the shared variable, thus improving overall process control.
US08463408B2 Light control system and method for automatically rendering a lighting atmosphere
Automatic rendering of a lighting scene with a lighting system, particularly the control of the rendering. Rendering of the lighting scene by decomposing a lighting atmosphere to be rendered in elementary light effects, to classify the elementary light effects, and to coordinate the realization of the classified light effects with the lighting system. A light control system for automatically rendering the lighting atmosphere with the lighting system, wherein the light control system is adapted for decomposing the lighting atmosphere to be rendered in elementary light effects, classifying the elementary light effects into sets of light effects, and coordinating the realization of the sets of light effects with the lighting system. An automatic light control system to autonomously determining the lighting configuration settings needed by light modules of the lighting system to realize a desired lighting atmosphere while its elementary lighting effects are harmonically rendered.
US08463394B2 Method and apparatus for supplying energy to a medical device
In a method and apparatus for supplying wireless energy to a medical device (100) implanted in a patient, wireless energy is transmitted from an external energy source (104) located outside a patient and is received by an internal energy receiver (102) located inside the patient, for directly or indirectly supplying received energy to the medical device. An energy balance is determined between the energy sent by the external energy source and energy received by the internal energy receiver, and the transmission of wireless energy is then controlled based on the determined energy balance. The energy balance thus provides an accurate indication of the correct amount of energy needed, which is sufficient to operate the medical device properly, but without causing undue temperature rise.
US08463393B2 Implantable medical devices having a liquid crystal polymer housing
An implantable medical device having a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) housing. Circuitry is positioned within the housing to perform a predefined function, such as generate a stimulation waveform, or pump a fluid, or turn on a motor, for example. The circuitry may include a power source, and the power source may be a rechargeable power source.
US08463390B2 Electrostimulator capable of outputting stable electric stimulus
An electrostimulator includes a boost circuit supplying a stimulus signal, first and second electrodes disposed on a skin surface, detecting a voluntary myoelectric signal and giving the stimulus signal, an amplification circuit amplifying the voluntary myoelectric signal, a controller controlling the stimulus signal in accordance with the voluntary myoelectric signal, an H-bridge circuit including first and third switches connected in series and connected to the second electrode, and second and fourth switches connected in series and connected to the first electrode, the first to the fourth switches being connected in parallel, an isolated DC-DC converter supplying a power to the controller and the amplification circuit, a regulator outputting a midpoint voltage of a power-supply voltage, and a third electrode connected to the regulator and a reference terminal of the amplification circuit and disposed on the skin surface.
US08463389B1 Multi-sensory system and method for providing neuromuscular stimulation
A system for delivering dynamic electrical impulses to a recipient includes an audio input source, a user interface, and a control device. The audio input source provides an audio signal representing a pre-recorded audio composition and high-frequency audio marks mixed therewith. The device includes an audio circuit branch which receives the audio signal and provides a commensurate audio output. A cadence timing circuit also receives the audio signal, filters sequences of audio marks from the audio signal, and generates electrical impulses in accordance with the filtered signals. A pulse width adjustment circuit regulates pulse widths of the electrical impulses in response to a user-selectable input setting. An output circuit provides the pulse-width-adjusted electrical impulses across a plurality of output terminals. A plurality of electrode pads are shaped for positioning on the recipient's body and coupled to the plurality of output terminals to receive the electrical impulses.
US08463386B2 Device for the desynchronization of neuronal brain activity
A device for desynchronizing neuronal brain activity involving a neuron population firing in a synchronized manner at a pathological frequency. The device includes an electrode configured to generate stimuli that stimulate the neuron population; and a control unit configured to control the electrode to generate the stimuli in sequence, wherein the stimuli succeed each other with a predetermined frequency f. The predetermined frequency f is substantially equal to g×n/m, where g is the pathological frequency, and n and m are integers.
US08463385B2 Method of using spinal cord stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders or conditions
The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.
US08463382B2 Implantable lead functional status monitor and method
A system for monitoring trends in lead impedance includes collecting data from various sources in an implantable medical device system. Lead impedance, non-physiologic sensed events percentage of time in mode switch, results of capture management operation, sensed events, adversion pace counts, refractory sense counts and similar data are used to determine the status of a lead. A set of weighted sum rules are implemented by a software system to process the data and provide displayable information to health care professionals via a programmer. The lead monitoring system includes a patient alert system for patients to seek help in the event a serious lead condition is identified.
US08463380B2 Automatic adaptation of A-V delay and HR for heart failure using beat to beat measures
Methods and systems to modulate timing intervals for pacing therapy are described. For each cardiac cycle, one or both of an atrioventricular (A-V) timing interval and an atrial (A-A) timing interval are modulated to oppose beat-to-beat ventricular (V-V) timing variability. Pacing therapy is delivered using the modulated timing intervals.
US08463379B2 Lead wire and pacemaker using the same
A lead wire and a pacemaker using the lead wire are disclosed. The lead wire, comprising: a lead body and a lead electrode at an end of the lead body, the lead electrode being electrically connected with the lead body, the lead electrode comprising a carbon nanotube structure, the carbon nanotube structure comprising at least one carbon nanotube film, the carbon nanotube structure having an electrode tip away from the lead body, and the electrode tip being in linear contact with an organ, wherein the electrode tip functions as a stimulating electrode, the at least one carbon nanotube film acts as a sensing electrode.
US08463373B2 Transdermal systems for the delivery of therapeutic agents including granisetron using iontophoresis
A disposable skin-worn device for the transdermal delivery at least one dose of charged therapeutic substances, including granisetron, by iontophoresis, the device comprising a donor reservoir containing an amount of a therapeutic substance to be delivered transdermally by iontophoresis, a counter reservoir, a source of electric power connected in a circuit between the donor reservoir and the counter reservoir and a control system for controlling current flow in the circuit to enable at least one dose of the therapeutic substance to be delivered transdermally by iontophoresis and wherein the control system includes a control element selected from the group consisting of a sensor activated by an external signal and a switch.
US08463367B2 Apparatus for measuring biological information and earphone having the same
Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring biological information and an earphone having the same for contacting with a uniform pressure a user body part using an elastic member. The apparatus includes a first housing; a second housing foldably connected with the first housing; a third housing foldably connected with the second housing and provided with a sensor for measuring the biological information; a plurality of joint parts for connecting the housings to be folded or unfolded to each other; one or more locking parts for restraining or releasing the housings to be folded or unfolded to each other; and the elastic member for applying the same pressure to make the sensor contact with the user's body by enabling the respective housings to be folded or unfolded using a stress-strain.
US08463366B2 Multispectral/hyperspectral medical instrument
A medical instrument that comprises: a first-stage optic responsive to a tissue surface of a patient; a spectral separator optically responsive to the first stage optic and having a control input; an imaging sensor optically responsive to the spectral separator and having an image data output; and a diagnostic processor having an image acquisition interface with an input responsive to the imaging sensor and a filter control interface having a control output provided to the control input of the spectral separator.
US08463364B2 Vein scanner
A portable vein viewer apparatus may be battery powered and hand-held to reveal patient vasculature information to aid in venipuncture processes. The apparatus comprises a first laser diode emitting infrared light, and a second laser diode emitting only visible wavelengths, wherein vasculature absorbs a portion of the infrared light causing reflection of a contrasted infrared image. A pair of silicon PIN photodiodes, responsive to the contrasted infrared image, causes transmission of a corresponding signal. The signal is processed through circuitry to amplify, sum, and filter the outputted signals, and with the use of an image processing algorithm, the contrasted image is projected onto the patient's skin surface using the second laser diode. Revealed information may comprise vein location, depth, diameter, and degree of certainty of vein locations. Projection of vein images may be a positive or a negative image. Venipuncture needles may be coated to provide visibility in projected images.
US08463361B2 System and method for non-invasive instantaneous and continuous measurement of cardiac chamber volume
A system and method for non-invasive and continuous measurement of cardiac chamber volume and derivative parameters including stroke volume, cardiac output and ejection fraction comprising an ultrawideband radar system having a transmitting and receiving antenna for applying ultrawideband radio signals to a target area of a subject's anatomy wherein the receiving antenna collects and transmits signal returns from the target area which are then delivered to a data processing unit, such as an integrated processor or PDA, having software and hardware used to process the signal returns to produce a value for cardiac stroke volume and changes in cardiac stroke volume supporting multiple diagnostic requirements for emergency response and medical personnel whether located in the battlefield, at a disaster site or at a hospital or other treatment facility.
US08463360B2 Surgery support device, surgery support method, and computer readable recording medium storing surgery support program
Presentation of images showing with high resolution the state of a surgical field during surgery is realized with a simple configuration. When performing surgery, a three-dimensional model is generate based on MRI images of a patient captured prior to surgery, and three-dimensional coordinates of each location on a surface of the patient are measured by scanning a laser beam over the surface and detecting laser beam reflected therefrom, and correspondence is made with the MRI image for each location of the surface (frameless/markerless: steps 100 to 116), the position of a surgical instrument is also detected by the laser beam, the position of the surgical instrument derived, and images of the surgical instrument combined onto the MRI images and displayed during surgery (steps 120 to 130).
US08463357B2 Elongated marker for soft tissue volume identification
The present invention related to an interstitial marker for localizing an organ, tumor or tumor bed within a mammalian body wherein said marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous intervening length, at least a portion of the intervening length of said marker being visible under at least one imaging modality and having a flexibility such that said marker follows movements and changes of shape of said organ, tumor or tumor bed.
US08463356B2 Ultrasonic therapy system reducing the electromagnetic interference to the imaging device
An ultrasonic therapy system capable of reducing the electromagnetic interference to the imaging device includes an imaging device, an ultrasonic therapy device and an electric controlling unit. The ultrasonic therapy device includes an ultrasonic therapy applicator and the movement positioning units thereof. Driving motors for controlling the movement of the ultrasonic therapy applicator are provided in the movement positioning units, wherein the driving motors are disposed outside the area where the electromagnetic wave of the driving motors can interfere with the imaging device, and the driving motors are connected to the ultrasonic therapy applicator through gearing units.
US08463335B2 Battery cover assembly for portable electronic device
A battery cover assembly for a portable electronic device is disclosed including a base member, a first cover member mating with the base member, a second cover member positioned between the base member and the first cover member, a third cover member engaging with the first cover member, a camera assembly secured to the base member, and a locking assembly engaging with the third cover member. The first cover member can horizontally rotate along the second cover member. The first cover member is rotatably attached to, and cannot be detached from the base member.
US08463331B2 Deterministic characterization and reduction of acoustic echo
Techniques to characterize and reduce acoustic echo are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise an audio characterization module to send a first signal to a first component and receive a second signal from a second component. The first signal may be a deterministic audio training sequence and the second signal may be a recovered audio training sequence. The audio characterization module compares the first signal and the second signal to determine an audio echo path. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08463328B1 Mobile electronic device wrapped in electronic display
Systems and techniques for substantially wrapping a mobile electronic device in a display are provided. A mobile electronic device is described that includes a primary display, a primary user input mechanism, and a secondary display. The primary display is operable to display user-selectable elements and has a face on a portion of an exterior surface of the mobile electronic device. The exterior surface includes all surfaces visible to a user. The primary user input mechanism is operable to receive user selections in coordination with the primary display of user-selectable elements. The secondary display is operable to display content to a user. The secondary display includes substantially the entire exterior surface of the mobile electronic device excluding the primary display.
US08463322B2 Methods and apparatus for performing a subscriber identity module (SIM) initialization procedure
Techniques in a mobile equipment (ME) for use in performing an initialization procedure with a subscriber identity module (SIM) having a SIM Application Toolkit are described. The ME sends to the SIM a version of a terminal profile which indicates facilities of the SIM Application Toolkit that are supported by the ME. When the ME detects an error in response to sending the version of the terminal profile, the ME sends to the SIM a previous version of the terminal profile which indicates facilities of the SIM Application Toolkit that are supported by the ME. When the ME fails to detect the error in response to sending the version of the terminal profile, the ME completes the initialization procedure and performs steady-state processing using the SIM.
US08463321B2 Mobile information terminal
To provide a mobile information terminal that facilitates an operation of switching communication methods, the mobile terminal includes a first housing, a second housing connected to the first housing in a relatively movable manner, a status detecting portion, a WiMAX communication portion, a CDMA communication portion, and a mode switching portion. The second housing has a first part and a second part on its surface facing the first housing. The mobile terminal can be changed in status to a data communication style in which the first part is exposed and to a voice call style in which the second part is exposed. The status detecting portion detects whether the mobile terminal is in the data communication style or in the voice call style (S03). The mode switching portion switches the communication mode, on the basis of the status detected by the status detecting portion (S05, S21), to either a data communication mode in which communication is performed using the WiMAX communication portion, or a CDMA communication mode in which communication is performed using the CDMA communication portion (S10, S22).
US08463319B2 Wireless application installation, configuration and management tool
Wireless configuration tools for communicating with and configuring wireless device systems. An illustrative tool makes use of a software defined radio (SDR) to communicate in multiple formats, modes, or frequencies, with multiple wireless device systems that may otherwise be incompatible. In some embodiments, the tool determines what type and how many wireless systems are to be configured prior to configuration of any of the systems. The tool may then adjust how each system is configured to reduce intra-system as well as inter-system interference. Methods for performing such functions are also included.
US08463318B2 Mobile communication method, radio controller, network device, radio base station and concentrator
A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes step A of transmitting, by a mobile station 300, a communication start request which requests start of specific communication, to a mobile communication network, step B of determining, by the mobile communication network, a communication type associated with the received communication start request, step C of selecting, by the mobile communication network, a connection target radio base station to which the mobile station 300 is connected at the time of performing the specific communication, the selection being made on the basis of the determined communication type and a location of the mobile station, and a step D of starting, by the mobile station 300, the specific communication through the selected connection target radio base station.
US08463310B2 Apparatus, system, and method for managing reverse link communication
An apparatus, system, and method efficiently manage reverse link resources by allowing a mobile station to select between transmitting a payload at a standard power level and transmitting a smaller payload at a boosted power level. The mobile station, therefore, can autonomously select a QoS (Quality of Service) level for physical layer packets. Based on reverse link transmission information received from a base station, the mobile station derives a reverse link transmission guideline defining the power levels and associated payloads for at least a standard service and boosted service. The mobile station selects a reverse link transmission power level from a plurality of power levels including at least a standard reverse link transmission power level associated with a standard payload size and a boosted reverse link transmission power level associated with a boosted payload size where the standard payload size is greater than the boosted payload size.
US08463302B2 Paging-area determination method and call-processing control apparatus in mobile communication system
In order to narrow down base stations within the tracking-area-based paging area to ones within a smaller area where the mobile unit may exist in a mobile communication system performing the paging on the tracking-area basis, the mobile communication system has a location registration information database memorizing tracking area information, a last location registration information and a N-th (N is an integer of one or more) location registration information from the last for each mobile unit, calculates statistical data on a movement distance for each mobile unit based on the location registration information memorized in the location registration information database, and performs the paging via base stations included both within an area whose radius is equal to the calculated statistical data on the movement distance and within the tracking area.
US08463300B2 Paging information transmission method for effective call setup
Disclosed is the method for transmitting paging information in wireless communication system, a core network transmits a paging message including call related information and/or terminal related information, at least one of a network or terminal performs a next operation based on the paging message, thereby effectively minimizing call setup time.
US08463293B2 System and method for a high throughput GSM location solution
A system and method for estimating a location of wireless devices transmitting signals on channels in a communications system having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of Location Measurement Units (“LMU”). A first plurality of signals from a first channel may be received by one or more of the plural LMUs and a second plurality of signals from a second channel may be received by one or more of the plural LMUs. The received first and second plural signals may be converted into first and second digital signals and then divided into first and second sets of frequency bins, the first and second sets of bins corresponding to the respective channel. Each of the divided signals may be correlated with one or more reference signals, and the correlated signals stored in a database for estimating a location of one or more wireless devices.
US08463290B2 Mobile device positioning in dynamic groupings of communication devices
A mobile device positioning system determines ranges between a plurality of communication devices, including at least one mobile communication device. A method includes receiving receive messages transmitted from a plurality of other communication devices. Each receive message includes a transmit count stamp corresponding to a remote counter value. A first communication device generates a receive count stamp for each receive message. The method includes dynamically associating and disassociating the mobile communication device with a plurality of sub-groups of the plurality of other communication devices. The associating and disassociating are based at least in part on receiving receive messages from a predetermined number of other communication devices for each sub-group. For each sub-group currently associated with the mobile communication device, the method includes generating range estimates between the mobile communication device and the other communication devices in the particular sub-group. The range estimates are based on a combination of the transmit count stamps and the receive count stamps.
US08463282B2 Overload detection in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for overload detection and control is disclosed. A base station may be in communication with one or more subscriber stations. Overload may be detected as a function of a plurality of parameters, each of which places a load on the base station. Both the type and degree of overload may be ascertained. Appropriate remedial measures may be implemented that are suitable to the type and degree of overload detected.
US08463281B2 Power setting
A downlink power is set for transmissions from a basestation of a cellular communications network, the cellular communications network comprising a group of such basestations. A target value for a signal strength with which the transmissions should be received, and a target value for a pathloss, based on measured values for pathlosses between basestations of the group, are both set. The downlink power is calculated, based on the target value for the signal strength, and on the target value for the pathloss.
US08463279B2 Methods and apparatus for application network-server determination for removable module-based wireless devices
Methods, apparatus and systems are presented that enable a network operator to control the source for network services in open market devices by provisioning the network operator-issued removable modules with network service provisioning information associated with the operator and configuring the open market wireless devices such that the device looks to the removable module first for the network service provisioning information before looking to device storage for any other provisioning information related to the network service. In this regard, the user of the open market wireless device is still provided access to the network service even if the network operator does not provide the service or provide access to the service. Additionally, the described aspects methods, systems and apparatus provide the network operator with an additional level of dynamic control over the source for network services by providing for a network-side proxying feature that allows the network operator to proxy network service requests sent from the open market wireless devices to a designated third party network service provider based on criteria defined by the network operator.
US08463278B2 Communication apparatus and communication method
A communication apparatus includes a detecting part which detects a bandwidth used by a first terminal equipment which performs radio communication, a communication speed measurement part which measures a communication speed of a second terminal equipment, a control part which generates a control signal controlling a communication of the second terminal equipment if a total bandwidth of a bandwidth detected by the detecting part and a bandwidth corresponding to a communication speed of the second terminal equipment measured by the communication speed measurement part is equal to or larger than a certain threshold value, and a restraint part which restrains communication of the second terminal equipment according to the control signal generated by the control part.
US08463270B2 Method and apparatus for providing adjusted handoff parameters based on receiver classification
A mobile station (201) having an improved receiver capability over legacy mobile stations may detect additional base stations (205, 209) for the candidate list (219). The mobile station (201) provides a receiver capability indication to the network via a message such as an origination message, a page response message, a handover message, or a registration message. The message may utilize one or more bit fields of an information packet (300), or otherwise an information element (401) to convey the receiver capability information. The BTS (203) or BSC (109) will accordingly customize the mobile station handover parameters to better utilize the mobile station capabilities.
US08463269B2 System and method of wireless network selection based on list prioritized by service offered
Provided is a system and method of wireless network selection based on service offered. The wireless device scans for available wireless networks upon an event triggering registration. If the wireless device determines based on its SIM that none of the available wireless networks are high priority networks for registration, then the wireless device automatically selects an available wireless network for registration based on, for at least one of the available wireless networks that the wireless device previously registered to, whether CS (Circuit Switched) service was rejected but PS (Packet Switched) service was allowed. Next, the wireless device automatically attempts to register with the selected wireless network. In this manner, the wireless device attempts to register with a wireless network that does not reject CS service while allowing PS service. If the wireless device nonetheless registers with such a wireless network, then registration can be reattempted with another available wireless network.
US08463268B2 Mobile radio terminal apparatus
A control unit stores identification information of a cell which has received cell information and identification information of a position registration area to which the cell belongs, in association with each other, in a cell information storage area, and stores identification information of a position registration area where previous position registration has been executed, in a position registration area storage area. Then, the control unit receives, with priority, the cell information relating to the cell stored in the cell information storage area, which has been detected and which belongs to the position registration area where previous position registration has been executed.
US08463260B2 Method of handling system information reception and related communication device
A method of handling system information reception for a mobile device capable of multiple connections in a wireless communication system, the method includes acquiring system information of at least a cell when a radio resource control (RRC) message for connection establishment related to the cells is received from a first cell having at least a connection with the mobile device.
US08463257B1 System for redirecting cellular phone calls to conventional landline handsets
A system for redirecting calls from a cellular telephone connected to a cellular network, to a conventional telephone handset using a translation module. The translation module has a local radio transceiver for communicating with the cellular telephone with a local connection. The translation module also has a telephone jack for connecting to the telephone handset or to inside wiring connected to a plurality of telephone jacks, wherein the telephone handset is connected to one of the telephone jacks. The translation module has a normal mode and a redirect mode. When the cellular telephone is within range of the local radio transceiver, and the translation device is in redirect mode, the local connection is established to provide control signals and digitized audio signals between the cellular telephone and translation device, allowing calls over the cellular network to be originated and received using the telephone handset emulating characteristics of a landline.
US08463254B2 System and method for over-the-air software loading in mobile device
A system and method updates software in a mobile device, which includes an application processor and associated application processor memory and a radio processor and associated radio processor memory and a serial port connecting the processors. The associated application processor memory stores an “n” byte digest signature that had been calculated. The software in the radio processor and associated radio processor memory can be updated by over-the-air software loading while checking the associated application processor memory for the “n” byte digest signature used for the over-the-air software loading.
US08463244B2 Apparatus and method for displaying an event in a wireless terminal
A display apparatus for use in a wireless terminal is provided. A memory stores user interface (UI) data for cases mapped to events occurring in the wireless terminal. A controller collects the events occurring in the wireless terminal. The controller selects at least one executable case for the collected events. The controller selects UI data including a character image for the at least one selected executable case from the memory and outputs the selected UI data. A display unit displays the UI data.
