Document Document Title
US08573002B2 Portable cooler
A portable cooler has a thermally isolating outer shell defining an internal compartment for holding contents to be kept cool, such as, for example, food, drinks and temperature-sensitive medicine. The portable cooler has a door connected to the outer shell for providing unrestricted access to the internal compartment. The portable cooler may have a shelf for holding a cold gel pack to help keep the contents cool. The cooler may also have a plurality of dividers (that are optionally reconfigurable) for defining variously sized storage spaces for the contents. The cooler may have an aesthetically pleasing curved outer shell and an adjustable shoulder strap so that the cooler can be carried on a person's shoulder. Because the cooler is easy and comfortable to carry and because its large swing-open door provides full and quick access to its contents, this cooler is more ergonomic and aesthetic than traditional designs.
US08572999B2 Refrigerator
An ice maker is installed at a refrigerating chamber, and an ice bank is installed at a door of the refrigerating chamber. A cooling air duct extends along a wall surface of the refrigerating chamber and is positioned on an upper side of the ice bank so that ice stored in the inside of an ice bank is prevented from sticking to each other due to the melting of ice.
US08572981B2 Self-oscillating fuel injection jets
A combustor structure includes a combustor fuel-air mixing apparatus having a mainstream airflow region. One or more concavities are disposed within the mainstream airflow region of the fuel-air mixing apparatus. At least one fuel injection hole is disposed within an upstream base region of at least one concavity. Passing a stream of air through the main airflow region causes fuel injected into the upstream base region of at least one concavity to passively mix with a naturally oscillating vortex of air within the concavity.
US08572964B2 Method for recuperating energy from an exhaust gas flow and motor vehicle
In a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine providing a hot exhaust gas flow which is used as heat source for a Clausius-Rankine cycle process, wherein a pump is provided in the cycle for pumping, pressurizing and circulating an operating fluid, the pumping operation is controlled by a controller depending on the exhaust gas mass flow through an evaporator and possibly also the exhaust gas temperature to vaporize the operating fluid and expanding the vapor under pressure in an expander while generating energy. The vapor is condensed in a condenser to form a condensate which is again returned to the pump.
US08572951B2 System and method for regenerating a particulate filter
Various methods and systems are provided for a vehicle with an engine. In one example, a method includes identifying an approaching tunnel. The method further includes, responsive to a particulate load of a particulate filter, the particulate filter disposed in an exhaust treatment system of an engine of the vehicle, initiating regeneration of the particulate filter at a selected distance before the tunnel such that regeneration is performed before the vehicle enters the tunnel.
US08572948B1 Rocket engine propulsion system
A rocket propulsion system having a liquid fuel tank and a liquid oxidizer tank, where a liquid inert gas tank supplies liquid inert gas to a liquid inert gas pump driven by a turbine of the engine to pressurize the liquid inert gas, which is passed through a heat exchanger around the nozzle to vaporize the inert gas, that is then used to pressurize the liquid oxidizer tank so that a liquid oxidizer pump is not needed, or to pressurize both the liquid oxidizer tank and the liquid fuel tank so that a liquid oxidizer pump and a liquid fuel pump are not needed in the rocket engine.
US08572945B2 High voltage multiple phase power supply
To explore deeper expanses of space, rocket ships need rockets that can last twice as long as conventional rockets. Modern rockets use the electric field to attract and accelerate charged particles out and away from the combustion chamber. Space qualified components to increase the electric field are difficult to obtain. Various embodiments of the present subject matter use multiple phases of an input signal into the power supply to cause the output DC voltage signal to be substantially smooth. These smoother signals reduce the voltage requirements of the output diodes and capacitors thereby making them easier to obtain.
US08572939B2 Working vehicle
A riding work vehicle that includes a running electric motor unit running and driving a driving wheel unit; a speed setting operation unit operated by a driver to set a target running speed; a working electric motor driving a work device that performs work on a worked object around a vehicle body corresponding to running of the vehicle body; and an exceptional speed controller that performs exceptional speed control to control the running electric motor unit at an exceptional speed lower than the target running speed in a case where load of the working electric motor evaluated by a work load evaluator that evaluates load of the working electric motor is abnormal load higher than a threshold value.
US08572936B2 Sealing jaw for producing sealed packages of a food product
A sealing jaw for producing sealed packages of a food product from a tube of packaging material fed along a path, the jaw having a first work surface which interacts with a second work surface on a counter-jaw to grip the packaging material and form a sealing strip crosswise to the path. One of the jaw and counter-jaw defines an anvil, and the other defines a heating device which interacts with the anvil to form the strip. The first surface has at least two projections elongated along respective first axes, and which, when forming the strip, compress respective areas of the packaging material against the second surface; and at least one cavity which extends along one of the first axes, is interposed between the projections along a second axis crosswise to the first axis, and is located laterally with respect to a central plane of the first work surface.
US08572935B2 Assemblage of and method of assembling reams of paper on a pallet
An assemblage of reams of paper includes a plurality of layers of reams of paper. The plurality of layers includes a first layer having a first arrangement of reams, a second layer having a second arrangement of reams disposed on top of the first layer, and a third layer having a third arrangement of reams disposed on top of the second layer. The second arrangement is different from the first arrangement so as to form interlocking first and second layers, and the third arrangement is different from the second arrangement, so as to form interlocking second and third layers.
US08572932B2 Method and apparatus for making a flat bottom pillow pouch
The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.
US08572929B2 Window or door element
In the case of a window or door element (1) having a metal frame and an insulated glass pane (7) inserted into the frame (2), a solution is to be created, with which such window or door elements can be produced without requiring cold-forming, extrusion production of light-metal profiles, or another form of production of the frame elements. This is achieved in that the outer and/or inner surface of the frame (2) is formed, in each instance, by a flat metal frame (4, 5), wherein an insulation body (3) is positioned between the frame elements (4, 5), using sandwich construction.
US08572928B2 System for erecting structures and support profile
A system for erecting structures, includes at least one support profile and at least one clamping profile. The clamping profile is attachable to a lateral face of the support profile and has at least one laterally open first groove, which, in the state of the clamping profile attached to the lateral face, extends parallel to the lateral face of the support profile in relation to its longitudinal direction.
US08572927B1 Method and apparatus for applying lippage reducing forces to an array of adjacent tiles
A tile aligning and leveling method and system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.
US08572923B2 Removable mid-section production floorboard
A removable flooring system includes modular floorboard panels having one or more latches, placed on longitudinal support structures having mating locking disks, so that the floorboard panels can be readily secured to the longitudinal support structure. In one embodiment, the floorboard panel comprises a top skin, a frame, and a bottom skin. Two latches may be located in the panel, where each latches comprise a latch handle, a moveable cam, and a board disk. The locking disk is affixed to the longitudinal support structure, and is designed to receive the board disk. The latch can be rotated so the cam readily engages and disengages with the locking disk. To use the system, a plurality of longitudinal support structures are placed in a plane, and a plurality of floorboard panels are placed over the longitudinal support structure, and affixed by rotating the cam in the latch.
US08572921B2 One piece hip and ridge shingle
The invention provides a one piece shingle for use on roof ridges and hips. Shingles of the invention are preferably formed from synthetic materials and preferably comprise a blend of high and low molecular weight polyethylene resins. The unique blend of materials provides a shingle that is both strong while retaining sufficient flexibility to permit the shingle to bend to accommodate a variety of pitches at a ridge or hip. Unique features of the shape and structure of the shingle also make it particularly suited to hip and ridge applications. Furthermore, methods of manufacturing hip and ridge shingles are also disclosed.
US08572911B1 Inflatable structure with internal support
The subject invention relates to a protective window covering system comprising a conventional building window having a window frame and an inflatable protective window covering, wherein multiple hooks are mounted around the perimeter of the window frame, wherein the inflatable protective window covering is comprised of a single, uninterrupted inner cavity and walls wherein the walls of the protective covering enclose the inner space of the protective covering, and wherein the walls of the protective covering include at least two rows of fibers extending throughout at an angle that is offset by 15° to 75°, and a securing means wherein the securing means attaches loosely to the window frame in an uninflated state, wherein inflation of the protective covering applies tension to the securing mechanism thereby securing the protective covering.
US08572887B2 Collapsible luring dredge device
A collapsible luring dredge device includes a hub assembly having a plurality of separate hub sections each adapted to hold an extended spreader bar and together joined into a stacked unit assembled along a central axis with a pair of spring-loaded detents disposed within the stacked unit on opposite sides of the central axis. Inner surfaces of the hub sections at each end of the hub assembly are formed with a plurality of concave cavities arranged in a circular pattern intended to engage the detents as the hub sections are selectively rotated about the central axis. The hub assembly may thus be moved through a set of registered positions between a deployed configuration wherein the spreader bars are maintained in a substantially radial pattern for trolling use and a folded configuration wherein the bars are substantially aligned for storage.
US08572884B1 Surrogate lower receiver
This surrogate lower receiver tool makes it possible to retract the slip ring element on a conventional M16/M4 family weapon when the hand guards must be removed or reinserted. As will be appreciated by those in the gun repair trade, in the disassembly or reassembly of such weapons the handling of the slip ring element is often a manually challenging and painstaking activity. This disclosed tool handily is an assist in such activities. The surrogate lower receiver tool makes it possible to remove and install hand guards without a lower receiver being installed on the firearm, thus avoiding the risk of damage to or loss of the lower receiver.
US08572881B2 Modular firearm accessory mount
A modular system for mounting firearm accessories includes a first accessory mounting member attachable directly to the firearm accessory and a second firearm mounting member to which first accessory mounting member may be removably joined. The first and second mounting members are frictionally engaged with interlocking barb(s) and a retention pin. One or more of barbs project from the first mounting member, each having a substantially rounded tip and a tapered or gradually decreasing diameter shaft, and are received within a complementary shaped aperture on the second mounting member. A retention pin disposed within a transverse channel in the second mounting member, and having corresponding area(s) of reduced diameter along the shaft thereof, is removably secured against the barb(s) at a right angle thereto when the barbs are received within the second mounting member, frictionally securing the two members together. The first mounting member may have various shapes and configurations, as well as attachment mechanisms, for securing a firearm accessory directly thereto prior to its engagement with the second mounting member on the firearm.
US08572880B2 Firearm trigger group
In at least one embodiment, a firearm trigger group comprises a trigger arranged to pivot on a trigger axis and a hammer arranged to pivot on a hammer axis. A hammer biasing member is arranged to bias the hammer in a predetermined rotational direction. A secondary biasing member is also arranged to bias the hammer. The hammer is moveable from a first position to a second position upon actuation of the trigger. The secondary biasing member counteracts the hammer biasing member in the first position, and cooperates with the hammer biasing member in the second position.
US08572876B2 Systems and methods for detecting use of an electronic control device
A system detects that an electronic control device for inhibiting use of skeletal muscles by a human or animal target has been used. The system includes a radio receiver and a circuit. The electronic control device causes a radio signal when used. The circuit detects a plurality of properties of a received radio signal and outputs a signal in response to comparing the received properties to expected properties.
US08572862B2 Open-loop heat-recovery dryer
A drying apparatus is disclosed that includes a drum and an open-loop airflow pathway originating at an ambient air inlet, passing through the drum, and terminating at an exhaust outlet. A passive heat exchanger is included for passively transferring heat from air flowing from the drum toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the ambient air inlet toward the drum. A heat pump is also included for actively transferring heat from air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the drum. A heating element is also included for further heating air flowing from the heat pump toward the drum.
US08572859B2 Golf club measurement device
A portable golf club face measurement device, which accurately and quickly measures data regarding, for example, the orientation of the golf club face relative to the shaft and the orientation of the golf club face relative to a point located on the toe of the club, is disclosed herein. The measurement device has a face probe, a retaining arm, at least one gauge, and at least one clamp.
US08572858B2 Portable coordinate measurement machine having a removable external sensor
A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is provided. The coordinate measurement machine includes a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends. The articulated arm includes a plurality of arm segments, each including encoder configured to produce a signal corresponding to an angle of rotation. A base section is connected to the second end. A measurement probe is connected to the first end. The measurement probe receives an externally mounted sensor having an attachment ring, the measurement probe having an alignment surface and external threading. A retaining ring having internal threading is threadably receives the external threading; the retaining ring further couples the attachment ring to the surface. An electrical circuit is configured to receive the signal and to provide data corresponding to a coordinate of the externally mounted sensor, the data based at least in part on the signal.
US08572854B2 Cutting tool
A cutting tool includes: a plurality of shaft parts having blades at respective one ends and projections at the other ends; a shaft-receiving part having cylindrical parts fitting to portions of the shaft parts; a guide part having projection-receiving parts extending in one direction, respectively; and stretchable elastic bodies positioned between the blades and the shaft-receiving part, wherein the projections are movably fitted to the respective projection-receiving parts.
US08572850B2 Carpet knife
A carpet knife having a housing, an active blade installed in the housing, and a blade clamping means having a clamping cover and a thumb screw. The housing has a thumb screw hole, a pin hole, at least one side guiding groove, and an active blade installation bar. The clamping cover has at least one side guiding bar having a wedge outer surface, and a rear eccentric guiding groove. The thumb screw has a head having an under surface and a shank formed on the under surface. The head has a pin formed on the under surface thereof which is able to enter and move in the rear eccentric guiding groove.
US08572848B2 Method for manufacturing dental implant
A method for manufacturing a dental implant including an abutment is manufactured through the following steps. A titanium molded body production step molds a titanium molded body composition to obtain a titanium molded body having one of male and female thread portions. A ceramic molded body production step molds a ceramic molded body composition to obtain a ceramic molded body having the other thread portion which makes thread coupling with the one thread portion. An assembling step assembles the titanium molded body and the ceramic molded body together so that the one thread portion makes thread coupling with the other thread portion, to obtain an assembled body. A degreasing step degreases the assembled body. A sintering step sinters the degreased assembled body.
US08572846B2 Hoop-stress controlled shrinking for exhaust component
A method for assembling an exhaust component includes providing a substrate assembly with a substrate body and a mat wrapped around the substrate body. A gauging system is used to determine a hoop stress for the substrate assembly and is used to predict a shrinking diameter for an outer shell that is to receive the substrate assembly based on the hoop stress.
US08572842B2 Method for thermally enhancing injection of power cables
A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of at least one in-service electrical cable section having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor. The method includes filling the interstitial void volume with at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid and then confining the fluid within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure greater than about 50 psig, with the pressure being imposed along the entire length of the cable section and being below the elastic limit of the insulation jacket. The cable section is heated by imposing a potential of no more than about 500 volts across the conductor during at least a portion of the time required to complete the other described steps.
US08572839B2 Fabrication method for multi-piece board
A fabrication method for a multi-piece board having a frame part and multi piece parts each having a printed wiring board includes producing the frame part having a first coupling portion, and the multi-piece parts including piece parts each having a second coupling portion coupled to the first coupling portion at a production panel with at least the frame part and the piece parts being separated from each other, separating the frame part and the multi-piece parts from the production panel, and coupling the first coupling portion to the second coupling portion to couple the frame part and the piece parts and combine the frame part and the multi piece parts so as to yield the multi-piece board.
US08572833B2 Method and apparatus for retaining an ornament
A method and apparatus for retaining an ornament, for example, an ornamental crystal, on a frame or plate is provided. The method includes providing a pin having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, the second end comprising a projection, for example, a head; inserting the first end of the pin through an aperture in the ornament and through a hole in the frame wherein the projection obstructs the aperture in the ornament; deforming, for example, twisting, the second end of the pin to provide a deformation of the second end that obstructs passage of the second end through the hole in the frame; and retaining the ornament on the frame by the projection of the first end of the pin and the deformation of the second end of the pin. Aspects of the invention facilitate the mounting of ornaments to ornamental fixtures, for example, chandeliers.
US08572832B2 Apparatus for compressing an expandable medical device
Various systems for compressing and loading an expandable medical device into a sheath are disclosed. One system comprises an array of moveable blades radially disposed about a central axis and forming a radially contractible aperture. The blade array includes at least a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. The first plurality of blades is independently moveable with respect to the second plurality of blades. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of using the various compressor systems to compress and load an expandable medical device into a sheath.
US08572827B1 Method and apparatus for single hand attachment of drywall corner beads with staples
This disclosure provides a tool or an apparatus that can be held and operated with one hand to attach a corner bead to an outside corner of drywall. In one example, the tool includes a frame, a pair of contact surfaces rigidly coupled to the frame, a handle pivotally attached to the frame, a pair of stapler units rigidly coupled to the frame, and a linkage mechanism comprising a pair of transmission arms and mechanically coupling the handle to the stapler units for translating a force displacing the handle from a first position into a controlled motion of the transmission arms, thereby triggering the stapler units to release fastening pieces.
US08572824B2 Method for manufacturing quartz crystal unit and quartz crystal oscillator having the quartz crystal unit
A method for manufacturing a quartz crystal unit comprises disposing a metal film on a surface of a quartz crystal wafer, disposing a resist on the metal film, forming a tuning fork shape pattern on the surface, etching the quartz crystal wafer to form a quartz crystal tuning fork shape having a base and first and second tines, forming electrodes on opposite side surfaces of the first and second tines so that the electrode of the first tine has an electrical polarity opposite to an electrical polarity of the electrode of the second tine to form a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator that vibrates in a flexural mode of an inverse phase, removing the resist before forming the electrodes, mounting the tuning fork resonator on a mounting portion of the case, disposing a metal or a glass into a through-hole of the case, and adjusting an oscillation frequency of the tuning fork resonator.
US08572822B2 Male snap part
A metallic male snap part capable of coupling with a female snap part where the projection of the male snap part can be coupled to a depression of the female snap part. The projection includes multiple relatively highly deformable portions and multiple relatively low deformable portions, the highly and low deformable portions being arranged alternately in the circumference direction of the projection. The highly deformable portions are more deformable elastically in the radial direction of the projection than the low deformable portions. Each of the highly deformable portions has a relatively large, outer bulge which bulges more outward in the radial direction than a relatively small, outer bulge of each of the low deformable portions. The projection further includes longitudinal slits and lateral slits to partition the projection into the highly deformable portions and the low deformable portions.
US08572821B2 Female snap part
A metallic male snap part is capable of enhancing coupling strength with a female snap part by giving appropriate and sufficient elastic deformability to the projection of the male snap part which can be coupled to a depression of the female snap part. The projection includes a plurality of relatively highly deformable portions and a plurality of relatively low deformable portions, the highly and low deformable portions being arranged alternately in the circumference direction of the projection. The highly deformable portions are more deformable elastically in the radial direction of the projection than the low deformable portions.
US08572820B2 Dual release buckle
A dual release buckle can be released either as a side-release buckle or as a remotely-released cable actuated buckle and can be incorporated into a garment, for example, a soldier's vest.
US08572819B2 Enhanced safety hook
An enhanced safety hook includes a hook body, a latch member, an operation handle and a spring member. The hook body includes a hook hole having a hook opening, a hook end formed at a top end thereof, a pin slot at a position below the hook opening, and a guide slot. The latch member includes a main plate and two side plates define an upside-down U-shape frame, a peripheral edge bridged between the two side plates in such a manner that a top end of the latch member constructs a mouth for receiving the hook end, a guide arm connected to the two side frames to couple with the guide slot, and a pin element coupling with the pin slot. The pin element is movably provided in the pin slot in such a manner that the mouth of the latch member is capable of detaching from the hook end, so that the latch member unlocks the hook opening by means of rotation of the pin element in the pin slot, while the guide arm slides in the guide slot for preventing the latch member from having contact with the inner wall of the hook body along the hook hole. The operation handle has a rotation hole for the pin element to pass through so as to enable the pin element to move in the pin slot. The spring member retains the latch member in a position that the latch member tends to lock the hook hole.
US08572803B2 Support assembly
A support assembly for a surface treating appliance includes a central roller arranged to engage a surface and outer rollers at either end of the central roller. The rollers together define a rolling support surface, and the outer rollers rotate about an axis spaced from the rotational axis of the central roller. This arrangement of rollers provides a rolling support surface over a wide range of motions, and spacing the rotational axes of the rollers permits the rollers to be arranged relative to one another to define a region into which components of the appliance are mountable.
US08572797B2 Buffing pad centering system
In general, a Buffing Pad Centering System (“BPCS”) for centering a back plate having an edge and a front surface is described. In an example of an implementation of the BPCS, the BPCS may include a centering ring having a top boundary and a bottom boundary and a buffing pad attached to the bottom boundary of the centering ring, where the centering ring is centered on the buffing pad. The centering ring may include a cylindrical vertical member extending between the top boundary and bottom boundary, where the cylindrical vertical member has an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface, and where the inner cylindrical surface is capable of snuggly receiving the back plate.
US08572794B2 Oral-care brushing implement
An oral-care brushing implement having a circumferential bristle arrangement secured to a cushioned surface head with an annular guard to facilitate effective, efficient, and safe use by a user with impaired dexterity and/or skill, and an ornamental appearance to incentivize use by the user.
US08572791B2 Device for cleaning vehicle wheels
The invention relates to a device for cleaning vehicle wheels that contains a rotary body driven rotationally by a drive motor about a central axis, with cleaning elements arranged on its front end face. An improved cleaning can be achieved by virtue of the fact that the rotary body contains at least one rotary plate equipped with additional cleaning elements that is rotated by the rotation of the rotary body, not only about the central axis but also, via a gear assembly, about its own longitudinal axis.
US08572783B2 Device for supporting a user's body
The invention provides a variety of devices for supporting at least a portion of a user's body. In some embodiments, the invention provides a support device which includes a bladder capable of containing a fluid and a post adjacent the bladder. The bladder may form a rolling diaphragm portion with the post such that when a force is applied to the bladder, the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder rolls along the post decreasing the volume of the bladder. In some embodiments, the invention provides a post which includes a reduced cross-sectional area in comparison to an adjacent region of the post such that the resistance of the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder to rolling movement along the post due to the applies force decreases as the bladder rolls along the reduced cross-sectional area region. In some embodiments, the support device includes a plurality of bladders and/or a plurality of posts.
US08572782B1 Infant positioning kit assembly
A infant positioning kit assembly for positioning an infant in a supine position while in a crib includes a mattress cover that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The bottom wall has a mattress aperture extending therethrough for inserting a mattress into the mattress cover. An elastic band is attached to and is coextensive with a perimeter edge of the aperture and a first mating member is attached to the top wall. An attachment member is configured to be worn by an infant and a second mating member is attached to the attachment member. The second mating member is releasably attachable to the first mating member to retain an infant in a selected position on the mattress cover. The first and second mating members comprise hook and loop couplers.
US08572774B1 Apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person
An apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person, including a substantially “T” shaped member including a first member having a first end and a second end and a second member secured transversely to the second end of the first member, a pulley secured above the bedridden person, and, a cable secured to the first end of the first member, the cable supported and arranged for movement about the pulley.
US08572765B2 Thin film gloves
A single use disposable glove utilizing the cutting and sealing process. The various layers of the glove are produced from an extrusion process made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane, polybutene, styrene-butadiene copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, their mixtures and blends.
US08578507B2 Access permissions entitlement review
A system for operating an enterprise computer network including multiple network objects, said system comprising monitoring and collection functionality for obtaining continuously updated information regarding at least one of access permissions and actual usage of said network objects, and entitlement review by owner functionality operative to present to at least one owner of at least one network object a visually sensible indication of authorization status including a specific indication of users which were not yet authorized by said at least one owner of said at least one network object.
US08578503B2 Portable storage device and method of managing resource of the portable storage device
Provided are a portable storage device and a method of managing a resource of the portable storage device. The method includes converting a first DRM application into a ready status from an idle status if task processing of the first DRM application is required, and converting the first DRM application into a pending status and a second DRM application into the ready status from the idle status if task processing of the second DRM application is required.
US08578502B2 Method and system for controlled media sharing in a network
A method for controlling media sharing among a plurality of nodes in a network. The present method is comprised of availing to the network an instance of media content for sharing among the plurality of nodes by a source node communicatively coupled to the network. The present method further includes decrypting the instance of media content from an encryption local to the source node. The present method further includes encrypting the instance of media content into an intermediate encryption. The present method further includes transferring the instance of media content to a node while the instance of media content is in the intermediate encryption. The node is associated with the network. The decrypting and the encrypting and the transferring are in response to receiving a request for the instance of media content from the node.