US08463234B2 Method for providing security services by using mobile terminal password and mobile terminal thereof
A security service providing method using a mobile terminal password and a mobile terminal thereof. A normal password and an emergency password are stored in a smart card in advance. When a password for using a special service is input by a mobile terminal user, the input password is compared with the normal password and the emergency password. When the input password corresponds to the normal password, a special service requested by the user is provided. When the input password corresponds to the emergency password, a predetermined emergency process is performed. According to the emergency process, an emergency message is transmitted to the outside through a predetermined emergency networking process, predetermined virtual process information is displayed, or an abnormal process message for indicating unavailability of provision of the requested special service is displayed to the mobile terminal. Therefore, security is guaranteed and reliability is provided to the user who uses a special service through a mobile terminal by providing an emergency process performance function to the limited function of the password used for identification and authentication.
US08463221B2 Method and system for wireless local area network (WLAN) phase shifter training
Aspects of a method and system for wireless local area network (WLAN) phase shifter training are presented. Aspect of the system may enable a receiving station, at which is located a plurality of receiving antennas, to estimate the relative phase at which each of the receiving antennas receives signals from a transmitting station. This process may be referred to as phase shifter training. After determining the relative phase for each of the receiving antennas, the receiving station may process received signals by phase shifting the signals received via each of the receiving antennas in accordance with the relative phase shifts determined during the phase shifter training process. Signals received via a selected one of the receiving antennas may be unshifted. The processed signals may be combined to generate a diversity reception signal.
US08463219B2 Programmable baseband filters supporting auto-calibration for a mobile digital cellular television environment
Methods and systems for programmable baseband filters supporting auto-calibration in a mobile digital cellular television environment are provided. Aspects of the method may include generating within a single-chip multi-band RF receiver, at least one control signal based on signal strength of a baseband frequency signal generated within the single-chip multi-band RF receiver. A bandwidth of a filter integrated within the single-chip multi-band RF receiver may be adjusted via the generated at least one control signal. The filter may be used for filtering the generated baseband frequency signal. A frequency response signal of the filter integrated within the single-chip multi-band RF receiver may be determined via a reference frequency signal. An attenuated reference frequency signal may be generated by attenuating the reference frequency signal. The attenuated reference frequency signal may be compared with the frequency response signal. The at least one control signal may be generated based on the comparison.
US08463217B2 Multiple band multiple input multiple output transceiver integrated circuit
A MIMO transceiver integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of multiple band direct conversion transmitter sections, a plurality of multiple band direct conversion receiver sections, and a local oscillation generation module. Each of the plurality of multiple band direct conversion transmitter sections includes a transmit baseband module and a multiple frequency band transmission module. Each of the plurality of multiple band direct conversion receiver sections includes a multiple frequency band reception module and a receiver baseband module. The local oscillation generation module is operably coupled to generate the first frequency band local oscillation when the multiple band MIMO transceiver IC is in a first mode and operably coupled to generate the second frequency band local oscillation when the multiple band MIMO transceiver IC is in a second mode.
US08463210B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting a reference signal in a radio communication system
An apparatus and a method for transmitting a reference signal in a radio communication system are provided. The apparatus comprises: N antennas; and a processor which is connected to the N antennas and which generates K (wherein K
US08463187B2 Electronic apparatus and communication state notification function control method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a communication module, a communication state notification module, a notification function information obtaining module, and a notification function control module. The communication module executes close proximity wireless transfer. The communication state notification module notifies at least one of a start time and an end time of data transfer executed between the communication module and an external device, the data transfer being executed by the close proximity wireless transfer. The notification function information obtaining module obtains notification function information indicative of a capability relating to a communication state notification function of the external device from the external device. The notification function control module requests the external device to execute or suppress the communication state notification function by the external device, based on the obtained notification function information.
US08463184B2 Wireless media system-on-chip and player
A wireless media player and a related system and methodology are disclosed. One aspect of the wireless media player system pertains to a virtual connector system, apparatus, and method for the automatic establishment of wireless connectivity with other electronic devices. In one embodiment, the media player device employs the use of integrated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to exchange communication settings, media capability, and other parameters with an external device that also has integrated RFID technology. The automatic exchange of settings and other information via a proximity-based RFID data exchange allows a media player to quickly establish a secure communication link with another device via a commonly supported wireless protocol such as Ultra Wideband (UWB) or Bluetooth. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a method of using the captured media capability of the connecting device to customize certain menu options and software parameters in the media player.
US08463167B2 Image heating apparatus and image heating rotational body to be mounted on the image heating apparatus
According to embodiments, a heating member or a sliding member arranged in contact with the surface of a fusing roller is moved in an intersecting direction with the rotational direction of the fusing roller in a contact state with the heating member or the sliding member so as to prevent a scratch from being generated on the surface of the fusing roller or to repair the scratch.
US08463159B2 Image forming unit and image forming apparatus including elastically deformable charging roller
An image forming unit is provided with a regulating member placed in such a way as to surround a charging roller to regulate movement thereof. The regulating member has a pressing section inclined with respect to a straight line connecting the center of the charging roller to the axis of the photoconductor, as seen from the axial direction of the photoconductor. The pressing section is inclined farther away from the photoconductor toward upstream of rotation of the photoconductor. The regulating member allows the charging roller to electrically charge the photoconductor with a simplified structure and prevents adhering substances from accumulating on the contact portion between the photoconductor and the charging roller.
US08463156B2 Image forming apparatus with movable cartridge supporting member
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a cartridge accommodating a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member, a supporter detachably mounting the cartridge, and a preventor. The supporter moves between an inside position where the cartridge forms an image inside a main assembly of the apparatus and an outside position where the cartridge is mounted and demounted outside the main assembly. The preventor moves between a first position in which it prevents, when the cartridge is not mounted, movement of the supporter from the outside position to the inside position by contacting a portion thereof, and a second position, retracted from the first position, in which the it permits, when the cartridge is mounted, the movement of the supporter from the outside position to the inside position.
US08463154B2 Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus is capable of collecting discharged toner satisfactorily even when a power source for discharging toner from a voltage application member to a moving member and a power source for collecting the discharged toner from the moving member onto an image bearing member are provided in common.
US08463150B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a fuser member, a pressure member, a first motor, a second motor, a pressure adjuster, and a controller. The fuser member defines a first heatable surface. The pressure member defines a second heatable surface. The first motor is connected to the fuser member to rotate at a first rotation rate to drive the first surface at a first conveyance speed. The second motor is connected to the pressure member to rotate at a second rotation rate to drive the second surface at a second conveyance speed. The pressure adjuster presses the pressure member against the fuser member at a variable pressure to form a fixing nip with a variable width extending along the conveyance path. The controller is connected to the first and second motors to adjust at least one of the first and second rotation rates relative to the other.
US08463129B2 Optical transmission module
A light transmission module includes an optical converter for converting an electrical signal to an optical signal; a light transmission path for transmitting the optical signal converted by the optical converter; an electrical transmission path for transmitting an input electrical signal; and a control instructing unit for instructing stop of drive to the optical converter based on a detection of an input electrical signal. When an input electrical signal having a predetermined frequency is detected, the input electrical signal having the predetermined frequency is converted to an optical signal and transmitted in the light transmission path. When input of an electrical signal other than the predetermined frequency is detected, the electrical signal other than the predetermined frequency is transmitted by the electrical transmission path without being converted to an optical signal due to the stop of the drive of the optical converter.
US08463125B2 Optically variable filter array apparatus
In an optically variable filter array apparatus, WDM-signal light beams of m channels ranging in wavelength from λ1 to λn from optical fibers 11-1 to 11-m enter wavelength dispersion element 17. Wavelength dispersion element 17 disperses incident light beams in different directions according to their wavelengths. In lens 18, light beams of different channels are turned into strip-like parallel light beams and developed over xy plane according to channel and wavelength. Wavelength selection element 19 has pixels arranged in lattice pattern, for bringing a pixel at a position corresponding to to-be-selected channel and wavelength into a reflective state. Light beams reflected from wavelength selection element 19 pass through the same path to exit from optical fibers 15-1 to 15-m. By changing reflection characteristics of wavelength selection element 19 on a pixel-by-pixel basis, characteristics of optical filter can be varied, so that desired wavelengths of given WDM light can be selected.
US08463111B2 Television broadcast program recording system
There is provided a television broadcast program recording system including a television receiver and a recorder. The television receiver obtains a DST data indicating whether or not DST is currently applied, and detects a start and end of a DST application to a current time based on the obtained DST data. When the start or end of the DST application is detected, the television receiver transmits a newest electronic program list to the recorder. The recorder receives the electronic program list, and then compares a broadcast time data of a broadcast program in the memory with that included in the received electronic program list. As a result of this, when they are not identical with each other, the recorder changes the broadcast time data of the above broadcast program stored in the memory to the broadcast time data of the above broadcast program included in the electronic program list.
US08463109B2 Editing digital film
An apparatus and method for editing digital picture computer files and digital audio computer files is disclosed herein. The apparatus and method for editing involves recording digital picture files and digital audio files. The digital picture files are copied onto a storage area network, and loaded onto a data storage system. Metadata from the digital picture files is uploaded onto a metadata database. The digital picture files on the storage area network are compressed. The compressed digital picture files are combined and synchronized with their corresponding digital audio files. These resultant digital files are then organized with their corresponding metadata. Once the metadata is incorporated into the resultant digital files, the files are edited and an editing decision list document as well as editing instructions are generated. Digital picture files are downloaded from the data storage system and conformed with digital audio files to produce the final media product.
US08463106B2 Contents reproducing device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a contents reproducing device which can perform an intermittent operation with improved responsiveness to user request. The contents reproducing device according to the present invention includes: an input operation unit (1100), a system state managing unit (1210), a system information storing unit (1220), a contents reproduction control unit (A) (1230), a state after next candidate extracting unit (1240), a contents reproduction control determining unit (1250), and a contents reproducing unit (1300). The contents reproduction control determining unit (1250) determines whether or not a candidate related to the contents reproduction control is in the state after next candidates extracted by the state after next candidate extracting unit (1240). Therefore, the contents reproducing device according to the present invention can improve responsiveness to the user request by shortening the cycle of the intermittent operation of the contents reproducing unit (1300) when it is determined that there is a possibility that a user request related to the contents reproduction control is inputted, and by lengthening the cycle of the intermittent operation of the contents reproducing unit (1300) when it is determined that there is no possibility that a user request related to the contents reproduction control is inputted.
US08463103B2 Multimedia reproduction device and menu screen display method
A small-size digital device requires preferable operability and userfriendliness of the user interface. In a multimedia reproduction device (10), an operation unit (40) acquires an instruction concerning content reproduction via a user operation. A read-out unit (44) reads out a content from an external recording medium mounted as a content data storage area. A Storage unit (80) holds data on a plurality of function icons symbolizing a plurality of content reproduction function types and data on a plurality of media icons symbolizing the external recording medium types. A display processing unit (46) processes menu screen display and content reproduction. A menu unit (48) generates image data on a menu screen where a plurality of function icons and a plurality of media icons are arranged two-dimensionally according to a user function.
US08463102B2 Information recording method, information recording medium, and information reproducing method, wherein information is stored on a data recording portion and a management information recording portion
With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.
US08463099B2 Resin composition for optical material, resin film for optical material, and optical waveguide using them
The present invention relates to a resin composition for an optical material comprising (A) a carboxylic acid-modified phenoxy resin, (B) a polymerizable compound and (C) a polymerization initiator, a resin film for an optical material comprising the above resin composition and an optical waveguide having a core part and/or a cladding layer formed by using the same. Provided are a resin composition for an optical material which is excellent in a heat resistance and a transparency and which is soluble in an alkaline aqueous solution, a resin film for an optical material comprising the above resin composition and an optical waveguide produced by using the same.
US08463098B2 Optical transceiver assembly
Techniques are disclosed that allow an optical transceiver module to be secured to a surface. In one example, an optical transceiver assembly includes an optical transceiver module, and a compressible support clip configured to engage the optical transceiver module, the support clip configured to receive at least a portion of a surface defining an aperture in order to at least partially support the optical transceiver module within the aperture.
US08463097B2 Planar lightwave circuit, design method for wave propagation circuit, and computer program
A planar lightwave circuit is provided which can be easily fabricated by an existing planar-lightwave-circuit fabrication process, which can lower the propagation loss of signal light and which can convert inputted signal light so as to derive desired signal light. A planar lightwave circuit having a core and a clad which are formed on a substrate, has input optical waveguide(s) (111) which inputs signal light, mode coupling part (112) for coupling a fundamental mode of the inputted signal light to a higher-order mode and/or a radiation mode, or mode re-coupling part (113) for re-coupling the higher-order mode and/or the radiation mode to the fundamental mode, and output optical waveguide(s) (114) which outputs signal light. The mode coupling part or the mode re-coupling part is an optical waveguide which has core width and/or height varied continuously.
US08463092B2 Waveguide assisted solar energy harvesting
A photovoltaic (PV) system includes a fiber optical waveguide comprising an active core that hosts material configured to absorb and emit light, a cladding layer surrounding the active core, the cladding layer being configured to allow ambient light to pass through the cladding layer, and an exit port located proximate an end of the waveguide. The PV system further comprises one or more solar cells disposed at the exit port of the waveguide. The waveguide is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells. Another photovoltaic (PV) system includes a waveguide comprising an active cladding layer hosting material configured to absorb and emit light, and a core layer configured to confine light emitted by the active cladding layer. The PV system further includes one or more solar cells disposed proximate the waveguide. The core layer is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells.
US08463088B1 Multi-channel optical device
The multi-channel optical device includes multiple laser cavities that each reflects a different light channel back and forth between reflective components. One of the reflective components is common to all of the laser cavities in that the common reflective component receives the channels from each of the laser cavities and reflects the received channels. The laser cavities also share a multiplexer that receives the channels reflected by the common reflective device and demultiplexes the channels into demultiplexed channels. A portion of the reflective components are partial return devices that each receives one of the demultiplexed channels. Each of the partial return devices transmits a portion of the demultiplexed channel received by that partial return device. The transmitted portion of the demultiplexed channel exits the laser cavity. Additionally, each of the partial return devices reflects a portion of the demultiplexed channel receive by that partial return device. The multiplexer also receives the transmitted portion of the channels and multiplexes the transmitted portions into an output beam.
US08463085B2 Systems and methods for monitoring a condition of a rotor blade for a wind turbine
A rotor blade monitoring system for use with a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The rotor blade includes a sidewall that extends between a root portion and a tip portion. The rotor blade monitoring system includes a fiber optic strand that is coupled to the rotor blade sidewall. The fiber optic strand has a length that extends from the root portion towards the tip portion. A plurality of sensors are coupled to the fiber optic strand. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is axially spaced along the fiber optic strand and is configured to transmit a signal indicative of a position of a respective portion of the rotor blade.
US08463083B2 Side illuminated multi point multi parameter optical fiber sensor
A side illuminated multi point multi parameter optical fiber sensor that requires no sensitive coating is provided. This sensor comprises an optical fiber having at least one removed cladding section as the sensitive region, at least one probing light source that side illuminates the fiber, a power supply, a detector, a signal processor and a display. The sensitive optical fiber is optically affected by the presence of a measurand medium that can fluoresce, phosphoresce, absorb and/or scatter the probing light. This probing light is guided by the fiber core towards a detector which measures the light intensity and this light intensity is correlated with a measurand.
US08463078B2 Multi-bank TDI approach for high-sensitivity scanners
An apparatus and method for acquiring image data from a scanned, multi-bank time-delay and integrate (TDI) focal plane array (FPA) detector. Specifically a method and apparatus for warping and combining sequentially-acquired image data of a scene portion from multiple TDI detector banks into a single image having improved image quality, thereby providing improved FPA sensitivity. Also, a method and apparatus for enabling sensitivity and areal rate trade-offs in a multi-bank, scanning TDI FPA based on the number of TDI banks being used for sequential imaging of the same scene portion.
US08463074B2 System and method for rotating images
A system and method for rotating a source image by a first non-zero angle is provided. The method includes: defining a template for the source image, the template representing a rotation of the source image about an axis of the source image by second angle, where the second angle is the negative of the first non-zero angle; determining overlap between the template and the source image; separating the template into a plurality of strips covering at least the area of overlap; and for each strip: indentifying an initial pixel in the source image within the strip and storing the image data of the initial pixel; storing the image data of all remaining pixels within both the strip and the overlap in a database format in which the all remaining pixels is defined by a Y and X offset from the initial pixel.
US08463068B2 Methods, systems and apparatuses for pixel value correction using multiple vertical and/or horizontal correction curves
Methods, systems and apparatuses are disclosed for approximating vertical and horizontal correction values in a pixel value correction calculation. Multiple vertical and/or horizontal correction curves are used and may be employed for one or more color channels of the imager. The use of multiple correction curves allows for a more accurate approximation of the correction curves for image pixels.
US08463063B2 Image processing apparatus, method and program for gradation conversion
An image processing apparatus includes a first calculating unit configured to add a pixel value and an output of a filter unit, a first quantizing unit configured to quantize an output of the first calculating unit and output a quantized value serving as ΔΣ modulation data, a second calculating unit configured to calculate a difference between the output of the first calculating unit and the quantized value, thereby obtaining the quantization error, a second quantizing unit configured to quantize a portion of the quantization error and output compensating data, a third calculating unit configured to add the ΔΣ modulation data and the compensating data, thereby generating time-integration-effect-using error diffusion data, a fourth calculating unit configured to calculate a difference between the quantization error and the compensating data, the difference serving as a ΔΣ modulation error, and the filter unit configured to perform filtering in space directions.
US08463061B2 Encoding and decoding two-dimensional signal using a wavelet transform
Encoding and decoding devices and methods are provided. All the components of LH, HL, HH sub-band coefficients of the same hierarchy and the same space coordinate are extracted as a set from a wavelet sub-band space. Furthermore, it is judged whether each component of each coefficient is zero and as 1-bit judgment result, the respective judgment results are combined to obtain multi-bit flag information. Upon encoding, firstly, the Huffman information is subjected to variable-length encoding by the Huffman encoding code. After this, only the coefficient values which are not zero are similarly subjected to the variable-length encoding by the Huffman code or the like and outputted.
US08463060B2 Method for estimating image size after compression
A method for estimating an image size after compression suitable for an electronic apparatus is provided. In the invention, a raw image is received, and the raw image is sampled for obtaining a sampling image. The sampling image is compressed at a plurality of testing parameters of compression respectively for obtaining a plurality of testing sizes after compression. An estimated math model is established according to the testing parameters of compression and the testing sizes after compression. A target parameter of compression corresponding to a target size after compression is calculated through the estimated math model.
US08463059B2 Two-layer prediction method for multiple predictor-set intra coding
An apparatus comprising a processor configured to receive a current block of an image, determine an optimal prediction mode of a plurality of prediction modes for the current block, wherein the optimal prediction mode corresponds to either a standard predictor set or a non-standard predictor set, predict a predicted predictor set based on a first known predictor set and a second known predictor set, clear a first flag if the predicted predictor set matches the optimal predictor set; and set the first flag if the predicted predictor set does not match the optimal predictor set.
US08463058B2 Calculation method for prediction motion vector
A method for calculating a prediction motion vector of a block to be coded, by performing a median operation using motion vectors of neighboring blocks. If one of the neighboring blocks has motion vectors MV1 and MV2, direction (forward or backward) information of reference pictures referred to, respectively, by the motion vectors are acquired and one of the motion vectors is selected with reference to the acquired direction information. Then, the median operation including the selected motion vector is performed to obtain the prediction motion vector of the block to be coded.
US08463055B2 Method for progressive JPEG image decoding and method for controlling decoder
A method for progressive JPEG image decoding and a method for controlling a decoder are disclosed. In the image decoding method, an amount of macroblocks that can be stored during the process of decoding is determined according to the size of the memory, and then, according to the amount of macroblocks, a scan layer is divided into a plurality of decoding areas. In each turn of decoding, data of the same decoding area in all the scan layers are decoded. In the next turn, a decoding area next to the previous one is selected for decoding. Therefore, the present invention can decode the image correctly with a limited memory resource, without affecting the display quality of the image. The image decoding method also can be applied to the control of a decoder, so as to reduce the occupied memory capacity.
US08463054B2 Hierarchical OCR using decision tree and nonparametric classifier
A pattern recognition process, a non-transitory computer program product, and a mobile terminal for pattern recognition. An input pattern is normalized and a reliable pattern is generated from the normalized pattern by using at least one morphological operator. The distance between the reliable pattern and selected templates which are selected from a template library using a decision tree, is calculated. The reliable patterns are classified into at least one of the classes of the selected templates by at least one non-parametric classification method.
US08463048B2 Method and an apparatus for difference measurement of an image
In a method and apparatus for difference measurement of an image, the image is detected by an image sensor array having (N×N) sensor elements, wherein N=2n, n≧2, and n being an integer number, each detected sample value is read as a positive or as a negative sample value according to a sign control pattern from a pattern control unit, and measurement values are generated for measurement template blocks of the image sensor array by a computing unit which computes for each measurement template block a weighted sum of the read sample values of the respective measurement template sensor elements depending on a predetermined measurement template. A measurement template block is, provided for at least four adjacent sensor elements of the image sensor array. The method/apparatus can be used in any kind of digital camera and allows for a fast generation of image data with a hardware implementation of low complexity.
US08463045B2 Hierarchical sparse representation for image retrieval
A hierarchical sparse codebook allows efficient search and comparison of images in image retrieval. The hierarchical sparse codebook includes multiple levels and allows a gradual determination/classification of an image feature of an image into one or more groups or nodes by traversing the image feature through one or more paths to the one or more groups or nodes of the codebook. The image feature is compared with a subset of nodes at each level of the codebook, thereby reducing processing time.
US08463036B1 Shape-based search of a collection of content
Shape-based search of a collection of content associated with one or more images of inventory items (“inventory images”) is enabled at least in part by associating the collection of content and/or its associated inventory images with representative refinement shapes. Inventory items may be grouped into categories and at least one refinement shape may be created for each of the categories. A refinement-shape hierarchy may be created by arranging the refinement shapes into parent and child refinement shapes. Inventory images may be associated to at least one of the refinement shapes of the refinement-shape hierarchy based at least in part on similarities between the refinement shapes and shapes of the inventory items reflected in the inventory images.