US08578501B1 Anonymous social networking with community-based privacy reviews obtained by members
A member of an online community has an online identity published in the online community, and owns an offline identity which is not published there. The member manifests consent to a privacy review of an electronic communication involving the member, to help prevent disclosure of the member's offline identity within the online community. The electronic communication is reviewed by a human privacy reviewer and/or by automatically scanning for privacy concern triggers. Review results are provided to the member, who provides an opinion of the review that is then reflected in a summary of the reviewer's online reputation.
US08578495B2 System and method for analyzing packed files
A system and method for analyzing executable files on a computer is described. The method in one embodiment includes initiating, with an operating system of the computer, execution of a loader-process; loading, using the loader-process, code of a first executable file into an executable-memory of the computer; and executing the code of the first executable file, wherein the code of the first executable file unpacks other packed-code to generate unpacked code. In addition, the loader-process executes the unpacked code and stops execution of the unpacked code in response to the unpacked code attempting to make a potentially dangerous system call. The unpacked code is analyzed, in response to the unpacked code attempting to make the potentially dangerous system call, to assess whether the first executable file is a pestware file.
US08578492B2 Application revocation
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided apparatus, including: at least one processor; and at least one memory including executable instructions, the at least one memory and the executable instructions being configured to, in cooperation with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving an application revocation request; confirming whether initiating an application revocation process is allowed; generating application revocation data once initiating the application revocation process has been allowed; storing the generated application revocation data to a reputation service network; and provide one or more revocation clients the generated application revocation data from the reputation service network in order to enable the one or more revocation clients revoking the application.
US08578490B2 System and method for using timestamps to detect attacks
A system and method are disclosed for detecting intrusions in a host system on a network. The intrusion detection system comprises an analysis engine configured to use continuations and apply forward- and backward-chaining using rules. Also provided are sensors, which communicate with the analysis engine using a meta-protocol in which the data packet comprises a 4-tuple. A configuration discovery mechanism locates host system files and communicates the locations to the analysis engine. A file processing mechanism matches contents of a deleted file to a directory or filename, and a directory processing mechanism extracts deallocated directory entries from a directory, creating a partial ordering of the entries. A signature checking mechanism computes the signature of a file and compares it to previously computed signatures. A buffer overflow attack detector compares access times of commands and their associated files. The intrusion detection system further includes a mechanism for checking timestamps to identify and analyze forward and backward time steps in a log file.
US08578488B2 Method for neutralizing the ARP spoofing attack by using counterfeit MAC addresses
The present invention is related to a method for neutralizing a malicious ARP spoofing attack generated in a local network and in particular, the present invention provides a method for neutralizing an ARP spoofing attack comprising a step for detecting an ARP spoofing attack based on an ARP request packet generated for an ARP spoofing attack; a step for generating a plurality of counterfeit MAC addresses and dynamically changing MAC addresses of network devices or servers which are to be protected whenever an ARP spoofing attack is generated; and a step for neutralizing an ARP spoofing attack by using a counterfeit MAC address which is capable of neutralizing an ARP spoofing attack adequately.
US08578486B2 Encrypted network traffic interception and inspection
A method of operating a computing device that allows inspecting data that the device attempts to transmit over a network in an encrypted form for presence of malware, viruses or confidential information. The method includes intercepting a request from an application to an encryption component of an operating system to encrypt the data and acquiring encrypted data generated by the encryption component in response to the request. SSL or TLS protocol may be used for encryption. The request may be intercepted using API hooking. The data in an unencrypted form and an identifier of the encrypted data may be provided to a data inspection facility for establishing a correspondence between the unencrypted and encrypted data, using the identifier. The data inspection facility performs inspection of the unencrypted data to determine whether to allow transmission of the encrypted data over the network.
US08578478B2 Clustered file systems for mix of trusted and untrusted nodes
A cluster of computer system nodes share direct read/write access to storage devices via a storage area network using a cluster filesystem. At least one trusted metadata server assigns a mandatory access control label as an extended attribute of each filesystem object regardless of whether required by a client node accessing the filesystem object. The mandatory access control label indicates the sensitivity and integrity of the filesystem object and is used by the trusted metadata server(s) to control access to the filesystem object by all client nodes.
US08578470B2 Authentication schema for computer security
Computer security processes include displaying information elements on a computer display screen. Some of the information elements are mapped to corresponding parameters. The computer security processes also include receiving a selected information element from the information elements displayed on the computer display screen, and determining a value of a parameter associated with the selected information element based on a condition. The value of the parameter is changeable according to changes in the condition. The computer security processes further include comparing the selected information element with the value of the parameter, and upon determining the value of the parameter matches the selected information element, providing a user with access to a system resource.
US08578467B2 System and methods for online authentication
A method of establishing a communication channel between a network client and a computer server over a network is described. The network client may be configured to communicate with the computer server over the network and to communicate with a token manager. The token manager may be configured with a parent digital certificate that is associated with the token manager. The token manager or network client generates a credential from the parent digital certificate, and transmits the credential to the computer server. The credential may be associated with the computer server. The network client may establish the communications channel with the computer server in accordance with an outcome of a determination of validity of the credential by, the computer server.
US08578466B2 Communication apparatus, communication system, certificate transmission method, anomaly detection method and a program therefor
A communication apparatus has a communication part and authenticates a communication partner by using a digital certificate. The communication apparatus includes an authentication part carrying out authentication of the communication partner by using a common certificate. The common certificate is a digital certificate not including identification information of an apparatus. An individualized certificate transmission part acquires, in the case the authentication by the authentication part has been made successfully, an individualized certificate and transmits the individualized certificate to the communication partner. The individualized certificate is a digital certificate including identification information of the communication partner.
US08578451B2 System and method for encapsulation of application aspects within an application information data format message
A method and system for processing a data request from a watcher for a target at a server, the method receiving a request for information; searching through a policy for rules to be applied based on the watcher; applying any rules found by the searching, the rule causing a transformation of the information into at least one aspect interpretable by the watcher, the applying utilizing a presence information data format transformation; and returning the at least one aspect incorporated in a presence information data format.
US08578446B2 Authentication apparatus and entity device
A configuration including, in authentication contexts, function unit identification information unique to the function unit that has executed an authentication subprocess in entity devices permits an authentication apparatus to specify the function unit that has executed the authentication subprocess in the entity devices. The verifier, therefore, can verify the legitimacy of the authentication subprocess from the authentication context even in the presence of a plurality of function units capable of executing the same authentication subprocess in the entity devices.
US08578439B1 Method and apparatus for presentation of intelligent, adaptive alarms, icons and other information
System actions such as presentation of information to a user via a remote control device are carried out in accordance with user preferences based on, e.g., observed user behavior over time. The preferences may be learned by observation of user actions and corresponding system state information, and the preferences may be verified by the user. Particular actions may then be repeated under the control of the system, when appropriate conditions are met. Repetition may be automatic, semi-automatic or user initiated. In an illustrative embodiment, information is presented to a user via a remote control device based at least in part on the determined preference. The information presented to the user via the remote control device may include, e.g., an alarm signal associated with a particular parameter specified by the user, a visible icon presented to the user on a display of the remote control device, or other types of information presented via other types of interfaces, such as audio, speech or tactile interfaces.
US08578437B2 Methods for ingress mitigation in cable communication systems involving repair, replacement and/or adjustment of infrastructure elements
Methods for reducing ingress in a neighborhood node of a cable communication system. The node includes an RF hardline coaxial cable plant and multiple subscriber service drops to convey upstream information from multiple subscriber premises over an upstream path bandwidth. A test signal having a frequency falling within the upstream path bandwidth is transmitted proximate to one or more potential points of ingress into the hardline cable plant. Based on signal amplitudes at the test signal frequency representing test signal ingress into the hardline cable plant, one or more faults in the hardline cable plant are specifically identified and remediated so as to significantly reduce a noise power in the node in at least a portion of the upstream path bandwidth below approximately 20 MHz. In one example, hardline plant-related and/or subscriber-related faults are remediated so as to significantly reduce ingress arising from terrestrial short wave radio signals.
US08578430B2 Throttling video on demand (VOD) based on usage
A device receives, from one or more of a set-top box (STB) or a user device, usage information associated with video content and high definition video content, and calculates a cost factor, based on the usage information, for a customer associated with one or more of the STB or the user device. The device also compares the cost factor to a threshold, and receives, from one or more of the STB or the user device, a request for free video content. The device further one of provides reduced quality free video content to one or more of the STB or the user device when the cost factor exceeds the threshold, or blocks transmission of free high definition video content to one or more of the STB or the user device when the cost factor exceeds the threshold.
US08578421B2 Headend modeling of data
A data modeling method for modeling data for an electronic program guide (EPG) at a broadcast headend is described. The method includes grouping receiver types according to a first set of characteristics associated with a receiver type, thereby producing a plurality of groups of receivers, assigning a bit number to each group of receivers, providing EPG data, the EPG data including data for display at an EPG, the EPG data being included in a data fragment, evaluating the data fragment and the EPG data included therein according to at least one characteristic from a second set of characteristics, thereby producing a result, adding metadata to the data fragment, the metadata including a bit field including the assigned bit number, the bit number being determined in accordance with the result, the metadata being indicative of at least one characteristic from the first set of characteristics with which a data container and EPG data included therein are associated, and broadcasting the data fragment in the data container. Related methods and apparatus are also described.
US08578416B1 Systems and methods for providing blackout recording and summary information
Systems and methods for providing blackout support in video mosaic and television environments are disclosed. In response to receiving a request for a video mosaic page, screen data or application data, which may include blackout information, is received. The blacked out content may be automatically recorded to the user equipment or a network server for later playback after the blackout has expired. In addition, an overlay of options associated with the blacked out asset may be presented. The overlay may include options to substitute the blacked out asset with replacement content, search for similar content, retrieve more information about the blackout, or present summary information, such as a sports ticker, in place of the blacked out cell.
US08578410B2 Video and digital multimedia aggregator content coding and formatting
A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.
US08578403B2 Systems and methods for improved audience measuring
Systems and methods for measuring audience information of programs are described. Systems and methods for providing audience information to users of interactive television applications are described.
US08578401B2 Scalable integrated high density optical data/media storage delivery system
An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.
US08578397B2 System and method for supporting a remote isochronous device
A system and method are provided for supporting remote isochronous devices effectively. In one embodiment, first and second computer hosts include first and second virtual interposer logic, first and second send/receive logic and first and second at least partial device driver stacks therein. The first and second send/receive logics are configured to communicate packets between one another, representing commands and data passing between a user-level application at the first host and a peripheral device at the second host. The first and second virtual interposer logics are configured to interface the first and second send/receive logics to the first and second at least partial device driver-stacks within their respective hosts. To achieve low-latency transactions, the system includes speculative write completion functionality and/or speculative read functionality.
US08578396B2 Deferred control of surrogate key generation in a distributed processing architecture
An event reporting system includes a computational component 228 operable (a) to receive notification of a change to an attribute of an entity, the entity, prior to the change, being associated with a first surrogate key, and (b) to defer the use of a second surrogate key for the entity until a selected time. The second surrogate key was generated to reflect the change.
US08578393B1 Log message collection employing on-demand loading of message translation libraries
A log message collection system selects a configured host and fetches a log message. The log message collection system examines the fetched message to identify one or more DLLs necessary to translating the log message and determines whether the necessary DLL(s) have been loaded into a cache. If so, the log message is translated. If the DLLs are not in the cache, the log message collection system fetches from the log message host only the DLLs necessary to translate that fetched message. After the message is translated, the log message collection system fetches the next log message, identifies the necessary DLLs for that log message, and fetches the DLLs necessary to translate that message.
US08578392B2 Laptop computer for processing original high resolution images and image-data-processing device thereof
An image-data-processing device for processing first image data includes an image processing chip with a first memory and a second memory. The image processing chip further includes a data managing unit and a coding module, wherein the memory space of the second memory is greater than the memory space of the first memory. The data managing unit receives the first image data from an image sensor and transmits the image data to the encoding module, wherein the encoding module generates a second image data based on the first image data received. The data managing unit then selectively stores the second image data in the first memory or the second memory.
US08578389B1 Method and system for merging directed acyclic graphs representing data flow codes
Methods and systems facilitating a programmer to program parts of a program in data flow programming to produce directed acyclic graphs (“DAGs”), and then merge the graphs at runtime for efficiency and scalability. Large merged DAG can typically be processed with greater efficiency than the collection of smaller DAGs. As a result, smaller DAGs may be created while the execution of the program realizes the increased efficiency of executing a larger DAG based on the merging of the smaller DAGs. In accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention, a programmer creates individual data flow directed acyclic graphs in a program.
US08578388B2 Optimizing the performance of hybrid CPU systems based upon the thread type of applications to be run on the CPUs
A hybrid CPU system wherein the plurality of processors forming the hybrid system are initially undifferentiated by type or class. Responsive to the sampling of the threads of a received and loaded computer application to be executed, the function of at least one of the processors is changed so that the threads of the sampled application may be most effectively processed/run on the hybrid system.
US08578386B1 Processor scheduling method and system using domains
Aspects of the present invention concern a method and system for scheduling a request for execution on multiple processors. This scheduler divides processes from the request into a set of domains. Instructions in the same domain are capable of executing the instructions associated with the request in a serial manner on a processor without conflicts. A relative processor utilization for each domain in the set of the domains is based upon a workload corresponding to an execution of the request. If there are processors available then the present invention provisions a subset of available processors to fulfill an aggregate processor utilization. The aggregate processor utilization is created from a combination of the relative processor utilization associated with each domain in the set of domains. If processors are not needed then some processors may be shut down. Shutting down processors in accordance with the schedule saves energy without sacrificing performing.
US08578376B2 Automatically and securely configuring and updating virtual machines
A method and program product for automatically and securely updating software on a virtual machine (VM). A VM coming online in a virtualized server is detected. A current version of the software that is installed on the VM is determined. The current version is determined to not match an updated version of the software available from a remote update server via a network. The updated version of the software is received from the remote update server and via the network without the VM being connected to the network. A confirmation is received indicating that the updated version of the software is installed on the VM. In response to receiving the confirmation, the VM is connected to the network.
US08578373B1 Techniques for improving performance of a shared storage by identifying transferrable memory structure and reducing the need for performing storage input/output calls
Techniques for improving performance of a shared storage environment are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for improving performance of a shared storage environment comprising determining a unit of shared storage utilized by an environment to be migrated, retrieving a storage management memory structure of a source computing platform for the unit of the shared storage, transferring the storage management memory structure to a target computing platform, and building a portion of storage management memory for the target computing platform utilizing the transferred storage management memory structure.
US08578363B2 Differentiated installable packages
A code fix is communicated using an automatically executable code patch that has an additional code element that allows the code to perform the functions of registration, detection, setup, reporting, tracking, policy verification or clean up.
US08578360B1 Dynamically updating a computer system and firmware image utilizing an option read only memory (OPROM) data structure
Methods, systems, apparatus, and computer-readable media for dynamically updating a computer system and firmware image utilizing an option ROM (“OPROM”) data structure. When a hardware configuration of a computer system is modified, a corresponding OPROM within the firmware image is modified. An OPROM data structure is created in a firmware image. Each data structure contains identification data corresponding to the data structure as well as an OPROM entry for each OPROM within the firmware image. Each OPROM entry has identification data pointing to the corresponding OPROM and identification data corresponding to the OPROM and associated hardware device. Firmware program modules utilize the OPROM data structure to identify the correct OPROMs for use with the computer system hardware configuration. An application searches for a unique signature associated with the OPROM data structure and modifies OPROM entries as hardware devices and associated OPROMs are added to and removed from the computer system.
US08578352B1 Optimizing object oriented programs using limited customization
A capability for limited customization that utilizes existing virtual dispatch table technology and allows selective customization is provided. Such a capability combines the usage of virtual dispatch tables with both customized and non-customized code to reduce, or even eliminate over-customization. Further, such a capability may employ a runtime system that decides what methods to customize based on several factors including, but not limited to the size of a class hierarchy, the amount of available space for compiled code, and the amount of available time for compilation.
US08578348B2 System and method of cost oriented software profiling
A cost oriented profiler (COP) mechanism that analyzes the behavior of input application source code with regard to the software total cost of ownership (TCO). The cost analysis tool provided by the mechanism analyzes the behavior of the source code and generates a cost report with indications as to the portions of the source code that have the most impact on the TCO of the application. Based on simulations and by comparing multiple versions of the source code, the COP mechanism determines if a particular change to the source code will increase or decrease software TCO. Behavior analysis, including static and dynamic analysis of the source code, is used to generate one or more code recommendations to reduce the TCO.
US08578343B2 System and method for overflow detection using partial evaluations
A method for overflow detection using partial evaluations. The method includes obtaining a section of code from a source code file stored on a storage device, analyzing the section of code to identify a buffer with an index, determining a plurality of statements that are statically-computable and dependent on the index of the buffer, and generating a code segment including the plurality of statements. The method further includes replacing an access statement of the plurality of statements with a conditional statement returning true when bounds of the buffer are exceeded, where the access statement uses the index to access the buffer, adding an unconditional statement returning false to the code segment, and executing the code segment on a computer processor to obtain a determination of whether the bounds of the buffer are exceeded.
US08578342B2 Fault detection and localization in dynamic software applications requiring user inputs and persistent states
The present invention provides a system, computer program product and a computer implemented method for prioritizing code fragments based on the use of a software oracle and on a correlation between the executed code fragments and the output they produce. Also described is a computer-implemented method generates additional user inputs based on execution information associated with path constraints and based on information from the oracle. Advantageously, the embodiment is useful in a test generation tool that generated many similar inputs when a failure-inducing input is found, in order to enhance fault localization. Further, described is a computer-implemented flow for extending the existing idea of concolic testing to applications that interact with persistent state.
US08578341B2 System and method to map defect reduction data to organizational maturity profiles for defect projection modeling
A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The programming instructions are operable to receive a maturity level for an organization and select at least one defect analysis starter/defect reduction method (DAS/DRM) defect profile based on the maturity level. Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to determine a projection analysis for one or more stages of the life cycle of a software code project of the organization based on the at least one DAS/DRM defect profile.
US08578313B2 Pattern-clip-based hotspot database system for layout verification
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates a pattern-clip-based hotspot database for performing automatic pattern-clip-based layout verification. During operation, the system receives a list of pattern clips which specify manufacturing hotspots to be avoided in a layout, wherein each pattern clip comprises a set of geometries in proximity to each other. Next, for each pattern clip, the system perturbs the pattern clip to determine a first range of variations for the constituent set of geometries wherein the perturbed pattern clip no longer causes a manufacturing hotspot. The system then extracts a set of correction guidance descriptions from the first range of variations for correcting the pattern clip. Subsequently, the system stores the pattern clip and the set of correction guidance descriptions in the pattern-clip-based hotspot database.
US08578311B1 Method and system for optimal diameter bounding of designs with complex feed-forward components
A computer-implemented method includes a processor identifying, within the netlist, at least one strongly connected components (SCCs) that has a reconvergent fanin input with at least two input paths from the reconvergent fanin input having a different propagation delay to the SCC. The method then computes an additive diameter for the netlist comprising at least one SCC, where the additive diameter includes a fanin additive diameter determined based on a propagation delay difference of the at least two input paths to a SCC and a number of complex feed-forward components within at least one input path. In response to the reconvergent fanin input to the SCC providing a binate function, the method computes a multiplicative diameter for the SCC utilizing a least common multiple (LCM) derived from one or more propagation delay differences across each reconvergent fanin input leading to the SCC.
US08578295B2 Placement of items in cascading radial menus
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for placing menu items in a cascading radial menu. A cascading radial menu may be displayed upon receiving a gesture that causes a screen pointer to select a radial menu item in a first radial menu. The first radial menu item may be associated with a second radial menu. One or more second radial menu items may be placed in the second radial menu based on a direction of movement of the screen pointer in the gesture to select the radial menu item in the first radial menu.
US08578293B2 Cooking appliance having automatic cooking program preselection and method for setting such a cooking appliance
The present invention relates to a cooking appliance in which a large number of programs can be preselected as a function of at least one parameter. One parameter relates to the time of day and/or the date and/or the season at the site of installation of the cooking appliance. A large number of programs which are preselected by means of the parameters can be automatically displayed on a display device after the cooking appliance is switched on, and one of these displayed programs can be selected by means of at least one operator control device. The invention also relates to a method for setting a cooking appliance of this type.
US08578279B2 Adaptive infotainment device
The present invention provides an adaptive infotainment device, comprising a display unit, a processing module, and a network module. The processing module is coupled to the display unit to decrypt and process the multi-media content. The network module is coupled to the processing module to receive the multi-media content and selecting paths and accessing nodes. The network module collects the usage log to be processed by the processing module to generate an accumulated user profile to be fused with user default information in a user default unit coupled to the processing module to generate at least one threshold value so that the display unit is capable of displaying the processed multi-media content according to the threshold value. Hence, the user's network behavior can be learned by combining the pre-determined preferences and the past usage preferences so as to generate the most favorable displaying means to enhance the convenience for browsing information.
US08578273B2 Slideshow method for displaying images on a display
A method and system are disclosed for presenting digital images over a display in a slideshow presentation. The slideshow has an appearance of the images being hand-placed and for providing a more human feel to the presentation of digital images.
US08578264B2 Method and system for providing suggested tags associated with a target web page for manipulation by a user
Disclosed are method and a system, as well as a computer program product for providing suggested tags associated with a target web page for manipulation by a user. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is implemented by generating a list of keywords associated with the target web page as suggested tags; adding the keywords as suggested tags into the page and transforming the page bearing the keywords into a HTML file, while the user decides to bookmark the page; and creating a layer of new transparent or semi-transparent window overlaying an original window displaying the page, the transformed page with said keywords being rendered on the new window for displaying the suggestion for said user's manipulation.
US08578258B2 Method and integrated circuit for increasing the immunity to interference
Disclosed is a method of improving the immunity to interference of an integrated circuit (16) having error signals transferred between a microprocessor chip or multiple processor μC (1) and an additional component (2). For the transfer, a minimum pulse length that is independent of the clock frequency of the microprocessor or the microprocessors is defined, starting from which a signal on an error line having a defined pulse length is interpreted as an error. Also disclosed is an integrated circuit, which is designed so that the above method is implemented. The circuit has a microprocessor chip or multiple processor microcontroller (1) or microprocessor module and an additional component (2) having separately arranged power elements. The circuit also has pulse extending devices and/or signal delaying devices for the output of error pulses (6, 6′) one after the other through at least one error line (3, 4).
US08578254B1 Modified trace-back using soft output Viterbi algorithm (SOVA)
Systems and methods are provided for generating error events for decoded bits using a Soft output Viterbi algorithm (SOVA). A winning path through a trellis can be determined and decoded information can be generated. Path metric differences can be computed within the trellis based on the winning path. A plurality of error event masks and error event metrics can be generated based on the decoded information and the path metric differences.
US08578253B2 Systems and methods for updating detector parameters in a data processing circuit
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for updating detector parameters in a data processing circuit. For example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes a first detector circuit, a second detector circuit, and a calibration circuit. The first detector circuit is operable to receive a first data set and to apply a data detection algorithm to the first data set, and the second detector circuit is operable to receive a second data set and to apply the data detection algorithm to the second data set. The calibration circuit is operable to calculate a data detection parameter based upon a third data set. The data detection parameter is used by the first detector circuit in applying the data detection algorithm to the first data set during a period that the data detection parameter is used by the second detector circuit in applying the data detection algorithm to the second data set.
US08578252B2 Encoder, decoder, transmitting apparatus, and receiving apparatus
There is provided an encoder that provides a termination sequence with a simple structure for LDPC-CC encoding and reduces an amount of the termination sequence transmitted to a transmission line. The LDPC-CC encoder connects a first encoder to a second encoder to perform encoding and thereby carry out LDPC-CC encoding, the first encoder performing encoding based on an partial parity check matrix for information bits obtained by extracting a sequence corresponding to the information bits in a parity check matrix and the second encoder performing encoding based on a partial parity check matrix for parity bits obtained by extracting a sequence corresponding to the parity bits in the parity check matrix. A termination sequence generator generates a termination sequence including the same number of bits as the memory length of the first encoder and provides the generated termination sequence as an input sequence.
US08578247B2 Bit error management methods for wireless audio communication channels
Systems and methods are described for managing bit errors present in an encoded bit stream representative of a portion of an audio signal, wherein the encoded bit stream is received via a channel in a wireless communications system. The channel may comprise, for example, a Synchronous Connection-Oriented (SCO) channel or an Extended SCO (eSCO) channel in a Bluetooth® wireless communications system.