US08463026B2 Automated identification of image outliers
Outlier images—those images that differ substantially from other images in a set—can be automatically identified. One or more penalty values can be assigned to each image that quantifies how different that image is from others in the set. A threshold can be determined based on the set of penalty values. Each image whose penalty values are above the threshold is an outlier image. The penalty values can be the sum of per-pixel penalty values multiplied by the number of pixels with nonzero penalty values. A per-pixel penalty value can be the difference between a color value for that pixel and a predetermined range of color values, based on corresponding pixels in other images. The per-pixel penalty value can be determined for each component color and then optionally summed together. The threshold penalty values can be adjusted to provide for greater, or less, sensitivity to differences among the images.
US08463022B2 Stereoscopic format converter
A device and method for converting one stereoscopic format into another. A software-enabled matrix is used to set forth predefined relationships between one type of format as an input image and another type of format as an output image. The matrix can then be used as a look-up table that defines a correspondence between input pixels and output pixels for the desired format conversion.
US08463020B1 Centralized immersive image rendering for thin client
A method and/or system for performing computationally intensive processing associated with rendering and displaying an immersive image in an immersive view server and performing minimal or no additional processing at a viewer device. The viewer devices send viewing parameters to the immersive view server. In response, the immersive view server generates and sends images that may be part of the immersive image for display in viewports of the viewer devices. The viewer devices receive and display the image received from the server without or with minimal additional processing of the received images. The immersive view server and the viewer devices need only communicate view parameters and images corresponding to the viewport. Resource intensive processing is performed at the immersive view server. Hence, minimal computational and memory resources are required at the viewer device to display the immersive image.
US08463015B2 System and method for tracking the movement of biological materials
This invention provides an automated system and method that allows a user to track the movement of an object, such as at least one cell amongst a plurality of cells as it moves from one point to another over time in order for the user to determine how the at least one cell functions. The user is able to track the movement of the at least one cell and determine if the at least one cell structure has changed, such as the at least one cell experiencing cell division or if two or more cells merge together. This user is able to optimally track the at least one cell to find an approximate location of at least one the cell as it moves in time and distance. Thus, this invention provides the user with a means to track cell movement to study the cell function.
US08463014B2 Optimal rotational trajectory determination for RA based on pre-determined optimal view map
A method for determining an optimal trajectory for 3-dimensional rotational X-ray coronary angiography for a C-arm X-ray system that has at least two degrees of freedom, where the C-arm X-ray system is defined by a rotational movement of the C-arm expressed in a left/right coronary artery oblique angle, and a roll motion of the C-arm expressed in a caudal/cranial angle. The method includes generating of a 3-dimensional representation of a center-line of a body vessel in a region of interest. generating at least one optimal view map. Further, an optimal trajectory for the X-ray system within the optimal view map is determined, where an optimal trajectory is at least determined by movements of the C-arm within its two degrees of freedom allowing image projections with minimal foreshortening and/or overlap while minimizing an exposure to X-rays.
US08463013B2 X-ray diagnosis apparatus and image reconstruction processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnosis apparatus comprises a C-arm, a support mechanism rotatably supporting the C-arm, a rotation driving unit driving rotation of the C-shaped arm, an X-ray tube mounted on the C-arm, an X-ray detector mounted on the C-arm, a control unit controlling the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, a storage unit storing two-dimensional images generated, a first reconstruction processing unit reconstructing first three-dimensional images respectively corresponding to a plurality of cardiac phases based on acquired two-dimensional images, a positional shift amount calculation unit calculating positional shift amounts respectively corresponding to cardiac phases based on the first three-dimensional images, and a second reconstruction processing unit reconstructing a single second three-dimensional image with a reduced positional shift based on the plurality of acquired two-dimensional images by using the calculated positional shift amounts.
US08462999B2 Electronic systems and methods for repairing scar images
A method for repairing scar images is provided, in which a facial region of an image is detected, a first average skin tone value is subtracted from an original pixel value of at least one pixel to generate a first mask value, the first mask value is divided by a constant to generate a first modified mask value; and the first modified mask value is added to the first average skin tone value to generate a first pixel value to serve as a compensated scar pixel value of the pixel.
US08462990B2 Infrared-ray thermal image analyzer
The IR camera (10) takes an IR thermal image of a surface of the structure (40). In the IR thermal image, temperature gradient is superposed besides temperature difference between non-defective and defective regions of the structure. The image processing unit (21) of the analysis unit (20) produces an image indicating distribution of a temperature variation other than a temperature gradient by extracting the distribution of the temperature variation from the IR thermal image. The image display unit (30) displays the image produced by the image processing unit (21). Since the distribution of the temperature variation other than the temperature gradient is extracted from the IR thermal image, a temperature difference between defective and non-defective regions in the structure (40) can be clearly displayed. Therefore, even if there exists a temperature gradient on the structure surface, the defect location in the structure can be easily determined.
US08462980B2 System and method for video detection of smoke and flame
A video recognition system detects the presence of fire based on video data provided by one or more video detectors. The video recognition system divides each individual frame of video data into a plurality of frame elements and calculates with respect to each frame element a structural feature that the algorithm uses to identify a core region of potential fire. The video recognition system defines a region surrounding the core region and calculates with respect to each frame element within the surrounding region a temporal feature. Based on the calculated temporal feature, the video recognition system associates a representative temporal value with the core region. Based on the structural and temporal features associated with the core region, video recognition system determines whether the video data indicates the presence of fire.
US08462977B2 Loudspeaker with magnetic elements fixedly provided on diaphragm
The present invention is to provide a loudspeaker, which includes a frame having a through hole centrally provided at a bottom side thereof, a coil tube with a coil unit fixedly mounted around the outer periphery thereof and having a first end fixed to the through hole and a second end received in a receiving space of the frame, a diaphragm attached to periphery of an opening of the frame, and a plurality of oppositely oriented magnetic elements fixed on the diaphragm, wherein every two adjacent magnetic elements are spaced apart by an appropriate distance, and the magnetic elements are located in the coil tube at positions that magnetic lines generated by the coil unit are highly concentrated. Since vibration of the magnetic elements caused by the magnetic forces generated from the coil unit is enhanced, output power of the loudspeaker will increase accordingly.
US08462967B2 System, method and apparatus for television speaker configuration
An application for present invention includes a television with a set of speaker outputs including at least a left speaker and a right speaker. On screen displays are used to properly configure the speakers and assure maximum audio quality from the television. In some embodiments, a cross-point switch connects the speakers attached to the television with the correct outputs of an internal amplifier.
US08462955B2 Key protectors based on online keys
An online key stored by a remote service is generated or otherwise obtained, and a storage media (as it applies to the storage of data on a physical or virtual storage media) master key for encrypting and decrypting a physical or virtual storage media or encrypting and decrypting one or more storage media encryption keys that are used to encrypt a physical or virtual storage media is encrypted based at least in part on the online key. A key protector for the storage media is stored, the key protector including the encrypted master key. The key protector can be subsequently accessed, and the online key obtained from the remote service. The master key is decrypted based on the online key, allowing the one or more storage media encryption keys that are used to decrypt the storage media to be decrypted.
US08462948B2 System and method for protecting data of mobile phone
In a method for protecting data of a mobile phone, the mobile phone includes a storage system. The storage system stores a plaintext file to be encrypted and an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) number of the mobile phone. The IMEI number of the mobile phone and the plaintext file are read from the storage system. A ciphertext is generated from the plaintext file according to the IMEI number of the mobile phone using an encryption algorithm. The IMEI number of the mobile phone and the ciphertext are read from the storage system when the ciphertext needs to be decrypted. The plaintext file is recovered from the ciphertext according to the IMEI number of the mobile phone using a decryption algorithm.
US08462946B2 Apparatus and method for storing and reading a file having a media data container and metadata container
An apparatus for recording a file having a related media data container and a metadata container, the apparatus a receiver for receiving first data packets having packetized first media data samples based on a first clock, and for receiving second data packets having second media data samples based on a second clock different from the first clock, wherein the second media data samples are associated to the first media data samples, and for receiving first control packets including information for indicating a relationship of the first clock to a reference clock and for receiving second control packets including information for indicating a relationship of the second clock to the reference clock, and a recorder for storing the received first and second data packets and at least a portion of the received first and second control packets in the media data container, and for storing associated metadata in the metadata container, the associated metadata having timing information of the received first and second data packets and the received first and second control packets and location information indicating a location of the stored first and second data packets and the stored first and second control packets in the media data container.
US08462945B2 Protecting video content using virtualization
Generally, the present disclosure provides a system and method configured to prevent unauthorized copying of video content in a mobile device. The method may use virtualization technology to prevent unauthorized copying of the premium video content. A user OS may operate in a virtual machine. A hypervisor may be configured to prevent an application and/or a corrupted OS from reading premium video content from video memory. The hypervisor may be configured to prevent direct memory access to the video content in the video memory.
US08462943B2 Bandwidth efficient method and system for obscuring the existence of encryption in a communications channel
A system, method, and network interface obscures the existence of data encryption in a communication network is provided. A set of characters is generated by using a set of encryption keys as an input to a pseudo-random function. Each character corresponds to an index value. The encrypted data is divided into a plurality of parts. Each part is sectioned into a plurality of groups. Each group of the plurality of groups is encoded by mapping the group to a character in the set of characters according to its corresponding index value. The mapped characters are transmitted through the communication network.
US08462941B2 Encrypted stream processing circuit and method of processing encrypted stream
An encrypted-stream processing circuit includes: a decryption mechanism decrypting an encrypted stream; a stream-data processing mechanism separating a plurality of packets included in a stream decrypted by the decryption mechanism in accordance with a packet identifier identifying the packet, and creating a partial stream by extracting a part from the stream under the control of a CPU (Central Processing Unit); and an encryption mechanism encrypting the partial stream, wherein the decryption mechanism, the stream-data processing mechanism, and the encryption mechanism are included in a packaged integrated circuit, and are connected to the CPU through a bus.
US08462934B1 System, method, and computer readable medium for routing an agent to a preferred communications platform in order to receive a customer call
A system and method for routing an agent to a preferred communications platform in order to receive a customer call. The system may include a web server call notification module that receives an automatic number identification and information relating to an establishment whose phone number was dialed, and a virtual automated call distributor (VACD). Further, the system may include an interactive voice response (IVR) system that requests an agent's identification from the VACD, wherein the VACD and the web server are coupled to the IVR system, and wherein the VACD selects the agent's identification and routes a customer's information to an agent desktop environment (ADE) coupled to the VACD. Also included may be an access platform that receives the customer's information and updates an ADE phone control state session on an agent's desktop, wherein the customer's information is routed to the ADE environment through a message transfer layer.
US08462928B2 Automated electronic telecommunications order translation and processing
Systems and method for processing orders for telecommunications services are disclosed. Generally a telecommunications transaction set of an electronic data interchange standard is received, the telecommunications transaction set corresponding to a telecommunications product or service for a customer. An order for the telecommunications product or service is then generated based on processing of the telecommunications transaction set.
US08462918B2 Method and system for managing interactive communications campaigns with text messaging
A messaging platform includes a text messaging subsystem that includes a suite of enhancements that facilitate implementation of a multi-channel communications strategy with high level and fine-grained control over outbound message creation or inbound message handling.
US08462917B2 Method and apparatus for automatically building conversational systems
A system and method provides a natural language interface to world-wide web content. Either in advance or dynamically, webpage content is parsed using a parsing algorithm. A person using a telephone interface can provide speech information, which is converted to text and used to automatically fill in input fields on a webpage form. The form is then submitted to a database search and a response is generated. Information contained on the responsive webpage is extracted and converted to speech via a text-to-speech engine and communicated to the person.
US08462903B2 In-band interference rejection of signals in alternate and adjacent channels
A method includes filtering a received signal to generate a band-pass filtered signal using a band-pass filter having a pass-band including frequencies located within a central lobe of a power spectrum associated with a target channel of a plurality of channels supported by a communications system. The pass-band is approximately centered at a frequency of a null of a power spectrum associated with at least one other channel of the plurality of channels supported by the communications system. The method includes processing the received signal based on the band-pass filtered signal. The at least one other channel may include at least one of an alternate channel and an adjacent channel of the plurality of channels.
US08462894B2 Receiver circuit and receiver apparatus including the same
In a receiver circuit, an analog signal processor frequency-converts an input high frequency signal into a baseband signal, and performs low pass filtering at a cutoff frequency below a desired-wave band. An ADC converts an output of the analog signal processor into a digital signal. A digital signal processor compensates an output of the ADC for a signal component in the desired-wave band which has been attenuated by the filtering operation of the analog signal processor.
US08462886B2 Mobile wireless terminal device and base station search method
According to one embodiment, a mobile wireless terminal device includes a receiver detecting a beacon and a communication module detecting a base station identification. The receiver comprises an accumulation module accumulating levels of a sampling received wireless signal to obtain a reception profile, a correlation module detecting a shift amount maximizing a correlation between a present reception profile and a past reception profile, a first detector detecting a beacon, when a difference between the detected shift amount and a default amount is larger than a predetermined amount, in accordance with a difference between a shifted profile by the default amount, and the present reception profile, and a second detector which detects a beacon, when the difference is not larger than the predetermined amount, in accordance with a difference between a shifted profile by the detected shift amount, and the present reception profile.
US08462882B1 Measurement of transmitter I/Q impairments using shared local oscillators
Systems and methods for measuring transmitter and/or receiver I/Q impairments are disclosed, including iterative methods for measuring transmitter I/Q impairments using shared local oscillators, iterative methods for measuring transmitter I/Q impairments using intentionally-offset local oscillators, and methods for measuring receiver I/Q impairments. Also disclosed are methods for computing I/Q impairments from a sampled complex signal, methods for computing DC properties of a signal path between the transmitter and receiver, and methods for transforming I/Q impairments through a linear system.
US08462873B2 Communication system performing interference alignment and interference alignment method
A communication device and a mobile station to perform interference alignment, and an interference alignment method are provided. Interference alignment may be performed to enable an interference signal, received in a mobile station, to be removed using channel information fed back from the mobile station.
US08462859B2 Sphere decoding apparatus
Methods and apparatuses for decoding codewords received over a MIMO channel are provided. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a cost function is computed for each constellation point of an Mth rank or spatial layer, and Ncand of those constellation points having minimum cost are preserved as candidate points, where Ncand is a parameter specified to the decoding algorithm. In addition, a cost function may be computed for all possible transitions from the Ncand candidate points of the Mth rank to all possible constellation points of the (M−1)th spatial layer, and Ncand of those transitions having minimum cost are preserved as candidate points. The process is repeated for all spatial layers, resulting in the identification of Ncand candidate codewords and their associated cost functions.
US08462858B2 Wireless communications with transceiver-integrated frequency shift control and power control
Baseband processor and communication overloading can be relieved in a portable wireless communication terminal by decentralizing power control (38, 39) and frequency shift control (75) functions that are conventionally concentrated in the baseband processor. A timing sequencer (31) for power control can be integrated into a transceiver of the portable wireless communications terminal, thereby advantageously permitting power control signals to be generated on the transceiver side (27, 29) rather than the baseband processor side. Shadow registers (74) containing information indicative of commonly used or repeated frequencies can be integrated into the transceiver side, thereby advantageously relieving the baseband processor of corresponding frequency shift control responsibilities. These responsibilities can be further relieved by integrating into the transceiver side a sequencer (86) cooperable with the shadow registers for controlling frequency shifting of a frequency generator on the transceiver side, and by integrating into the transceiver side further shadow registers (85) for programming the sequencer with desired frequency shift sequences.
US08462851B2 Video encoding method and apparatus and video decoding method and apparatus
Provided are an encoding and decoding method and an apparatus for implementing the same in which a processing order for predetermined-size blocks included in a macroblock is defined in order to efficiently use spatial correlation in an image. After a macroblock is divided into first blocks of a predetermined size and motion compensation is performed on each of the first blocks, a second-block processing order for sequentially processing second blocks included in a current first block is determined in order to process a residue between a motion compensation value of the current first block and the current first block in units of the second blocks having a smaller size than that of the current first block.
US08462843B2 Image transfer apparatus
The invention has: a first register that is set when receiving a CEC message which a video signal source reads an EDID of a video transmitting apparatus and issues and is reset in response to a leading edge of 5V that is supplied from the video signal source; and a second register which reads an EDID of a video displaying apparatus, is set when it is decided that the video displaying apparatus is a predetermined video displaying apparatus, and is reset when a state where an HPD is in a state of “L” has continued for a predetermined period of time or longer. Only when both of the first and second registers have been set, it is determined that a predetermined video signal source, the video transmitting apparatus, and the video displaying apparatus have directly been connected.
US08462836B2 Method for detecting offset signal corresponding to transmission leakage signal
A method for detecting offset signal corresponding to transmission leakage signal is disclosed, whereby reception sensitivity can be improved by accurately offsetting a leakage signal in transmission signal mixedly inputted into the reception signal in a radio transceiver, and an offset signal corresponding to a transmission leakage signal can be rapidly detected in the radio transceiver to rapidly offset the transmission leakage signal included in a reception signal.
US08462835B2 Impulse noise management
Evaluation of the impact of impulse noise on a communication system can be utilized to determine how the system should be configured to adapt to impulse noise events. Moreover, the system allows for information regarding impulse noise events, such as length of the event, repetition period of the event and timing of the event, to be collected and forwarded to a destination. The adaptation can be performed during one or more of Showtime and initialization, and can be initiated and determined at either one or more of a transmitter and a receiver.
US08462820B2 Network traffic synchronization mechanism
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a network traffic synchronization mechanism facilitating the deployment of network devices in redundant network topologies. In certain embodiments, when a first network device directly receives network traffic, it copies the network traffic and transmits it to at least one partner network device. The partner network device processes the copied network traffic, just as if it had received it directly, but, in one embodiment, discards the traffic before forwarding it on to its destination. In one embodiment, the partner network devices are operative to exchange directly received network traffic. As a result, the present invention provides enhanced reliability and seamless failover. Each unit, for example, is ready at any time to take over for the other unit should a failure occur. As discussed below, the network traffic synchronization mechanism can be applied to a variety of network devices, such as firewalls, gateways, network routers, and bandwidth management devices.
US08462819B2 Adaptive clock recovery with step-delay pre-compensation
An adaptive clock recovery (ACR) subsystem processes an input phase signal indicative of jittery packet arrival times to generate a relatively smooth and bounded output phase signal that can be used to generate a relatively stable recovered clock signal. The input phase signal is also processed to detect and measure step-delays corresponding, for example, to path changes in the network routing of the packets. Step-delay pre-compensation is performed, in which the input phase signal is phase-adjusted, upstream of the ACR subsystem, based on the sign and magnitude of each detected step-delay. As a result, the ACR subsystem is substantially oblivious to the existence of such step-delays.
US08462818B2 Method for processing CDMA signals and a device having CDMA signal capabilities
A device and a method for processing CDMA compliant signals. The method includes receiving input signals; selecting, for each time interval out of multiple evenly length successive time intervals, multiple selected channel processing tasks that are scheduled to be at least partially executed during the time interval; storing input data at a first input buffer and providing data associated with at least one selected processing task from a second input buffer during even time intervals; and storing input data at the second input buffer and providing data associated with at least one selected processing task from the first input buffer during odd time intervals.
US08462805B2 Graceful restart method of router, router and communication network thereof
A graceful restart (GR) method of a router, and a router and a communication network thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps. A control plane enters a GR state. Label switched path (LSP) packets sent by a neighbor router are received, and the label information of the control plane is recovered according to the LSP packets. Whether the label information is completely recovered is determined. If the label information is completely recovered, the GR state is exited, and label information of a forwarding plane is updated according to the recovered label information of the control plane. The GR method of a router, the router, and the communication network decide whether to exit the GR state by detecting whether the label information of the control plane is completely recovered. This can precisely control the time of exiting the GR state is controlled and improve the reliability of the router.
US08462790B2 Label switching in fibre channel networks
Methods and apparatus are provided for label switched routing in fiber channel networks. Techniques are provided for implementing label switching based on particular characteristics of fiber channel networks. By using label switching, mechanisms such as traffic engineering, security, and tunneling through networks that do not support fiber channel frames can be implemented.
US08462787B2 Method for managing MAC address for open network adaptor
A MAC address management method for use in a computer system having a disk device to store a MAC address and assigns the MAC address to an open network adaptor (ONA) printed board, which has a memory retaining a MAC address and an open network adaptor, mounted into the computer system. The METHOD includes: reading, when an ONA printed board is mounted into the computer system for the first time, the MAC address from the memory on the ONA printed board and storing the MAC address in the disk device and invalidating the MAC address; and validating, if a migration instruction is inputted, the MAC address stored in the memory of the ONA printed board mounted in the computer system.
US08462786B2 Efficient TCAM-based packet classification using multiple lookups and classifier semantics
A method is provided for constructing a packet classifier for a computer network system. The method includes: receiving a set of rules for packet classification, where a rule sets forth values for fields in a data packet and a decision for data packets having matching field values; representing the set of rules as a directed graph; partitioning the graph into at least two partitions; generating at least one lookup table for each partition of the graph; and instantiating the lookup tables from one partition on a first content-addressable memory and the lookup tables from the other partition on a second content-addressable memory device.
US08462783B2 Method and a node device for transferring a message based on traffic engineering tunnels
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a node device for transferring a message based on MPLS TE tunnels. The main principle of the embodiments is to determine a switching node at which MPLS TE tunnel switching is needed, and to set routing and forwarding information for tunnel switching between different MPLS TE tunnels at the switching node. The switching node switches and transfers message into different MPLS TE tunnels according to the routing and forwarding information. The present invention makes the sum of the whole network edge bandwidth resources much higher than that of the bandwidth resource at the network core, allows the network resources to converge layer by layer, and avoids the N-square problem of the tunnel number effectively and lightens the load on the network core nodes by the large number of tunnels and the load of RSVP-TE state refreshing.
US08462774B2 Virtual IP interfaces on multi-chassis link aggregates
Aggregation Switches connected via a virtual fabric link (VFL) are each active and each coupled to a multi-chassis link aggregate group (MC-LAG), which is assigned to a multi-chassis link aggregate group virtual local area network (MC-LAG VLAN). A virtual Internet Protocol (IP) interface is allocated to the MC-LAG VLAN and configured on both Aggregation Switches.