US08578246B2 Data encoding in solid-state storage devices
Methods and apparatus are provided for recording input data in q-level cells of solid-state memory (2), where q>2. Input data words are encoded as respective codewords, each having a plurality of symbols. The coding scheme is such that each symbol can take one of q values corresponding to respective predetermined levels of the q-level cells, and each of the possible input data words is encoded as a codeword with a unique sequence of relative symbol values. The symbols of each codeword are then recorded in respective cells of the solid-state memory by setting each cell to the level corresponding to the recorded symbol value. Input data is thus effectively encoded in the relative positions of cell levels, providing resistance to certain effects of drift noise.
US08578245B2 Data reading method, memory storage apparatus, and controller thereof
A data reading method for a rewritable non-volatile memory module is provided, wherein the rewritable non-volatile memory module has a plurality of physical pages. The data reading method includes grouping the physical pages into a plurality of physical page groups and configuring a corresponding threshold voltage set for each of the physical page groups. The data reading method also includes respectively reading data from the physical pages of the physical page groups by using the corresponding threshold voltage sets. The data reading method further includes when data read from one of the physical pages of one of the physical page groups cannot be corrected by using an error checking and correcting (ECC) circuit, updating the threshold voltage set corresponding to the physical page group.
US08578243B2 Data scrambling schemes for memory devices
A method for data storage includes defining a set of scrambling sequences, each sequence including bits in respective bit positions having bit values, such that a distribution of the bit values in any give bit position satisfies a predefined statistical criterion. Each data word is scrambled using a respective scrambling sequence selected from the set. The scrambled data words are stored in the memory device.
US08578238B2 ASIP architecture for executing at least two decoding methods
A system for execution of a decoding method is disclosed. The system is capable of executing at least two data decoding methods which are different in underlying coding principle, wherein at least one of the data decoding methods requires data shuffling operations on the data. In one aspect, the system includes at least one application specific processor having an instruction set having arithmetic operators excluding multiplication, division and power. The processor is selected for execution of approximations of each of the at least two data decoding methods. The system also includes at least a first memory unit, e.g. background memory, for storing data. The system also includes a transfer unit for transferring data from the first memory unit towards the at least one programmable processor. The transfer unit includes a data shuffler. The system may also include a controller for controlling the data shuffler independent from the processor.
US08578237B2 Data processing apparatus and data processing method
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method which can improve the tolerance to errors of data. A demultiplexer replaces, in accordance with an allocation rule for allocating code bits of an LDPC code to symbol bits representative of symbols, mb bits from among the code bits and sets the code bits after the replacement as symbol bits of b symbols. According to the allocation rule, where groups into which the code bits and the symbol bits are to be grouped in response to an error probability thereof are set as code bit groups and symbol bit groups, respectively, a combination of any of the code bit groups and the symbol bit group of the symbol bits to which the code bits of the code bit group are to be allocated and bit numbers of the code bits and the symbols bits are prescribed.
US08578236B2 Accumulating LDPC (low density parity check) decoder
The accumulating decoding architecture described herein is applicable to LDPC codes operating on a parity check matrix, H, consisting of CSI (Cyclic Shifted Identity) sub-matrices (or matrix sub-blocks) or permuted identity sub-matrices (or matrix sub-blocks). In such a structure, the entire LDPC matrix is broken into square sub-matrices such that each sub-matrix consists of either a CSI sub-matrix or a permuted identity sub-matrix, or a null matrix. The iterative decoding process operates by updating of APP (a posteriori probability) or gamma (γ) values and check edge message (λ) values, and this by updating one or more individual rows within a number of sub-matrix rows (or all sub-matrix or sub-block rows) are processed in parallel. The amount of parallelism is specified by the designer and is typically an integer divisor of the sub-matrix (or sub-block) size.
US08578232B2 HARQ process continuation after CQI-only report
Techniques for controlling synchronous HARQ retransmissions are disclosed, in which non-adaptive retransmissions scheduled for a first transmission time interval are automatically deferred to a later transmission time interval in the event that a control message prohibiting the retransmission during the first transmission interval is received. In an exemplary method, a NACK message is received (320) in response to a previous data transmission corresponding to a stop-and-wait HARQ process, and a synchronous HARQ retransmission is scheduled (330) for a first transmission interval in response. A control message indicating that data for the stop-and-wait HARQ process may not be sent during the first transmission interval is received, and the synchronous HARQ retransmission is automatically deferred (350) to a second transmission interval, responsive to the control message. An explicit grant is not required to trigger the retransmission during the second transmission interval.
US08578226B2 Apparatus and system for implementing variable speed scan testing
In an embodiment of the invention, variable test clock circuitry is provided within an integrated circuit desired to be tested. The variable test clock frequency implements a test clock control register that receives serial test data from a device tester and is configured to serially pass the received test data to scan test chains within the integrated circuit. The test clock control register stores test clock information. The test clock information is provided to a test clock generator where the test clock generator then produces test clock signals at a predetermined frequency. The test clock signal is then provided as a test clock frequency for the scan test chains within the integrated circuit. Methods are also disclosed for operating the variable test clock frequency.
US08578225B2 One agumentation instruction register coupled to plural TAP instruction registers
An architecture for testing a plurality of circuits on an integrated circuit is described. The architecture includes a TAP Linking Module located between test pins on the integrated circuit and 1149.1 Test Access Ports (TAP) of the plurality of circuits to be tested. The TAP Linking Module operates in response to 1149.1 scan operations from a tester connected to the test pins to selectively switch between 1149.1 TAPs to enable test access between the tester and plurality of circuits. The TAP Linking Module's 1149.1 TAP switching operation is based upon augmenting 1149.1 instruction patterns to affix an additional bit or bits of information which is used by the TAP Linking Module for performing the TAP switching operation.
US08578223B2 Method and apparatus of managing retransmissions in a wireless communication network
A method for transmitting data is described that includes the steps of: Producing a data frame for transmission, the data frame including a sequence number and user data, saving a copy of the data frame in a retransmission buffer, and if said step of saving a copy requires that data already present in the retransmission buffer is overwritten, selecting the one or more oldest data frames in the retransmission buffer to be overwritten, in case an error is determined in the received data frame, communicating an error message to the transmitter of the data frame, which error message at least comprises an indication of the sequence number of the last correctly received data frame,—upon receipt of such message and if available, retransmitting one or more data frames from the retransmission buffer having a sequence number higher than the sequence number communicated in the message.
US08578222B2 SerDes power throttling as a function of detected error rate
A system involves a first SerDes link from a first integrated circuit (IC) to a second IC and a second link from the second IC to the first IC. Power consumption settings in circuitry of the first link are adjusted to control power consumption such that the bit error rate of the first link is maintained in a range, where the lower bound of the range is substantially greater than zero. Power consumption settings in circuitry for the second link are adjusted to control power consumption such that the bit error rate of the second link is maintained in range, where the lower bound of the range is substantially greater than zero. In one example, circuitry in the second IC detects errors in the first link and reports back via the second link. The first IC uses the reported information to determine a bit error rate for the first link.
US08578212B2 Remote communication system and method
Disclosed is a remote communication system and method. A remote communication system includes a digital protection relay and a remote monitoring system. The digital protection relay stores and maintains fault indices for identifying a predetermined number of faults that have occurred, fault time tags corresponding to the fault indices and fault data corresponding to the fault indices. The remote monitoring system sets a fault index, a fault time tag, a fault data block size to be communicated at a time and a fault data block index for specifying a fault data block to be communicated, and requests the digital protection relay of a fault data block.
US08578211B2 Real time error detection in multimodal communication systems
Diagnostic data of a multimodal enhanced communication system is processed at a central diagnostic service by normalizing detected errors based on modalities, traffic volumes, and/or individual user patterns such that failures can be efficiently and accurately analyzed across the communication system. Configurable thresholds may be used for modality-specific logs, traffic volume normalized errors, and persistent user adjusted results to optimize alerts issued to administrators.
US08578206B2 Disk controller and disk control method
A disk controller for controlling disk devices for storing redundant data distributed thereacross, the disk devices providing a logical volume, the disk devices including pool volumes allocatable to one of the logical volume. The disk controller includes a memory for storing information indicating a relationship between the pool volumes and the logical volume; and a processor for performing data reconstruction in accordance with a failure of the disk devices, a process of the data reconstruction, the processor being configured to detect an error in a part of the pool volumes included in the other disk devices when reading data from the pool volumes included in the other disk devices, determine whether the detected pool volume is allocated to the logical volume in reference to the information, and initialize the part of the detected pool volume when the detected pool volume is unallocated to the logical volume.
US08578199B2 Resetting real time clock upon reference clock interruption
A clock circuit is suitable for use in a timing circuit which provides time information according to a reference clock. The clock circuit includes a clock detector to detect whether or not an interruption of the reference clock occurs. When the interruption of the reference clock occurs, a clock interruption signal is issued as a reference whether or not to reset the timing circuit.
US08578195B2 Image forming apparatus, system on chip unit and driving method thereof
An image forming apparatus which is connected to a host apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a first memory, a second memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface to receive a USB control signal or a USB data signal from the host apparatus, and a central processing unit (CPU) operating in a normal mode using the first memory or a power saving mode using the second memory. If the USB data signal is input in the power saving mode, the CPU activates the first memory and converts the power saving mode into the normal mode, and, if the USB control signal is input in the power saving mode, the CPU retains the power saving mode and performs an operation corresponding to the USB control signal using the second memory. Accordingly, the power saving mode is realized effectively.
US08578188B1 Method and system for selecting an operating frequency for a chip to provide a desired overall power dissipation value for the chip
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for implementing power management within Systems on Chips (SOCs). The method includes selecting an operating frequency for a chip from an operating frequency point set that provides a desired overall power dissipation value.
US08578181B2 Electric device, and method and computer program product for controlling power supply in electric device
An electric device includes at least one or more processing units that perform a predetermined process; a power-supply control unit that controls supply of electric power from a power source to the processing units and shutoff of the supply; a main control unit that performs a start-up process if the main control unit is supplied with power from the power source; and a sub control unit that controls the power-supply control unit so as not to supply the electric power to all or some of the processing units after the start-up process.
US08578179B2 Safe command execution and error recovery for storage devices
Techniques for execution of commands securely within a storage device are disclosed. Integrity of a command interpreter is verified before allowing it to execute commands within the storage device. The integrity of the commands can also be checked to safeguard against various threats including, for example, malicious attacks, unintentional errors and defects that can adversely affect stored content and execution. Error recovery techniques can be used to reconstruct the command interpreter and/or commands that are found to be defective. In addition, secure techniques can be used to obtain trusted versions of the command interpreter and/or commands from an authenticated external source.
US08578177B2 Recording device, and content-data playback system
A recording device configured to store content data in an encrypted manner, the recording device comprises a memory unit which stores various data, and a controller which controls the memory unit. The controller possesses a controller key and unique identification information, and is configured to generate a controller-unique key unique for each controller in accordance with the controller key and the identification information. The memory unit stores an MKB generated by encrypting a medium key with a device key set that is a collection of a plurality of device keys, an encrypted device key set generated by encrypting the device key set with the controller-unique key, and a device-key-set index which uniquely identifies the device key set. The controller comprises a decryption unit which obtains a device key set by decrypting the encrypted device key set with the controller-unique key, an ID generating unit which generates a medium ID from the identification information and the device-key-set index, and an authentication unit which executes an authentication process with an exterior in accordance with the device key set, the medium ID and the MKB.
US08578171B2 Automated selection and inclusion of a message signature
A system and method for the creation and automated selection and inclusion an automated signature text with an electronic message, wherein the automated selection of the automated signature text is dependent on attributes of the message, the designated recipients, or attributes of the designated recipients as compared to the sender's attributes, such as the encoding type and/or transport method selected for the electronic message or the location of the recipient without the need for multiple user profiles or manual editing by the sender. At least one of a plurality of automated signature texts is associated with at least one encoding type of a plurality of encoding types, at least one message transport type, or with at least one predetermined recipient attribute or the outcome of a comparison of the recipient attribute with the sender's attributes. The appropriate automated signature text is inserted prior to encoding of the message for transport.
US08578170B2 Bundle verification
Systems, devices, and methods for modifying a signed bundle and verifying the modified bundle are disclosed. A signed bundle may be modified by removing a file specified in a server file list from a plurality of files in the bundle. The signed bundle comprises a catalog of files in the signed bundle and their associated hashes. The modified bundle includes the remaining files of the signed bundle that are not specified in the server file list and the catalog file of the signed bundle, the catalog signature of the signed bundle. The modified bundle may be verified by verifying the catalog signature of the modified signed bundle, and checking that the files specified in the catalog are either in the modified signed bundle or specified in the server file list. The hashes of the files in the modified signed bundle may also be checked to verify the modified signed bundle.
US08578169B2 System and method of signing a message
A system and method of signing a message to be sent from a first communication device to a destination via a second communication device. The message includes a first portion on the first communication device and a second portion on the second communication device. The method includes receiving at the second communication device the first portion of the message and a first signature for the first portion from the first communication device; combining the first portion and the second portion to form the message; obtaining a second signature for the message; and sending the first signature, the second signature and the message from the second communication device to the destination.
US08578167B2 System, apparatus, method, and program product for authenticating communication partner using electronic certificate containing personal information
Object To provide a technique for authenticating a communication partner using an electronic certificate containing personal information. Solving Means When a client apparatus receives a request for an electronic certificate from a server apparatus, the server apparatus reads a client certificate containing personal information and a server public key of the server apparatus from a storage unit and encrypts the client certificate using the server public key. The client apparatus also creates a temporary electronic certificate by setting, in a basic field of an electronic certificate, a predetermined item indicating that the electronic certificate is a temporary electronic certificate and by setting the client certificate having been encrypted in an extension field of the electronic certificate. Then, the client apparatus sends the temporary electronic certificate to the server apparatus.
US08578166B2 System and method for authentication, data transfer, and protection against phishing
Methods and systems for secure electronic data communication over public communication networks. A secure data communication component may be utilized to implement a communication protocol. New versions of the data communication component may be generated, with each version containing a different communication protocol. Source code of the data communication component may be modified using a polymorph engine to create a functionally-equivalent component having a different code structure. An anti-phishing component may intercept a link in an electronic communication activated by a user, analyze the link and the electronic communication, determine a phishing risk to the user posed by the link, and direct the user to a location indicated by the link or redirect the user to a valid location. A server authentication component may detect and prevent DNS attacks, injections, and defacing activities.
US08578157B2 System and method for digital rights management with authorized device groups
Various embodiments of a system and method of digital rights management with authorized device groups are described. Various embodiments may include a system including a digital rights management (DRM) component configured to receive a private key of an authorized device group. In various embodiments, the receipt of the private key of the authorized device group may indicate the system is an authorized member of a group of devices permitted to access content items protected by a common public key associated with the authorized device group. In various embodiments the DRM component may be configured to, for each given content item of multiple content items that are encrypted with different content keys, decrypt an encrypted content key from the given content item with the private key of the authorized device group and decrypt content from the given content item with the decrypted content key.
US08578144B2 Partial hibernation restore for boot time reduction
Checkpoint snapshots of segments of system memory are taken while an operating system is booting in a computer system. The segments of system memory are stored in non-volatile memory as hibernation files. In response to detecting a request for a system reboot of the OS, an affected hibernation file, which corresponds to an affected segment of system memory that will change during the system reboot of the OS, is identified. A restoration of the system memory via a wake-up from hibernation is then initiated. The wake-up from hibernation proceeds until the affected hibernation file is reached, such that initial steps in the system reboot are bypassed. Thereafter, subsequent steps, which are after the bypassed initial steps in the system reboot, are executed.
US08578143B2 Modifying operating parameters based on device use
Monitoring aging information for multiple devices. Aging information of the devices may be received. Statistics regarding the multiple devices may be determined based on the aging information. For at least some of the devices, update information may be determined based on the respective aging information. The update information may include modifications to operating parameters of the devices. For example, the devices may operate according to initial parameters that are above sustainable parameters and the update information may lower the operating parameters based on the aging information.
US08578137B2 Reducing aging effect on registers
Methods and apparatus to reduce aging effect on registers are described. In one embodiment, a select value is stored in a register that is unused, for example, to reduce the effects of negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) or oxide degradation on the register. Other embodiments are also described.
US08578132B2 Direct injection of data to be transferred in a hybrid computing environment
Direct injection of a data to be transferred in a hybrid computing environment that includes a host computer and a plurality of accelerators, the host computer and the accelerators adapted to one another for data communications by a system level message passing module. Each accelerator includes a Power Processing Element (‘PPE’) and a plurality of Synergistic Processing Elements (‘SPEs’). Direct injection includes reserving, by each SPE, a slot in a shared memory region accessible by the host computer; loading, by each SPE into local memory of the SPE, a portion of data to be transferred to the host computer; executing, by each SPE in parallel, a data processing operation on the portion of the data loaded in local memory of each SPE; and writing, by each SPE, the processed data to the SPE's reserved slot in the shared memory region accessible by the host computer.
US08578126B1 Mapping of logical start addresses to physical start addresses in a system having misalignment between logical and physical data blocks
An alignment data structure is used to map a logical data block start address to a physical data block start address dynamically, to service a client data access request. A separate alignment data structure can be provided for each data object managed by the storage system. Each such alignment data structure can be stored in, or referenced by a pointer in, the inode of the corresponding data object. A consequence of the mapping is that certain physical storage medium regions are not mapped to any logical data blocks. These unmapped regions may be visible only to the file system layer and layers that reside between the file system layer and the mass storage subsystem. They can be used, if desired, to store system information, i.e., information that is not visible to any storage client.
US08578119B2 File system quota and reservation
A method, in one embodiment, can include allowing storage allocation of data of a file system within an object based storage system. Furthermore, the method can include determining if storage allocation usage for the file system is below a threshold. If the storage allocation usage for the file system is not below the threshold, a client is requested to flush its dirty data associated with the file system. After requesting a client flush, the method can include determining the storage allocation usage for the file system. In addition, the method can include determining periodically if the storage allocation usage has reached a quota. If the quota is reached, the quota is enforced for the data of the file system.
US08578117B2 Write-through-read (WTR) comparator circuits, systems, and methods use of same with a multiple-port file
Write-through-read (WTR) comparator circuits and related WTR processes and memory systems are disclosed. The WTR comparator circuits can be configured to perform WTR functions for a multiple port file having one or more read and write ports. One or more WTR comparators in the WTR comparator circuit are configured to compare a read index into a file with a write index corresponding to a write-back stage selected write port among a plurality of write ports that can write data to the entry in the file. The WTR comparators then generate a WTR comparator output indicating whether the write index matches the read index to control a WTR function. In this manner, the WTR comparator circuit can employ less WTR comparators than the number of read and write port combinations. Providing less WTR comparators can reduce power consumption, cost, and area required on a semiconductor die for the WTR comparator circuit.
US08578114B2 Dynamic look-ahead extent migration for tiered storage architectures
A method for migrating extents between extent pools in a tiered storage architecture maintains a data access profile for an extent over a period of time. Using the data access profile, the method generates an extent profile graph that predicts data access rates for the extent into the future. The slope of the extent profile graph is calculated and used to determine whether the extent will reach a migration threshold within a specified “look-ahead” time. If so, the method calculates a migration window that allows the extent to be migrated prior to reaching the migration threshold. In certain embodiments, the method determines the overall performance impact on the source extent pool and destination extent pool during the migration window. If the overall performance impact is below a designated impact threshold, the method migrates the extent during the migration window.
US08578112B2 Data management system and data management method
A data management system and data management method capable of inhibiting an increase of I/Os caused by deduplication are provided.Data blocks are managed by grouping them; a plurality of chunks belonging to the same group after deduplication are collectively managed as a chunk data set; and if a host system issues a data block deletion request, garbage collection of the relevant chunk data set is performed based on the number of times of references of the chunk data set and the chunk data set after the garbage collection is managed by overwriting the existing chunk data set with a new chunk data set composed of only chunks of data blocks which are not deleted.
US08578110B2 Memory data backup system and memory data backup control method
A memory data backup system capable of shortening time required to back up data from a volatile memory to a nonvolatile memory is provided.A nonvolatile memory module 100 is mounted on the same bus 102 as a bus where an interface between a memory controller 52A and a volatile memory module 52 exists.
US08578109B2 Systems and methods for retaining and using data block signatures in data protection operations
A system according to certain embodiments associates a signature value corresponding to a data block with one or more data blocks and a reference to the data block to form a signature/data word corresponding to the data block. The system further logically organizes the signature/data words into a plurality of files each comprising at least one signature/data word such that the signature values are embedded in the respective file. The system according to certain embodiments reads a previously stored signature value corresponding to a respective data block for sending from a backup storage system having at least one memory device to a secondary storage system. Based on an indication as to whether the data block is already stored on the secondary storage system, the system reads the data block from the at least one memory device for sending to the secondary storage system if the data block exists on the secondary storage system, wherein the signature value and not the data block is read from the at least one memory device if the data block exists on the secondary storage system.
US08578108B2 Dynamic look-ahead extent migration for tiered storage architectures
A method for migrating extents between extent pools in a tiered storage architecture maintains a data access profile for an extent over a period of time. Using the data access profile, the method generates an extent profile graph that predicts data access rates for the extent into the future. The slope of the extent profile graph is calculated and used to determine whether the extent will reach a migration threshold within a specified “look-ahead” time. If so, the method calculates a migration window that allows the extent to be migrated prior to reaching the migration threshold. In certain embodiments, the method determines the overall performance impact on the source extent pool and destination extent pool during the migration window. If the overall performance impact is below a designated impact threshold, the method migrates the extent during the migration window. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed herein.
US08578103B2 Coherency control system, coherency control apparatus and coherency control method
A coherency control system includes a logical-physical address translation unit which translates a logical address including a first tag and an index address into a physical address including a second tag and the index address. The system includes a request output unit which transmits a load request. The system includes a corresponding state storage unit storing a relation state between areas of two storage apparatuses based on the way number included in the load request and the second tag and the index address of the physical address also included in the load request. The system includes an invalidation instructing unit which transmits an invalidation instruction including the index address and the way number based on the second tag of the physical address included in the store request and the relation state stored in the corresponding state storage unit.
US08578102B2 Determining data contents to be loaded into a read-ahead cache in a storage system
Read messages are issued by a client for data stored in a storage system of the networked client-server architecture. A client agent mediates between the client and the storage system. Each sequence of read requests generated by a single thread of execution in the client to read a specific data segment in the storage is defined as a client read session. Each read request sent from the client agent to the storage system includes positions and size for reading. A read-ahead cache is maintained for each client read session. The read-ahead cache is partitioned into two buffers. Data is loaded into the logical buffers according to the changes of the positions in the read requests of the client read session and loading of new data into the buffers is triggered by the read requests positions exceeding a position threshold in the data covered by the second logical buffer.
US08578095B2 Hierarchical memory architecture using a concentrator device
A hierarchical memory storage using a concentrator device that is located between a processor and memory devices. The concentrator device includes a page buffer, a Phase-Change Memory (PCM) memory array, and a configurable Error-Correcting Code (ECC) engine to accommodate temporary storage for data transfers between the processor and the memory devices.
US08578094B2 Full-stripe-write protocol for maintaining parity coherency in a write-back distributed redundancy data storage system
Data storage reliability is maintained in a write-back distributed data storage system including multiple nodes. Information is stored as a stripe including a collection of a data strips and associated parity strips, the stripe distributed across data and parity nodes. Each data node maintains the data strip holding a first copy of data, and each parity node maintains a parity strip holding a parity for the collection of data strips. A driver node initiates a full-stripe-write parity update protocol for maintaining parity coherency in conjunction with other nodes, to keep the relevant parity strips coherent. Parity is determined directly by computing parity strips for all data strips of a stripe. Any node may function as a driver node.
US08578083B2 Block map based I/O optimization for storage virtual appliances
A method of performing disk operations on a physical storage that is being managed by a storage virtual appliance (SVA), from a virtual machine (VM), is disclosed. The method includes intercepting a data read/write request form the VM. The data read/write request is intercepted in the hypervisor prior to the read/write request reaches the SVA. The VM and the SVA are hosted in the hypervisor. The read/write request includes virtual block numbers which are translated into physical block numbers before performing the read/write operation on the physical storage. The method further includes probing a copy of virtual Logical Unit Number (LUN) block numbers to physical disk block numbers mapping table (bock map table) in the hypervisor to identify physical block numbers that corresponds to the virtual block numbers in the read/write request. If a mapping of the virtual block numbers in the read/write request is available in the hypervisor cache, the virtual block numbers are translated into the physical block numbers and the read/write request is performed directly to the physical storage totally bypassing the SVA.
US08578074B2 First in first out device and method thereof
A FIFO device crossing a first and a second power domains is provided. The device comprises: a plurality of input registers belonging to the first power domain for receiving the input signal, and each of the input register having a first output; a first controller belonging to the first power domain for enabling the registers according to specific order and generating an initial signal; a multiplexer receiving the first outputs according to the specific order to generate a second output; a second controller belonging to second power domain, receiving the initial signal through an asynchronous interface and controlling the multiplexer to output second output; and an output register belonging to second power domain receiving the second output. First power domain operates according to a first clock signal. Second power domain operates according to a second clock signal. The first and second clock signals are asynchronous.
US08578073B2 Storage system and control method of storage system
The storage system includes a first storage subsystem having a first logical volume to be accessed by a host computer, and a second storage subsystem connected to the first storage subsystem and having a second logical volume to be mapped to the first logical volume. The first storage subsystem includes a memory having definition information for defining a plurality of logical paths that transfer, to the second logical volume, I/O from the host computer to the first logical volume, and a transfer mode of the I/O to the plurality of logical paths. At least two or more logical paths among the plurality of logical paths are defined as active, and the controller transfers the I/O to the at least two or more logical paths set as active.
US08578072B2 Apparatus including a peripheral interface port hub and secure thumb device enclosure
An apparatus (100) having a peripheral interface port hub and secure thumb device enclosure is disclosed. The apparatus can include a frame (110) and an external peripheral interface upstream port (120) coupled to the frame. The external peripheral interface upstream port can be configured to couple the apparatus to a host external peripheral interface port, where the host external peripheral interface port can be configured to couple a host device to a peripheral external to the host device. The apparatus can include a plurality of external peripheral interface downstream ports (131-133) coupled to the frame, where each external peripheral interface downstream port can be configured to couple the apparatus to an external peripheral interface thumb device, where the external peripheral interface thumb device can be configured to be coupled to a printing apparatus. The apparatus can include a cover (150) configured to cover external peripheral interface thumb devices coupled to the plurality of external peripheral interface downstream ports.
US08578061B2 Method and system for USB addressing by a network adaptor
Addressing, by USB host adaptors, packets conveying USB data over a non-USB network, including the steps of: Connecting USB hosts with respective USB host adaptors (USBHs). Connecting USB devices with respective USB device adaptors (USBDs). Enabling, by the non-USB network, each USBHs to discover the presence and capabilities of each USBDs. Initiating USB-over-network connections between the USB hosts and the USB devices. Receiving, by the USBHs, information about the USB devices and the USB-over-network connections. And adding, by the USBHs, network addresses of the USBDs to packets conveying USB data from the USB hosts to the USB devices.
US08578058B2 Real-time multi-block lossless recompression
Exemplary methods, computer systems, and computer program products for processing a previously compressed data stream in a computer environment are provided. In one embodiment, the computer environment is configured for separating a previously compressed data stream into an input data block including a header input block having a previously compressed header. Sequences of bits are included with the input data block. Compression scheme information is derived from the previously compressed header. The input data block is accessed and recompressed following the header input block in the previously compressed data stream one at a time using block-image synchronization information. Access to the block-image synchronization information is initialized by the compression scheme information to generate an output data block. The block-image synchronization information is used to provide decompression information to facilitate decompression of the results of the output data block.
US08578057B2 System and method for providing remote data access for a mobile communication device
In one exemplary embodiment, a system for providing data access between an information source and a mobile communication device includes a transcoding system and a first network device. The transcoding system includes a plurality of transcoders, and each transcoder is operable to transcode information content from a respective first content type into a respective second content type. The first network device is in communication with the transcoding system and includes a connection handler system. The connection handler system is operable to receive connection data for a connection between the information source and the mobile communication device and to select a corresponding connection handler. The connection handler is operable to select one or more transcoders from the plurality of transcoders to transcode the information content.
US08578052B1 Generation and use of network maps based on race methods
Techniques are provided for using the mobility support features of IPv6 to allow client and server nodes to communicate without the continuing intervention of a load-balancing node that selected the server node. A load-balancing node intercepts a TCP SYN packet addressed to a virtual IP address. The load-balancing node selects a server node from among multiple server nodes, and sends the packet toward the server node. The server node sends an IPv6 packet toward the client node. The packet contains a Binding Update option that specifies the virtual IP address as a Home Address. This information causes the client node to replace destination addresses in outgoing IP packets so that packets that the client node would have sent toward the virtual IP address are sent toward the selected server node's IP address instead. Consequently, the IP packets are routed toward the selected server node instead of the load-balancing node.
US08578049B2 Content router forwarding plane architecture
A router forwarding plane comprising a bloom filter stored on a first tier storage medium, and a forwarding information log associated with the bloom filter and stored on a second tier storage medium. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a receiver configured to receive a content comprising a general name prefix, a first tier storage medium configured to store a plurality of bloom filters associated with a plurality of general name prefixes and a plurality of corresponding ports, a logic circuitry configured to compute a plurality of signatures based on the general name prefix of the received content, and a transmitter configured to forward the received content on at least one of the ports that are associated with at least one of the bloom filters if the general name prefix is a member of the at least one of the bloom filters.
US08578046B2 System and method for adaptive media bundling for voice over internet protocol applications
An apparatus and method for adaptively bundling media frames in a data packet for transmission in a wireless data network. When a wireless device is ready to transmit an audio communication, a message is sent from the wireless device to a communication server that checks for network usage conditions and adaptively determines a bundling factor for the audio communication. The bundling factor is transmitted to the wireless device, and the wireless device bundles media frames into a data packet according to the bundling factor.
US08578037B2 Aircraft data services
A method and system provide efficient, flexible, and convenient data communication services over public wireless systems. The system includes a data communication server, having a plurality of interface units, for facilitating data communication between a moving object and one or more ground terminals via a radio communication path. The data communication server establishes the radio communication path over one of a plurality of wireless data networks including packet data networks and satellite data networks and preferably includes a pre-determined software architecture.
US08578034B2 Optimized network device discovery
A computing device retrieves a set of configuration files of devices associated with a network to be analyzed and extracts from the set of configuration files Internet protocol (IP) address information to form an IP address database. The computing device also extracts from the set of configuration files border gateway protocol (BGP) routing protocols to form a BGP routing database. The computing device analyzes the IP address database and the BGP routing database to generate a database of calculated network connection information for the devices associated with the network. The computing device conducts live network discovery, on the network and based on the IP address database, to generate a database of discovered connection information, and merges the database of calculated network connection information and the database of discovered connection information to form a master database from which output files may be generated.
US08578031B2 Packet-based digital display interface signal mapping to micro serial interface
A passive cable adaptor for connecting a data source device with a display device is described. The adaptor has a packet-based interface connector at one end, the connector having a positive main link pin, a negative main link pin, a positive auxiliary channel pin, and a negative auxiliary channel pin. At the other end is a micro serial interface connector, wherein multimedia content is transmitted over the cable adaptor and electrical power is supplied over the cable adaptor simultaneously. The cable adaptor has an auxiliary and hot plug detect (HPD) controller utilized to map the auxiliary channel and HPD signals of the packet-based digital display to the micro serial interface ID signal.
US08578028B2 Techniques for provisioning cloud computing environment resources based on social media analysis
A technique for provisioning computing environment resources based on social media analysis includes monitoring, using a data processing system, references (e.g., hyperlinks) provided by a first website to detect an anticipated flash crowd for a web-accessible resource (e.g., second website). The technique also includes generating, using the data processing system, a notice to allocate resources associated with the web-accessible resource to service the anticipated flash crowd.
US08578025B2 Switching between connectivity types to maintain connectivity
Techniques are provided for leveraging narrowband connectivity (such as dial-up communications or other types of low bandwidth communications) to provision or configure broadband connectivity between a broadband access provider and a broadband device, such as a DSL modem or a cable modem. Specifically, because narrowband connectivity does not require advance configuration or provisioning by the host system of connectivity parameters for an access-seeking device, a modem at an access-seeking device may be leveraged to establish a narrowband connection between that device and a host system and to enable an exchange or negotiation of connectivity parameters necessary to enable future broadband connectivity. Thus, once established, the narrowband connection may be used as a conduit for communicating required provisioning information between the broadband-enabling host and the access-seeking device to enable broadband connectivity by the device in the future.
US08578020B2 Dynamic mobile application quality-of-service monitoring and reporting
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a process for determining a quality-of-service for a mobile application running on a mobile device coupled with a mobile network is presented. The process may be implemented to monitor, on an application layer level, a network usage pattern of the mobile application communicating via the mobile network. The process may emulate the network usage pattern of the mobile application by transmitting or receiving test data via the mobile network. And the process may determine the quality-of-service for the mobile application by analyzing the test data being transmitted or received.
US08578019B2 Monitoring the health of web page analytics code
A system for monitoring the “analytics health” or “tracking health” of a web page can include one or more modules that render analytics code on the web page. In one implementation, a monitoring service downloads one or more web pages from a web server. The monitoring service can attempt to render any analytics code on the web pages to see if the analytics code renders or executes as expected. The monitoring service can also perform basic text searches to identify analytics code, even if it cannot be rendered, and to determine if such code is present and correctly written in the web page. For web pages that require form input, the monitoring service can prompt the user for corresponding input, or retrieve pre-recorded user input from a store. The monitoring service can determine analytics health for web pages of interest in real-time.
US08578017B2 Automatic correlation of service level agreement and operating level agreement
Data collected during runtime and associated with a service level agreement and operating level agreement for a network service are automatically correlated together. A network monitoring system monitors the network service during runtime to determine SLA and OLA violations. An SLA is tested against traffic monitoring data derived from monitoring traffic between a network service system and one or more users of the system. An OLA is tested against application runtime data generated from monitoring a transaction occurring between an application server and a backend or other internal entity of the network service system. The data collected during runtime can be correlated using a hierarchy based on business transactions or in some other manner. Because the traffic monitoring data and application runtime data are organized using a similar data hierarchy, the traffic monitoring data corresponding to an SLA may be correlated to the application runtime data corresponding to the same business transaction and one or more OLAs.
US08578009B1 Systems and methods for correlating online aliases with real-world identities
A computer-implemented method for correlating online aliases with real-world identities may comprise accessing a first user account associated with a first online communication mechanism, obtaining contact data associated with a first online alias from the first user account, identifying contact data associated with a second online alias, identifying, by comparing the contact data associated with the first online alias with the contact data associated with the second online alias, at least one common characteristic between the first online alias and the second online alias, and associating both the first online alias and the second online alias with a common contact. A graphical user interface may display a contact's name, online aliases for by the contact, and the online communication mechanisms that may be used to communicate with the contact. The method may also facilitate communication with a contact using online communication mechanisms. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08578006B2 Enabling selective policy driven propagation of configuration elements between and among a host and a plurality of guests
Configuration elements are selectively propagated between a host and multiple guests, based on a policy. Configuration elements of the host and guests are monitored. Changes made to monitored configuration elements are detected. It is determined whether to propagate changed configuration elements between operating system environments based on the policy. It can be determined to propagate changed configuration element(s) from a source to one or more destinations in response to factors such as the identity and/or classification of the source, or the type, attribute(s), content and/or identity of the changed configuration element(s). The creation of new guests is detected. In response, at least one configuration element from at least one source is automatically propagated to a newly created guest.
US08578001B2 Smart energy gateway with integrated plug
Various embodiments include a smart energy gateway. The smart energy gateway includes a housing and a power plug integrated into the housing. The smart energy gateway can be mounted to an electrical outlet via the power plug. The smart energy gateway also includes a controller configured to accept transmissions from a smart energy network and communicate a subset of the transmissions to an external network. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
US08578000B2 Realtime kernel
A realtime kernel supports realtime communications between communicants operating on respective network nodes. The realtime kernel handles the complex tasks of connecting to communicants, virtual areas, and other network resources, switching those connections in response to user inputs, and mixing realtime data streams. The realtime kernel enables developers to focus on developing high-level communications functionality instead of low-level plumbing code. The realtime kernel imposes relatively low computational resource requirements so that realtime communications performance can be achieved using a wide range of computing devices and network connections that currently are available.
US08577997B2 Global hosting system
Network architecture supports hosting and content distribution on a global scale. The architecture allows a Content Provider to replicate and serve its most popular content at an unlimited number of points throughout the world. The inventive framework comprises a set of servers operating in a distributed manner. The actual content to be served is preferably supported on a set of hosting servers (sometimes referred to as ghost servers). This content comprises HTML page objects that, conventionally, are served from a Content Provider site. A base HTML document portion of a Web page is served from the Content Provider's site while one or more embedded objects for the page are served from the hosting servers, preferably, those hosting servers near the client machine. By serving the base HTML document from the Content Provider's site, the Content Provider maintains control over the content.
US08577991B2 Managing consistent interfaces for internal service request business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to an internal service request and/or an internal service request template business object.
US08577990B2 Method of sending location service request in mobile communication network
A method for a network system to send location service request to a network user is provided. The method includes receiving a network client initiated location request including information associated with a first event and information associated with a second event. The method further includes processing the location request. Additionally, if the second event is determined to have occurred by the network system, the network system sends an event message to the network user including information associated with the first event. Moreover, the method includes returning a second receipt acknowledgment of the event message to the network client. In an alternative embodiment, a method for a network system to send a cancellation of a previous deferred location request to a network user is provided.
US08577988B2 Content device and control method thereof
A device includes a communication unit including at least one of a wireless communication module and a wired communication module. The device also includes a controller configured to access, based on communications received through the communication unit, a plurality of identifiers which each mark a manipulation of content performed by an electronic device. The plurality of identifiers mark manipulations of the content performed by different electronic devices. The controller also is configured to facilitate output, on an output unit, of a representation of the plurality of identifiers. The output unit is separate from the different electronic devices that performed the manipulations of the content marked by the plurality of identifiers.
US08577984B2 State management in a distributed computing system
Techniques to allow applications to propagate information to the other instances of the applications running on downstream servers are provided. An indicator, such as a token, tag, etc., is placed within or added to a message that is flowing through the distributed environment to signify that a process has been performed on the message. For example, when an instance of an application running on a server receives a message, the application instance can examine the indicator contained in the message and take appropriate action. If the application instance decides to process the message, the application instance can include an indicator in the message to signify that the application instance processed the message. The presence of the indicator signifies that the message has been processed by an upstream instance of the same application.
US08577968B2 Method and system for handling unwanted email messages
A method, system, and computer program product for scanning incoming emails reduces the server resources needed, which improves server throughput and reduces costs. A method for processing incoming email messages comprised the steps of scanning incoming email messages to obtain an address of a sender of each incoming email message and to determine whether the email message is spam, for each email message that is determined to be spam, incrementing a count of email messages that are spam for a sender of the email message, determining that a count of email messages that are spam for a sender of an email message has exceeded a threshold, and thereafter, discarding all incoming email messages from the sender for which the count of email messages that are spam for a sender of an email message has exceeded a threshold without scanning the email messages to determine whether they are spam.
US08577963B2 Remote browsing session between client browser and network based browser
A remote browsing process is directed to the generation and management of a remote browse session at a network computing and storage provider. A client computing device requests a remote browse session instance at a network computing and storage provider. The browse session instance may correspond to one or more requested network resources. The network computing and storage provider instantiates the browse session instance and retrieves the requested content. The network computing and storage provider processes the requested content for display, and provides a processing result corresponding to a processed representation of the requested content to the client computing device. The client computing device may display the representation of the requested content in a browser, and may send user interaction data based on user interactions with the representation to the network computing and storage provider for processing.
US08577961B2 Methods and apparatus for obtaining content with reduced access times
Methods and apparatus for obtaining web content are disclosed. The method includes transmitting, responsive to a user request for a webpage, a primary-content-item-request to obtain a primary content item of the webpage. And a request list that is stored on the client device is accessed to obtain a list of secondary-content-item-requests that are typically needed, in connection with the primary content item, to render the webpage. The secondary-content-item-requests are then transmitted in advance of receiving a response to the primary-content-item-request. And the web page is rendered using the primary content item and the secondary content items.
US08577953B2 System and method for providing multimedia services
A system and method are disclosed for session continuity in multimedia services. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a multimedia services system has a plurality of service centers each capable of offering one or more multimedia services to an end user, and a controller for managing operations of the service centers. The controller can be programmed to monitor the end user's use of multimedia services from said service centers, detect a change in use by the end user, and offer the end user a multimedia service adapted to the change in use.
US08577950B2 Matrix multiplication operations with data pre-conditioning in a high performance computing architecture
Mechanisms for performing matrix multiplication operations with data pre-conditioning in a high performance computing architecture are provided. A vector load operation is performed to load a first vector operand of the matrix multiplication operation to a first target vector register. A load and splat operation is performed to load an element of a second vector operand and replicating the element to each of a plurality of elements of a second target vector register. A multiply add operation is performed on elements of the first target vector register and elements of the second target vector register to generate a partial product of the matrix multiplication operation. The partial product of the matrix multiplication operation is accumulated with other partial products of the matrix multiplication operation.
US08577947B2 Method of finding solution of equation and recording medium storing program for implementing the same
The present invention relates to a solution-finding method, which finds an approximate solution of an equation having difficulty in obtaining an actual solution and a complicated equation in numerical analysis. The method obtains an approximate solution of an equation having a solution in a predetermined interval. Initial values are calculated based on upper and lower limits of the interval. The initial values are applied to a solution-finding equation, including a sign function and the upper and lower limits, and the solution-finding equation is arranged so that a definite integral formula for the sign function is included in the equation. The definite integral formula in the solution-finding equation is calculated using numerical integration, and results of the definite integral formula are applied to the solution-finding equation, thus obtaining an approximate solution. This performance is iterated until the approximate solution satisfies an allowable error.
US08577944B2 Signal processing device, signal processing method, and signal level display device
A signal processing device includes a bit-pattern output unit and a look-up table storage unit which are configured as follows: The bit-pattern output unit is provided for receiving input 1-bit digital signals generated by ΔΣ modification and aligning bits of the input 1-bit digital signals in a chronological order to output parallel bit pattern. The look-up table storage unit is provided for storing a look-up table that represents a relationship between the bit patterns output from the bit pattern output unit and resulting values of a filtering arithmetic operation on the basis of the bit patterns. In the signal processing device, the bit patterns output from the bit-pattern output unit are provided as indexes. The indexes are referenced to output the resulting values of the filtering arithmetic operation corresponding to the bit patterns listed in the look-up table stored in the look-up table storage unit.
US08577941B2 Virtual database system
A method and apparatus for distributing a database implementation across multiple servers. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving information identifying an implementation of a database having a database schema, identifying the number of database servers to host the database implementation, and analyzing usage characteristics of the database schema. The method further includes distributing the database implementation over the identified number of database servers based on the analysis of the usage characteristics, and providing access to the database implementation for one or more applications, the applications being unaware of the database servers hosting the database implementation.
US08577939B2 Method for reliable and efficient filesystem metadata conversion
A method for converting metadata in a hierarchical configuration within a filesystem from a first format to a second format includes reading metadata in the first format within the hierarchical configuration; writing the metadata from the hierarchical configuration into a flat file; and writing the metadata back into the hierarchical configuration, the metadata being in the second format. The method can also include increasing the size of each of a first inode and a second inode within a first inode chunk in the filesystem, assigning the first inode to the first inode chunk, and assigning the second inode to a second inode chunk.
US08577938B2 Data mapping acceleration
A data mapping acceleration system may include a syntactic profile module to generate a syntactic profile of a data source to be mapped. A semantic classification module may generate a semantic classification of the data source. A similarity module may evaluate the syntactic profile and semantic classification to determine an overall similarity between attributes of data from the data source for mapping the data source.
US08577936B2 Fixup cache tool for object memory compaction in an information handling system
An operating system or virtual machine of an information handling system (IHS) initializes a garbage collector to provide object memory compaction during application execution. The operating system or virtual machine performs move and fixup management within heap or object memory stores. The garbage collector identifies holes or unused portions of heap memory and moves one or more objects during compaction operations. After the garbage collector moves the object, a fixup cache tool fixes up the object pointers within the object. The fixup cache tool maintains a fixup cache that includes pointer information corresponding to the objects that the garbage collector moves. The fixup cache tool employs the pointer information within the fixup cache to update or otherwise fixup the objects within the heap that the garbage collector moves during compaction operations. The fixup cache may provide predictive pointer update information during fixup operations for each object move within the heap.
US08577931B2 Systems and methods for modeling building resources
Described herein are systems and methods for modeling building resources. In overview, building resources are represented by points defined in an information system. These points are defined in a manner so as to allow the generation of a hierarchical structure on their basis. A logical representation of this hierarchical structure, or part of this hierarchical structure, is viewable by a client, for example by way of a browser application. In various embodiments, the logical representation implements functionalities including alarm aggregation and/or scope of responsibility filtering.
US08577928B2 Partitioning for model-based design
A method includes characterizing portions of a model as being either critical to a real-time execution of the model or non-critical to a real-time execution of the model, and generating code that is capable of real-time execution based on the critical portions of the model while maintaining the full functionality of the non-real-time critical sections, e.g., graphics, logging, other offline calculations, via a communication link and parallel host processing.
US08577924B2 Determining base attributes for terms
In one embodiment, a method for determining concept attributes for a concept term includes receiving a concept term and determining one or more word senses for the concept term. A word sense is selected from the one or more word senses, and, based on the selected word sense, one or more conceptually similar terms for the concept term is determined. The method also includes determining that at least one of the one or more conceptually similar terms is a concept attribute for the concept term and generating a mapping to associate the concept attribute with the concept term. The mapping is stored in an onomasticon.
US08577914B2 APIS discovery service
The APIs Discovery Service is a service that exposes machine readable metadata about APIs, enabling users to build client libraries, IDE plugins, and other tools that interact with these APIs.
US08577913B1 Generating midstring query refinements
A system and method is provided for providing query suggestions, particularly midstring query completions for an original query being edited or hovered over. An original query is received from a client. One or more segments in the original query are identified including an anchor segment and zero or more remaining segments. The anchor segment is identified based on cursor placement within the original query. Then one or more sibling segments associated with the anchor segment are identified. The sibling segments are identified by the server system to be semantically distinct from anchor segment. Then one or more query refinement candidates are identified. A respective query refinement candidate includes a sibling segment in place of the anchor segment and includes the remaining segments, if any, of the original query. Then information including one or more of the query refinement candidates is sent to the client for presentation.
US08577908B2 Automatic lock management in an abstract database
A method, system and article of manufacture for accessing data in a database independent of the particular manner in which the data is physically represented and for preventing alterations of data in the database when a query is executed against the database are provided. One embodiment provides a method of preventing alterations of data in a database when a query is executed against the database. The method includes providing a logical representation of the data defining a plurality of logical fields abstractly describing associated physical entities of the data; receiving an abstract query comprising at least one logical field of the plurality of logical fields; and locking the at least one logical field before executing the abstract query.
US08577898B2 System and method for rating a written document
A system and method for rating an essay writing using a statistical system so it can be applied on any language with very few changes. The system comprising multiple modules capable of providing a style score, a punctuation score, a spelling score, a quotation score, an enrichment score, a syntax analysis score, a focus score, an idea score and a cohesion score. The scores are then combined to provide a final overall rating of the essay.
US08577885B2 Partitioning management of system resources across multiple users
A resource group attribute is assigned to a storage resource object representing at least one of the plurality of storage resources in a system configuration of the computing storage environment. The resource group attribute includes a selectable value indicating a resource group object to which the storage resource object is associated. A resource group label is provided in the resource group object and is a string having no wildcards. A user resource scope is assigned to a user ID and a value of the user resource scope provides a mechanism to match to the resource group label. The user ID is authorized to perform one of creating, deleting, modifying, controlling, and managing storage resources with an association to a resource group.
US08577880B1 Recommendations based on item tagging activities of users
A system provides a user interface through which users can flexibly tag individual items represented in an electronic catalog with user-defined tags, such as text strings, and obtain recommendations that are specific to particular tags. The tags and tag-item assignments created by each user are stored persistently in association with the user, and may be kept private to the user or exposed to others. Once a user has assigned a tag to a number of items, the user (or another user in some embodiments) can request and obtain recommendations that are specific to this tag. These recommendations may be generated in real time by a recommendation service that identifies items that are collectively similar or related to the items associated with the tag.