US08462772B1 Method and system for providing party line emulation in a SIP-based network
A method and system of an embodiment of the present invention may involve receiving an incoming call from a calling party for one or more members of a group; transmitting an invite message to the one or more members; identifying an acceptance of the invite message by at least one member of the one or more members; and establishing an active dialog between the calling party and the at least one member.
US08462767B2 Internet protocol compliant private branch electronic exchange and a method for redundantly configuring terminal interfaces
The IP-PBX includes a multimedia gateway controller in which a call control data master table stores call control data for all terminals falling under the control of the IP-PBX. In the event of failure of a PH accommodating IP phones and the like via the LAN, the multimedia gateway controller transfers the contents of the call control data slave table existing on the PH to the call control data slave table on another PH.
US08462764B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving automatic repeat request feedback message in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for transmitting and receiving an Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) feedback message in a wireless communication system are provided. A method for receiving an ARQ feedback message at a transmitting unit in a wireless communication system includes allocating a fixed-size resource for transmitting an ARQ feedback message, to a receiving unit, the resource being an unsolicited bandwidth, and receiving an ARQ feedback message or a resource request message from the receiving unit over the fixed-size resource allocated.
US08462758B2 Channel quality information feedback techniques for a wireless system
Channel quality information feedback techniques for a wireless system are described. An apparatus may comprise a base station having base station logic to determine a channel quality indicator feedback dimension value representing a number of resource blocks for an orthogonal frequency division multiple access system to be measured by a subscriber station based on a matching ratio value, and a transceiver to send the channel quality indicator feedback dimension value to the subscriber station. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08462755B2 Duplexer/multiplexer having filters that include at least one band reject filter
A wireless communications device includes an antenna, a multi-port path selection structure having an antenna port connected to the antenna, and plural ports connected to respective one or more receive and transmit paths of the wireless communications device. The multi-port path selection structure has a transmit band reject filter connected to the transmit path and a second filter connected to the receive path.
US08462751B1 Managing wireless local area networks
A geolocation utilization manager for managing wireless local area networks (WLAN) each supporting wireless communications between an associated access point node and associated station nodes on a corresponding one of a plurality of communication channels. The geolocation utilization manager for aggregating channel utilization information from the WLANs, and consolidating channel usage between neighboring underutilized ones of the WLANs, thereby maximizing utilization of a shared channel between neighboring underutilized ones of the WLANs. Whereby underutilized neighboring WLANs otherwise utilizing unique channels instead share a single channel, thereby freeing up other communication channels across an available WiFi, IEEE 802.11 or other such spectrum.
US08462749B2 Techniques for 40 megahertz (MHz) channel switching
Embodiments of the invention include methods, articles, and apparatuses to provide information related to channels transmitted and received according to a wireless communications protocol. One embodiment of the invention provides a method comprising generating channel offset information corresponding to an extension channel within a channel of a wireless communications protocol, and transmitting the channel offset information as part of channel information to be transmitted to one or more remote devices communicating according to the wireless communications protocol. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08462747B2 High performance wireless networks using distributed control and switch-stack paradigm
A design and proof of concept of a new type of WLAN, complete with simulation and results from the simulation has been described. Each AP Node is implemented as a self-contained embedded OS unit, with all algorithms resident in its Operating system. The normal day-to-day functioning of the AP node is based entirely on resident control algorithms. Upgrades are possible through a simple secure communications interface supported by the OS kernel for each AP node. Benefits provided by a wireless network, as proposed in this invention, are that: it installs out of the box; the network is self-configuring; the network is redundant in that mesh network formalism is supported, ensuring multiple paths; load balancing is supported; there is no single point of failure; allows for decentralized execution; there is a central control; it is network application aware; there is application awareness; there is automatic channel allocation to manage and curtail RF interference, maximize non interference bandwidth and enable seamless roaming between adjoining wireless sub networks (BSS) and it supports the wireless equivalent for switching—for seamless roaming requirements.
US08462739B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting control information in a multi-carrier wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for reliably and quickly establishing multiple reverse links in multi-carrier wireless networks is provided. Signaling channels are established on an existing forward link in order to transmit reverse link power control bits and acknowledgment indications.
US08462738B2 Method and apparatus for selecting link adaptation parameters for CDMA-based wireless communication systems
A method and apparatus for selecting a transport format resource combination (TFRC) using an information theoretic approach are provided. The TFRC may be selected in a medium access control (MAC) layer for transmission of data in a code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless communication system. The maximum number of spreading codes available for transmission and the set of possible TFRCs may be determined based on channel characteristics. For each transport block set size (TBSS) in the set of possible TFRCs, a TFRC is selected with the largest number of spreading codes within the maximum number of spreading codes for a corresponding minimum coding rate. The corresponding code rate for each selected TFRCs is compared to a threshold to select a corresponding type of modulation. One of the selected TFRCs is selected to be provided to the physical layer that best matches the CQI and maximizes the TBSS.
US08462737B1 System and method for a MIMO split-physical layer scheme for a wireless network
The present application describes a system and method for dynamically employing split-physical layer (PHY) functionality across multiple access heads to establish multiple paths between a client device (CD) and an access network in order to address one or more of the above described coverage issues. In some embodiments multiple input multiple output (MIMO) space-time coding is employed. Space-time coding may include contemporaneously transmitting one spatial stream or multiple spatial streams through each access head. In some embodiments macro diversity is also employed. Macro transmit diversity may include transmitting a same signal, consisting of one or more spatial streams, from one or more access heads such that a CD can use a strongest signal of the signals transmitted from at least one access head or diversity combining of two or more of the transmitted signals to recover the transmitted signal at the CD. Space-time coding may include contemporaneously receiving one spatial stream or multiple spatial streams through each access head. Macro receive diversity may include receiving a same signal from a CD at one or more access heads such that a strongest signal of the signals received at one or more access heads can be used to recover a signal or diversity combining of two or more of signals received at different respective access heads can be used to recover the transmitted signal.
US08462732B2 Method and system for fast layer 3 hand-over
The present invention relates to a method of seamlessly providing a satellite multimedia Internet service to a fixed subscriber belonging to a lower user network even in a satellite shadow environment and shortening a hand-over processing time between heterogeneous networks by applying a fast layer 3 hand-over technology between satellite and wireless networks in a mobile satellite terminal device.
US08462730B2 Wireless mobile station, wireless base station control device, wireless system and wireless cell management method
A wireless mobile station (1) includes: an acquisition unit (12a) acquiring an adjacent cell list, in a first wireless cell which is a communication area of a wireless base station (2) established a wireless link with the wireless mobile station, defining a second wireless cell adjacent to the first wireless cell; a search unit (13) searching wireless cells which is detectable in the first wireless cell, and measuring a wireless quality sensed by the wireless mobile station from a third wireless cell which is not included in the adjacent cell list among the detected wireless cells; and a determination unit (14) estimating a wireless quality sensed by the wireless mobile station from the third wireless cell on assumption that the third wireless cell is added to the adjacent cell list, and determining whether or not the third wireless cell is to be added to the adjacent cell list by using a result of the estimation.
US08462725B2 Inter-cell discovery and communication using time division multiple access coexistence beaconing protocol
A self-coexistence window reservation protocol for a plurality of Wireless Regional Area Network (WRAN) cells operating in a WRAN over a plurality of channels includes a sequence of self-coexistence windows that uniquely identifies a transmission period for each WRAN cell. A self-coexistence window reservation protocol is included within the first packet of a Coexistence Beaconing Protocol period identifying when each WRAN cell associated with a particular channel will transmit. When not actively transmitting, a WRAN cells remains in a passive, receiving mode to accept data. As the transmissions of each WRAN cell operating on a particular channel are scheduled, contention for a transmission period is eliminated.
US08462724B1 Transmission mode control for inter-band multi-carrier capable devices
There are provided measures for enabling transmission mode control for inter-hand multi-carrier capable devices, such as inter-band carrier aggregation capable devices. Such measure may exemplarily include acquiring at least one output power restriction value for a cumulative output power for a combination of at least two uplink carriers of a terminal device. The two uplink carriers operate on different bands, at the terminal device, and perform transmission mode control in terms of switching between an uplink carrier combination transmission mode and a single uplink carrier transmission mode using the acquired at least one output power restriction value at the terminal device.
US08462723B2 Methods and systems for transmission of multiple modulated signals over wireless networks
A method and apparatus for requesting and allocating bandwidth in a broadband wireless communication system. The inventive method and apparatus includes a combination of techniques that allow a plurality of CPEs to communicate their bandwidth request messages to respective base stations. One technique includes a “polling” method whereby a base station polls CPEs individually or in groups and allocates bandwidth specifically for the purpose of allowing the CPEs to respond with bandwidth requests. The polling of the CPEs by the base station may be in response to a CPE setting a “poll-me bit” or, alternatively, it may be periodic. Another technique comprises “piggybacking” bandwidth requests on bandwidth already allocated to a CPE. In accordance with this technique, currently active CPEs request bandwidth using previously unused portions of uplink bandwidth that is already allocated to the CPE. The CPE is responsible for distributing the allocated uplink bandwidth in a manner that accommodates the services provided by the CPE. By using a combination of bandwidth allocation techniques, the present invention advantageously makes use of the efficiency benefits associated with each technique.
US08462720B2 Transmission/reception apparatus and method for frame including protocol version in ultra wideband system
Provided is a transmission/reception apparatus and method for transmitting a frame in an ultra wideband radio communication system, which may enable a protocol version to be included in a fixed-length physical layer protocol (PHY) header so that interaction between systems using different protocol versions may be realized, and may enable information about a modulation and coding scheme to be included in a variable-length PHY header to thereby overcome a decoding delay problem occurring due to a Reed Solomon code.
US08462719B2 Method for partitioning cell identities according to cell type in wireless communication system and an apparatus therefor
A method of transmitting a cell type information, which is transmitted by a base station in a wireless communication system, is disclosed. The present invention includes broadcasting a boundary point information (Z) between a cell identity of a public ABS (advanced base station) and a cell identity of a private ABS via an S-SFH SP3 (secondary-super frame header subpacket3). In this case, the boundary point information (Z) includes a range information of cell identity partitions partitioned by granularity of 10 sequences per segment and a total number of the cell identity partitions is 16.
US08462708B2 Base station, wireless control apparatus, and wireless apparatus
In a base station that performs internal data transfer based on the CPRI, a dividing part divides the data to be transferred into division data. A transfer part transfers the division data by using a plurality of CPRI links. A receiving part receives the division data transferred by the CPRI links. A restoring part restores the original data from the division data received by the receiving part.
US08462707B2 Joining a mesh network in a multiple network environment
Wireless mesh network nodes in a mesh network are operable to join a desired wireless mesh network in a multi-network environment. The nodes search for a compatible mesh network, find a compatible mesh network, join the found compatible mesh network, indicate whether the joined mesh network is the desired mesh network, and receive input causing the network node to withdraw from the joined mesh network and search for other mesh networks to join if desired network has not been joined.
US08462705B2 Method and apparatus for controlling uplink power in a wireless access system
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for reporting power headroom in a user equipment of a multi-carrier system, includes receiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) signal comprising uplink resource allocation information from a base station; transmitting at least one of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signal and a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signal to the base station in a predetermined subframe based on the uplink resource allocation information in accordance with a transmission mode; calculating one or more power headroom values for the predetermined subframe in accordance with the transmission mode; and transmitting a report message comprising the one or more power headroom values to the base station, wherein the user equipment reports its first and second type power headroom values when operating in transmission mode A, or reports its first type power headroom value when operating in transmission mode B.
US08462691B2 Ad hoc communication system
A number of data relay devices, e.g. mobile telephones, (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), are conveyed by vehicles and move relative to each other. They form a vehicular ad hoc wireless network (19, 29, 39, 49), etc in which data stored by a device (20) (either own-generated or relayed from another device (10) is transmitted either directly or by means of one or more other devices (30) to a network access point (90) which interfaces with a cellular network. When two devices (20, 30) come into proximity to each other, they use an opportunistic routing algorithm to determine a forwarding direction for the data. A retransmit timer is triggered on transmission of data, and messages which are unacknowledged at the expiry of the timer period are retransmitted. The timer period dynamically follows local congestion conditions and is recalculated at each transmission by the expression, timer minimum period/recent forwarding success(t). The current recent forwarding success at time t, RFS(t), is calculated from the RFS(t−1) calculated for the immediately preceding transmission and from the current forwarding success, CFS, by the expression RFS(t)=4/5 RFS(t−1)+1/5 CFS(t) where CFS is the square of the ratio of the available buffer space in the target device to the size of the payload in the source device.
US08462689B2 Receiver for time division multiplex system without explicit time slot assignment
A technique for a time division multiplex system in which access to shared broadcast communication media is granted on a demand basis. Particular connections are assigned slot times at the transmitter based on demand. However, no specific information regarding the assignment of time slots need be communicated to the receivers. The transmit side employs a forward error correction technique followed by multiplication by a cover sequence unique to each connection. All receivers listen to the broadcast transmission channel all of the time. The receiver assigned to each connection decodes the signals in such a manner that only the receiver with the correct cover sequence assigned to a particular connection will successfully decode the data associated with that connection. Data frames that fail the forward error correction process are discarded, and only those frames which are successfully decoded are passed up to a higher layer. The occurrence of an erroneously received frame is not necessarily always reported to the transmit side of the connection; only a packet level error indication is made. In this way, information containing time slot assignment need not be communicated between the transmitter and receiver, and yet data will be correctly received.
US08462686B2 Apparatus for collision mitigation of multicast transmissions in wireless networks
Message formats and apparatus are described that reserve access to a communication medium in a multicast system. A first message, a multicast request-to-send message, includes a duration field having information representing the reserved time for a communication medium, multicast receiver and transmitter address fields, and bits that specifies a destination that is expected to reply to the multicast digital message. The bits that specify a destination can be extended to a plurality of fields that each contain different destination identifiers. Example destination identifiers include association identifiers or media access control addresses. Alternately, the bits that specify a destination can have a first field containing an offset and a second field indicating destinations with respect to the offset. A second message includes a duration field and multicast receiver and transmitter address fields. The second message is used to cancel a data transmission resulting from a multicast request-to-send message.
US08462684B1 Power saving technique for a wireless device
A system and method are disclosed for decreasing the amount of power consumed by a data transmitter in a wireless device when transmitting media (audio and/or visual) data or other data received from a media source or other source. A transmission circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or WLAN chip, is configured to deactivate the data transmitter for a deactivation interval and aggregate the media data (or other consistent-rate data) in a buffer while the data transmitter is deactivated. At the end of the deactivation interval, the data transmitter is activated and the aggregated data packets are transmitted. The data transmitter may be repetitively deactivated and activated for transmitting the data. The deactivation interval may be based on the data sampling rate, the transmission rate of the data transmitter, the capacity of the buffer, and/or other factors.
US08462680B2 Method and system for operating a communication network
A network node, a coordination node, a management node, a communication system and method for operating a communication system having a first type of communication network and a second type of communication network, wherein a request message identifying a network node in the first type of communication network is sent to the coordination node in the first type of communication network by the management node in the second type of communication network, the network node is removed from the first type of communication network by the coordination node, the removed network node is included in the second type of communication network by the management node, and a data interchange is performed between the management node and the network node inserted in the second type of communication network.
US08462676B2 Frame structure for support of large delay spread deployment scenarios
A frame structure for support of large delay spread deployment scenarios (e.g., cellular system operation in large cell sizes or low frequency bands) is generally presented. In this regard a method is introduced comprising partitioning a radio frame into a plurality of equal-sized (or non-equal-sized) sub-frames to simplify system implementation. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US08462675B2 Echo mitigation in the presence of variable delays due to adaptive jitter buffers
In an example embodiment, a control connection is introduced between an adaptive jitter buffer (AJB) and an adaptive bulk delay (ABD) buffer of an echo canceller (ECAN) in an Internet Protocol (IP) conference bridge. The control connection allows the AJB to control the amount of delay inserted by the ABD in the ECAN convolution processor (CP) signal path. The adjustment in ABD delay restores the time alignment of the ECAN internal echo estimate and offsets variations in echo tail delay introduced by network induced AJB delay changes. Time-invariance is preserved in the echo tail path.
US08462674B2 Method and system for symmetric transmit and receive latencies in an energy efficient PHY
Aspects of a method and system for symmetric transmit and receive latencies in an energy efficient PHY are provided. In this regard, a delay introduced by a PHY of a network device for outbound traffic and a delay introduced by the PHY for inbound traffic may be controlled such that a transmit delay of the network device is equal, within a tolerance, to a receive latency of the network device. The delays may be controlled based on whether one or more energy efficiency features are enabled in the PHY. The delay introduced by the PHY for outbound traffic may be controlled based on an amount of buffered inbound traffic. The delay introduced by the PHY for inbound traffic may be controlled based on an amount of buffered outbound traffic. The delays may be controlled such that said receive latency and the transmit latency are approximately constant regardless of a mode of operation of the network device.
US08462669B2 Method and apparatus for determining PT server having controlling function
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining a controlling PT server. A mobile communication terminal transmits a group generation request message to a PT XDMS, and the PT XDMS determines a specific PT server having the largest number of members as a controlling PT server. The PT XDMS generates group identity information by using an address of the specific PT server, and transmits a group generation response message including the group identity information to the mobile communication terminal. Then, the mobile communication terminal transmits the group identity information of the group generation response message to a PT server with being included in an INVITE message. The PT server certifies the group identity information included in the INVITE message, and determines whether or not itself is to be operated as a controlling PT server.
US08462668B2 System and method for implementation of layer 2 redundancy protocols across multiple networks
The system, method, and article of manufacture of the present invention allows multiple customers connected to a common external network to each implement a layer 2 redundancy protocol, such as the spanning tree protocol, in order to prevent layer 2 loops. Accordingly, a method is presented for providing an independent loop free layer 2 topology between a external network and a customer network comprising tagging control packets originating on the customer network with a unique identifier and tunneling the control packets received from the customer network between a plurality of boundary interface devices at the external network such that the control packets are routed back to the customer network based on the presence of the unique identifier in the control packet. The layer 2 redundancy protocol on the customer network converges based at least in part on the presence of control packets appearing on more than one port on the customer network.
US08462659B2 Method and apparatus pertaining to the assessment of mobile communications network infrastructure latency through high-speed channels
A network monitoring apparatus in a mobile communications network monitors, for a predetermined time, TCP packets in the network that tend to comprise end-user traffic using the high-speed data path but not the low-speed data path to provide monitored packet information. The network monitoring apparatus uses this monitored packet information to identify the fastest end user-experienced communication exchanges within the mobile communications network. By one approach, the network monitoring apparatus effectively filters out most or all of the end-user traffic that uses the low-speed data path when providing that monitored packet information. This can comprise, for example, tending to utilize data pertaining to TCP packets that correspond to higher traffic volume (and hence that are likely being conveyed via a high-speed data path) while also tending to discard data that pertains to TCP packets to that correspond to low traffic volume (and hence that are likely being conveyed via a low-speed data path).
US08462649B2 Communication device
A communication device includes a communication control unit for conducting communication with a destination device according to a first communication sequence or a second communication sequence more suitable for communicating through an IP network than the first communication sequence. The communication device further includes an IP network determining unit for determining whether the communication is conducted through the IP network. When the IP network determining unit determines that the communication is conducted through the IP network, the communication control unit conducts the communication according to the second communication sequence.
US08462640B2 Method of monitoring a tandem connection in a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) telecommunication network
It is disclosed a method of monitoring, a Multi-Protocol Label Switching network, a tandem connection of a Label Switched Path. The tandem connection to be monitored has an input node and an output node. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first Operation Administration Management packet at the input node; and generating a second OAM packet at the input node. According to the invention, the following steps are further performed: a tandem connection header is inserted into the first OAM packet; both the first OAM packet with the tandem connection header and the second OAM packet are sent towards the output node; and the second OAM packet is identified according to the presence or absence of said tandem connection header.
US08462635B1 Resource reservation protocol with traffic engineering point to multi-point label switched path hierarchy
The invention is directed toward techniques for Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) upstream label assignment for the Resource Reservation Protocol with Traffic Engineering (RSVP-TE). The techniques include extensions to the RSVP-TE that enable distribution of upstream assigned labels in Path messages from an upstream router to two or more downstream routers of tunnel established over a network. The tunnel may comprise a RSVP-TE P2MP Label Switched Path (LSP) or an Internet Protocol (IP) multicast tunnel. The techniques also include extensions to the RSVP-TE that enable a router to advertise upstream label assignment capability to neighboring routers in the network. The MPLS upstream label assignment using RSVP-TE described herein enables a branch router to avoid traffic replication on a Local Area Network (LAN) for RSVP-TE P2MP LSPs.
US08462634B2 System and method for automatically adapting audio packet marking in a packet network
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for managing a packet network to deal with a problem of dropped audio packets. A triggering event signal indicates that audio marked packet traffic in the packet network has exceeded a capacity limit. Upon receiving the triggering event signal, a transmitting device transmits audio packets marked as non-audio packets through the packet network. The transmitting device, for example, is a VoIP telephone. The triggering event signal, for example, is generated when the audio marked packet traffic exceeds a dropped packet threshold, or when monitoring of audio marked packet traffic indicates that audio marked packet traffic approaches a committed data rate (CDR) threshold.
US08462627B2 Media data transfer in a network environment
In a wireless network environment, a method of transmitting data from a source device to a set of sink devices, the method comprising the steps of: (a) initially the source device broadcasting packet data collectively to each of the sink devices; (b) the sink devices collecting packet data and identifying missing packets that have been missed; (c) upon a sink device detecting a missed a packet, the sink device separately requesting the transmission of the missed packet by the source device; and (d) the source device separately sending missed data packets.
US08462621B2 Systems and methods of multicast reconfiguration using cross-layer information
Systems and methods of multicast configuration are provided. A particular method includes detecting a failure in the data network at a first node of a data network. The method also includes determining an alternate route from the first node to a data source of the data network. The alternate route includes a second node as an upstream node. The method further includes determining whether the alternate route would create a loop in the data network. The method includes setting a state of the first node to a waiting-to-join the second node state when the alternate route would create a loop.
US08462618B2 Crossover operation in a 1+1 protection switching environment
A communication unit comprises a first port; a second port, each of the first and second ports configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from another communication unit; a programmable logic unit configured to process signals transmitted and received by the first and second ports; and a processor configured to program the programmable logic unit for crossover operation based on detection of a crossover connection.
US08462602B2 Data recovery device and method
A data recovery device including an analog to digital converter (ADC), a filtering-equalizing unit, a zero crossing detector, a data phase locked loop, a data mapping unit and an estimation unit is provided. The ADC converts a radio frequency signal to a plurality of sampling data points. The sampling data points are converted to a plurality of retiming data points and a clock signal by the filtering-equalizing unit, the zero crossing detector and the data phase locked loop. The data mapping unit selects a plurality of maximum data points and minimum data points from the returning data points, and determines whether to map the maximum data points and the minimum data points to other levels for partially reconstructing the retiming data points. The estimation unit recovers the reconstructed retiming data points to a modulation signal.
US08462600B2 Optical disc device
Even when a first differentiation value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, this optical disc device does not confirm “CD” to be the differentiation result, as long as a first focus error signal FE1 or a first focus sum signal FS1 is less than a second threshold value; and even when the first differentiation value is equal to or greater than a second differentiation value, this optical disc device does not confirm “CD” to be the differentiation result, as long as the signal FE1 is less than a second focus error signal FE2, or as long as the signal FS1 is less than a second focus sum signal FS2. The signals FE1 and FS1 are obtained when a CD laser beam is directed onto an optical disc. The signals FE2 and FS2 are obtained when a DVD laser beam is directed onto the disc.
US08462597B2 Decoupling technique for optical disk drive optical pickup units
A low-cost technique to improve the performance of optical disk drives is presented. An algorithm is used to decouple electro-mechanical actuators thus compensating for inaccuracies in the control of the actuators. A similar method can be used to decouple the position sensors. Prior art methods treated cross-coupling between focus, tracking and sled control loops as noise and therefore increased the bandwidth of the system, also increasing the cost of the optical disk drive. The present disclosure actively decouples the control loops using a software algorithm to provide better performing optical disk drives. The cross-coupling effects are measured, a decoupling matrix is determined, and the output of the control laws is modified so as to decouple the actuators.
US08462590B2 Display for use in managing movement of a patient in a bed
A system is provided for communicating to health care workers the turning, positioning and schedule requirements of dependent patients with pressure ulcers, or at risk for the development of pressure ulcers. The system includes a display indicating a clock face divided into sections each with a respective window location for displaying graphics of a display element illustrating a required lying position for the patient. Each of the display elements comprises a disk mounted on the substrate for rotation about a center axis thereof at right angles to the substrate with the graphics arranged thereon at angularly spaced positions around the axis so as to rotate a selected one of the graphics to the window to be displayed.
US08462588B2 Processing seismic vibrator signals having distinguishing signatures
A method and apparatus for generating a seismic source signal are provided for generating energy in the form of a plurality of time sequence vibratory signals, the vibratory signals being partitioned as a function of time and/or frequency, wherein each of the plurality of signals comprises a distinguishing signature. The partitioned vibratory signals are emitted into a terrain of interest as seismic source signals for conducting a seismic survey.
US08462587B2 Generating seismic vibrator signals having distinguishing signatures
A method and apparatus for generating a seismic source signal are provided for generating energy in the form of a plurality of time sequence vibratory signals, the vibratory signals being partitioned as a function of time and/or frequency, wherein each of the plurality of signals comprises a distinguishing signature. The partitioned vibratory signals are emitted into a terrain of interest as seismic source signals for conducting a seismic survey.
US08462578B2 Charge pump circuit with fast start-up
A charge pump circuit (300) includes a charge pump (330), and clocking circuitry that includes a clock generator (310) and a bypass circuit (320). The clocking circuitry generates clock signals and higher frequency alternative clock signals, for driving the charge pump. Upon start-up of the charge pump circuit and depending on a present value of an output voltage of the charge pump, the clocking circuitry couples to the charge pump either the alternative clock signals and not the clock signals, or the clock signals and not the alternative clock signals. Prior to completion of start-up of the charge pump circuit, at least two rows of pump unit cells are driven by a same alternative clock signal, thereby causing a pump unit cell in a row to charge/discharge at a same time as another pump unit cell in another row, thereby decreasing a start-up time of the charge pump circuit.
US08462576B2 State-monitoring memory element
Embodiments of the invention relate to a state-monitoring memory element. The state-monitoring memory element may be implemented by degrading an input voltage supply to the state-monitoring memory element across a diode and/or a transistor. One or more current sources may be used to stress the state-monitoring memory element. A logic analyzer may be used to analyze the integrity of the state-monitoring memory element and trigger appropriate actions in the IC, e.g., reset, halt, remove power, interrupt, responsive to detecting a failure in the state-monitoring memory element. Multiple state-monitoring memory elements may be disturbed in different locations on the IC for better coverage.
US08462569B1 Memory repair system and method
Systems and methods for operating an integrated circuit. The method includes: storing data in one or more of a plurality of locations in a memory module, wherein each location in the memory module has a corresponding memory address; storing a memory address of each location in the memory module detected to be defective in a memory repair module; detecting one or more locations in the memory module that are defective, locating one or more redundant memory elements in the memory module, and storing information in the memory repair database, the information associating the memory address of each location in the memory detected to be defective with the redundant memory elements; and physically remapping the memory addresses to a corresponding redundant memory element.
US08462564B1 Flash memory programming power reduction
A non-volatile memory device includes an array of non-volatile memory cells. When programming the memory cells, a voltage supply source is used that includes multiple independent charge pumps. The independent charge pumps supply the programming voltage to different ones of bit lines in the array of memory cells. Using multiple charge pumps tends to reduce output voltage fluctuations and thereby reduce power loss.
US08462562B1 Memory device with area efficient power gating circuitry
A memory device comprises a memory block, a power gating transistor, and control circuitry. The memory block includes at least one memory cell comprising a storage element electrically connected to a source potential line, a drive strength of the storage element being a function of a voltage level on the source potential line. The power gating transistor, in turn, is connected between the source potential line and a voltage source. The control circuitry is operative to configure the power gating transistor to electrically connect the source potential line to the voltage source while the memory block is in a first mode, and to clamp the source potential line at a voltage different from that of the voltage source when the memory block is in a second mode.
US08462553B2 Cell array for highly-scalable, byte-alterable, two-transistor FLOTOX EEPROM non-volatile memory
Two-transistor FLOTOX EEPROM cells are collected to form an alterable unit such as a byte. Each of the two-transistor FLOTOX EEPROM cells has a bit line connected to a drain of a select transistor of each of the two-transistor FLOTOX EEPROM cells and a source line placed in parallel with the bit line and connected to a source of a floating gate transistor of each of the two-transistor FLOTOX EEPROM cells. In a program operation, the bit lines are connected to a very large programming voltage level and the source lines are connected to a punch through inhibit voltage level. The punch through inhibit voltage level is approximately one half the very large programming voltage level. The lower drain-to-source voltage level permits the select transistor and the floating gate transistor to have smaller channel lengths and therefore a lower drain-to-source breakdown voltage.
US08462551B2 Flash multi-level threshold distribution scheme
A threshold voltage distribution scheme for multi-level Flash cells where an erase threshold voltage and at least one programmed threshold voltage lie in an erase voltage domain. Having at least one programmed threshold voltage in the erase voltage domain reduces the Vread voltage level to minimize read disturb effects, while extending the life span of the multi-level Flash cells as the threshold voltage distance between programmed states is maximized. The erase voltage domain can be less than 0V while a program voltage domain is greater than 0V. Accordingly, circuits for program verifying and reading multi-level Flash cells having a programmed threshold voltage in the erase voltage domain and the program voltage domain use negative and positive high voltages.
US08462547B2 Offset non-volatile storage
A plurality of non-volatile storage elements on a common active layer are offset from neighbor non-volatile storage elements. This offsetting of non-volatile storage elements helps reduce interference from neighbor non-volatile storage elements. A method of manufacture is also described for fabricating the offset non-volatile storage elements.
US08462546B2 Reducing temporal changes in phase change memories
A phase change memory in the reset state may be heated to reduce or eliminate electrical drift.
US08462535B2 Memory module and layout method therefor
The present invention provides a novel wiring method for LR-DIMM of VLP type that conforms to LR-DIMM technology. The LR-DIMM comprises a plurality of DRAMs mounted on a board, two connectors mounted on the board for receiving data, and a buffer device mounted on the board for redriving data applied to the two connectors to supply the data to the plurality of DRAMs. The buffer device is located near the center of the board on which the two connectors are arranged at both ends thereof, and supplies data from each connector to DRAMs arranged on the opposite side to the connector.
US08462530B2 Converter with short-circuit current limiting
A device for inverting an electric current has at least one phase module which has an alternating current connection and at least one direct current connection. Semiconductor valves having semiconductor modules are connected in series and are provided for switching the electric current between the alternating current connection and each direct current connection. At least one power storage device is provided for storing electrical power. In order to provide such a device, with which the adverse effects of a bridging short circuit are reliably and effectively reduced, it is proposed that each semiconductor module has semiconductor groups connected in parallel to each other, wherein each semiconductor group of the semiconductor module is connected via its own separate semiconductor current path to at least one of the power storage devices.
US08462525B2 Wide range DC power supply with bypassed multiplier circuits
A power supply provides dc power over a wide range of output voltages at full operating power by utilizing multiplying circuits (200) supplied by a source of high-frequency alternating current (90). The multiplier circuits include a plurality of multiplier cells containing at least two diodes (207, 209) and a driving capacitor (208). The multiplier cells are shunted by bypass rectifiers (205, 206) arranged such that currents are allowed to flow from multiplier input terminals to power supply output terminals. The bypass rectifiers do not conduct current for low output current levels, but conduct increasing levels of current when output currents increase beyond a conduction threshold value, thereby increasing the maximum available output current. Interactions among the diodes and capacitors in the multiplier circuits cause the amplitudes of the multiplier input currents to remain relatively constant as the output voltage is varied while operating at full power.
US08462522B2 Device for connecting a single-phase supply line to a three-phase power supply system
A device for connecting at least one single-phase power supply line which, in particular, feeds the overhead line of a railroad track, to a three-phase power supply network. A primary side of a transformer is connected to the power supply network and a secondary side is connected to the single-phase power supply line and to a ground connection. A symmetry device is connected to a phase of the transformer, to the ground connection, and to the single-phase power supply line.
US08462520B2 Metal shielding can and assembly of the metal shielding can and a circuit board
A metal shielding can includes a top wall and a surrounding wall. The surrounding wall extends downwardly from a periphery of the top wall, and includes a bottom surface and a groove formed in the bottom surface for receiving a tin solder element. The strength of the tin solder element to bond the metal shielding can to a circuit board can thus be enhanced so that the metal shielding can can be secured firmly on the circuit board. Moreover, the tin solder element can be positioned accurately relative to a solder pad of the circuit board, so that the post-soldering precision is easy to control and there is no solder overflow or adverse effect on an electronic component mounted on the circuit board. Thus, rework yield can be enhanced considerably to reduce manufacturing costs.
US08462516B2 Interconnect structure and a method of fabricating the same
An interconnect structure, an interconnect structure for interconnecting first and second components, an interconnect structure for interconnecting a multiple component stack and a substrate, and a method of fabricating an interconnect structure. The interconnect structure comprising a base portion formed on a mounting surface of a first component; a pillar portion extending from the base portion and substantially perpendicularly to the mounting surface; and a head portion formed on the pillar portion and having larger lateral dimensions than the pillar portion; wherein the base portion and the pillar portion are integrally formed of a homogeneous material.
US08462511B2 Stacked semiconductor package
A stacked semiconductor package including a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board is provided. The first printed circuit board may include a first surface upon which a first semiconductor chip is mounted and a second surface upon which at least one connecting structure is attached. The first printed circuit board may further include at least one thermal via and a heat sink and the at least one thermal via and the heat sink may be disposed under the first semiconductor chip with the heat sink being disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The second printed circuit board may include a third surface upon which a second semiconductor chip is mounted. The second printed circuit board may be disposed under the first printed circuit board with the at least one connecting structure connecting the first printed circuit board to the second printed circuit board.
US08462500B2 Electronic device having heat dissipation airflow path
An exemplary electronic device includes a cover, a circuit board and a driving module both mounted on the bottom cover, an electronic component fixed on the circuit board, and a top cover covering the bottom cover. The driving module has a rotating shaft adapted for supportively driving an optical disk to rotate. The electronic component generates heat during operation. Through holes are defined in the top cover and located at a periphery of the rotating shaft. When the optical disk is mounted on the rotating shaft and driven to rotate by the rotating shaft, air heated by the electronic component in the electronic device can flow out of the top cover via the through holes, and rotation of the optical disk facilitates such airflow.
US08462499B2 Information processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a cooling module configured to cool an electronic component, a thermoelectric element configured to absorb heat generated from the electronic component, and to generate first electricity by performing a thermoelectric conversion by use of the heat, a determination module configured to determine whether the supply source is a battery, and a switcher configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode, the thermoelectric element performing the thermoelectric conversion and the cooling module is driven by the first driving electricity generated from the first electricity in the first mode, and the thermoelectric element absorbing the heat and the cooling module is driven by the second driving electricity generated by use of second electricity from a supply source includes a battery in the second mode.
US08462498B2 Battery disconnect scheme for a portable data terminal
A portable data terminal includes a housing; a controller operating software and supported by the housing; a battery well formed in the housing; a male connector disposed in the battery well comprised of a plurality of male contacts; a battery pack for seating in the battery well having a female connector comprised of a plurality of female contacts for electrically mating with corresponding male contacts to electrically connect the battery pack with the male connector when the battery pack is seated in the battery well, such that when the battery pack is unseated from the battery well and disconnected from the male connector, a signal male contact is electrically unmated from it's corresponding signal female contact to initiate a shut down procedure before other male contacts are electrically unmated from their corresponding female contacts, such that the other male/female contact pairs continue to provide power to the portable data terminal until shut down of the portable data terminal.
US08462483B2 Multilayer anode
The invention relates to the field of electrical engineering, in particular to multilayer film electrodes for electrolytic capacitors. The proposed multilayer anode is implemented as a substrate with a developed surface on which are sequentially arrayed a conforming layer of a valve metal, which is connected by a heterojunction formed by nanoparticles of the substrate metal and of the valve metal, which are geometrically closed between each other, and an oxide coating. The substrate is connected to the film base through a nanocomposite barrier layer, which comprises a differentiated mixture of the materials being joined, whose content varies relative to each other,[so that] together they amount to 100%, where the working surface is formed in practice by the substrate metal. What is novel is that a metal with a hardness 2-4 times greater than that of the valve metal, preferably titanium, is used as the substrate material, and the pores of the valve-metal layer are limited in size to the range 1-104 nm. The proposed technical solution has made possible improvement of the multilayer anode for an electrolytic capacitor, ensuring superior basic technical performance.
US08462476B2 Method and apparatus for providing differential protection for an electrical link in a medium, high, or very high voltage network
A method and a differential protection apparatus for an electrical link in a medium, high or very high voltage power distribution network. This method, in which two differential protection devices are disposed at the two ends (A, B) of said link, includes a step during which a comparison is made between the current measured locally and the current measured remotely, after said devices have been resynchronized by phase shifting the data received from the end situated remotely by one half of the sum of the outward and return propagation times; and a second step during which, if an angular phase difference is found to exist between two currents after resynchronization, automatic compensation is effected by servocontrolling the angle of the current vectors.
US08462469B1 Magneto-resistive effect element having FePt bias magnetic field application layer with Pt seed layer and MgO insulation layer
A magneto-resistive effect (MR) element includes a magneto-resistive (MR) stack with a magnetization free layer, a bias magnetic field application layer positioned on a side of the MR stack, and an insulation film insulating the bias magnetic field application layer. The bias magnetic field application layer includes hard magnetic layer positioned on the side of the magnetization free layer and formed of iron-platinum (FePt) alloy and Pt seed layer provided between the MR stack and the hard magnetic layer and on a lower surface of the hard magnetic layer in contact manner with the hard magnetic layer and formed of platinum (Pt). The insulation film is a MgO insulation film formed of oxide magnesium (MgO), provided on a surface of the Pt seed layer in contact manner with the Pt seed layer, the surface being opposite to another surface of the Pt seed layer contacting the hard magnetic layer.
US08462468B2 Magnetic head and magnetic disk drive to be used for shingled recording method
In a magnetic head to be used for a shingled recording method, degradation of a signal resolution and a decrease in a signal-to-noise ratio which are caused by an asymmetrical inter-bit transition curvature are prevented, and a low bit error rate is realized. A magnetic head includes a recording head and a reproducing head. The reproducing head includes a pair of magnetic shields and a sensor sandwiched between the pair of magnetic shields. The gap between the magnetic shields is formed so that the longitudinal direction thereof gets inclined by a certain angle with respect to a cross-track direction in line with the shape of a curvature of an inter-bit transition on an effective record track in a record pattern recorded on a recording medium.
US08462462B1 Localized heating for flip chip bonding
Embodiments of the present invention relate to integral heating elements in solder pads for flip chip bonding. The integral heating elements are used to solder components together without exposing other locations and components in the assembly to potentially damaging temperatures. Embodiments of the invention may be used in manufacture of magnetic heads for EAMR hard disks to bond a laser sub-mount to an air-bearing slider without exposing magnetic head components to high temperatures.
US08462457B1 Electrostatic discharge protection circuit for magneto-resistive read elements
A read head circuit includes a read element configured to read data stored magnetically on a platter and includes first and second terminals. A write element writes data on the platter. A normally-ON transistor includes first, second and control terminals. The first and second terminals of the transistor are connected to a respective one of the first and second terminals of the read element. The control terminal receives a control voltage referenced from a power terminal. The power terminal powers the read element or the write element. Responsive to the control terminal being powered by the power terminal, the normally-ON transistor provides an open circuit between the first terminal of the read element and the second terminal of the read element. Responsive to the control terminal not being powered by the power terminal, the normally-ON transistor shorts the first and second terminals of the read element.
US08462449B2 Optical lens assembly
An optical lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, a second lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface, a third lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. By adjusting the conditions among the above-mentioned lens elements, the optical lens assembly can favorably reduce its size and correct the aberration while obtaining superior imaging quality.
US08462448B2 Image sensing module, imaging lens and code reading method
In order to produce, for example, an image sensing module which has a resolving power enough to meet required specifications for both photographing a close object and photograph a far object, and which has a simple structure, an image sensing module includes: an imaging lens having an increased depth of field and a decreased curvature of field; and a sensor provided between (i) a location of a best image surface of the imaging lens with respect to white light from a sunflower and (ii) a location of a best image surface of the imaging lens with respect to white light from a tree.
US08462446B2 Optical imaging lens assembly
This invention provides an optical imaging lens assembly comprising five lens elements with refractive power, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens element with negative refractive power; a third lens element with negative refractive power; a fourth lens element with negative refractive power having at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric; and a fifth lens element having a concave image-side surface, at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric, and made of plastic. By such arrangement, photosensitivity and total track length of the optical imaging lens assembly can be reduced, and the aberration and astigmatism of the assembly can be effectively corrected. Moreover, high image resolution can be obtained.
US08462432B2 Tensioned projection screen
A projection screen apparatus having a perimeter frame and a substantially blank screen is provided.
US08462431B2 Method and device for spectral control in frequency conversion laser amplifiers
The invention relates to a method of spectral control in a frequency-shift laser chain for producing ultra-short pulses and comprising at least two laser-crystal amplifier stages, for cooling the crystal of one of the amplifier stages of the chain.
US08462425B2 Oscillator-amplifier drive laser with seed protection for an EUV light source
As disclosed herein, in a first aspect, a device may comprise: an oscillator producing a light output on a beam path; a target material for interaction with light on the beam path at an irradiation site; a beam delay on the beam path the beam delay having a beam folding optical arrangement; and a switch positioned along the beam path and interposed between the oscillator and the beam delay; the switch closable to divert at least a portion of light on the beam path from the beam path, the switch having close time, t1 and the beam path having a length, L1, along the path from the switch to the irradiation site; with t1
US08462423B2 Coloured particles for electrophoretic displays
This invention relates to colored polymer particles preferably with surface functionality for charge retention, a process for their preparation, the use of these particles for the preparation of an electrophoretic device, and to color electrophoretic displays comprising such particles.
US08462420B2 Tunable plasmonic filter
A tunable plasmonic filter or an optical filtering method discloses plasmonic filter structure and a voltage or current source. An intensity or wavelength of light transmitted through the filter structure is modulated by the intensity of a voltage or current from the voltage or current source. The plasmonic filter structure is located between electrodes electrically connected to the voltage or current source. The plasmonic filter structure is configured such that the incident light is resonant with at least one plasmonic mode on the structure, and a predetermined wavelength will perturb the metallic plasmonic structure in surface plasmon on energy bands for the wavelength selective transmission of light.
US08462419B2 Composition for electrochromic devices and electrochromic display device using the same
There is provided a composition for electrochromic devices which clearly present only two states, a white-colored state and a decolored state. The composition for electrochromic devices contains (A) a specific quaternary ammonium salt, (B) a supporting electrolyte containing bromide ion, and (C) a solvent containing water as an essential component, and (A) is soluble in (C).
US08462411B2 Optical reflection element with drive and monitor elements separated by a separation groove
An optical reflection element includes a mirror portion and an oscillator coupled to the mirror portion. The oscillator includes a base, an insulating layer, a drive element, and a monitor element. The insulating layer is formed on the base. The drive element and the monitor element are formed on the insulating layer, and are separated from each other by a separation groove. Each of the drive element and the monitor element includes a lower electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode layer formed in that order on the insulating layer. The monitor element has high detection accuracy, allowing the optical reflection element to perform self-excited driving with high accuracy.
US08462409B2 Optical wave correction for a holographic projection system
A holographic projection system with an optical wave tracking system sets the propagation direction of a modulated wave uses a position control system and an eye finder. It provides an adjustable optical wave correction system which compensates for deformations of the wave which are dependent on the current eye position. Largely dynamic changes and deformations in the form structure of the modulated and conditioned wave are reduced, which result from changes in the propagation direction of the aligned, optically enlarged and modulated wave on a focusing display screen. The optical wave correction system includes adjustable wave form means and computer means which set the optical behavior of the wave form means using the positional data from the current eye position. The adjustable wave form means are located in the light path between an illuminating system for the spatial light modulation means and the display screen of the projection system.