US08577879B1 Navigational aids within item search results
Disclosed are various embodiments providing navigational aids within item search results. A pool of items is generated in a computing resource in response to a search query and a search context. At least one network page is encoded for rendering by a client. The at least one network page includes a ranked list of at least a portion of the items. The ranked list includes a navigational aid when a relevance score associated with the navigational aid meets a threshold. The relevance score is computed relative to respective relevance scores associated with items in the ranked list. The navigational aid has at least a same prominence within the ranked list as an item.
US08577877B2 Apparatus and method for searching among and presenting information associated with geographical position data
Example embodiments relate to an apparatus for searching and presenting information associated with geographical position data. The apparatus includes an input device including a user interface. The user interface includes at least a first input text box configured to receive a first text item, wherein said first text item is a general search text item, at least a second input text box configured to receive a second text item, wherein said second text item is a geographical position text item, and a user actuation input device. The apparatus further includes a database selection engine and a database search engine configured to perform a database search based on said at least first and second text input, and an output device configured to present information associated with geographical position data based upon data retrieved from a database selection engine or a database search engine.
US08577869B2 Data storage method for an electronic device
To prevent memory cells from being damaged, the present invention provides a data storage method for an electronic device, which comprises dividing a first section of a memory of the electronic device into N blocks, wherein each of the N blocks is corresponding to a sequence number and assigned an index value; rewriting an assigned index value corresponding to an nth block of the N blocks according to index values corresponding to the N blocks; storing an input data in the nth block; and rewriting the nth block by stored data in the (n−1)th block before storing the input data in the nth block when the index values corresponding to the N blocks are not identical such that a number of times of accessing sections of the memory is averaged, to prevent the memory from being damaged; wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and 1≦n≦N.
US08577861B2 Apparatus and method for searching information
A method and apparatus for use in servicing a search request where the search request comprises a plurality of parts (such as characters) and establishing a list of tokens where the tokens correspond to elements of objects and have a numerical value. For each part of the search request a subset of the list is determined, said subset identifying a set of objects which may satisfy the search query. The subsets may be identified iteratively. Token encoding is used to encode tokens based on a content of said elements and, in this case, the same token encoding is used to encode the parts of the search request. The token encoding may comprise differential encoding. In certain embodiments, resource requirements necessary to complete the search request are determined based on the identified subsets.
US08577858B2 Data retrieval apparatus, data retrieval method, and program
A data retrieval apparatus selects data to be retained in a cache so that a cache created in retrieval at a previous stage is reused in retrieval at a later stage, and implements retrieval processing to enhance a reusability of retrieved data and upgrade a response speed.
US08577856B2 System and method for enabling search of content
A system and method for searching content. The method comprises receiving from a first user metadata relating to generating a guide for content. A guide is generated relating to the content. The guide facilitates navigation of the content on a device. The metadata is forwarded to a metadata analyzer where the metadata is processed to produce processed metadata. The processed metadata is forwarded to an index server. An index is generated for the content based on the metadata at the index server. A query is received from a second user, the index is searched and a result is forwarded to the second user in response to the query. The result includes at least a uniform resource identifier relating to at least some of content. The second user may add additional metadata relating to the content.
US08577853B2 Performing online in-place upgrade of cluster file system
A shared file system for a group of host computer systems is upgraded in-place in a manner that the shared file system can remain online and accessible to the host computer systems. Each host computer system first loads a new file system driver that is backward compatible with a driver that is currently used by them to interact with the file system. Second, one of the host computer systems acquires locks to file system management data structures of the file system, upgrades the file system management data structures, and upon completion thereof, notifies the other host computer system that the upgrade to the file system management data structures is complete.
US08577850B1 Techniques for global data deduplication
Techniques for data deduplication are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for data deduplication comprising receiving a write request for a unit of data, generating a fingerprint for the unit of data, transmitting at least a portion of the fingerprint to a plurality of deduplication monitors, performing the write request using an indicator indicating a location of a previously stored unit of data having a fingerprint matching the transmitted at least a portion of the fingerprint if a response indicating the previously stored unit of data having the fingerprint matching the transmitted at least a portion of the fingerprint is received from at least one of the plurality of deduplication monitors, and performing the write request using the unit of data if no response is received.
US08577848B2 Converting two-tier resource mapping to one-tier resource mapping
Converting a two-tier resource mapping to a one-tier resource mapping may include determining a first mapping from an intermediate data buffer to a data destination. A second mapping from a data source to the intermediate data buffer may also be determined. An optimized mapping from the data source to the data destination may be generated based on the first and second mappings. The optimized mapping may then be used instead of the first and second mappings to collect data from the data source to the data destination, thereby resulting in a one-tier resource mapping. In some instances, the mappings may be sets of one or more queries.
US08577838B2 Computer-readable recording medium storing data processing program, server apparatus, and data processing method
A computer-readable recording medium storing a data processing program that causes a computer of a group of mutually communicable computers to execute, an acquisition procedure configured, when a processing request for an arbitrary data is inputted, to acquire the number of replicas set in the arbitrary data, a selection procedure configured to select computers, which serve as arrangement destinations of the arbitrary data and are as many as the number of replicas, from the computers of the computer group by using a predetermined algorithm, a transmission procedure of the number of replicas, configured to transmit the number of replicas of the arbitrary data, which number is acquired by the acquisition procedure, to all the computers of the computer group, and a processing request transmission procedure configured to transmit the processing request to each the computers that are selected by the selection procedure and as many as the number of replicas.
US08577835B2 Method and system for sharing data between subscribers of a multi-tenant database service
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for sharing data among subscribers of a multi-tenant database service. These mechanisms and methods for sharing data among subscribers of a multi-tenant database service can enable embodiments to providing controlled, limited sharing between the subscribers regardless of the physical location of the subscriber data. The ability of embodiments to provide such additional sharing capabilities may lead to more secure sharing of data within a multi-tenant on-demand database service.
US08577832B2 System, method, circuit and associated software for locating and/or uploading data objects
The present invention includes methods, circuits, systems and corresponding executable code for locating and managing data files/objects such as image files, audio files, etc. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided a Dynamic Search and Linking Module (DSLM), which DSLM may be functionally associated with an Uploader (an application or module adapted to upload files) of an application or of an operating system. The DSLM may provide an Uploader with search engine querying (e.g. web searching) and search engine result (e.g results of a web search) linking functionality.
US08577831B2 Method of recommending items to a user based on user interest
Although recording of usage data is common in scholarly information services, its exploitation for the creation of value-added services remains limited due to concerns regarding, among others, user privacy, data validity, and the lack of accepted standards for the representation, sharing and aggregation of usage data. A technical, standards-based architecture for sharing usage information is presented. In this architecture, OpenURL-compliant linking servers aggregate usage information of a specific user community as it navigates the distributed information environment that it has access to. This usage information is made OAI-PMH harvestable so that usage information exposed by many linking servers can be aggregated to facilitate the creation of value-added services with a reach beyond that of a single community or a single information service.
US08577826B2 Automated document separation
Systems and methods for automated document separation. The system includes a host device that is configured to communicate with one or more client devices over a network. The host device includes a splitting module, a correction module, a knowledge base, and a document store. The splitting module is configured to perform a multi-level document splitting. Pages are grouped into documents based on the sender information, the lack of sender information, and whether the sender is known. The splitting module performs an automatic correction of the initial document separation based on information stored within the knowledge base. The knowledge base is updated each time a document is processed and a user provides feedback related to whether the documents were successfully separated. Based on the success or failure of a particular document separation, the knowledge base evaluates the modifications made by a user to learn from the errors made during document separation.
US08577818B2 Automatic model evolution
A method includes performing, on a processor, evaluating log data; determining at least one discrepancy between the log data and a system model; generating a candidate model based on the discrepancy and a model template; and updating the system model based on the candidate model.
US08577817B1 System and method for using network application signatures based on term transition state machine
A method for profiling network traffic of a network. The method includes identifying a training set having captured payloads corresponding to a set of flows associated with a network application, determining a set of signature terms from the training set, representing a portion of the captured payloads as regular expressions, representing a regular expression as a path in a term transition state machine (TTSM) including states coupled by at least a link that is assigned a signature term and a transition probability, the transition probability corresponding to a signature term transition to the signature term in the regular expression, and analyzing, based on the TTSM according to at least the transition probability, a flow separate from the set of flows and associated with a server in the network to determine the server as executing the network application.
US08577812B2 Systems and methods for conducting transactions and communications using a trusted third party
Systems and methods are provided for performing transactions and managing communications using a trusted third party. In one embodiment, a sender transfers an encrypted version of a file (such as a digitally encoded audio track, movie, document, or the like) to someone who wishes to receive it. The receiver computes a first hash of at least a portion of the encrypted data content, and sends the first hash to a third party configured to compare at least a portion of the first hash to at least a portion of a second hash. The receiver receives a file decryption key from the third party, and decrypts at least the portion of the received encrypted data content with the decryption key. In some cases, multiple hashes of the encrypted data content may be computed, each using a different portion of the encrypted data content.
US08577811B2 In-band transaction verification
Various embodiments of a system and method for in-band transaction verification are described. The system and method for in-band transaction verification may include a transaction verification component. The transaction verification component may be configured to provide a transaction confirmation request that includes one or more machine readable resistant security media objects to indicate one or more transaction details for a transaction as well as a confirmation code for confirming the transaction. The transaction verification component may also be configured to receive a response to the confirmation request, such as a response from the user that submitted the transaction request. If the response includes a response code that is the same as the confirmation code, the transaction verification component may complete the transaction. If the response includes a response code that is different than the confirmation code, the transaction verification component may abort the transaction.
US08577792B2 Foreclosure prevention and protection
A method for process monitoring is disclosed. A borrower is offered a proceeding in which a secured party has executed on collateral due to nonpayment prevention and protection plan associated with a secured loan. A periodic payment is received from the borrower in response to the borrower accepting the proceeding in which a secured party has executed on collateral due to nonpayment prevention and protection plan. The proceeding in which a secured party has executed on collateral due to nonpayment prevention and protection plan allows for at least a portion of a loan payment for the secured loan to be covered by a proceeding in which a secured party has executed on collateral due to nonpayment prevention and protection (PP) entity on behalf of the borrower in response to a covered event occurring. The proceeding in which a secured party has executed on collateral due to nonpayment prevention and protection plan additionally may allow for paying/cancelling the debt's investor in response to loss of the property by the borrower.
US08577791B2 System and computer program for modeling and pricing loan products
A computing system (100) receives transaction records (130) for loans taken at various interest rates (1904) for a loan segment (902). Performance indicators (1716) indicative of customer behaviors (1702) are computed (1806) using independent demand models (300, 302, 304, 306, and 308). Computing system (100) includes a performance indicator forecaster (112) that determines relationships between the performance indicators (1716) and various prices, or interest rates (1904). These relationships can include profit (1906) and/or volume (1908) relative to the various interest rates (1904). The relationships are utilized to select an interest rate (1912, 2102) for the product segment (902) for implementation by a financial institution.
US08577789B2 Electronic transaction processor system
An Internet based system for executing transactions is described. The system may include transaction data, a database, a business logic manager and user profiles. A rules may also be included, and store information about system responses to modifications of the data. The user profiles may be configured to store information concerning the availability of information and displays depending upon the user.
US08577788B1 Automatic strategy grouping for a trading system
A system for trading comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to: receive an indication to automatically group a set of investment instruments; determine a set of possible strategies from the set of investment instruments; determine a set of groupings of strategies from the set of possible strategies; and determine one or more selected groupings from the set of groupings of strategies based at least in part on a selection criteria. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor instructions.
US08577778B2 Derivatives having demand-based, adjustable returns, and trading exchange therefor
Methods and systems for replicating derivatives strategies and for trading derivatives strategies in a demand-based trading market are described. In one embodiment, a set of contingent claims are created to replicate a derivatives strategy. One or more parameters of a contingent claim in the replication set may be determined as a function of one or more parameters of a derivatives strategy and an outcome of the event. An investment amount for a contingent claim in the replication set may be determined as a function of one or more parameters of the contingent claim and a total amount invested in a demand-based auction. In other embodiments, derivatives strategies and/or financial products are enabled to be traded in a demand-based auction and are offered to customers and/or traded in the auction. In another embodiment, a derivatives strategy is replicated by a set of one or more digitals or digital options by determining one or more parameters of the digitals or digital options in the replication set as a function of one or more parameters of the derivatives strategy.
US08577777B1 Machine, article, and method for servicing a specified event bond
A method, machine, article for servicing a specified event bond. The method can include: storing in memory terms of a bond indenture for a bond, the indenture including an agreement with at least one original investor in the bond whereby an issuer of the bond is obligated to pay to the investor a contingent liability in the bond if a specified event occurs; determining, by a computer accessing the memory and receiving market data, an amount of contingent liability corresponding to the obligation; and outputting, by the computer, the determined amount of the contingent liability.
US08577776B2 Risk and reward assessment mechanism
A data driven and forward looking risk and reward appetite methodology for consumer and small business is described. The methodology includes account level historical data collection for customers associated with accounts as part of a portfolio. The account level historical data is segmented into groups of customers with similar revenues and loss characteristics. Segmented data is decomposed into seasoning, vintage, and cycle effects. Statistical clusters are formed based upon the data and effects. A simulation is applied to the statistical clusters and prediction data is generated. A simulation strategy to forecast and simulate revenue and loss volatility is developed. Efficient frontier curves of risk (e.g., return volatility) and reward (e.g., expected return) are created for the current portfolio under various economic scenarios.
US08577775B1 Systems and methods for managing investments
The methods and systems described herein can identify meaningful relationships between actual positions within a portfolio of investments, as well as relationships to externalities. Based on the understanding that relationships between positions are not fixed over periods of time but can vary depending on recent external events, the methods and systems described herein can achieve a portfolio of investments that are least related to other investments within the portfolio (e.g., a diverse portfolio) and, if desired, least related to the overall market (e.g., a market neutral portfolio). The methods and systems described herein can filter performance data to evaluate and manage risk across a dynamic portfolio that includes numerous primary instruments and hedge instruments. The methods and systems described herein can also provide a diagnostic tool to monitor both risk and diversification (including relationships) by determining the actual amount of profit and loss and a diversity score for each investment.
US08577773B2 Document processing systems and methods for regulatory certifications
A processing system is provided for regulatory or tax status certification of investors. Certificates are generated and synchronized with data. The certificates are indicative of entitlements to own or receive income on securities in accord with various governmental, tax or contractually determined constraints. Interest or dividend income can be paid to eligible investors free (or at reduced rates) of withholding tax once a valid certificate is obtained. Certificates can also be provided to permit a certified entity to purchase investments that are otherwise restricted from sale. Investors or investor banking representatives can introduce investor details into the system for use in generating certificates. Such certificates are sent out for execution (e.g., signature), and electronically transmitted back into the system. Tracking elements are provided to allow the certificates to be automatically matched to electronically stored investor data, thus forming the basis of an executed certification.
US08577769B2 Multi-variable transaction system and method
A system for optimization of variables is provided. The system includes a buyer finance system for receiving asset data and buyer finance data. A seller variable system receives the asset data and the buyer finance data and applies a seller variable distribution to generate seller transaction state data. A finance variable system receives the asset data and the buyer finance data and applies a finance variable distribution to generate finance transaction state data. A variable optimization system receives the seller transaction state data and the finance transaction state data and generates transaction approval data.
US08577768B2 Systems and methods relating to credit
The present invention includes an electronic platform where business credit can be created, affiliated, transmitted, redeemed and processed, etc. in connection with multiple redeemers. The present invention includes an electronic platform where business credit can be purchased, sold and/or gifted in connection with multiple redeemers. The present invention also includes an electronic platform where business credit can be accounted for, monitored, and organized, etc. Furthermore, the present invention provides the ability to redeem business credit (including store credit) in connection with multiple redemptions through multiple redeemers, via a single redemption apparatus (e.g., a smart card).
US08577764B2 Goal insurance
Goal insurance is provided as a purchasable option to users who wish to have a goal tracking system monitor and enforce their goals. The user may define the goal, a reward to be given upon successful completion of the goal and penalties to be applied if the goal is not met. To avoid penalties, the user may purchase goal insurance that may be used or apply under specified circumstances. Such circumstances may include death, illness, unemployment or the like. Goal information and progress may be monitored by the goal tracking system and may further be published to one or more sites. Other users may contribute to the user's reward or send encouraging remarks. If the user does not purchase goal insurance, the predefined penalties may be applied upon expiration of a goal time period if the user has not achieved their goal.
US08577760B2 Managing consistent interfaces for tax authority business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a tax assessment notice, a tax form, a tax object, a tax obligation and/or a tax return business object.
US08577756B2 Method, system, and computer program product for providing transaction services
Transaction services include providing, to a computer system of an entity via a first user interface, a transaction service template having data fields configured to specify items and identifiers of physical locations in which each of the items resides. The transaction services also include receiving the transaction service template including entries presented in the data fields, the transaction service template mapping the items to corresponding physical locations. Transaction services further include providing a second user interface to an end user device, the second user interface including a portion of the data fields of the transaction service template. In response to a transaction request that includes one of the items, the transaction services also include populating an identifier of a corresponding physical location of the item in the transaction request within the second user interface as a transaction response.
US08577755B2 Method and system of listing items
Described herein are a method and a system to suggest information for one or more items offered for sale by sellers in a network-based market place. One or more keywords associated with an item to be listed may be received from a seller. The one or more keywords may be used to search for matching information stored in a database. The matching information may be presented to the seller to be selected. When the seller modifies the suggested matching information, the modified version of the matching information may be stored in the database.
US08577753B1 Community-based shopping profiles
Guided item selection based on profiles maintained dynamically. The profiles represent, for example, purchase, usage, or personality profiles corresponding to various segments of the user population. Each of the profiles has one or more items associated with the profile. The user selects one or more of the profiles while browsing or searching for items. The items associated with the selected profile are provided to the user. The user's interaction, or lack of interaction, with the items is monitored and analyzed. Based on the monitored interaction, a relevance of the selected profile relative to the other profiles is dynamically adjusted along with a relevance of particular items for the selected profile. For example, items may be added or removed from the list based on the monitored user interactions.
US08577748B1 System and method for allocating tickets using a draft
The present invention is a system and method that enables individuals, partnerships, companies and any other entity to ease the ownership and administration of ticket lots and other properties by alleviating the difficulties mentioned above. The system achieves this by providing a utility to build ticket or time-share member groups by matching compatible users and to allocate to the group's members shares of ticket lots or access to properties by time-share or rental. The system establishes user compatibility and ticket and property allocation based on requirements, preferences and attributes of the group, the ticket or property, and the system users. For example, a website based on the system of the present invention can be used by a holder of a season ticket package in order to connect with website users seeking a share of such tickets, form a member group of such users that are compatible with parameters set by the season ticket holder, and automatically allocate the tickets equitably to group members based on ticket event attributes, requirements and preferences indicated by the members and ticket allocation rules set by the ticket holder.
US08577737B1 Method, medium, and system for application lending
Disclosed herein are techniques, including systems and methods, for enabling a lending user to lend an application to a borrowing user. The borrowing user may use the application for a trial period, and, once the trial period lapses, the borrowing user may be given an opportunity to purchase the application. If the borrowing user purchases the application, then the lending user may be credited with a commission. According to some embodiments, in addition to or instead of lending the application, the lending user may lend or sell a status/stake in the application to the borrowing user. For example, if the application is a game, the status/stake may unlock certain levels or features of the game.
US08577731B1 Method of transaction processing to support proxy financial card
A method of completing a financial transaction after a point-of-sale terminal initiates a payment request and sends financial transaction information includes receiving financial transaction information from a point-of-sale terminal, the financial transaction information being associated with a transaction and identifying an individual that initiated the transaction. The method further includes accessing a database to determine a rule set associated with the individual, applying the rule set to the financial transaction information, and selecting a financial issuer based on the applied rule set.
US08577730B2 Cash management optimization for payment processing
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for cash management optimization method for payment processing. In an embodiment of the invention, a cash management optimization method for payment processing can include receiving a transaction profile for a proposed transaction as payment for a purchase by a purchaser from a merchant at a card processing terminal configured to identify a card number for a card. The method further can include comparing the transaction profile to merchant-specified preferences mapping different transaction profiles to different payment processors. A payment processor for the proposed transaction can be selected based upon the comparison of the transaction profile to the merchant-specified preferences. Thereafter, the proposed transaction can be routed over a computer communications network to the selected payment processor for payment processing.
US08577687B2 Hierarchical coding of digital audio signals
The invention relates to a method for scalar quantization-based coding of the samples of a digital audio signal (S), the samples being coded over a pre-determined number of bits in order to obtain a binary frame of quantization indices (IPCM), the coding being carried out according to an amplitude compression law, where a pre-determined number of least significant bits are not taken into account in the binary frame of quantization indices. The coding method comprises the steps for storing (27) at least a part of the least significant bits that are not taken into account in the quantization index binary frame and for determination (28) of an enhancement bit stream (IEXT) comprising at least one bit thus stored.The invention also relates to an associated decoding method which comprises the steps for receiving (29) an enhancement bit stream (I′EXT) comprising one or more extension bits and for concatenation (30) of the extension bits behind the bits coming from the binary frame in order to obtain a decoded audio signal.The invention also relates to the coder and decoder implementing these methods.
US08577685B2 System and method for targeted advertising
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for targeted advertising, the method including receiving an audio stream containing user speech from a first device, generating text based on the speech contained in the audio stream, identifying at least one key phrase in the text, receiving from an advertiser an advertisement related to the identified at least one key phrase, and displaying the advertisement. In one aspect, the method further includes receiving from an advertiser a set of rules associated with the received advertisement and displaying the advertisement in accordance with the associated set of rules. The first device can be a converged voice and data communications device connected to a network. The communications device can generate text based on the speech. In one aspect, the method displays the advertisement on one or both of a converged voice and data communications device and a second communications device. A central server can generate text based on the speech. At least one key phrase in the text can be identified based on a confidence score threshold. In another aspect, the method further includes receiving multiple audio streams containing speech from a same user and generating text based on the speech contained in the multiple audio streams. The advertisement can be displayed after the audio stream terminates.
US08577675B2 Method and device for speech enhancement in the presence of background noise
In one aspect thereof the invention provides a method for noise suppression of a speech signal that includes, for a speech signal having a frequency domain representation dividable into a plurality of frequency bins, determining a value of a scaling gain for at least some of said frequency bins and calculating smoothed scaling gain values. Calculating smoothed scaling gain values includes, for the at least some of the frequency bins, combining a currently determined value of the scaling gain and a previously determined value of the smoothed scaling gain. In another aspect a method partitions the plurality of frequency bins into a first set of contiguous frequency bins and a second set of contiguous frequency bins having a boundary frequency there between, where the boundary frequency differentiates between noise suppression techniques, and changes a value of the boundary frequency as a function of the spectral content of the speech signal.
US08577667B2 Handheld electronic device and method for disambiguation of text input providing artificial variants comprised of characters in a core alphabet
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device is able to generate artificial variants in certain circumstances. The artificial variants comprise characters within a core alphabet of the device and are free of extended characters that may otherwise be active on the device.
US08577663B2 System and methods for fault-isolation and fault-mitigation based on network modeling
A system and method for identifying a monitoring point in an electrical and electronic system (EES) in a vehicle. The method includes defining a network model of the EES where potential monitoring point locations in the model are identified as targets, such as nodes. The method then computes a betweenness centrality metric for each target in the model as a summation of a ratio of a number of shortest paths between each pair of targets in the model that pass through the target whose betweenness centrality metric is being determined to a total number of shortest paths between each pair of targets. The method identifies which of the betweenness centrality metrics are greater than a threshold that defines a minimum acceptable metric and determines which of those targets meets a predetermined model coverage. The monitoring point is selected as the target that best satisfies the minimum metric and the desired coverage.
US08577662B2 Method of determining the particle sensitivity of electronic components
To analyze an electronic component, this component is exposed to a focused laser beam. The information provided by the laser mapping relating to the position and to the depth of the sensitivity zones of the component is used as input parameter in prediction codes for quantifying the sensitivity of the mapped component to ionizing particles in the natural radioactive environment. The prediction codes are used to determine the occurrence of malfunctions in the electronic component. Determination of the risks associated with the radiative environment imposes two aspects: one, probabilistic, takes into account the particle/matter interaction and the other, electrical, takes into account the charge collection inside the electronic component.