US08462399B2 Contact image sensor and image reader
An image reader includes a casing, a contact glass plate, a contact image sensor, and a sliding mechanism; wherein the contact image sensor has a housing, a light source attached to the housing so as to face the contact glass plate, a plurality of light receiving elements attached to the housing so as to face the contact glass plate and aligned in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the housing, and a bearing formed integral to the housing at a position below a lower surface of the housing; and the sliding mechanism includes a guide shaft provided on the casing and extending in a short direction of the housing and inserted through the bearing, and an urging member elastically which urges the guide shaft toward the contact glass plate so that the housing is pressed against the contact glass plate.
US08462393B2 Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a scanner part reading an original on a contact glass, and a projector part projecting image information onto the contact glass as first image displaying. The projector part projects thumbnails or an image to have an image processing operation carried out or be printed. The display part carries out second image displaying obtained from reducing the first image displaying in size. At a time of the scanner part being operated, transmittance of the contact glass is increased and the projector part stops projecting the image information, and at a time of the scanner part not being operated, the transmittance of the contact glass is decreased and the projector part carries out the first image displaying. Setting of the image processing operation for the image data is reflected on the first image displaying and the second image displaying.
US08462390B2 Image processing method and apparatus
An image processing method includes: generating a stochastic screening dither matrix (S101); performing a centered positive-negative conversion operation on the stochastic screening dither matrix (S102); generating a screen dot dither contrast matrix for each color surface according to the stochastic screening dither matrix after being subjected to the positive-negative conversion operation and a stochastic screening dither threshold set for each color surface of an image; performing a logical “and” operation between each data item in a one-bit amplitude modulation screen dot matrix of each color surface of the image and a data item at a corresponding position in the screen dot dither contrast matrix of the color surface, and using a result as a processed value of a corresponding data item in the one-bit amplitude modulation screen dot matrix of the color surface. An apparatus corresponding to the image processing method is also provided. According to the above-described image processing method and apparatus, the problem in the prior art of an excess of pure-color pixels existing in an original one-bit dot matrix can be resolved.
US08462379B1 Determining end of print job in handheld image translation device
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining an end of printing operation in a handheld image translation device are described herein. The determining of the end of the printing operation may include generation and maintenance of a processed image by an image processing module and a print module, respectively. The print module may rewrite print data of the processed image as the printing operation progresses.
US08462373B2 Job-sharing among interconnected image forming apparatuses
Each of a plurality of image reading units reads an image of an original and outputs image data. An image processing unit performs an image processing on the image data based on either one of a read characteristic of the image data and a parameter set according to the read characteristic of the image data. A storing unit stores therein the image data. A printing unit prints the image data processed by the image processing unit. A communication unit exchanges the image data stored in the storing unit with other image forming apparatus for sharing printing of the image data.
US08462372B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method for storing output pattern data according to a kind of document
An image processing apparatus for outputting a document including a data group containing plural data items is disclosed that includes a storing part configured to store document definition data in which a document kind information is defined in correspondence with an output pattern information, the output pattern information including an output method data and an output condition data, a structured data fabricating part configured to fabricate structured data including the group of data according to the document kind information, an image data fabricating part configured to fabricate image data of the document according to the structured data, an identifying part configured to identify target document definition data among the document definition data that correspond to designated document kind information, and an outputting part configured to output the image data according to the output pattern information corresponding to the document kind information defined in the target document definition data.
US08462368B2 Printing device management based on topics of interest and object locators
A system for managing printing device related objects on a network, comprising a GUI, by first selecting a topic of interest from a category of interests; then selecting a predefined object locator, which filters objects based on associated criteria. The system enables graceful scaling, wherein the number of topics of interest in the first GUI pane and the complexity of the displayed information in the second GUI pane stay roughly constant even when the number of devices and objects in an organization increases significantly. The methods also include Static, Dynamic, Permanent, and Temporary object locators; hierarchically displayed topics and object groupings displayed in an integrated manner; defining new topics, topic actions, and object locators; and selecting an action for property and printing device related object, then displaying a topic of interest associated with the selected action.
US08462364B2 Host computer reconnection priority due to error occurrence
An image processing apparatus which, when an error occurs during communication with a host computer, gives a higher priority to reconnection to the host computer connected at the time of occurrence of the error than to connection to another host computer. A CPU of the apparatus accepts processing requests from the host computers. When accepting a processing request from a host computer, the CPU causes the apparatus to connect to the host computer. If occurrence of an error is detected during communication with the host computer, the CPU controls the connection such that reconnection to the host computer connected at the time of occurrence of the error is given priority over connection to another host computer.
US08462347B2 Method and apparatus for siloxane measurements in a biogas
A method for monitoring of siloxane compounds in a biogas includes the step of generating a first absorption spectrum based on a ratio of a first spectral measurement and a second spectral measurement. The first spectral measurement is from a non-absorptive gas having substantially no infrared absorptions in a specified wavelength range of interest and the second spectral measurement is from a sample gas comprising the biogas. The method also includes the step of calculating a concentration of at least one siloxane compound in the biogas using a second absorption spectrum based on, at least, a first individual absorption spectrum for a known concentration of the at least one siloxane compound.
US08462345B2 In-plane optical metrology
A structure that is located adjacent to a measurement target on a substrate is used to convert incident radiation from an optical metrology device to be in-plane with the measurement target. The structure may be, e.g., a grating or photonic crystal, and may include a waveguide between the structure and the measurement target. The in-plane light interacts with the measurement target and is reflected back to the structure, which converts the in-plane light to out-of-plane light that is received by the optical metrology device. The optical metrology device then uses the information from the received light to determine one or more desired parameters of the measurement target. Additional structures may be used to receive light that is transmitted through or scattered by the measurement target if desired.
US08462329B2 Multi-spot illumination for wafer inspection
Illumination subsystems for multi-spot wafer inspection are provided.
US08462328B2 Efficient telecentric optical system (ETOS)
A new architecture for machine vision system that uses area sensor (or line sensor), with telecentric imaging optics compound with telecentric illumination module is described. The illumination module may include a bright field illumination source and/or a dark field illumination source. The telecentric imaging optics includes an upper imaging module having an aperture stop and a lower imaging module positioned between the upper imaging module and object, such that the light source and the aperture stop are located in the back focal plane of the lower imaging module. The lower imaging module images the illumination source into a plane of an aperture stop of the upper imaging module. The optical axis of the upper imaging module is offset with respect to the lower imaging module. The optical axis of the telecentric illumination module is offset with respect to the axis of the lower imaging module in the opposite direction.
US08462321B2 Methods and systems for discriminating bands in scalograms
The present disclosure is directed towards embodiments of systems and methods for discriminating (e.g., masking out) scale bands that are determined to be not of interest from a scalogram derived from a continuous wavelet transform of a signal. Techniques for determining whether a scale band is not of interest include, for example, determining whether a scale band's amplitude is being modulated by one or more other bands in the scalogram. Another technique involves determining whether a scale band is located between two other bands and has energy less than that of its neighboring bands. Another technique involves determining whether a scale band is located at about half the scale of another, more dominant (i.e., higher energy) band.
US08462320B2 Sensor apparatus comprising a distance sensor
A sensor apparatus comprising a distance sensor comprising a transmitting device having at least one transmitter with a light source, and a receiving device having at least one receiver, and an electronic unit. The electronic unit being designed to emit light by means of the transmitter and to determine a distance which is covered by light emitted by the transmitter from a reflection surface of an object in a monitored area to the respective receiver. According to the invention, light guide means for transmission of light are arranged between the transmitting device and the monitored area and/or between the monitored area and the receiving device. The light guide means reflects the light at least once so that light can pass from the transmitting device to the monitored area and/or from the monitored area to the receiving device on an angled path.
US08462317B2 Illumination optical system, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An illumination optical system for illuminating an irradiated plane M with illumination light provided from a light source includes a spatial light modulator, which is arranged in an optical path of the illumination optical system and forms a desired light intensity distribution at a pupil position of the illumination optical system or a position optically conjugated with the pupil position, and a diffuser, which is arranged at an incidence side of the spatial light modulator through which the illumination light enters.
US08462311B2 Display panel and method of repairing bright point thereof
A display panel has a portion of a color filter or patterned color layer with a thickness of at least half of the cell gap of the display panel, wherein the repair method includes providing a energy light beam to the portion of the color filter or the patterned color layer in the sub-pixel region with a bright point defect to make the portion of the color filter or patterned color layer have porous structure so that bright point is repaired to become a grey point or a dark point.
US08462309B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device and a manufacturing method thereof which can suppress chipping of an alignment film or the like are provided. A liquid crystal display device and a manufacturing method thereof which can obviate the complication of manufacturing steps and the increase of a manufacturing cost are also provided. A liquid crystal display device includes: a TFT substrate; a counter substrate; and liquid crystal sandwiched between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate. A plurality of color filters are arranged on the counter substrate, and spacers are formed by stacking the plurality of color filters and by covering a surface of stacked color filters with an overcoat layer. Pedestals are formed on the TFT substrate in a state where the pedestal faces the spacer in an opposed manner. The pedestal is formed by stacking at least a semiconductor layer and a metal layer formed which are simultaneously with a thin film transistor on the TFT substrate. A width of a pedestal portion constituted of the semiconductor layer is substantially equal to a width of the spacer.
US08462305B2 Liquid crystal display
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display including a pixel electrode including a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode spaced apart with a gap therebetween, a common electrode facing the pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode and including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. The first and second subpixel electrodes include a plurality of branches, and each of the first and second subpixel electrodes includes a plurality of subregions. The branches extend in different directions in different subregions.
US08462304B2 Liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display device using the same
A liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer and an electrode structure. The second substrate is substantially parallel to the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electrode structure is disposed on the first substrate. The electrode structure includes a first branch portion and a second branch portion. The first branch portion includes first branch electrodes. The two adjacent first branch electrodes are substantially parallel to each other and separated apart by a first interval. The second branch portion includes second branch electrodes. The two adjacent second branch electrodes are substantially parallel to each other and separated apart by a second interval. Any first branch electrode corresponds to at least part of one of the second intervals. Any second branch electrode corresponds to at least part of one of the first intervals.
US08462301B2 High-strength optical bonding method using optical silicone as a bonding medium and pressure sensitive adhesive as an intermediate layer
A method of bonding an optical cover panel to an information display device through the use of intermediate layers of optical pressure-sensitive adhesive film which adheres to both optical silicone bonding medium and polymer plastic, and structures formed thereby.
US08462282B2 Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display and a driving method thereof are provided. A pixel of the liquid crystal display includes a first pixel capacitor, a second pixel capacitor, a first transistor, and a second transistor. A first terminal and a second terminal of the first pixel capacitor are respectively coupled to the first transistor and a common voltage. A first terminal and a second terminal of the second pixel capacitor are respectively coupled to the second transistor and the common voltage. A voltage between the first and the second terminals of the first capacitor is differentiated from a voltage between the first and the second terminals of the second capacitor by modulating the common voltage. A coupling voltage of the first pixel capacitor is differentiated from a coupling voltage of the second pixel capacitor by modulating the common voltage. Thereby, the phenomenon of color wash-out is reduced.
US08462275B2 Remote control device for controlling the presentation of broadcast programming
A TV is controlled by a set top box to receive broadcast programming. The set top box includes a processor for causing a selected program to be provided to and displayed on the TV. The set top box is controlled by an external remote control device. The remote control device is able to generate menus detailing programs and other options available and to display those options locally on the remote control device. Therefore, a program presented by the TV is uninterrupted while the user considers an electronic program guide displayed on the remote control device. Once the user has made the final choice of a new program to view, a command is issued to the set top box so that the change is made.
US08462255B2 Lens barrel, image pickup device, and lens barrel manufacturing method
A lens barrel includes a fourth lens, a prism, and a sixth lens. The fourth lens receives a light flux incident along a first optical axis. The prism includes a reflecting surface reflecting the light flux passing through the fourth lens to a direction along a second optical axis intersecting with the first optical axis. The sixth lens receives the light flux reflected by the prism. A second group frame includes an opening portion, a prism retaining frame that is arranged in a more inner position than the opening portion and in which the prism is contained, and a plurality of adhesive pockets arranged on an area around the prism retaining frame and being open to the side of the opening portion. Adhesive agent is filled in the adhesive pockets.
US08462254B2 Image pickup apparatus capable of setting a photographic condition and control method therefor
An image pickup apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a setting item screen for displaying setting items regarding a photographic condition, and a setting value screen configured to display setting values regarding the setting item selected on the setting item screen; an operation unit configured to select one of the setting items on the setting item screen and to select one of the setting values on the setting value screen; and a control unit configured to set a setting item regarding the photographic condition according to the setting value selected on the setting value screen, wherein if a state of the image pickup apparatus is changed from a state in which the selected setting item is active to non-active, the display unit continuously displays information indicating that the selected setting item is currently selected even when the selected setting item is non-active.
US08462252B2 Solid state imaging device, driving method for solid state imaging device, imaging apparatus, and image input apparatus
At a transfer electrode to which a normally low transfer pulse is applied, the time period in which the negative potential is applied is long, and an electric field is applied to a gate insulating film, such that the device's reliability decreases. To overcome this drawback, a negative side potential (VL′) of a normally low vertical transfer pulse (Vφ3, Vφ4) is set smaller in the absolute value than a negative side potential (VL) of a normally high vertical transfer pulse (Vφ1, Vφ2). Thereby, while the influence of increase in the dark current is being suppressed, the electric field being applied to the gate insulating film is reduced.
US08462249B2 Solid-state imaging device, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device is provided, which includes a pixel region in which pixels including a photoelectric conversion section and a plurality of pixel transistors are arranged. In the solid-state imaging device, a transfer transistor of the pixel transistors includes: a transfer gate electrode extended in a surface of the substrate formed on the surface of a semiconductor substrate; and a transfer gate electrode buried in the substrate which is electrically insulated from the transfer gate electrode extended in a surface of the substrate and is embedded in the inside of the semiconductor substrate in the vertical direction through the transfer gate electrode extended in a surface of the substrate.
US08462248B2 Active pixel sensor with mixed analog and digital signal integration
An active pixel sensor includes mixed analog and digital signal integration on the same substrate. The analog part of the array forms the active pixel sensor, and the digital part of the array does digital integration of the signal.
US08462244B2 Adaptively reading one or more but fewer than all pixels of image sensor
A method, of selectively reading less than all information from an image sensor for which member-pixels of a subset of the entire set of pixels are individually addressable, may include: sampling information from a targeted member-pixel of the subset without having to read information from the entire set of pixels; and adaptively reading information from another one or more but fewer than all member pixels of the entire set based upon the sampling information without having to read all pixels on the image sensor. A related digital camera may include features similar to elements of the method.
US08462237B2 Solid-state image pickup device which senses and processes light into primary color bands and an all wavelength band
The solid-state image pickup device includes a sensor unit and a focus adjustment circuit, the focus adjustment circuit including a contour extraction circuit which extracts contour signals from wavelength signals W, B, G, and R, a contour signal selection circuit which receives a control signal and the plurality of contour signals extracted by the contour extraction circuit, and selects and outputs a contour signal having a desired wavelength band in accordance with the control signal, and a plurality of addition circuits which add the wavelength signals before the contour signals are extracted by the contour extraction circuit to a contour signal output from a contour signal output circuit.
US08462230B2 Circuit for automatically detecting image flicker and method thereof
A circuit for automatically detecting image flicker includes an image sensor, an average unit, a difference generation unit, a transform unit, and a flicker detection unit. The image sensor captures an image frame. The average unit generates a luminance average value according to a luminance sum of predetermined pixels of each pixel row of an image frame. The difference generation unit generates a corresponding difference according to a luminance average value of each pixel row of two consecutive image frames. The transform unit performs a discrete Fourier transform on a difference corresponding to a corresponding pixel row of the two consecutive image frames to generate a transform result. The flicker detection unit determines whether a flicker is shown in the two consecutive image frames to generate a detection result according to the transform result.
US08462228B2 Image processing method, apparatus and computer program product, and imaging apparatus, method and computer program product
An appropriate white balance coefficient is calculated using an evaluation value of a specific chromaticity or an imaging condition, in addition to face area detection information, in the following manner. A first white balance coefficient is calculated by a first white balance coefficient calculation unit based on a color image, and a second white balance coefficient is calculated by a second white balance coefficient calculation unit based on a specific subject of the color image. Then, a third white balance coefficient is calculated by a white balance combining unit by weighting the first white balance coefficient and the second white balance coefficient based on an evaluation result of a specific chromaticity evaluation unit or an imaging condition of an imaging condition control unit.
US08462225B2 Imaging apparatus and imaging method
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a closed-eye detection unit configured to detect a face from an image captured by the imaging unit and to detect whether the detected face has closed eyes, and a control unit configured to determine whether to issue a warning about a captured image to be recorded according to a detection result detected by the closed-eye detection unit for the captured image to be recorded and a detection result detected by the closed-eye detection unit for a preview image captured before the image to be recorded is captured.
US08462224B2 Image retrieval
A method, comprising receiving query data including an image of a person, and detecting a face of the person in the image to create a detected face, generating face data and clothing data using the detected face including a measure of characteristics of the face and clothing of the person, and retrieving images and video for the person and a related group of people by comparing the face data and clothing data of the person with multiple measures for the characteristics of faces and clothing generated from a set of images and video in which other people appear wherein co-appearances of the person with at least some of the other people are used to retrieve content in which the person and people from the related group appear.
US08462219B2 Image pickup apparatus and image processing method of a picked-up image
An image pickup apparatus determines from which position in a plurality of photographed frames a pixel of each of lines of an image to be output is read out, on the basis of a motion amount at a photographing time of each of the lines of a photographed predetermined frame, and if the determined read-out position is located on the outside of a photographing range of the predetermined frame, then determines to read out a pixel in a frame photographed before and/or after a photographing of the predetermine frame as the pixel of the output image and calculates a read-out position of the pixel on the basis of the motion amount at a photographing time of each of the lines in the frame.
US08462218B2 Real-time image stabilization
An apparatus and method for stabilizing image frames in a video data stream. A weighted average or centroid of the intensity or hue associated with pixels vs. the horizontal and vertical position of each pixel is calculated for a reference frame in the video data stream. A corresponding centroid is calculated for a subsequent frame in the stream. This image frame is then translated so that the centroid of the subsequent frame and the centroid of the reference frame coincide, reducing artifacts from shaking of the video capture device. Alternatively, the video stream frames may be divided into tiles and centroids calculated for each tile. The centroids of the tiles of a subsequent frame are curve fit to the centroids of tiles in a reference frame. An affine transform is then performed on the subsequent frame to reduce artifacts in the image from movements of the video capture device.
US08462205B2 Landing Aid Device and Method
A landing aid device for an aircraft generates video images of a portion of the field of vision using a sensor situated in front of the aircraft intended for picture-taking during poor visibility conditions, and extracts contours from the video images making it possible to delimit at least one first known shape included in each image. A first head up display includes a display zone, which occupies a portion of the visor of the cockpit superimposed on the exterior landscape, and a symbology for generating information representing symbols intended to aid piloting is displayed on the display, wherein at least one first symbol comprising landing aid information is generated on the basis of the contours of the first shape and displayed on the display.
US08462198B2 Animation generation systems and methods
The animation generation system includes: an avatar generation module for generating an avatar in a virtual space, wherein the avatar has a set of skeletons and a skin, and the movable nodes of the set of skeletons are manipulated so that a motion of the skin is induced; and an avatar manipulation module for manipulating the movable nodes, including: a position mark which is moved to at least one first real position in a real space; at least one control mark which is moved to at least one second real position in the real space; and a video capturing unit for capturing the images of the real space; an arithmetic unit for identifying the first real position and the second real position from the images of the real space, and converting the first real position into a first virtual position, and the second real position into a second virtual position.
US08462192B2 Live teleporting system and apparatus
A telepresence system includes a projector for generating an image, a projection screen for reviewing the image generated by the projector and generating a reflected image and a foil for reviewing the reflected image generated by the projection screen. The foil generates and directs partially reflected image toward an audience, the partially reflected image being perceived by the audience as a virtual image or hologram located on a viewing stage. Additionally, the system incorporates a camera for filming an individual through the foil, the camera being located on a camera side of the foil and positioned adjacent to the viewing stage, the individual being located on an individual side of the foil and positioned on a filming stage.
US08462184B2 Two-sided thermal printer control
A dual-sided direct thermal printer and methods of operation thereof are provided. In one embodiment, a dual-sided direct thermal printer comprising a first thermal print head on a first side of a media feed path, and a second thermal print head on a second side of the media feed path opposite the first side is provided, wherein the dual-sided direct thermal printer is adapted to apportion received data into a first data portion for printing by the first thermal print head and a second data portion for printing by the second thermal print head.
US08462182B2 Terminal and method for displaying an image
In order to enhance image quality, a terminal, when displaying an image on a QVGA display with a resolution greater than the image itself, renders one of every 5 to 7 pixel rows and one of every 5 to 7 pixel columns semi-transparent. The semi-transparent pixel rows and columns are displayed with opacity of between 10% and 40% of the original pixels. For example, an image having a resolution of 176×144 pixels is displayed at 320×240 pixels on a QVGA display will have one of every 5 to 7 pixel rows and columns semi-transparent.
US08462180B2 Method for grayscale rendition in an AM-OLED
The present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying an input picture of a sequence of input pictures during a video frame made up of N consecutive sub-frames, with N≧2, comprising an active matrix comprising a plurality of light emitting cells, encoder for encoding the video data of each pixel of the input picture to be displayed and delivering N sub-frame data, each sub-frame data being displayed during a sub-frame, a driving unit for selecting row by row the cells of said active matrix and converting, sub-frame by sub-frame, the sub-frame data delivered by said encoder into signals to be applied to the selected cells of the matrix. According to the invention, at least one of the N sub-frame data generated for a pixel is different from the video data of said pixel.
US08462175B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program
An information processing apparatus includes a storing unit that stores first attribute data representing first attributes, which are attributes of content as an object to be played, and second attribute data representing second attributes, which are attributes of the first attributes, in association with each other, and a first display control unit that controls related display for displaying first attributes having the second attributes identical with a selected first attribute of the first attributes as related attributes. The first display control unit controls the related display to display a second attribute of the selected first attribute and display the related attributes by dividing the related attributes for each of the second attributes identical with the selected first attribute.
US08462174B2 Smart color bars
A computer implemented method and system for enhancing color bars utilized in color rendering applications. One or more primary color bars are associated with an electronic document in response to at least one input by a user, wherein the primary color bar(s) is based on a plurality of input color spaces utilized by the electronic document. Additionally, a dynamic color bar can be automatically configured that includes a plurality of spot colors associated with the electronic document, wherein the dynamic color bar permits the user to determine all spot colors defined for the electronic document. The primary color bar(s) permits a single set of rules for color bar content and placement to be governed by the primary color bar, thereby enhancing the use of color bars in color rendering applications.
US08462169B2 Method and system of immersive generation for two-dimension still image and factor dominating method, image content analysis method and scaling parameter prediction method for generating immersive sensation
A system and method for generating immersive sensation for a two-dimensional still image is provided. The method for generating immersive sensation including: converting a color space of an inputted image; loading a background mask to separate a foreground image and a background image from the inputted image; achieving attribute information for each of the foreground image and the background image, based on a perceptual attribute with respect to the color space, via an image content analysis; predicting scaling parameters based on the attribute information; and enhancing the inputted image based on the scaling parameter.
US08462168B2 Decompression system and method for DCT-base compressed graphic data with transparent attribute
A decompression system for DCT-base compressed graphic data with transparent attribute includes a memory to store a compressed graphic data and a compressed mask data; a controller to read the compressed graphic data and the compressed mask data out of the memory; a first decompressor to decompress the compressed graphic data and generate a first color space image signal; a color space transformation device to transform the first color space image signal into a second color space image signal; a special color signal storage to store a plurality of special color signals; a second decompressor to decompress the compressed mask data and generate a select signal; and a first multiplexer to select the second color space image signal or a special color signal to output based on the select signal, wherein each special color signal indicates a different level of transparent attribute.
US08462163B2 Computer system and motion control method
[PROBLEMS] To naturally and smoothly move a control target such as a virtual actor by using a small data amount and effectively perform data setting for it.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A computer system includes means for storing node data on a key frame and edge data such as a transition direction between nodes and a frame rate and execution means for shifting to another node by a morphing process determined by the edge data when shifting from one node to another node. Moreover, when inputting data, node icons are connected by an edge icon so as to enable effective data input. In data registration of the morphing process, feature line data is manually inputted for one image of an image pair and then a feature point in the vicinity of the both ends of the feature line is searched so as to automatically compensate the feature line data.
US08462154B2 System and method for determining a virtual curve in an object model
A method for a CAD system, a CAD system, and instructions for a CAD system. A method includes loading an object model, the object model including a blend face. The method also includes finding underfaces of the blend face and constructing an intersection curve according to the underfaces. The method also includes trimming the intersection curve according to the blend face to produce a virtual blend curve, and storing the virtual blend curve.
US08462122B2 Apparatus for controlling digital device based on touch input interface capable of visual input feedback and method for the same
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a digital device, which controls the digital device by using a sensor sensing a touch of a human body, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling a digital device, which controls a digital device via a touch sensor and provides feedback information based on touch information of a sensor. The digital device control apparatus comprises a sensor including a plurality of touch-sensitive switches separated from each other by a certain distance and sensing user's touch on the touch-sensitive switches for generating touch information; a control information generating unit generating control information for controlling the mobile device based on the touch information; a control unit controlling the mobile device according to the generated control information; a feedback information generating unit generating feedback information based on the touch information; and a plurality of light-emitting devices visually displaying the feedback information to the user corresponding to the plurality of the touch-sensitive switches. According to the present invention, the user may clearly recognize the plurality of the touch-sensitive switches being touched.
US08462121B1 Circuit for reading buttons and controlling light emitting diodes
A circuit including a first pin connection, a second pin connection, a first diode-switch arrangement and a second diode-switch arrangement. The first diode-switch arrangement is connected in series and configured to allow a current to pass from the second pin connection to the first pin connection. The second diode-switch arrangement is connected in series and configured to allow a current to pass from the first pin connection to the second pin connection. An energized state of the first and second diode-switch arrangements is determined according to a voltage detected on the first or second pin connection.
US08462119B2 Method of facilitating user input in handheld electronic device employing a text disambiguation function
Methods of facilitating input into a handheld electronic device based on the intent of the user wherein possible intended inputs generated by the text disambiguation function of the handheld electronic device are grouped and displayed in particular directional orientations. A multi-directional navigation mechanism may then be used to select a particular one of the possible intended inputs by providing a direction input that corresponds to the direction of the group that includes the desired possible intended input.
US08462113B2 Method for executing mouse function of electronic device and electronic device thereof
A method for executing a mouse function of electronic device and an electronic device thereof are provided. In the present method, an amount and a relative position of input signals are detected by a sensor module. Then, whether the amount and the relative position are respectively conformed to a predetermined value is determined. If the predetermined values are conformed, whether the input signal is conformed to a specific signal is determined when a variation of the relative position is occurred. Finally, a corresponding mouse function is executed according to a type of the variation if the variation is conformed to the specific signal. As a result, a mouse device is no longer needed for a user to accomplish a directional operation on the electronic device so as to prevent inconvenience of particularly carrying a mouse device.
US08462099B2 Display panel and display device
In one embodiment of the present invention, a display panel includes an active matrix type pixel region including scanning signal lines each of which is connected to three terminal elements each of which serves as an active element, the active matrix type pixel region including a non-rectangular shape by being configured such that the respective scanning signal lines are connected with various numbers of the three terminal elements according to where the scanning signal lines are located, and a shift register which drives the scanning signal lines, the shift register being formed in a region on a panel substrate, the region being adjacent to the pixel region in a direction in which the scanning signal lines extend.
US08462096B2 Shift register, display and method for driving shift register
A shift register comprises: a first output circuit controlled by a first clock signal to output a signal to a first output signal line; a second output circuit controlled by a second clock signal with a phase different from a phase of the first clock signal to output a signal to a second output signal line; a first control signal line connected to the first and second output circuits; and a second control signal line connected to the first and second output circuits.
US08462095B2 Display apparatus comprising driving unit using switching signal generating unit and method thereof
A driving unit includes a timing controller, a data driver having a data processor and a switching circuit, and a gate driver. The timing controller outputs image data, a data control signal, a gate control signal and a switching signal. The data processor converts the image data into a data voltage based on the data control signal, and the switching circuit receives the data voltage and a common voltage having a predetermined period and outputs either the common voltage or the data voltage in response to the switching signal. The gate driver outputs a gate voltage in response to the gate control signal. The timing controller outputs the switching signal at a time point in a first half period of a transition period of the common voltage, and the switching circuit outputs the common voltage at the time point.
US08462093B2 Display device and driving method of display device
A IF inversion driving method writes signal voltage of the same polarity to a signal line over a 1F period, and therefore cannot prevent occurrence of crosstalk caused by coupling. Also, shading is caused. In an active matrix type liquid crystal display device including a pixel array unit 11 formed by two-dimensionally arranging pixels 20 in a form of a matrix, the pixel array unit 11 is divided into a plurality of areas (two areas 11A and 11B in a present example) in a vertical direction, while the plurality of areas being vertically scanned in order (alternately in the present example) in a unit of a row, pixels of the plurality of areas are selected in a unit of a row, and a video signal Vsig reversed in polarity in each H is written to the pixels of the selected row.
US08462078B2 Deployable shell with wrapped gores
A reflector useful for communications, radar and sensing application in space and on earth includes thin shell gores emanating from a geometric center of the reflector at its hub. Gores are provided in a spiraled pattern and are in elastic connection to said hub and wrapped around their point of convergence at the hub when the reflector is stowed. The gores emanate from the geometric center of the reflector hub at their elastic connection to the hub when they are deployed and operational as a reflector with a point of convergence to promote operation as a reflector. Thin shell gores can have an inner perimeter and outer perimeter, can be provided in a spiraled pattern, and can be interlocked at their outer perimeter, or in-between their inner and outer perimeter, while also remaining in elastic connection at their inner perimeter to said hub.
US08462070B2 Antenna having planar conducting elements, one of which has a plurality of electromagnetic radiators and an open slot
An antenna includes a dielectric material having i) a first side opposite a second side, and ii) a conductive via therein. A first planar conducting element is on the first side of the dielectric material and has an electrical connection to the conductive via. A second planar conducting element is also on the first side of the dielectric material. A gap electrically isolates the first and second planar conducting elements from each other. An electrical microstrip feed line on the second side of the dielectric material electrically connects to the conductive via and has a route that extends from the conductive via, to across the gap, to under the second planar conducting element. The first planar conducting element has a plurality of electromagnetic radiators, each having dimensions that cause it to resonate over a range of frequencies that differs from a range of frequencies over which an adjacent radiator resonates. At least first and second of the radiators bound an open slot in the first planar conducting element. The open slot has an orientation perpendicular to the gap.
US08462064B2 Multiband dismount antenna
Antennas and methods for controlling antennas for producing electromagnetic radiation in a desired direction over a wide range of wavelengths. A current distribution is controlled in one or more conductive radiating elements of an antenna to form, at every wavelength within a pattern wavelength range, an antenna radiation pattern having a peak in a direction substantially orthogonal to a length of an elongated conductive radiating element or elements. By careful control of the current distribution, the pattern wavelength range is made exceptionally broad. In the case of a dipole antenna, the pattern wavelength can range from about ⅓l to at least about 8l, where l is an approximate combined length of a pair of elongated elements forming a dipole antenna. Alternatively, in the case of a monopole antenna, the pattern wavelength range can extend from about ⅙l to at least about 4l, where l is an approximate overall length of the monopole antenna.
US08462061B2 Printed compound loop antenna
The present invention relates to printed or single-sided compound field antennas. The single-sided compound loop antennas have coplanar electric field radiators and magnetic loops with electric fields orthogonal to magnetic fields that achieve performance benefits in higher bandwidth (lower Q), greater radiation intensity/power/gain, and greater efficiency.
US08462060B2 Embedded antenna apparatus for utility metering applications
An embedded antenna for facilitating wireless transmission of utility meter data is disclosed, where in one embodiment an RF antenna is a part of the faceplate of the utility meter. In another embodiment the utility meter faceplate is a single-layer or a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with the RF antenna printed on any desired layer. Such faceplates may be labeled to be viewable from outside of the meter housing and/or have openings to accommodate visual access to an output display of the meter consumption information.
US08462057B2 Mobile wireless communications device with selective load switching for antennas and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a plurality of antennas, a plurality of wireless transceivers, and signal processing circuitry. The device may further include a controller for selectively switching the signal processing circuitry to a desired one of the wireless transceivers, and for selectively switching a desired one of the antennas to the desired one of the wireless transceivers. Moreover, the controller may also be for selectively connecting and disconnecting the at least one other one of the antennas to an unused one of the wireless transceivers.
US08462053B2 Systems and methods for setting a multi-band antenna based on location
The present disclosure includes systems and methods for setting a multi-band tunable antenna, a quad-band antenna, or the like based on location information. Specifically, the present invention may include a mobile computing device, circuitry connected to an antenna, an operational method, and the like where location data is used to set operating frequencies and other parameters in the antenna. The location data may be provided from a wireless base station, from a global position system (GPS), or the like. Advantageously, the present invention simplifies antenna design and operation, allowing use of a tunable dual-band antenna in lieu of conventional quad-band antennas. Further, the present invention includes automated systems and methods for tuning the multi-band tunable antenna without requiring user input.
US08462051B2 Chip antenna and antenna apparatus
A chip antenna and an antenna apparatus, which allow the resonance frequency of the antenna to be set with a high degree of freedom, include a feeding electrode formed on the bottom surface, fourth side surface, and top surface of a dielectric substrate, a non-feeding electrode formed on the bottom surface, third side surface, and top surface of the dielectric substrate, wherein the leading ends of the feeding electrode and the non-feeding electrode are facing each other with a predetermined distance therebetween on the top surface of the dielectric substrate. The chip antenna and antenna apparatus further include a frequency adjusting electrode formed on the first side surface of the dielectric substrate, and ground electrodes connected to ground electrodes of a circuit substrate on which the chip antenna is mounted, wherein the ground electrodes are electrically connected to the frequency adjusting electrode and are formed on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate.
US08462049B2 Apparatus and method for constructing and utilizing a beacon location database
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to associate wireless beacon positions within a building with physical position coordinates. Client device positions within the building are computed based upon the physical position coordinates. The client device positions are aggregated to form a client position database.
US08462048B2 Satellite positioning system and method for determining the demographics of individuals passing retail locations
The present invention is directed to utilizing monitoring devices (200) for determining the demographics of individuals passing a particular retail location. The monitoring devices (200) are distributed to a number of study respondents. The monitoring devices (200) track the movements of the respondents whose demographics are known. While various technologies may be used to track the movements of the respondents, at least some of the location tracking of the monitoring devices (200) utilize a satellite (105) location system such as the global positioning system (“GPS”). Geo data (movement data) collected by the monitoring devices is analyzed by a post-processing server (400) that determines the demographics of the study respondents that pass a chosen retail location.
US08462036B2 Digital-to-analog converter with non-uniform resolution
A circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter with non-uniform resolution for converting a digital signal into an analog signal. The digital-to-analog converter includes high-resolution circuitry, reduced-resolution circuitry coupled to the high-resolution circuitry and a switch coupled to the high-resolution circuitry and to the reduced-resolution circuitry. The switch couples one of the high-resolution circuitry and the reduced-resolution circuitry to an output node. The circuit also includes a decoder coupled to the switch. The decoder receives the digital signal to control the switch.
US08462033B2 Reconfigurable delta-sigma modulator ADC using noise coupling
A reconfigurable analog-to-digital (ADC) modulator structure that includes a plurality of ADC structures being coupled to each other through their respective noise quantization transfer functions. Each ADC structure receives as input an analog signal and each ADC structure outputting a plurality of first output signals. An adder module receives the first output signals and performs addition on the first output signals and generates a second output signal. A division module receives the second output signal and performs division on the second output signal by a predetermined factor.
US08462030B2 Programmable loop filter for use with a sigma delta analog-to-digital converter and method of programming the same
The present invention is directed to a programmable loop filter, a method of programming the same and a sigma delta analog-to-digital converter (ADC) incorporating the programmable loop filter or the method. In one embodiment, the programmable loop filter includes: (1) a configurable filter structure containing selectably interconnectable alternative filter elements and (2) a configuration controller coupled to the configurable filter structure and operable to interconnect at least a selected one of the filter elements to determine a transfer characteristic of the configurable filter structure and set an operating condition of the sigma delta ADC.
US08462027B2 Selective data compression
A method and apparatus are described for determining whether to convey a communication signal in a compressed form along a communication path. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing the communication signal that should be conveyed along said communication path; (ii) determining whether at least part of the communication signal comprises data having a non-random distribution; (iii) if the at least part of the communication signal is determined to comprise data having at least partially a non-random distribution, applying a compression algorithm onto that at least part of the communication signal to form a compressed form of the communication signal provided; and (iv) conveying the communication signal in its compressed form along the communication path.
US08462026B2 Pulse code modulation conversion circuit and method
A circuit includes an enhanced frequency range linear pulse code modulation conversion circuit. The enhanced frequency range linear pulse code modulation conversion circuit is driven by a clock signal within a frequency range. The enhanced frequency range linear pulse code modulation conversion circuit provides enhanced frequency range linear pulse code modulated information. More specifically, the enhanced frequency range linear pulse code modulation conversion circuit is provided by selectively decimating and interpolating non-enhanced frequency range linear pulse code modulated information based on a desired output sampling frequency and the frequency range.
US08462021B2 Apparatus and method for simulating a vehicle tracking device in a vehicle
A simulated vehicle tracking device is installed in a conspicuous location in a vehicle. The simulated vehicle tracking device outwardly resembles the appearance of a functional vehicle tracking device, including one or more indicator lights that turn on to simulate the operation of indicator lights on a functioning vehicle tracking device. An functional vehicle tracking device is installed in an inconspicuous location in the vehicle. A person inclined to disable vehicle tracking will remove or disable the simulated vehicle tracking device instead of the functional vehicle tracking device.
US08462014B1 Meter data management systems, methods, and software with outage management capabilities
The present inventors recognized a need to leverage the data from Advanced Metering Systems (AMIs) in the management of electrical outages. To address this and/or other needs, the present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that not only intelligently filter and communicate AMI outage data to Outage Management Systems (OMSs), but also facilitate communications between OMSs and multiple types of AMI systems. One exemplary system includes an outage management module that receives AMI outage data in the form of “last gasp” messages from meters and determines whether the OMS is already aware of a power outage associated with those meters. If the OMS is already aware of an outage associated with these meters, the outage management module excludes the outage reports from its communications with the OMS, thereby preserving its capacity to handle new outage information and overcoming a significant obstacle to using AMI data within OMSs.
US08462000B2 Infrared control system
An exemplary infrared control system includes an infrared control unit and a computer. The infrared control unit is capable of transmitting an infrared signal. The computer includes an infrared response unit, and the infrared response unit includes an infrared receiving circuit and a control circuit electrically connected to the infrared receiving circuit. The infrared receiving circuit is capable of receiving the infrared signal from the infrared control unit. Accordingly the control circuit is capable of processing the infrared signal from the infrared receiving circuit to generate a corresponding command signal to control the computer to power on/off or reset.
US08461992B2 RFID coupler for metallic implements
An RFID tagged implement assembly includes a metallic implement, and a wireless RFID transponder. The RFID transponder includes a housing; an inductive coupler within the housing, and an RFID chip coupled with the inductive coupler. The inductive coupler is inductively coupled with the metallic implement.
US08461990B2 Device for monitoring a space by series-connected normally-open contacts, in particular cover interlock switches in a security enclosure
A device for monitoring a space by changing a sequence of a serial interconnection of closing contacts, in particular of cover switches in a security housing, having a series circuit variation apparatus, a security cover, at least two closing contacts, and a protective circuit, wherein said at least two closing contacts each have an open, electrically nonconductive state and a closed, electrically conductive state, wherein said security cover is set up to put each of said at least two closing contacts in a closed, electrically conductive state, wherein said protective circuit is set up to detect an opening of at least one of said at least two closing contacts, wherein said series circuit variation apparatus serially interconnects said at least two closing contacts, wherein the sequence of the serial interconnection of said at least two closing contacts can be changed by said series circuit variation apparatus.
US08461985B2 Analyte monitoring system and methods
Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.
US08461978B2 Wireless ultrasound probe asset tracking
A wireless ultrasound probe has a probe case enclosing a transducer array, an acquisition circuit, a transceiver and a battery. The probe also includes a loudspeaker which produces audible sounds as a function of the range between the wireless probe and a host system. When the probe is within a near field range of the host system, the loudspeaker is silent. But if the probe is moved to an intermediate or a far field range from the host system, the loudspeaker sounds an alert. This audible alert can be used to locate the probe by transmitting a paging signal which, upon reception by the probe, causes the probe to sound its alert. If the probe is moved to an unauthorized location where it is within range of a transmitter or receiver, the reception of a signal by the probe, the transmitter, or receiver will sound an alert signaling the unauthorized presence of the wireless probe.
US08461969B2 Dual mode vibrator
A dual mode vibrator is disclosed. There are available two vibrating units to enable obtainment of a variety of vibrations. Each lateral portion of the first and second vibrating units respectively supported by the first and second elastic members is supported by the first and second support bars secured at the housing for rotatable installation. Therefore, although the first and second vibrating units may rotate about the first and second support bars, the first and second vibrating units are not allowed to deviated or disengaged from the first and second support bars, whereby the plastic deformation of the first and second elastic members is prevented, and the first and second vibrating units can be positioned at predetermined positions at all times to enhance reliability of product. Furthermore, each lateral portion of the first and second vibrating units is respectively supported by the first and second elastic members while the other lateral portions of the first and second vibrating units are restrained by a stopper at a predetermined distance or more.
US08461967B2 Device and method for analysing radio-frequency systems
The invention relates to a device for analysing radio-frequency systems. Such a device comprises means for detecting radio-frequency electromagnetic signals, and means for determining at least one analog property of the radio-frequency signal received form the reader. According to the invention, the device further comprises means for producing an electromagnetic excitation signal in order to excite the radio-frequency tag, and means for determining at least one analog property of the return signal received from the radio-frequency tag. The device permits the effective analysis of RFID systems, for example, in system-installation and error-searching situations.
US08461964B2 Communications patching systems with radio frequency identification antenna switching circuits
Communications patching systems may include one or more patch panels, each of which has plurality of connector ports. A plurality of antennas are provided. Each antenna may be associated with a specific connector port. A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) transceiver and a controller are also provided. A switching circuit is coupled between an output of the RFID transceiver and the plurality of antennas. This switching circuit includes a plurality of switches that are configured to selectively couple one of the plurality of antennas to the output of the RFID transceiver under the control of the controller.
US08461958B2 System for monitoring and control of transport containers
The invention comprises a unit and system for remote monitoring and controlling of various conditions in a container during cargo. The system includes a local wireless or cable (wired) network with a local station and access points positioned in the vicinity of location of containers, a remote central station connected with the Internet and a container-mounted means for monitoring and control of reefer equipment, each of which includes a processor (CPU) and a transceiver of wireless local communication, a GPS-receiver and a transceiver of cellular communication (with all of them being connected to the said processor). In addition the processor (CPU) of the device is connected to the controller of reefer equipment, while the transceiver of wireless local communication is made so that the creation of Personal Area Network (PAN) with mobile electronic devices (e.g., Notebook, Pocket PC, PDA) is possible, and establishment of wireless communication with a communication gateway of the said local network is also possible.
US08461956B2 Over-current protection device
An over-current protection device includes a first conductive member, a second conductive member, a resistive device and a temperature sensing switch. The first conductive member includes a first electrode foil and a second electrode foil those are formed on a same plane. The resistive device is laminated between the first conductive member and the second conductive member and exhibits positive temperature coefficient or negative temperature coefficient behavior. The temperature sensing switch can switch the first electrode foil and the second electrode foil between electrically conductive status and current-restriction status, e.g., open circuit, according to temperature variation. The threshold temperature of the temperature sensing switch is lower than the trip temperature of the resistive device.