US08577661B2 Systems and methods for alarm filtering and management within a real-time data acquisition and monitoring environment
A system for filtering and interpreting real-time sensory data from an electrical system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component acquires real-time data output from the electrical system. The power analytics server is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine, and a decision engine. The virtual system modeling engine generates predicted data output for the electrical system. The analytics engine monitors real-time data output and predicted data output of the electrical system. The decision engine compares the real-time data output against the predicted data output to filter out and interpret indicia of electrical system health and performance. The client terminal is communicatively connected to the power analytics server and configured to display the filtered and interpreted indicia.
US08577657B2 Methods for estimating the effect of variations of design variables on the weight of an aircraft component
A method of designing an aircraft component formed by a number of elements that includes a phase to estimate the effect of a variation of a design variable on the component weight which method includes the following steps: a) providing the main primary structure basic data of the aircraft component and the Reserve Factors associated to its design criteria; b) obtaining a breakdown of the component weight by such design criteria using a fictitious weight calculated taking into account the relative importance of their critical design criteria; c) obtaining the weight effect of a design variable variation, recalculating firstly the new Reserve Factors using suitable functions for the variation of the Reserve Factors vs. the variation of the design variable and, secondly, recalculating the component weight using suitable functions for the variation of the element dimensions vs. the variation of the Reserve Factors.
US08577650B2 User interface for modeling thermal comfort
Predicting thermal strain and providing a visual representation of the predicted thermal strain on a subject. A computerized model combines subject data, fabric data, and environmental conditions to simulate the thermal comfort of the subject wearing a plurality of fabric layers over time. The visual representation indicates the simulated thermal comfort on an image of the subject with the plurality of fabric layers. A user interface enables a user to modify or define the input data to compare the predicted thermal comfort of the subject wearing different garments under the same working conditions.
US08577643B2 Location determination for individual tires of a multi-tire
An apparatus and a method are provided for ascertaining the relative position of a first tire and a second tire in a multiple tire. The apparatus may include a first electromechanical transducer providing a first sensor signal indicating a contact area length of the first tire in the multiple tire, and a second electromechanical transducer providing a second sensor signal indicating a contact area length of the second tire in the multiple tire. The apparatus includes a reception unit configured for receiving the first and second sensor signals; a contact area characteristic ascertainment unit ascertaining the contact area lengths characteristic of the first and second tires based on the first and second sensor signals; and a position finding unit ascertaining the position of the first tire relative to the second tire by evaluating the contact length characteristics of the first and second tires during cornering.
US08577637B2 System and method of magnetic compass calibration
A system and method of determining a magnetic field and magnetic compass calibration is disclosed. One embodiment is a method of determining a magnetic field vector, the method comprising storing, for each of a plurality of sensor orientations, one or more calibration components, determining, for a sensor orientation not included in the plurality of sensor orientations, a magnetic field vector and a gravity vector, iteratively estimating one or more calibration coefficients based on the stored components, the determined magnetic field vector, and the determined gravity vector, wherein the calibration coefficients are updated during each of a plurality of iterations, and determining a sensor-orientation-independent magnetic field vector based on at least one of the calibration coefficients.
US08577635B2 Calibrating method and system, recording medium for this method
A method for calibrating coefficients of an observer of a variable state of a physical system from measurements of physical quantities of the system, at different instants includes measuring a variable of the physical system at several instants, the variable being a function of a system state variable, and determining a vector of coefficients that minimizes a sum of the number of measurements of a square of a norm of a vector that is the difference between the measured variable and a function of the system state variable and the vector of coefficients. The minimization is subject to a constraint that the trajectory of the measured variable be within a corridor of uncertainty on either side of a trajectory of its estimate, at least for the measurement instants.
US08577630B2 Automatic discharge of a failed battery
A system comprises a battery cell, control logic, and a battery drain latch circuit. The control logic is coupled to the battery cell and determines whether a battery pack has experienced a failure condition. The battery drain latch circuit is activated by the control logic, upon detection of a failure condition, to cause the battery cell to drain energy therefrom.
US08577627B1 Cable tensioning cycling system
A hydraulic operated system for testing cable under variable tensions and speeds with a lower input horsepower requirement. The system can include storage reels in series with multiple moveable sheaves. A moveable tensioning moveable sheave can be in series with the multiple moveable sheaves for receiving cable and for measuring load and speed of the cable using sensors. The system can include clutches and a clutch controller. The measured load and speed can be transmitted to a processor which can perform calculations and comparisons thereon, and can transmit related notifications to client devices through a network.
US08577623B2 Anti-terrorism water quality monitoring system
An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochloritc, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.
US08577620B2 Methods for assessing drug efficacy and response of patient to therapy
Methods of identifying, monitoring and matching patients with appropriate treatments who are at risk for developing a systemic inflammatory condition using a systemic mediator-associated physiologic test profile are provided. The methods of the present invention increase the likelihood of demonstrating clinical efficacy in clinical trial datasets.
US08577617B2 Metabolic phenotyping
A method of generating models with which to characterize selected aspects of the metabolic phenotype of subjects without dosing a test substance to those subjects or with which to predict, without dosing, the post-dose responses of subjects where those responses are dependent on metabolic phenotype, the method comprising: obtaining pre-dose data relating to a plurality of subjects before dosing with a dosing substance; obtaining post-dose data relating to the plurality of subjects after dosing with the dosing substance; and correlating inter-subject variation in the pre-dose data with inter-subject variation in the post-dose data, and generating a pre-to-post-dose predictive model on the basis of the observed correlation. The models may be used to determine selected aspects of the metabolic phenotype of a subject or to predict, without dosing, the post-dose responses of subjects. This is achieved by analysing data relating to the un-dosed subject in relation to a model describing the correlation of pre-dose and post-dose data relating to a plurality of subjects when dosed with a particular substance which challenges the biochemical transformation or pathway of interest; and generating, according to the predetermined criteria of the model, a numerical measure or classification describing the metabolic phenotype of the un-dosed subject.
US08577607B2 GPS/INS sensor fusion using GPS wind up model
A method of stabilizing an inertial navigation system (INS), includes the steps of: receiving data from an inertial navigation system; and receiving a finite number of carrier phase observables using at least one GPS receiver from a plurality of GPS satellites; calculating a phase wind up correction; correcting at least one of the finite number of carrier phase observables using the phase wind up correction; and calculating a corrected IMU attitude or velocity or position using the corrected at least one of the finite number of carrier phase observables; and performing a step selected from the steps consisting of recording, reporting, or providing the corrected IMU attitude or velocity or position to another process that uses the corrected IMU attitude or velocity or position. A GPS stabilized inertial navigation system apparatus is also described.
US08577605B2 Vehicle feedback method and system
A feedback method and system. The method includes identifying by a computing system, a user. A vehicular feedback software application is enabled for the user. A feedback software application in the computing system monitors a group of vehicle operation functions currently being executed by the user with respect to a vehicle. The feedback software application analyzes the group of vehicle operation functions with respect to a profile associated with the user. An analysis report is generated in response to the analysis. The analysis report is presented to the user. The computing system monitors a response to the first analysis report from the user.
US08577602B2 Method and device for presenting information associated to geographical data
The invention relates to a method for presenting points of interest (POIs) via a graphical user interface (GUI) on an apparatus. Generally, data is received via a global positioning system (GPS) and map data is received via a communications network. Next, a reference location is determined, and based on the reference location a search area is determined. Next, POIs are found within said search area, wherein said reference location is comprised within said search area, and then said POIs are organized in a multilevel hierarchy tree. Finally, the found POIs are presented on the GUI.
US08577601B2 Navigation device with augmented reality navigation functionality
A navigation device includes a display, a recording medium, a navigation camera, a global positioning system (GPS), and a processor. The processor is operable to determine a current position for generating a navigation route to a destination. Based on a real-time traffic image received from the navigation camera, the processor adjusts a display scale and a display position of the navigation route, superimposes the navigation route on the real-time traffic image to generate a superimposed image, and outputs the superimposed image for viewing on the display and storage in the recording medium.
US08577596B2 Establishing quality parameters of a digital map
A device and method for the establishment of quality parameters of a digital map. A currently determined position of the vehicle and a measured value of an attribute of this position is used to calculate a quality parameter which serves as additional information for the data of the digital map. A driver assistance system constitutes an improved aid for a driver of a vehicle, since, in addition to the data of the digital map, the driver assistance system uses the feedback information of the quality parameter.
US08577594B2 Apparatus and method for route navigation of multiple destinations
An apparatus and method for route navigation for multiple destinations. Route parameters can be received and a route (140, 142) can be generated for multiple destinations (132, 134). An estimated time of arrival can be calculated for each destination. An updated estimated time of arrival can be generated for one of the destinations. A messaging service message including the updated time of arrival can be sent to a recipient (122, 124) associated with the respective destination if the updated time of arrival deviates from the original estimated time of arrival.
US08577592B2 Vehicle collision warning system and method of operating the same
A vehicle collision warning system and method may be used to detect a potential or impending collision with another vehicle and to send a corresponding warning to the driver. In an exemplary embodiment, the collision warning system uses one or more target vehicle readings (e.g., a relative velocity reading (Δv), a target vehicle acceleration reading (aTAR), and a relative distance reading or range (Δd)) to solve a unified collision warning algorithm. If the unified collision warning algorithm determines that there is a potential collision with the target vehicle, then the system sends a corresponding warning to the driver.
US08577588B2 Load sensor for a vehicle electronic stability system
A vehicle comprising a seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion, an electronic stability system, adapted to receive inputs from a load sensor, a wheel rotation sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor, the electronic stability system adapted to provide outputs to at least one of the brake system for braking the vehicle, and the engine control unit to change the power output transmitted to the wheels by the engine, the electronic stability system using a first calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state and a second calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a loaded state.
US08577586B2 Travel control device
Information for generating a target speed pattern is computed from information acquired from various sensors and a running mode input switch, so as to generate the target speed pattern (S16). A process for determining whether to form a vehicle group or not calculates the difference between the target vehicle pattern of the own vehicle and a target speed pattern of another vehicle or vehicle group obtained through inter-vehicle communication, so as to determine whether to form the vehicle group or not (S22, S28, S32). This can determine whether to run solo or form a vehicle group according to a driver's demand.
US08577585B2 Transport and handling system and methods of transporting a commodity
A transportation system for use in transporting commodities is described herein. The transportation system includes a transportation network that includes a plurality of predefined paths of travel extending between a plurality of locations, and a plurality of transport vehicles. Each transport vehicle of the plurality of transport vehicles is configured to independently travel along the transportation network. A plurality of motor assemblies is oriented along the transportation network. Each motor assembly of the plurality of motor assemblies is oriented with respect to a predefined segment of the transportation network, and configured to move the transport vehicle along the predefined segment. A control system is operatively coupled to each motor assembly to selectively operate each motor assembly to independently convey each transport vehicle of the plurality of transport vehicles along the transportation network.
US08577584B2 Method for operating an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine, in which a setpoint torque to be output by the internal combustion engine is restricted to a specifiable torque, in particular in response to an error in the control of the internal combustion engine. An engine speed of the internal combustion engine is determined as a function of at least one performance quantity of the internal combustion engine, and the specifiable torque is modified as a function of the determined engine speed.
US08577581B2 Injector protection control method and common rail fuel injection control system
To reliably prevent a drop in the function of injectors resulting from a rise in the temperature of excess fuel in the injectors without having to add a new part.In a common rail fuel injection control system according to the present invention, when it is determined that an engine rotational speed Ne, a vehicle velocity V and a rail pressure exceed respective predetermined references, the count value of a determining counter is increased (steps S100 to S106), and when it is determined that the engine rotational speed Ne, the vehicle velocity V and the rail pressure do not exceed the respective predetermined references, the count value of the determining counter is decreased (steps S108 to S114), and next, when it is determined (step S116) that the count value of the determining counter exceeds a predetermined protection initiation reference Cs, limitation of the fuel injection amount and the rail pressure and correction of a smoke limit value are performed (see steps S120 to S124) until the count value of the determining counter falls below the predetermined protection initiation reference, whereby injector protection is performed.
US08577574B2 In-vehicle control device
The in-vehicle control device includes first and second control units that perform first and second controls, respectively; first and second sensors for measuring the same physical quantity, and a transmission channel for communicating information between the first control unit and the second control unit. Outputs from the first and the second sensors are taken in and used for the first and the second controls by the first and the second control units, respectively. The first and the second control units repeatedly perform diagnoses of the first and the second sensors, respectively, and receive each results of measurements of the physical quantity measured based on the outputs of the first and the second sensors, respectively, through the transmission channel.
US08577571B2 Clutch pressure control device
A clutch pressure control device includes a request filter unit that calculates a target clutch pressure value from a requested clutch pressure value input in the request filter unit. A feedforward clutch pressure control model unit calculates, from the target clutch pressure value input by the request filter unit, a feedforward current value. A PID control unit calculates a feedback current value from a valve pressure target value for a hydraulic proportional valve controlling the clutch pressure and a feedback actual pressure value. A first calculation unit calculates a hydraulic proportional valve target current value from the input feedforward current value and the feedback current value. The device utilizes measurement methods to find values for a kisspoint pressure of the clutch, a preload pressure of the clutch, and a fill volume of the clutch.
US08577570B2 Touch point calibration method for a motor vehicle
A touch point calibration method for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method includes steps for determining if the touch point can be calibrated. The method also includes steps for determining the touch point when the system can be calibrated.
US08577565B2 Limiting branch pressure to a solenoid valve in a fluid circuit
A vehicle includes a clutch, pump, pressure control variable force solenoid (PVFS) valve in a branch supplying oil from the pump to the clutch through a flow control VFS (QVFS), and a controller. The controller calculates an area of a variable orifice of the QVFS valve at the start of a clutch shift, records the area as a maximum area, and calculates a maximum branch pressure as a function of the area. The controller limits pressure in the branch during the shift event to the calculated maximum branch pressure. The transmission may be a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with the clutch being a DCT input clutch. A control system includes a host machine, temperature and pressure sensors, a computer-readable medium with instructions for limiting branch pressure as a function of the maximum area noted above and using sensor values from the sensors. A method of limiting branch pressure is also disclosed.
US08577561B2 Control system and method of operating a product distribution machine
A control system and method of operation of a product distribution apparatus or machine that uses map based information to disengage the dynamic down force control for certain designated areas of the field. These areas can be roadways or waterways that are not planted with seed but through which the machine does operate. The control system disengages the down force dynamic control when the designated areas are reached and leaves the down force applied by the actuator at the magnitude immediately prior to entering the area or at some other desired level. This magnitude of down force will typically be much closer to the magnitude needed when the roadway, waterway or other designated area has been crossed.
US08577555B2 Dual-chamber impact detector
An impact detection system has two chambers disposed adjacent to one another. The two chambers have opposing tapered shapes, so that an impact anywhere along them will create a different pressure wave or pulse in each chamber. A pressure sensor module incorporating two pressure sensors is disposed at one end of the dual-channel unit, and comparison of the signals from the sensors can be used to discriminate both the location and severity of a pedestrian impact.
US08577551B2 Steer control maneuvers for materials handling vehicles
A materials handling vehicle automatically implements steer maneuvers when objects enter an environment around the vehicle. A steer correction maneuver is automatically performed by steering the vehicle away from the detected object, wherein an angle of steer correction and/or a rate of change of the steering angle that is implemented to achieve a desired angle of steer correction is dependent upon how far from a reference coordinate associated with the vehicle the detected object is determined to be.
US08577542B2 Method for detecting changes in the rigidity of a hydraulic brake system
In a method for detecting air in the brake circuit of a motor vehicle having a hydraulic brake system that has a vacuum brake booster, the pressure prevailing in the vacuum chamber of the vacuum brake booster in the operated and the non-operated states of the brake is measured, and a parameter characteristic of the brake performance is determined as a function of the measured pressure, and the characteristic parameter is compared to a reference value.
US08577535B2 System and method for providing perceived first-order control of an unmanned vehicle
A system for providing perceived first order control of an unmanned vehicle contains a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of: receiving instructions for updating x-axis location, y-axis location, z-axis location, and/or heading of the unmanned vehicle; converting received instructions for updating x-axis location, y-axis location, z-axis location, and/or heading of the unmanned vehicle into a set of relative distance coordinates from a current location of the unmanned vehicle; and adjusting the set of relative distance coordinates by a gain control, to minimize coordinate change, wherein gain control provides a rate change in the x-axis location, y-axis location, z-axis location, and/or heading, resulting in a new set of coordinates. A screen displays a location dot representing current location of the unmanned vehicle and an outer limit circle surrounding the location dot representing an outer boundary for movement of the unmanned vehicle.
US08577534B2 Method for scanning a surrounding environment of a vehicle
A method and a device are described for scanning the surrounding environment of a vehicle. When the vehicle falls below a first boundary speed a timer is triggered whose state is incremented until the vehicle exceeds a boundary speed, a check of the unobstructed view of the scanning device being carried out upon expiration of the time period recorded by the state of the timer and in which the state of the counter is incremented.
US08577529B2 Control apparatus for vehicle
A control apparatus (30) estimates a status of charge (SOC) by a first estimation method by temporarily changing the SOC of a battery (B) so that the SOC of the battery (B) falls within a first region in the case a period, during which the estimated value of the status of charge of the battery (B) falls within a second region, exceeds a prescribed period.
US08577528B2 System and method for updating charge station information
A system for updating a charge station database including information about charge station location and/or characteristic by determining and verifying charge station location and characteristics after a vehicle connects to a charging station. The vehicle determines (probes) the charge station location based upon the location of the vehicle while connected to the charging station. This location information is transmitted by the vehicle to a central database.
US08577524B2 Watercraft propulsion device
A watercraft propulsion device includes an engine, a drive shaft, a propeller shaft, a rotational speed detector, and a controller. The drive shaft transmits power from the engine. The propeller shaft is rotationally driven by power transmitted from the drive shaft. The rotational speed detector detects an engine rotational speed. The controller executes a suppression control to suppress the engine rotational speed when a change rate of the engine rotational speed is equal to or larger than a prescribed value.
US08577522B2 Method for monitoring at least one system parameter which influences the operating behaviour of vehicles or trains of vehicles
A method monitors at least one system parameter which influences an operating property of vehicles or trains of vehicles, using an adaptable theoretical model which generates a theoretical behavior of a vehicle or train of vehicles from operating data of the vehicle or train of vehicles. The method includes determination of a real behavior of a vehicle or train of vehicles from operating data such as acceleration and/or deceleration of the vehicle or of the train of vehicles, comparison of the real behavior of the vehicle or train of vehicles with the theoretical behavior of the vehicle or train of vehicles, and monitoring of the system parameter by the theoretical model if the theoretical behavior of the vehicle or train of vehicles corresponds to the real behavior of the vehicle or train of vehicles.
US08577519B1 Rapidly deployed modular telemetry system
The present invention is a telemetry system, and more specifically is a rapidly deployed modular telemetry apparatus which utilizes of SDR technology and the FPGA programming capability to reduce the number of hardware components and programming required to deploy a telemetry system.
US08577516B2 Control device of inverted pendulum type vehicle
A control device of an inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of easily performing a circling movement of the vehicle, without requiring complex maneuvering operation. A control unit 50 of an inverted pendulum type vehicle 1 determines a desired tilt angle of a payload supporting part 3 according to a yaw rate measured value by a yaw rate sensor 53 equipped to the vehicle 1, and controls a traveling motion of a traveling motion unit 5 so as to bring an actual tilt angle close to the desired tilt angle.
US08577493B2 Method and system for designing and producing dental prostheses and appliances
A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.
US08577492B2 Transport scheduling for low microbial bulk products
Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.
US08577476B2 Electrically conductive and mechanically supportive materials for biomedical leads
An implantable medical lead connecting to a device header of a medical apparatus and having an electrode, a conductor, and a conductive polymer layer formed on at least a portion of the medical lead. An insulative sheath surrounds the conductive polymer layer for electrical insulation. The conductive polymer layer and insulative sheath maintain mechanical and electrical continuity of the lead in the event of fracture. The conductive polymer layer is composed of conductive polymers and may contain one or more dopants for improving electrical characteristics, mechanical characteristics, and processability.
US08577473B2 Cochlear implant stimulation with low frequency channel privilege
A system and method for activating stimulation electrodes in cochlear implant electrode is described. A preprocessor filter bank processes an input acoustic audio signal to generate band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies. An information extractor extracts stimulation signal information from the band pass signals based on assigning the band pass signals to corresponding electrode stimulation groups that each contain one or more stimulation electrodes, and generates a set of stimulation event signals for each electrode stimulation group that define electrode stimulation timings and amplitudes. A pulse selector selects a set of electrode stimulation signals from the stimulation event signals based on a pulse weighting function that uses channel-specific weighting factors favoring lower frequencies for activating the stimulation electrodes to stimulate neighboring audio nerve tissue.
US08577468B2 Apparatus and method for extending implant life using a dual power scheme
A device according to some embodiments may include a housing configured for location external to a body of a subject. The device may also include at least one processor associated with the housing and configured for electrical communication with a power source, and an antenna associated with the at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to communicate with an implant circuit located within the body of the subject, cause the implant circuit to receive power in a first power mode and in a second power mode, wherein a first level of power delivered in the first power mode is less than a second level of power delivered in the second power mode, and wherein during a therapy period, power delivery in the first mode occurs over a total time that is greater than about 50% of the therapy period.
US08577463B2 Interconnected electrode assembly for a lead connector and method therefor
An electrode assembly includes an interconnect for at least a first connector electrode and a second connector electrode, where the interconnect provides the mechanical and/or electrical connection between the electrodes. In one example, the assembly is an elongate member having material removed therefrom along an intermediate portion.
US08577458B1 Implantable device for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with leadless heart rate monitoring
An implantable device for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with leadless heart rate monitoring is provided. A stimulation therapy lead includes helical electrodes configured to conform to an outer diameter of a cervical vagus nerve sheath, and a set of connector pins electrically connected to the helical electrodes. A neurostimulator includes an electrical receptacle into which the connector pins are securely and electrically coupled. The neurostimulator also includes a pulse generator configured to therapeutically stimulate the vagus nerve through the helical electrodes in alternating cycles of stimuli application and stimuli inhibition that are tuned to both efferently activate the heart's intrinsic nervous system and afferently activate the patient's central reflexes by triggering bi-directional action potentials. Finally, the neurostimulator includes an integrated leadless heart rate sensor configured to sense heart rate and to record the sensed heart rate as data into a memory.
US08577455B2 Method and apparatus for arrhythmia detection in a medical device
A method and device for detecting arrhythmias in a patient that includes electrodes positioned subcutaneously within the patient, a microprocessor, coupled to the electrodes, determining one of a sequence of the sensing of cardiac signals by the electrodes and a duration between the sensing of cardiac signals by the electrodes, and control circuitry delivering a therapy in response to one of the determined sequence and the determined duration.
US08577454B2 Method of implanting and using a subcutaneous defibrillator
A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is disclosed which has an electrically active canister which houses a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses the presence of potentially fatal heart rhythms. At least one subcutaneous electrode that serves as the opposite electrode from the canister is attached to the canister via a lead system. Cardioversion-defibrillation energy is delivered when the operational circuitry senses a potentially fatal heart rhythm. There are no transvenous, intracardiac, or epicardial electrodes. A method of subcutaneously implanting the cardioverter-defibrillator is also disclosed as well as a kit for conducting the method.
US08577445B2 Miniature confocal optical head with integrated scanning and confocal imaging system using same
An optical head includes: a point source producing an excitation beam, optical elements adapted to converge the optical beam into an excitation point located in a subsurface plane relative to the surface of a sample, the plane being perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical head; and elements for scanning the excitation point so as to define an observation field in the subsurface plane along two perpendicular scanning directions, a rapid online scanning and a slow columnar scanning. The invention includes micro-electrical mechanical systems designed to move in translation along a selected displacement at least one of the optical elements, which is mobile along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis so as to obtain at least one of the scanning directions. The invention provides the advantages of maintaining an axial illumination of the sample and of using a miniature head.
US08577429B2 Mobile device accessory
An accessory configured to couple to a mobile device is disclosed. The accessory may include at least one finger engaging portion having an exterior surface and a clip portion adjacent the exterior surface. The clip portion may include a tab and a device engaging portion. The accessory further may include an extension portion extending outward from the exterior surface of the finger engaging portion, wherein the device engaging portion extends between the tab and the extension portion.
US08577418B2 Systems and methods for presenting conference call participant indentifier images on a display of a mobile device
The described embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for displaying on a handheld electronic device a plurality of participant images corresponding to a plurality of conference call participants. The device includes a display, a communications module configured for sending and receiving communication signals; and a display interface operatively coupled to the display and to the communications module, wherein the display interface is configured to respond to user input. The method comprises: establishing a conference call having a plurality of participants; displaying a participant screen on the display; for each participant, determining a participant identifier image; and displaying on the participant screen a dynamic carousel comprising a plurality of participant identifier images. The mobile device may include an image database comprising at least one stored image, and wherein at least one participant identifier image is selected from the at least one stored image.
US08577413B2 Mobile terminal and method of operating the same, and identify module card
Disclosed is a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may comprise a card slot and controller. The card slot may have any one of a plurality of identity module cards in each of which user ID information and a different Operating System (OS) are stored mounted thereon. The controller may execute the OS stored in the mounted identity module card and perform user certification on the basis of the user ID information stored in the mounted identity module card, when the one identity module card is mounted on the card slot.
US08577405B2 Systems, methods, and machine-readable media providing location-enabled group management
A computer-executed method for managing a group of entities includes receiving an indication from a first user indicating a desire to add members to the group based on proximity to a target, such as a point of interest (POI) or a location of a person. The method also includes sending an invitation to a prospective group member based on a location of the prospective group member during a time window associated with the target. In response to the invitation, an indication is received from the prospective group member as to whether the prospective group member desires to join the group.
US08577401B1 Text message sessions
The subject matter of this document can be embodied in, among other things, a computer-method that includes receiving a text message associated with a first telephone number, and establishing a communication session associated with the received text message. The communication session is established by modifying the received text message so that the received text message is associated with a second telephone number that is different from the first telephone number, and subsequent text messages associated with the second telephone number are included as part of the communication session. The method also includes transmitting the text message to a text messaging system, such that the text message appears to have originated from the second telephone number. Upon receiving a text message reply from a user in response to the transmitted text message, the text message reply is associated with the established communication session.
US08577391B2 Providing a location-based service using real-time radio access network (RAN) modeling
A system is configured to receive information associated with a flow being transported via a cell within a radio access network (RAN) associated with a service provider network; identify a user device, associated with the flow, based on the information; identify a location of the device based on a location of the cell; generate a group of codes based on the location, the codes corresponding to a group of code lengths and representing one or more quantities of error associated with the location, where a particular code is associated with a code length that corresponds to a quantity of error; and transmit the codes to a content provider, where the codes enable the content provider to obtain the quantity of error that corresponds to a geographical boundary in which the user device is located, and target content, associated with an advertiser within the boundary, to the user device.
US08577388B2 Apparatus and method for determining position
Provided is a wireless position determining method and apparatus. The wireless position determining includes: a measuring unit that measures a propagation delay tap of a signal received from a transmitting end through a channel; and extractor that extracts delay spread information having various forms based on the propagation delay tap; and an obtaining and calculating unit that obtains a distance between transmission and reception ends based on the delay spread information and calculates a position of a receiving end based on the obtained distance between the transmission and reception ends.
US08577387B2 Position location using multiple carriers
A method of determining a distance estimate between a mobile device and a wireless transceiver communicating with the mobile device on at least one multi-carrier signal including: receiving at least one multi-carrier signal; selecting at least two carrier signals from the at least one multi-carrier signal; measuring a signal characteristic of each of the at least two carrier signals; and determining the distance estimate between the mobile device and the wireless transceiver based at least partially upon the signal characteristic of each of the at least two carrier signals.
US08577386B2 Resource measurement and reporting method in long term evolution system
A method for measuring and reporting resource in a long term evolution system comprises: a source base station encapsulating a resource status request message and sending the message to a target base station; after receiving the resource status request message, the target base station processing the message, and sending a resource status success response to the source base station if the processing is successful, or else sending a resource status failure response if the processing is failed; the source base station encapsulating at least a message type (2), a measurement request type (3), a source base station global identifier (4) and measurement configuration information (5) in the resource status request message, wherein, the measurement request type (3) is one or more of start, modify and end (7); the measurement configuration information (5) is measurement configuration information (5) in current measurement request type (3). The method makes it convenient to start, modify or end the current measurement by the target base station during network operation after a plurality of resource status measuring and reporting are launched between base stations, and thus reducing the number of information exchange between base stations.
US08577369B2 Seamless and vertical call handoff solution architecture
A system, method and apparatus for facilitating handoff of communications with a user device between a first communication network having a first domain technology, and a second communication network having a second domain technology different from the first domain technology, the system, method and apparatus includes an anchor point that establishes a first service flow with the first communication network, and a second service flow with the second communication network based upon a triggering event respectively, with the user device, and a handoff device that receives at least one handoff parameter for determining a handoff operation of the user device from the first communication network to the second communication network.
US08577363B2 Setup of device-to-device connection
Disclosed are apparatus, methods and computer programs to establish device-to-device communications in a wireless network. A method includes sending an initiation message from a first device to initiate device-to-device communication with a second device; receiving a message indicating a request for setting up radio resources for device-to-device communication; sending a message to the second device, the message including a request to set up resources for device-to-device communication and, in response to establishing device-to-device communication with the second device using the resources, sending an acknowledgment that device-to-device communication is established.
US08577361B2 Wireless communication base station device and total transmission power regulating method
Disclosed are a wireless communication base station and a total transmission power regulating method that reduce interference to macrocell users near a femtocell and interference to neighboring femtocell users near the femtocell in a balanced manner, while ensuring throughput of the femtocell users. A reception power measuring unit (214) measures the reception power of a CPICH. A cell type discriminating unit (216) judges whether the received signal is a signal from a macro base station or a signal from a femto base station. When a signal from a macro base station is received, a total downlink transmission power setting unit (217) executes a first-stage interference regulation based on the strongest CPICH reception power value and calculates a tentative value for the total downlink transmission power of a femto base station (110). When a signal from a peripheral femto base station is received, the total downlink transmission power setting unit (217) executes a second-stage interference regulation within a fixed power regulation range for the second-stage interference regulation based on the strongest CPICH reception power value, and calculates a final total downlink transmission power value.
US08577356B2 Touch entry of password on a mobile device
An electronic mobile device that includes a controller including at least one processor, for controlling operation of the mobile device, a display coupled to the controller, and a navigational input mechanism coupled to the controller and responsive to user manipulation thereof. The controller, in one input mode, moves a selection marker on a user interface screen on the display in response to user manipulation of the navigational input mechanism, and in a second input mode, authenticates a user of the device in dependence on a sequence of input events resulting from user manipulation of the navigational input mechanism matching a predetermined passcode sequence.
US08577353B2 Methods and apparatus for use in switching user account data and operations between two different mobile communication devices
A host server is configured to switch communications associated with an account between first and second mobile devices. The server stores a mapping of the account to a first PIN which identifies the first mobile device, and communicates messages via a wireless network based on the stored mapping using the first PIN for data synchronization therebetween. The server then receives a request for device switching. In response, the server switches the mapping of the account to a second PIN which identifies a second mobile device, and communicates messages via the wireless network based on the switched stored mapping using the second PIN for data is synchronization therebetween. The mapping of the account to the first PIN may be maintained even after switching the stored mapping to the second PIN, for a subsequent request for switching back to the first mobile device for the account.
US08577352B1 Controlling use of wireless communication devices
The use of a wireless control device (WCD) in a motor vehicle is detected by a local RF detector triggering (1) a COM COMPARE signal generated by a COM chip in the vehicle which is characteristic of that motor vehicle and which is transmitted almost simultaneously with (2) the WCD COMPARE signal which is also characteristic of the WCD then in that motor vehicle. The results of the time comparison of these two signals can be used by the WCD processing center to control the use of the WCD in the motor vehicle, for example, to prevent the WCD from sending and/or receiving text messages or limiting in certain ways the use of voice calls from a WCD in that vehicle at that time.
US08577346B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for receiving promotion information by a mobile device
Systems, methods, and apparatus receiving promotion information by a mobile device are provided by certain embodiments of the invention. According to one embodiment, an information carrying tone may be received at a mobile device from a tone transmission device, wherein the information carrying tone includes at least one location identifier associated with promotion information. A tone processing application of the mobile device may further provide for processing the information carrying tone to extract at least one location identifier, and to transmit, to an information source, an indication responsive to receiving the information carrying tone. Also according to various aspects, following transmission of the indication, promotional information can be received by the mobile device for subsequent processing and utilization, such as an activation confirmation or a redeemable promotion.
US08577336B2 System and method for transaction authentication using a mobile communication device
A transaction authentication system uses a computer network and mobile telephone network to authenticate a user. The user initiates a transaction and provides an identity token, such as the mobile telephone number. The identity token is used by an authentication server to initiate the issuance of a new temporary identity for the corresponding mobile device. The new temporary identity is forwarded from the mobile device to the authentication server which issues a security code if there is a match between the new temporary identities. The security code is forwarded to a transaction server which relays it to the authentication server. If the forwarded security code matches the generated security code, the transaction is permitted to continue.
US08577333B2 Communication method and infrastructure supporting device security and tracking of mobile and portable multimedia devices
From a laptop and a client server interface, a subscriber securely initiates tracking and/or disabling of a communication device by a server. The subscriber receives location and/or usage reports for the communication device. The subscriber is provided with the capability to modify a profile, device status and/or transfer ownership of the device via a client server interface. Based on the profile, detection of a particular event triggers tracking and/or disabling of the device by the server. The communication device registers with the server utilizing its unique device ID and/or the subscriber identity information when accessing the internet. The server is enabled to communicate a status and/or a request for tracking information, to the communication device. The server is also enabled to receive tracking and/or location information and communicates it to the subscriber's laptop.
US08577311B2 Predistortion of amplifier input signals
Described herein are devices, methods, and techniques related to predistortion of amplifier signals based on an operating condition. Predistortion techniques are described that mitigate or eliminate the effects of variable operating conditions, including nonlinear effects, on amplified signals. Nonlinearities may be mitigated by compensating at a baseband signal prior to amplification, generally using scaling and a static characteristic that is valid for a broad range of operating conditions.
US08577304B2 Synchronous CDMA communication system
In one aspect, there is provided a method of processing a signal received using a wireless communication channel by a receiver in a wireless cellular network. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving signal samples of a signal to be processed from a serving cell, identifying a second of dominant interfering cells generating an interfering signal, using a number of cells in the set to select an interference scenario, and using the selected interference scenario and at least one parameter related to the serving cell and the interfering cells to select a processing function for processing the signal.
US08577301B1 Analog baseband interface for communication systems
A communication system interface between a baseband unit and a radio frequency (RF) unit is configured to advantageously use a common set of lines to carry both transmit and receive baseband analog signals between the baseband and RF unit, thereby enabling a relatively lower signal count and permitting loopback testing of elements within the baseband and the RF units.
US08577298B2 Multi-element magnetic receiver for interference suppression and signal enhancement
A system and method for enhancing a magnetic communication signal is provided. A multi-element receiver is used to generate a plurality of input signals. A set of weights is generated using, for example, a calculated covariance of the plurality of input signals, and applied to the signals. The weights are used to generate a single output signal representing a weighted sum of the input signals.
US08577297B2 Signal transceiving circuit and noise reduction circuit
A signal transceiving circuit, comprising: a receiver, for receiving a input signal; a transmitter, for transmitting an output signal; and a resistance circuit, for omitting the noise caused by the output signal to the input signal. The resistance circuit comprises: a voltage transferring circuit, for generating a voltage transferred signal, and a voltage dividing circuit, for voltage dividing the voltage transferred signal and the output signal, such that the voltage generated at the receiver is cancelled by the voltage generated by the voltage transferred signal at the transceiver. A noise reduction circuit that can be utilized in this signal transceiving circuit is also disclosed.
US08577290B2 Near field communication adapters
Devices and systems are disclosed which relate to enabling NFC communication on devices such as an iPhone. A traditional smart card tray is modified to include contact leads from the inside of the smart card tray to an exterior surface of the smart card tray. Exposed contacts on the external surface provide an outside interface for add-ons. An exemplary add-on is an NFC circuit coupled to or embedded within a mobile device skin. The skin fits snugly around a portion of the mobile device, and includes on one surface contact points that line up with the outside interface of the mobile device. The contact points provide electrical communication between NFC circuitry of the mobile device skin and the smart card within the mobile device. When the skin is worn on the mobile device, the mobile device is NFC enabled. When the skin is removed, the NFC is no longer available.
US08577289B2 Antenna with integrated proximity sensor for proximity-based radio-frequency power control
An electronic device may have a housing in which an antenna is mounted. An antenna window may be mounted in the housing to allow radio-frequency signals to be transmitted from the antenna and to allow the antenna to receive radio-frequency signals. Near-field radiation limits may be satisfied by reducing transmit power when an external object is detected in the vicinity of the dielectric antenna window and the antenna. A capacitive proximity sensor may be used in detecting external objects in the vicinity of the antenna. The proximity sensor and the antenna may be formed using integral antenna resonating element and proximity sensor capacitor electrode structures. These structures may be formed from identical first and second patterned conductive layers on opposing sides of a dielectric substrate. A transceiver and proximity sensor may be coupled to the structures through respective high-pass and low-pass circuits.
US08577281B2 Distribution system, distribution apparatus, terminal apparatus, and method which distribute a common control signal
A distribution apparatus distributes a common control signal to one or more regions with one or more communications system which can be used. The common control signal includes system information required for accessing the communications system of each of the regions. The distribution apparatus has a unit which generates the common control signal of each of the regions, a unit which receives a distribution request signal from a terminal apparatus which requests for distribution of the common control signal, and a unit which transmits the common control signal according to a distribution rule. The distribution rule is updated according to a statistical trend of the distribution request signals received.
US08577276B2 Structure to guide print medium and image forming apparatus employing the same
A structure to guide a take-in direction of a print medium to be taken in a carrying part where the print medium is carried, the structure includes: a guide unit which changes a travel direction of the print medium from a feeding direction, in which the print medium is supplied from a medium feeding unit, to the take-in direction of the print medium; and a vibration damper which prevents a bottom part of the print medium from shaking and vibrating when the print medium is free from the guide unit.
US08577274B2 Image forming apparatus including a lubricant applying device configured to apply lubricant to an image carrier
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a cleaning device having a cleaning member that comes into contact with a surface of the image carrier, and a lubricant applying device provided on the downstream side of the cleaning member. The lubricant applying device includes a solid lubricant, a lubricant supply roller, and a trailing type lubricant smoothing blade that is provided on the downstream side of the lubricant supply roller, and comes into belly contact with the surface of the image carrier. After image carrier is stopped, constantly or under a predetermined condition, the surface of the image carrier is moved in a direction opposite to an image forming direction. The opposite movement distance is equal to or more than the shortest distance between a contact point between the lubricant supply roller and the image carrier and a contact point between the lubricant smoothing blade and the image carrier.
US08577269B2 Image forming apparatus
Driving of a driving unit is controlled so as to satisfy relationship of L>|X+Y| (|X|≦X0, |Y|≦Y0), wherein a distance between an outside end of a separation claw in a width direction when a fixing unit and the separation claw are at respective reference positions and a side end of a sheet, which is winding around a heating roller, in the width direction is L, a displacing amount of the fixing unit detected by a first detecting unit is X, a maximum displacing amount of the fixing unit is X0, a displacing amount of the separation claw detected by a second detecting unit is Y, and a maximum displacing amount of the separation claw is Y0.
US08577267B2 Transparent intermediate transfer members containing zinc oxide, polyarylsulfone, and polyetheramine
An intermediate transfer member including an optional supporting substrate, and in contact with the supporting substrate in the configuration of a layer a polyarylsulfone, a polyetheramine, and nano-size zinc oxide particles.
US08577262B2 Charging device, cartridge for image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A charging device includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; an insulating body that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode; wherein either the first electrode or the second electrode includes an opening portion that is formed so as to open toward a first direction in which the first electrode, the insulating body, and the second electrode are laminated, and the insulating body includes a region limiting portion which is a space that communicates with the opening portion, and opens toward a direction in which the region limiting portion communicates with the opening portion, and is limited in a second direction vertical to the first direction.
US08577249B2 Image forming apparatus with self-cleaning
The image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a transfer belt used to transfer a toner image from the image bearing member to a transfer material; a transfer unit adapted to form a transfer nip in conjunction with the image bearing member through the transfer belt; and a control part adapted to control a rotation direction of the transfer belt, wherein in a cleaning mode, the control part rotates the transfer belt in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the transfer belt during image formation at least by an amount equal to or larger than width of the transfer nip in the rotation direction of the transfer belt. This prevents foreign material from being trapped between the transfer belt such as an intermediate transfer belt or transfer material conveyance belt and a sheet member and thereby reduces density irregularities in a longitudinal direction of the belt.
US08577248B2 Image forming apparatus
When toner on an intermediate transfer member is picked up by a cleaning unit by transferring the toner to an image bearing member in a recovery operation, pickup conditions are controlled to be changed on the basis of the ambience detected in performing the recovery operation and such that the toner on the intermediate transfer member is picked up by the cleaning unit while being temporarily retained by a secondary transfer roller.
US08577231B2 Image forming apparatus and toner sensor status sensing method thereof
An image forming apparatus which comprises a developing unit having a toner and a carrier therein, the apparatus includes an agitator to agitate the toner, a toner sensor to receive a control voltage and to generate an output voltage corresponding to a remaining amount of the toner in the developing unit, a pulse width modulator to supply the control voltage to the toner sensor corresponding to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and a controller to control the pulse width modulator to supply the control voltage to the toner sensor to adjust a duty ratio of the PWM signal and make the output voltage reach a target value. The controller determines whether the agitator is normal or abnormal based on the output voltage of the toner sensor.
US08577229B2 Image forming apparatus and method thereof
An initialization method of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes rotating a photosensitive member to receive toner along a width of the photosensitive member prior to activation of a charging unit and to remove the toner with a cleaning unit, and activating the charging unit configured to charge the photosensitive member in response to a determination of a completion of a predetermined number of rotations of the photosensitive member.
US08577227B2 Image forming device having a first memory and a second memory
An image forming device includes a main body, a replaceable unit, a determination unit, a first memory, a second memory, a temporary memory, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The determination unit determines whether the replaceable unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product with respect to the main body. The first memory is configured to store a physical value increasing with a use of the main body mounted with the genuine product. The second memory is configured to store the physical value increasing with the use of the main body mounted with the non-genuine product. The temporary memory is configured to temporarily store the physical value increasing with the use of the main body mounted with the non-genuine product.
US08577224B2 Optical shaping for amplification in a semiconductor optical amplifier
The present invention provides a system, apparatus, and method for efficient optical amplification and transmission of a data-encoded optical signal within a networking device, such as a transmitter or receiver. In various embodiments of the invention, an optical duobinary signal or hybrid duobinary signal is generated and shaped in preparation for amplification of the optical signal by an SOA. The deleterious impact of SOA fast gain dynamics may be reduced by taking advantage of characteristics of a duobinary or hybrid duobinary signal (e.g., a relatively lower pulse amplitude and no phase encoded data) and shaping the optical duobinary pulse (e.g., smoothing amplitude swings within the signal and spectral compression).
US08577219B2 Imaging apparatus and method of calculating usable time of imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a usable time calculation unit which calculates a usable time of a battery device having a secondary battery, wherein the usable time calculation unit measures an average power level while a component is performed at a predetermined operation mode, wherein the power consumption of the component is unknown in advance before the component is initially connected, and when power is supplied for the second and subsequent times while the component is continuously connected, the usable time calculation unit calculates the usable time of the battery device using the average power level and a current integration value which is an integration value of current flowing during charging and discharging of the battery device.
US08577214B2 Shake correction apparatus and control method thereof
A shake correction apparatus comprises a shake detection unit which detects a shake of an image capture apparatus, a calculation unit which calculates a shake correction amount for correcting an image blur based on an output from the shake detection unit, a shake correction unit which corrects the image blur based on the shake correction amount, a shake level determination unit which determines a shake level of the image capture apparatus based on an output from the shake detection unit, an offset determination unit which determines an offset value based on the shake correction amount and the shake level, and a subtraction unit which subtracts the offset value from the output from the shake detection unit.
US08577213B2 Lens driving device, autofocus camera and camera-equipped mobile terminal
In the lens driving device of the present invention, at least two second coils are disposed at a 90 degree interval in a circumferential direction of a first coil wound around an outer circumference of a lens support in the circumferential direction, at least four magnets are provided at an inner circumferential side of a circumferential wall of a yoke and are provided at even intervals about the circumferential direction of the first coil, each magnet being provided so that an inner circumferential face is the same magnetic pole and opposes an outer circumferential face of the first coil, and in addition is opposite the second coil at the position of providing the second coil. When the lens support is moved in the optical axis direction, an electric current flows in the first coil, and when the lens support is moved in an X-Y direction orthogonal to the optical axis, a predetermined electric current flows in a predetermined second coil.
US08577207B2 Information signal processing apparatus and method, information signal processing system and method, and information signal playback apparatus and method
An information signal processing apparatus comprises: data playback unit for playing back data from a recording medium on which featured data is recorded according to the setting of a first parameter series; information file playback unit for playing back the video/audio information files by selecting from the recording medium; parameter setting unit for selecting one of the played back information files and setting parameter data corresponding to the information file and to the first or second parameter series; playback period processing unit for determining the playback period of the video/audio data recorded on the recording medium according to the featured data and either initialization parameter data set in advance in accordance with the first and second parameter series or the parameter data adjusted by the parameter setting unit; and playback control unit for performing playback control according to the signal from the playback period processing unit.
US08577206B2 Information record medium, information record device and method, information reproduction device and method, information recording/reproduction device and method, recording or reproduction control computer program, and data structure containing control signal
On an information record medium, there are recorded: a plurality of content informations; and a plurality of play list sets each including a plurality of play list informations defining reproduction sequence thereof. The plurality of content informations, whose reproduction sequences are defined by the plurality of play list informations in a same play list set, are different from each other in reproduction functions required for an information reproduction system to reproduce the plurality of content informations and are adapted to at least partially construct titles, each of which is a logically united information unit and which are same to each other. Required function information indicating the reproduction function required for the information reproduction system is further recorded for each of the plurality of play list informations.
US08577199B2 Hauling shroud for hauling fibre optic cable along a conduit
A hauling shroud, a cable termination and methods of hauling a fiber optic cable with a pre-connected optic termination along a conduit. The hauling shroud protects the optic termination when being hauled along the conduit. The hauling shroud includes a first housing member and a second housing member such that the first housing member and the second housing member can be joined together to enclose the optic termination. At least one anchoring member is used, for example, connecting pins, such that at least one strengthening element of the fiber optic cable engages with the anchoring member inside an internal cavity formed within the hauling shroud. Alternatively, at least two strengthening elements of the fiber optic cable are attached together to form a loop which engages with the at least one anchoring member, e.g., the connecting pins. This prevents any hauling forces from being applied to the optic termination.
US08577186B1 Forward interpolation approach using forward and backward mapping
A forward interpolation approach is disclosed for enabling a second version of an image to be constructed from a first version of the image. According to one implementation, an input pixel from the first version of the image is forward mapped to the second version of the image to determine a set of candidate pixels that may be affected by the input pixel. Each candidate pixel is then backward mapped to the first version of the image to determine whether they are actually affected by the input pixel. For each candidate pixel that is actually affected by the input pixel, a pixel value is determined for that candidate pixel based at least in part upon the pixel value of the input pixel. By using this forward and backward mapping technique, forward interpolation can be implemented quickly and efficiently.
US08577182B1 Method and system for automatically cropping images
The present invention relates to methods and systems for automatic image cropping. An automatic image cropping system includes a downsampling system, a saliency analyzer, a spatial scatter, and a face detector configured to detecting one or more faces within the image. The saliency value of each pixel not associated with a detected face within the image is adjusted if one or more faces within the image are detected. A search system defines a saliency region based on a total value of saliency values within the saliency region and on a parameter, where the parameter value is based on a relative importance of a false positive pixel to a false negative pixel. The search system also defines a crop region using an aspect ratio that includes the saliency region and determines a position of the crop region based the saliency values within the crop region by performing a one dimensional search.
US08577181B1 Determining content to be displayed
A computer-implemented method for determining content to be displayed includes determining a first size aspect of first content that is to be presented in a graphical user interface. The method includes obtaining second content and causing the second content to be presented in the graphical user interface with the first content, wherein the second content has a second size aspect with a predefined relationship to the first size aspect. A system includes a size determining module determining a first size aspect of first content that is to be presented in a graphical user interface. The system includes a content module obtaining second content based on the first size aspect, the second content having a second size aspect with a predefined relationship to the first size aspect. The system includes a page generating module causing the second content to be presented in the graphical user interface with the first content.