US08461952B1 Field emission system and method
An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.
US08461949B2 Capillary force actuator device and related method of applications
An actuator capable of generates force by leveraging the changes in capillary pressure and surface tension that result from the application of an electrical potential. The device, which will be referred to as a Capillary Force Actuator (CFA), and related methods, employs a conducting liquid bridge between two (or more) surfaces, at least one of which contains dielectric-covered electrodes, and operates according to the principles of electrowetting on dielectric.
US08461947B2 Installation switching device
An installation switching device which rapidly disconnects short-circuit currents is provided. A contact lever is arranged at least partially in an air gap in a magnetic circuit such that, in case of a short circuit, the interaction between current flow and magnetic flux within the air gap can result in an electrodynamic force effect, which leads to rapid opening of at least one contact point. A switching mechanism acts via a first operating connecting line on the contact lever to open the contact point and/or to keep it open. In case of overcurrent tripping, an overcurrent release acts, by a switching mechanism and via a second operating connecting line, on the switching mechanism to open the contact point and keep it open. In case of short-circuit tripping, the contact lever acts via a third operating connecting line on the switching mechanism to keep the contact point open.
US08461935B2 Hybrid system having a non-MEMS device and a MEMS device
A hybrid system having a non-MEMS device and a MEMS device is described. The apparatus includes a non-MEMS device and an integrated circuit including a MEMS device, the integrated circuit formed on a substrate. The integrated circuit includes a control circuit for the non-MEMS device and a MEMS control circuit for the MEMS device.
US08461931B1 Wideband RF power amplifier for multi-mode multi-band applications
A Multi-Mode Multi-Band (MMMB) radio frequency (RF) power amplifier circuit operating at multiple frequency bands. The power amplifier circuit comprises a single wideband power amplifier having high output impedance which is configured to be equal to a load impedance of the load connected to the power amplifier circuit. A bias voltage applied to the wideband power amplifier is changed from a first value to a second value to provide a predetermined output power of the wideband power amplifier to the load with the output impedance of wideband power amplifier being equal to the load impedance. The power amplifier circuit also includes an individual harmonic filter for filtering each frequency band independently.
US08461922B2 Offset component cancelation method and circuit
Techniques are disclosed for canceling an offset component (e.g., dc component or dc offset) in an amplifier circuit. For example, an apparatus comprises an amplifier circuit with an amplifier element and a feedback resistor network coupled between an output of the amplifier element and an input of the amplifier element. The apparatus also comprises a current source coupled to the feedback resistor network, the current source generating a current signal that generates a voltage in a first portion of the feedback resistor network that cancels an offset component present in an input signal received by the amplifier circuit. A second portion of the feedback resistor network may be adjustable so that a gain applied to the input signal is adjustable while the offset component is canceled from the input signal. One or more resistors in the feedback resistor network may be composed of the same or substantially similar material as one or more resistors associated with the current source. In such case, the voltage generated in the first portion of the feedback resistor network that cancels the offset component present in the input signal received by the amplifier circuit is independent of a temperature variation and/or a process variation.
US08461910B2 High efficiency negative regulated charge-pump
A charge-pump circuit includes at least one flying capacitor stage having a capacitor with a first terminal selectively coupled between a negative voltage input through a first electronic switch and a negative voltage output through a second electronic switch. A second terminal of the capacitor is selectively coupled between a fixed voltage node through a third electronic switch and an error signal input through a fourth electronic switch. A positive voltage source is coupled to the negative voltage output through a feedback network. A feedback amplifier having an error signal output, a reference voltage input, and a feedback input is coupled to the feedback network. A switch controller having a first clock output drives the first electronic switch and the third electronic switch, while a second clock output drives the second electronic switch and the fourth electronic switch.
US08461902B2 Multiplexer circuit with load balanced fanout characteristics
A multiplexer (MUX) circuit with balanced select line loading is provided. The MUX circuit includes a plurality of 2:1 MUX units coupled together in a multistage cascading arrangement, along with a selection module coupled to the MUX units. The MUX units are arranged in an initial MUX stage, at least one intermediate MUX stage coupled to and following the initial MUX stage, and a final MUX stage coupled to and following the at least one intermediate MUX stage. Each MUX unit is controlled with a respective select bit input value provided by the selection module. The selection module controls the operation of the MUX units in the initial MUX stage with a first plurality of different select bits, controls the operation of the MUX units in the at least one intermediate MUX stage with a second plurality of different select bits, and controls the operation of the final MUX stage with a devoted select bit.
US08461901B1 Harmonic reject mixer with active phase mismatch compensation in the local oscillator path
A harmonic rejection mixer having a phase rotator fed by a local oscillator signal. The local oscillator signal has a reference frequency. The phase rotator produces a plurality of output signals, each one of the signals having a common frequency related to the reference frequency and having different relative phase shifts. A plurality of mixer sections, each one of the sections being fed an input signal and a corresponding one of the plurality of output signals mixes the local oscillator signal with the corresponding one of the plurality of output signals fed thereto. A combiner combines the mixer signal from the plurality of mixer sections into a composite output signal. A detector detects energy in a harmonic of the composite signal and for adjusting the output signal of the phase rotator to reduce the selected harmonic of the composite signal.
US08461895B2 Per die temperature programming for thermally efficient integrated circuit (IC) operation
Methods and apparatus to provide per die temperature programming for thermally efficient integrated circuit (IC) operation are described. In some embodiments, the junction temperature of an IC component is determined, e.g., to reduce power consumption and/or improve performance. Other embodiments are also described.
US08461892B1 Interpolation circuit and interpolation system
An interpolation circuit, includes a bias generating module, a load module consisting of a current source sub-module and a load resistance sub-module, first and second clock control modules, and an output module. The first clock control module includes a first input sub-module, a first source terminal negative feedback sub-module, a first multiplex switch sub-module and a first multiplex current sink sub-module. The bias generating module includes first, second and third FETs, and a bias current terminal. The current source sub-module includes fourth and fifth FETs. The load resistance sub-module includes first and second resistors. The first input sub-module includes sixth and seventh FETs. The first source terminal negative feedback sub-module includes a third resistor and a first capacitor. The first multiplex switch sub-module includes first and second groups of switches. The first multiplex current sink sub-module includes first and second groups of FETs. An interpolation system is further provided.
US08461891B1 Voltage compensated integrated circuits
A method and system of voltage compensated integrated circuits. Operating characteristics of integrated circuitry are enhanced by application of voltage compensation.
US08461890B1 Phase and/or frequency detector, phase-locked loop and operation method for the phase-locked loop
The present invention provides a phase and/or frequency detector, a PLL and an operation method for the PLL. The phase and/or frequency detector comprises two flip-flops, a logic gate, a control circuit and a delay circuit. The clock-input terminals of the two flip-flops receive a reference signal and a frequency-divided signal respectively. The logic gate receives signals outputted from the data-output terminals of the two flip-flops. The control circuit is configured for generating a corresponding delay control signal according to an oscillating frequency of an oscillating signal outputted from the PLL. The delay circuit is configured for altering a prolonged period according to the delay control signal to output a reset signal to the reset terminals of the two flip-flops.
US08461884B2 Programmable delay circuit providing for a wide span of delays
According to an aspect of the present invention, one of multiple clock signals of different relative phases is selected based on a desired delay magnitude, and the digital values received on an input signal are then synchronized to an edge (“first edge”) of the selected clock signal to provide the digital values with the desired delay magnitude. In an embodiment, the selected clock signal can be delayed by a fine value (less than the minimum phase difference of the multiple clock signals) to provide a wide span of desired delays. An aspect of the invention provides for a synchronization circuit with reduced latency and which is substantially invariant to process, voltage and temperature (PVT) changes.
US08461881B2 High power, high speed solid state relay
Electrically isolating the gate terminals of a pair of semiconductor output devices increases the switching speed of a solid state relay. A time delay enables tuning of the isolated gate circuits facilitating simultaneous operation of the output devices.
US08461875B1 Digital circuits having improved transistors, and methods therefor
Digital circuits are disclosed that may include multiple transistors having controllable current paths coupled between first and second logic nodes. One or more of the transistors may have a deeply depleted channel formed below its gate that includes a substantially undoped channel region formed over a relatively highly doped screen layer formed over a doped body region. Resulting reductions in threshold voltage variation may improve digital circuit performance. Logic circuit, static random access memory (SRAM) cell, and passgate embodiments are disclosed.
US08461865B2 Logic built-in self-test system and method for applying a logic built-in self-test to a device under test
A logic built-in self test (LBIST) system comprises a device under test having a first plurality of first bistable multivibrator circuits an LBIST controller, and a second plurality of second bistable multivibrator circuits. Each second bistable multivibrator circuit is coupled to a corresponding first bistable multivibrator circuit to swap a second state value kept by the second bistable multivibrator circuit with a first state value kept by the corresponding first bistable multivibrator circuit depending on a first control signal from the LBIST controller and the second bistable multivibrator circuits are coupled to form one or more scan chains when receiving a second control signal from the LBIST controller.
US08461862B2 Quantum processor
One embodiment of the invention includes a quantum processor system. The quantum processor system includes a first resonator having a first characteristic frequency and a second resonator having a second characteristic frequency greater than the first characteristic frequency. A qubit cell is coupled to each of the first resonator and the second resonator. The qubit cell has a frequency tunable over a range of frequencies including the first characteristic frequency and the second characteristic frequency. A classical control mechanism is configured to tune the frequency of the qubit cell as to transfer quantum information between the first resonator and the second resonator.
US08461858B1 Adjustable power supply sag and bounce generator
Adjustable positive voltage sag circuitry and adjustable ground bounce circuitry are provided for testing portions of integrated circuits. Adjustable positive voltage sag circuitry and adjustable ground bounce circuitry may provide positive power supply voltages with periodic sags and ground power supply voltages with periodic bounces to test a circuit under test. This may mimic a situation in which a circuit under test is surrounded by devices that switch simultaneously and consume power. Adjustable positive voltage sag circuitry and adjustable ground bounce circuitry allow for a circuit under test to be tested for robustness under such non-ideal power supply conditions.
US08461856B2 Interface test device and method for using the interface
A monitored test block for use in medium and high voltage electrical monitoring circuits such as found in substation facilities that signals via a communication protocol the operational status of potential, current and signal secondary circuits when connected to protection and monitoring devices (or test devices) such as protective relays, fault recorders or any other monitoring and controlling device. The monitored test block includes various safety features to prevent damage to the equipment or harm to a technician. The monitoring circuits may be located in the front for ease of access.
US08461847B2 Electrical interconnect status monitoring system
Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include basic, ASIC, AC, DC, and RF monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system.
US08461835B2 Current sensor
A current sensor includes a magnetic equilibrium sensor including a magnetic sensor element with characteristics changed by an inductive magnetic field from a measurement target current and a feedback coil provided in the vicinity of the magnetic sensor element and generating a canceling magnetic field canceling the inductive magnetic field, a shunt resistor connected to a current line through which the measurement target current flows, and a switching unit switching between shunt resistor detection of sensing and outputting a voltage difference of the shunt resistor, and magnetic equilibrium detection of sensing and outputting a current flowing in the feedback coil in an equilibrium state where current flows in the feedback coil according to the inductive magnetic field and the inductive magnetic field and the canceling magnetic field cancel each other.
US08461831B2 Flow tracking in block caving mining
The invention provides a method and system for monitoring the flow of ore in block cave mining operations by inserting an active magnetic beacon 1 into an ore body 22 and generating an alternating magnetic signal with the beacon 1. The ore is monitored with a magnetometer (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to detect the magnetic flux emitted by the beacon 1 thereby determining a position of the beacon. Successive recordings of the position of the magnetic beacon are taken as it moves along with the ore as it “caves”. In this way, flow patterns of the ore may be revealed.
US08461828B2 Wheel speed detecting device
A wheel speed detecting device includes a countermeasure against the entrance of muddy water. An annular recess groove is provided in an outer circumference of an end portion of a hub on a sensor side. A cup-shaped flange portion extends from the sensor supporting member with the flange portion covering the annular recess groove while maintaining a predetermined gap T1 between the flange portion and the outer circumference of the end portion of the hub. Muddy water heads toward a multi-pole magnet ring by running through the gap T1 formed between the flange portion and the outer circumference of the hub. However, the entrance of muddy water can be effectively prevented by making the gap T1 small. Thus, muddy water that enters the gap T1 is trapped in the annular recess groove.
US08461809B2 Power conditioning unit
The present invention relates to a power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac output, particularly ac voltages greater than 50 volts, either for connecting directly to a grid utility supply, or for powering mains devices independent from the mains utility supply. We describe a power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac mains output, the power conditioning unit comprising an input for receiving power from said dc power source, an output for delivering ac power, an energy storage capacitor, a dc-to-dc converter having an input connection coupled to said input and an output connection coupled to the energy storage capacitor, and a dc-to-ac converter having an input connection coupled to said energy storage capacitor and an output connection coupled to said output, wherein said energy storage capacitor has a capacitance of less than twenty microfarads.
US08461803B2 Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods
A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.
US08461802B2 Wireless driver system
A wireless driver system includes a mobile power supply module consisting of a transmitter-receiver coil, a resonant circuit, a charging circuit assembly, a power supply circuit assembly, a signal generator circuit, a power storage unit, a microprocessor and a voltage sensing circuit and controllable to transmit an electrical energy and a control signal wirelessly to a driver, and a driver consisting of a receiver coil, a resonant circuit, a signal sensing circuit, a power-receiving circuit, a microprocessor, a motor driver circuit and a driving mechanism and adapted for receiving the electrical energy and control signal from the mobile power supply module for switching the driving mechanism between two opposing positions.
US08461801B2 Wireless charging jacket cover combined with a battery and wireless charging system thereof
A wireless charging jacket combined with a battery includes an induction coil, a control circuit, an isolation gasket, at least one conductive terminal, and a package material. The induction coil transforms an electromagnetic wave into an electrical energy. The control circuit performs a wireless charging operation upon the battery by using the electrical energy transformed by the induction coil. The isolation gasket is used for isolating the electromagnetic wave. The conductive terminal is coupled to the control circuit, wherein the wireless charging jacket performs the wireless charging operation upon the battery via the conductive terminal. The package material at least partially covers the battery, such that the battery is installed in the wireless charging jacket. The induction coil, the control circuit, the isolation gasket, and the conductive terminal are disposed on the package material.
US08461798B2 Apparatus and method for extracting maximum power from solar cell by changing the duty cycle of a pulse width modulation signal
An apparatus and method for extracting maximum power from a solar cell are provided. The apparatus includes a solar cell for producing power from solar energy, a maximum power extractor for generating a pulse width modulation signal for extracting the maximum power from the solar cell, and a DC-DC converter for adjusting an amount of current generated from the solar cell according to the pulse width modulation signal.
US08461797B2 Current direction detection module
The invention discloses a current direction detection module including a conversion unit, a bridge unit and an operation unit. The conversion unit has primary and secondary sides, wherein the secondary side has first and second ends. The bridge unit has first, second, third and fourth rectifying elements and first, second, third and fourth nodes. Each rectifying element has an anode and a cathode. The anode of the first rectifying element is coupled to the fourth rectifying element. The anode of the second rectifying element is coupled to the first rectifying element. The anode of the third rectifying element is coupled to the second rectifying element. The anode of the fourth rectifying element is coupled to the third rectifying element. The first and second nodes are coupled to the first and second ends. The operation unit amplifies two bridge voltages at the third and fourth nodes and outputs an operation voltage.
US08461793B2 Motor load control apparatus
A motor load control apparatus capable of suppressing heat generation of an electronic switch and suppressing occurrence of noise associated with rotation of a fan and vibration of the fan is provided. A switch section (17) in which a first electronic switch (T1) and a second electronic switch (T2) are connected in parallel is provided, and the first electronic switch (T1) is driven by a PWM signal with a predetermined duty ratio and a predetermined frequency and the second electronic switch (T2) is driven in a state of delaying the PWM signal by which the first electronic switch (T1) is driven by a predetermined time. Consequently, as compared with the case of one electronic switch, a heating value of each of the electronic switches can be reduced and radiation measures of the whole apparatus can be reduced. Further, noise or vibration occurring by PWM control can be reduced by changing delay time at random.
US08461792B2 Pulse width modulation fan controller
A pulse width modulation (PWM) fan controller includes a sensor, a generator, a selector, and a multiplexer. The sensor is configured for sensing a current temperature of an electronic device. The generator is configured for generating different PWM signals, each of which is suitable for regulating the rotational speed of a fan for dissipating heat for the electronic device of a corresponding temperature. The selector is configured for generating a selection control signal based upon the current temperature of the electronic device. The selection control signal is used for selecting a PWM signal corresponding to the current temperature of the electronic device from the PWM signals from the generator. The multiplexer is configured for performing the selection of the PWM signal.
US08461786B2 Method and device for determining the position of a mobile closing part of a vehicle
In a method and a device for determining the position of a closing part of a vehicle, that can be moved by a direct-current motor, a motor current signal is derived from the direct-current motor and converted into a digital signal by an analog-digital converter. The signal is filtered and forwarded to a position counter for counting the current ripple. The scanning frequency of the analog-digital converter is modified according to the rotational speed of the direct-current motor.
US08461784B2 Programmable motor for window coverings
An architectural window covering having a programmable electric motor is disclosed. The architectural window covering includes a head rail comprising at least one cavity, a shade coupled to the head rail, a bottom rail coupled to the shade, and at least two tandem stacked motors coupled to the shade via a drive rail such that the at least two motors fit within the at least one cavity of the head rail.
US08461772B2 High pressure discharge lamp ballast and light source apparatus
A high pressure discharge lamp ballast performs driving with a synthesized current waveform comprising a combination of first and second sets of current waveforms. The ballast controls content rates of each of the sets per unit time; detects a rotation synchronization signal for a color wheel; applies a synthesized current waveform in accordance with the synchronization signal and the content rates to a high pressure discharge lamp; and detects a lamp voltage. A period of each of the first and second sets equals to one rotation of the color wheel. The number of inversions of the second set is larger than that of the first set. The content rate of the second set is set to RL% when the lamp voltage exceeds a value V, and the content rate of the second set is set to RH% when lamp voltage falls below a value V′.
US08461766B2 Driver circuit with primary side state estimator for inferred output current feedback sensing
An LED driver circuit and an isolated DC-DC converter therefor are presented, in which a primary side state estimator circuit is provided for inferred output current sensing for closed loop control of pulse width modulated flyback or buck converters. Specifically, the estimator circuit includes a capacitance having a first terminal coupled to a comparator input of a pulse width modulation controller, and a second terminal coupled to an error input of an error amplifier, and a switching device having a first power terminal coupled to the second terminal of the capacitance, a second power terminal coupled to the circuit ground, and a control input terminal coupled to a drive output of the pulse width modulation controller.
US08461762B2 Apparatus for magnetic and electrostatic confinement of plasma
An apparatus and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.
US08461745B2 Piezoceramic surface actuator and method for the production thereof
A piezoceramic surface actuator comprising multilayer plates each having a plurality of piezoceramic plates separated from one another by in each case a positive or negative electrode. The positive and negative electrodes alternate and are constructed integrally with the piezoceramic plates, and have collector electrode surfaces for the positive and negative electrodes, which are connected to the associated positive or negative electrodes in a conducting manner and are arranged on two exterior sides of the surface actuator that are opposite from one another. The multilayer plates are plate-shaped and have a much greater width of the piezoceramic plates, defined by the distance between the opposite collector electrode surfaces, than the thickness of the multilayer plates. The collector electrode surface in each case contacts the positive or negative electrodes of the neighboring multilayer plates.
US08461737B2 Permanent-magnet (PM) rotors and systems
Line-start permanent-magnet (LSPM) rotors, rotor components, and machines using LSPM rotors, where the PM rotors have PM bulks in W-like shapes, vent openings between PM bulks, and/or air gaps at ends of PM bulks in the W-like shapes.
US08461735B2 Magnetically levitated and controlled body of revolution
The invention relates to a body of revolution, in particular for a centrifugal, which comprises a rotator, an electric motor with a stator and a rotor wherein said latter is fixed to the rotator for rotational movement therewith, a support to which the stator of the electric motor is attached and a bearing unit for rotational arrangement of the rotor around an axis of rotation which comprises at least one bearing adapted to coact with an electromagnetic stabilizer unit in such a way that disturbing forces and/or disturbing vibrations of the rotator are counteracted and/or compensated.
US08461730B2 Radial flux permanent magnet alternator with dielectric stator block
An energy conversion system is described and includes a cylindrical rotor having a mass and multiple magnets affixed on an outer face thereof; a cylindrical stator including a dielectric cylinder wound with copper wire in a predetermined configuration, the cylindrical rotor being placed within the cylindrical stator; and a rotatable shaft for rotating the rotor, the rotatable shaft being placed in the center of the cylindrical rotor. The system harvests environmental energy for lower power generation and accounts for non-mechanical sources of rotational resistance within the generator.
US08461723B2 Non-contact electric power transmission circuit
A non-contact electric power transmission circuit according to an embodiment of the invention includes an electric power transmission circuit and an electric power receiving circuit. The electric power transmission circuit includes a full bridge circuit and a resonant type full bridge circuit. A direct-current power supply is used as an input of the full bridge circuit, the full bridge circuit includes two sets of switching elements, two switching elements being connected in series in each set of the switching elements, a drive circuit alternately feeds a pulse signal to gates of the switching elements to perform switching of the direct-current input in the full bridge circuit, and a serial resonant circuit of a resonant capacitor and an electric power transmission coil is connected to an output of the full bridge circuit in the resonant type full bridge circuit. The electric power receiving circuit includes an electric power receiving coil and a rectifying and smoothing circuit. The electric power receiving coil is electromagnetically coupled to the electric power transmission coil, and the rectifying and smoothing circuit rectifies an output of the electric power receiving coil. In the non-contact electric power transmission circuit, a push-pull output PWM control circuit is provided in the drive circuit that controls the full bridge circuit, and only one of the switching elements in each set of switching elements performs a regenerative operation. Therefore, a non-contact electric power transmission circuit in which the resonant type full bridge circuit can be controlled by PWM control at a level similar to that of a phase shift operation can be provided.