US08577174B2 Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus includes a scanning unit for generating a scan image by scanning a document; a first determination unit to determine whether the scan image has a skew; a second determination unit to determine a type of the skew according to a determination result; and an image correction unit to perform a different type of correction on the scan image according to the type of the skew.
US08577173B2 Multi-element image templates
A system for making an image product includes a computer including a processor and a memory, a template stored in the memory, the template including a template graphic and a plurality of openings in the template graphic, an image stored in the memory, and the processor compositing the image into two or more of the plurality of openings, so that two different portions of the image are located in two different openings and the two different portions have the same relative locations in the composition as in the user image.
US08577166B1 Optimizing web site images using a focal point
A method may include providing an image to be adjusted, enabling selection of a focal point of the image, and adjusting the image based on the focal point of the image. The method may include providing the image to be displayed within an image template of a web page. The method may also include comparing dimensions of the image with dimensions of the image template, and adjusting the image based on the focal point of the image and based on the comparison the dimensions of the image to the dimensions of the image template. The method may further include providing the adjusted image within the image template of the web page.
US08577164B2 Image processing
An image (1) is decomposed into multiple superblocks (20, 22), each encompassing multiple pixel blocks (30A-30D, 32A-32D) having multiple pixels (40). The property values of a superblock (20) is fixed rate compressed to get a compressed block having a target bit length. The compressed block is stored in the memory locations (310, 320) assigned to the multiple pixel blocks (30A-30D) encompassed by the superblock (20) to thereby get multiple copies of the compressed block in the memory (300). The multiple copies collectively constitute a compressed representation of the superblock (20). When accessing a compressed block in a memory location (310) using random access during decoding, property values for neighboring pixel blocks (30B-30D) are obtained for free without the need for any further memory access.
US08577163B2 Systems and methods for image handling and presentation
Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for adaptive compression, transmission, and display of clinical images. Certain embodiments provide a method for adaptive compression of image data for transmission and display at a client workstation. The method includes identifying one or more images for display, the one or more images including a plurality of image slices. The method also includes determining a compression scheme for the one or more images based on at least one of bandwidth, processing power, and diagnostic modality. The method further includes transferring the one or more images for display at the client workstation. The method additionally includes adapting the compression scheme based on resource availability.
US08577162B2 Output apparatus and output method
An output apparatus determines pixels that form an area equal to or greater than a predetermined size and whose pixel values are not different from pixel values of neighboring pixels, and pixels that form an area not equal to or greater than the predetermined size. The apparatus reduces the pixel values of the determined pixels and outputs a binary image formed by the determined pixels with the reduced pixel values.
US08577158B2 Methods and apparatus for texture compression using patch-based sampling texture synthesis
Methods and apparatus are provided for texture compression using patch-based sampling texture synthesis. An apparatus includes an encoder for encoding texture for a picture by synthesizing the texture. The encoder performs texture synthesis using a patch-based sampling method, thus determining “displacement vectors” indicating positions of patches in an input sample texture which are to be synthesized. At the encoder, both the input sample texture and information representing the “displacement vectors” are coded. At the decoder, the new patches are generated by directly using the “displacement vectors”.
US08577155B2 System and method for duplicate text recognition
A system for duplicate text recognition includes a first means for dividing an electronic text into a plurality of phrase segments; a second means for converting each of the phrase segments into a unique and fixed-length bit string; a third means for storing a plurality of groups of the bit strings, each group of bit strings (string group) including a plurality of bit strings respectively corresponding to the phrase segments in a particular electronic text; and a fourth means for determining whether a predefined similarity between any two string groups in the third means reaches a first threshold, and for determining the two electronic texts corresponding to the two string groups are duplicate texts if the predefined similarity between the two string groups reaches the first threshold.
US08577153B2 Method and system for sample image index creation and image filtering and search
The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for creating a sample image index table, filtering image, and searching image, to improve accuracy of monitoring images. A method for image filtering comprises: establishing a sample image index table; extracting regional characteristics from an image to be searched; clustering the regional characteristics of the image to be searched into corresponding nodes; obtaining a corresponding sample image identification by indexing the sample image index table using node identifications of the nodes of the image to be searched; determining a number of duplicate nodes between the image to be searched and the sample image; obtaining a degree of similarity of the image to be searched based on a number of the nodes of the image to be searched and a number of the nodes of the sample image; and filtering out the image to be searched when a degree of similarity between the image to be searched and the sample image exceeds a similarity threshold.
US08577144B2 Connected component labeling system and method
Embodiments disclosed include methods for connected component labeling including labeling groups of raw data as one or more regions, the labeling including designating one or more data structures as containing information about the one or more regions; designating one or more of the regions as one or more subregions to expose a spatial distribution of one or more region features; and arranging at least one memory array with a 1:1 correspondence to a data array associated with the raw data to enable one or more data structures to include feature labels of the one or more subregions, the 1:1 correspondence enabling acquisition of the one or more region features with a controllable precision.
US08577140B2 Automatic estimation and correction of vignetting
Various embodiments pertain to image correction techniques that automatically estimate and correct vignetting based upon a single image. In various embodiments, a local gradient is estimated and the radial component of the gradient is ascertained. Radial components of gradients are correlated with a radius of the pixel from the optical center of the image, and can be utilized to estimate an attenuation due to vignetting. In some embodiments, a tangential component of a difference of gradients is also ascertained and correlated with the radius for use in estimating the attenuation. Attenuation due to vignetting can be calculated through the application of a polynomial regression to a plot of the radial components versus radius. In various embodiments, the image can be corrected by inverting the attenuation in the image.
US08577138B2 Color rolling detection method and detection device
The present invention discloses a color rolling detection method and detection device for an input image, which can detect a phenomenon of color rolling in the image rapidly, efficiently and at a low cost. The detection method includes the steps of: an extracting step for extracting parameter values indicative of the color or brightness of the image in a detection time period T3; a preprocessing step for performing a preprocess to the extracted parameter values so as to obtain characteristic values of the image; an initial value setting step for obtaining a first initial value from the characteristic values in an initialization time period of the detection time period T3; an average value calculating step for calculating, with respect to each detection cycle T2 in the detection time period T3, an average value on the time axis of the characteristic values in the detection cycle T2 based on the obtained first initial value; and a detecting step for detecting whether there exists in the detection time period T3 such a detection cycle T2 that the characteristic values in the detection cycle T2 always maintain a deviation in a specific direction relative to the average value thereof, wherein if so, then occurrence of the color rolling is judged; otherwise, no occurrence of the color rolling is judged.
US08577135B2 System and method for detection of specularity in an image
In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image file depicting an image, in a computer memory, assembling a feature vector for the image file, the feature vector containing information regarding a likelihood that a selected region of the image file is specular, providing a classifier derived from a computer learning technique, computing a classification score for the selected region of the image file, as a function of the feature vector and the classifier and classifying the region as being specular, as a function of the classification score.
US08577134B2 Method and system of facilitating search by color
A system and method of facilitating search by color processes an image of an item to obtain its color space parameter values and/or color names based on the color space parameter values, and adds the color space parameter values and/or color names as color attribute of the item. When a user inputs a color as a search criterion, the method searches the color attributes of items, and returns a list of items matching the color selected by the user.
US08577133B2 Method and wireless handheld device for determining image hue
The present invention provides a method and a wireless handheld device for determining image hue, which relate to the field of image processing. The method includes: obtaining color information of a part or all of pixels of an image including hue values, brightness values and saturation values; determining a pixel whose hue value needs to be compared according to the obtained color information, and comparing the pixel, whose hue value needs to be compared, with hue values of preset multiple candidate colors, determining a closest candidate color, and accumulating a weight value of the pixel whose hue value needs to be compared to a weight value of the closest candidate color; and using hue of a candidate color with the highest weight value as hue of the image. The device includes: a color obtaining module, a pixel determination module, a weight value accumulation module and a hue determination module.
US08577128B2 Method and apparatus for processing three-dimensional images
A three-dimensional sense adjusting unit displays three-dimensional images to a user. If a displayed reaches a limit of parallax, the user responds to the three-dimensional sense adjusting unit. According to acquired appropriate parallax information, a parallax control unit generates parallax images to realize the appropriate parallax in the subsequent stereo display. The control of parallaxes is realized by optimally setting camera parameters by going back to three-dimensional data. Functions to realize the appropriate parallax are made into and presented by a library.
US08577121B2 Forged seal imprint inspection method and recording medium
Disclosed herein is a forged seal imprint checking method which includes a step ST-101 of generating a reference seal imprint from a genuine seal (ST-110) and a step ST-121 of comparing a compared seal imprints with the reference seal imprint to calculate characteristic values of the compared seal imprint with respect to the reference seal imprint (ST-140). According to experimental results, forged seal imprints obtained by seals forged by etching a zinc plate or a resin plate can be recognized and forged seal imprints generated by seals forged through computer copy can be also recognized. Accordingly, an objective basis on which it can be determined whether seal imprints on documents are forged in civil and criminal cases can be provided to prevent errors which may be generated when seal imprints are inspected with the naked eyes or microscopes.
US08577120B1 Methods and systems for characterization of an anomaly using infrared flash thermography
A method for characterizing an anomaly in a material comprises (a) extracting contrast data; (b) measuring a contrast evolution; (c) filtering the contrast evolution; (d) measuring a peak amplitude of the contrast evolution; (d) determining a diameter and a depth of the anomaly, and (e) repeating the step of determining the diameter and the depth of the anomaly until a change in the estimate of the depth is less than a set value. The step of determining the diameter and the depth of the anomaly comprises estimating the depth using a diameter constant CD equal to one for the first iteration of determining the diameter and the depth; estimating the diameter; and comparing the estimate of the depth of the anomaly after each iteration of estimating to the prior estimate of the depth to calculate the change in the estimate of the depth of the anomaly.
US08577118B2 Systems for mobile image capture and remittance processing
The present invention relates to automated document processing and more particularly, to methods and systems for document image capture and processing using mobile devices. In accordance with various embodiments, methods and systems for document image capture on a mobile communication device are provided such that the image is optimized and enhanced for data extraction from the document as depicted. These methods and systems may comprise capturing an image of a document using a mobile communication device; transmitting the image to a server; and processing the image to create a bi-tonal image of the document for data extraction. Additionally, these methods and systems may comprise capturing a first image of a document using the mobile communication device; automatically detecting the document within the image; geometrically correcting the image; binarizing the image; correcting the orientation of the image; correcting the size of the image; and outputting the resulting image of the document.
US08577109B2 Systems and methods for automated extraction of measurement information in medical videos
Systems and methods providing automated extraction of information contained in video data and uses thereof are described. In particular, systems and associated methods are described that provide techniques for extracting data embedded in video, for example measurement-value pairs of medical videos, for use in a variety of applications, for example video indexing, searching and decision support applications.
US08577104B2 Liver lesion segmentation
A method for segmenting a first object from a bounding object within a digital image identifies pixels between first and second endpoint pixels. A volume of interest is defined spanning at least a portion of the object. Pixels within the volume of interest are partitioned into a first subset of pixels that are neither the first object nor bounding object pixels and second subset of pixels that are not contained in the first subset. A spatially varying two-phase segmentation process segments the first object from the bounding object within the second subset of pixels according to the location of each subject pixel within the second subset relative to pixels in the first subset of pixels. The first object segmentation is refined according to the subject pixel location relative to the segmented bounding object and to the first subset of pixels. A segmented image is formed according to the refined segmentation.
US08577100B2 Remote input method using fingerprint recognition sensor
Disclosed is a remote input method using a fingerprint recognition sensor. A main device activates a fingerprint input mode according to a user's request, and displays a key input unit, menu images and an indicator corresponding to the fingerprint input mode. A remote input device having the fingerprint recognition sensor generates fingerprint data corresponding to the finger touching method in real time, and sends the generated fingerprint data to the main device through a short range wireless communication module. When receiving the fingerprint data, the main device analyzes the type of fingerprint included in the fingerprint data based on the previously stored fingerprint information. The main device also analyzes the user input pattern according to the type of fingerprint and the fingerprint data reception type. Consequently, the main device implements a preset function corresponding to the analyzed user input pattern. The user can control various functions available in the main device using the remote input unit.
US08577099B2 Method, apparatus, and program for detecting facial characteristic points
First, a face within an image, which is a target of detection, is detected. Detection data of the face is employed to detect eyes which are included in the face. Detection data of the eyes are employed to detect the inner and outer corners of the eyes. Detection data of the inner and outer corners of the eyes is employed to detect characteristic points of the upper and lower eyelids that represent the outline of the eyes.
US08577089B2 Apparatus and method for depth unfolding based on multiple depth images
Provided is a depth image unfolding apparatus and method that may remove a depth fold from a depth image to restore a three-dimensional (3D) image. The depth image unfolding apparatus may include an input unit to receive inputted multiple depth images with respect to the same scene, the multiple depth images being photographed based on different modulation frequencies of a fixed photographing device, a depth fold estimator to estimate a number of depth folds based on a distance between multiple three-dimensional (3D) points of multiple pixels indicating the same location of the scene in the multiple depth images, and an output unit to output the multiple depth images from which depth folds are removed based on the estimated number of depth folds.
US08577088B2 Method and system for collecting information relating to identity parameters of a vehicle
The present invention discloses methods and systems for collecting information relating to identity parameters of a vehicle. According to the invention an image of the vehicle is obtained. A sub-image within the image is identified, interest points within the sub-image are detected and the sub-image is processed so as to obtain descriptors representing the interest points. The descriptors are matched to predetermined descriptors representing interest points in previously obtained images respective of known identity parameters and the information is stored in a record representing an identity of the vehicle.
US08577086B1 Post-BLOB analysis method and article of manufacture
An article of manufacture and method for performing post-BLOB analysis.
US08577083B2 Geolocating objects of interest in an area of interest with an imaging system
A system comprises a plurality of fixed cameras that each having a field of regard. Each point within an area of interest is covered by the field of regard of at least two of the cameras. Each camera captures an image of its field of regard and a plurality of calibration points within the area of interest. A processor calibrates the imaging system by at least associating the coordinates of each of the plurality of calibration points with a calibration pixel corresponding to an image of the calibration point in the image of each of the cameras. The processor geolocates the object of interest within the area of interest by at least comparing the location an image of the object of interest to the calibration pixels in the images generated by each of the plurality of cameras.
US08577078B2 Method of adjusting brightness of illumination device and bio disk drive using the method
Provided are a method and apparatus for adjusting brightness of an illumination device that is used in photographing an analysis object in a bio disk. The method includes taking images of an analysis object in a bio disk; calculating brightness of the images of the analyzing object; and adjusting brightness of an illumination device which is used in the photographing operation of the analysis object in the bio disk based on a difference between the calculated brightness and a target brightness.
US08577077B2 System for identifying motion video/audio content
A system for identifying motion video/audio content by means of comparing a video A to a registered video B so as to determine if they are originally the same as each other, wherein said system at least comprises a fingerprint extractor A for fingerprint A from the video A; a fingerprint database for the registered video B; and a matcher which is adapted to search from the fingerprint database for the registered fingerprint B of the video B by means of comparison of fingerprint A with a shifting window of a possible fingerprint B, so as to determine that the video A is visually identical to the video B if a match is found. According to the present invention, the method for extracting a fingerprint data from video/audio signals facilitates the automatic identification, archiving and search of video content, and can be of archiving without the need for human visual inspections.
US08577073B2 Rectangular wall mounted speaker assembly
A loudspeaker module includes a housing having a plurality of side walls and a cover plate positioned over a top surface of the plurality of side walls, a bottom of the housing remaining open. A driver mounting plate is secured to the plurality of side walls and divides the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. At least one of the plurality of side walls includes an aperture linking the lower compartment to the external environment surrounding the housing. A driver is mounted to the driver mounting plate, the driver being positioned to fire into the lower compartment of the housing. A mounting bracket is secured to the at least one of the plurality of side walls including an aperture.
US08577071B2 Shape-adaptable surface for an audio port
A method and apparatus for providing a shape-adaptable surface for an audio port of a device includes an audio port, a shape-adaptable surface having a plurality of portions, a plurality of sensors coupled to the shape-adaptable surface, wherein the plurality of sensors are operative to sense a plurality of distances between the object and the shape-adaptable surface, and a processor operatively coupled to the shape-adaptable surface and the plurality of sensors, said processor configured to control some of the plurality of portions of the shape-adaptable surface to adjust the plurality of distances and to provide a channel between a sound receiver of the object and the audio port. An improved audio coupling is formed by adjusting the distances between the shape-adaptable surface and the object, thereby transmitting sounds directly from the audio port of the device to a sound receiver of the object.
US08577060B2 Method and apparatus for dynamically determining mix sets in an audio processor
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for dynamically selecting the number of audio channels to mix per listener in an audio processor, such as a server-based three-dimensional audio mixer, as a function of any reasonable measurement of the load on the audio processor.
US08577053B1 Ticketing and/or authorizing the receiving, reproducing and controlling of program transmissions by a wireless device that time aligns program data with natural sound at locations distant from the program source
A method for providing a ticket and/or an authorization relating to an event may comprise: providing a ticket and/or an authorization configured to be stored on an electronic device; wherein the electronic device is of a type that can receive and reproduce wirelessly received data, and/or can delay and reproduce wirelessly received data substantially in time alignment with natural sound received via the atmosphere. The ticket and/or authorization may enable the electronic device to be used at the event and/or to gain entry to the event; and may further enable the electronic device to also obtain at least one other use related to the event.
US08577052B2 Headphone accessory
A headphone accessory for use with a portable audio device and headphones. The headphone accessory includes an audio source input for receiving audio signals from an audio device. An audio sound transducer receives external sounds and converts the external sound to external sound signals. A signal mixer for continuously varies the balance of a source audio volume to an external sound volume. The signal mixer mixes the volume-adjusted source audio signals with volume-adjusted external sound signals. An audio output outputs the mixed source audio and external sound signals.
US08577048B2 Self-calibrating loudspeaker system
Systems and methods for calibrating a loudspeaker with a connection to a microphone located at a listening area in a room. The loudspeaker includes self-calibration functions to adjust speaker characteristics according to effects generated by operating the loudspeaker in the room. In one example, the microphone picks up a test signal generated by the loudspeaker and the loudspeaker uses the test signal to determine the loudspeaker frequency response. The frequency response is analyzed below a selected low frequency value for a room mode. The loudspeaker generates parameters for a digital filter to compensate for the room modes. In another example, the loudspeaker may be networked with other speakers to perform calibration functions on all of the loudspeakers in the network.
US08577030B2 Cryptographic processing system, key generation device, key delegation device, encryption device, decryption device, cryptographic processing method, and cryptographic processing program
It is an object of this invention to implement a predicate encryption scheme with delegation capability. A cryptographic process is performed using dual vector spaces (dual distortion vector spaces) of a space V and a space V* paired through a pairing operation. An encryption device generates as a cipher vector a vector in which transmission information is embedded, the cipher vector being the vector of the space V. Using a predetermined vector of the space V* as a key vector, a decryption device performs the pairing operation on the cipher vector generated by the encryption device and the key vector to decrypt the cipher vector and to extract information concerning the transmission information.
US08577026B2 Methods and apparatus in alternate finite field based coders and decoders
Methods and apparatus for coding and decoding n-state symbols with n≧2 and n>2 and n>3 and n>4 are provided wherein at least one implementation of an addition over an alternate finite field GF(n) and an inverter defined by a multiplication over the alternate finite field GF(n) are provided. Encoders and decoders implementing a single n-state truth table that is a truth table of an addition over an alternate finite field GF(n) modified in accordance with at least one inverter defined by a multiplication over the alternate finite field GF(n) are also provided. Encoders include scramblers, Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) based encoders, sequence generator based encoders, block coders, streaming cipher encoders, transposition encoders, hopping rule encoders, Feistel network based encoders, check symbol based encoders, Hamming coder, error correcting encoders, encipherment encoders, Elliptic Curve Coding encoders and all corresponding decoders. Systems applying encoders and decoders also are provided.
US08577025B2 Method of executing an algorithm for protecting an electronic device by affine masking and associated device
A method of executing an algorithm includes protecting an electronic device by affine masking. The electronic device executes operations on secret variables x, the secret variables x being binary vectors of a given size N other than zero. The method further includes replacing the secret variables x using an affine masking operation, by the following affine function: m(x)=R.x+r, where R is a random invertible binary matrix with N rows and N columns and r is a random binary vector of size N.
US08577024B2 Concealing plain text in scrambled blocks
An apparatus generally having a first circuit and a second circuit is disclosed. The first circuit may be configured to (i) divide a plain text into at least three input blocks and (ii) generate at least three scrambled blocks by scrambling the input blocks using a first cipher process. The first cipher process may be configured such that a first of the input blocks does not affect the generation of a last scrambled block. The second circuit may be configured to (i) generate at least three output blocks by de-scrambling the scrambled blocks using a second cipher process and (ii) reconstruct the plain text from the output blocks. The second cipher process may be configured such that a first of the scrambled blocks affects the generation of all of the output blocks.
US08577014B2 System and method of managing calls at a call center
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method to manage calls in a call center. The method includes receiving a call from a caller. The method also includes transmitting an estimated wait time to the caller. The method also includes prompting the caller with a wait option and a receive return call option. The method also includes prompting the caller with a schedule return call option when the caller selects the receive return call option.
US08577006B2 User-defined system-enforced session termination in a unified telephony environment
Enforcing user-defined real-time communication session terminations can begin with a termination enforcement handler identifying termination conditions applicable to a real-time communication session hosted by a unified telephony system. The termination conditions can define a limit for an operational variable for the unified telephony system or the real-time communication session. The identified termination conditions can be evaluated. If a termination condition is satisfied, it can be determined which participants are to be disconnected from the real-time communication session based upon handling rules for the termination conditions and/or termination preferences associated with the real-time communication session. The termination preferences can be defined by an initiating entity of the real-time communication session. The participants can be notified that their connection to the real-time communication session will be terminated in a predefined time limit. If the predefined time limit is reached, the participants' connection to the real-time communication session can be automatically terminated.
US08577000B1 Method and apparatus for content presentation in association with a telephone call
A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.
US08576995B1 System and method for connecting an endpoint to an active multimedia communications session on a data network by setting metadata associated with a telephone call
The present disclosure includes a system and method for connecting an endpoint, such as a client device, to an active multimedia communications session on one network using metadata included in a communication initiated on another network. In some embodiments, the initial network is the PSTN and the second network is the Internet. In some embodiments, the system includes a multimedia contact center on the second network and only a telephone call on the first network.
US08576983B2 X-ray detector for phase contrast imaging
The invention relates to an X-ray detector (30) that comprises an array of sensitive elements (Pi−1,b, Pia, Pib, Pi+1,a, Pi+1,b) and at least two analyzer gratings (G2a, G2b) disposed with different phase and/or periodicity in front of two different sensitive elements. Preferably, the sensitive elements are organized in macro-pixels (IIi) of e.g. four adjacent sensitive elements, where analyzer gratings with mutually different phases are disposed in front said sensitive elements. The detector (30) can particularly be applied in an X-ray device (100) for generating phase contrast images because it allows to sample an intensity pattern (I) generated by such a device simultaneously at different positions.
US08576971B2 Laser fusion neutron source employing compression with short pulse lasers
A method and system for achieving fusion is provided. The method includes providing laser source that generates a laser beam and a target that includes a capsule embedded in the target and filled with DT gas. The laser beam is directed at the target. The laser beam helps create an electron beam within the target. The electron beam heats the capsule, the DT gas, and the area surrounding the capsule. At a certain point equilibrium is reached. At the equilibrium point, the capsule implodes and generates enough pressure on the DT gas to ignite the DT gas and fuse the DT gas nuclei.
US08576966B2 Systems and methods for detecting tampering with video transmission systems
Systems and methods for controlling transmission of signals are described. A camera-side modem is configured to receive two signals from a video camera and to extract a received passband signal from a transmission line. A detector in the camera-side modem generates an alarm signal when disruption or loss of the received passband signal is identified. An enable signal is used to control transmission of at least one of the baseband video signal and the passband video signal. The passband signal may be identified by an estimate of mean square error in a quadrature amplitude demodulator, a measurement of reliability provided by a constellation detector, a measurement of reliability based on a sequence of frame synchronizations and/or an estimate of mean square error in an equalizer. The detector may monitor a gain factor in an automatic gain control module of the camera-side modern and/or a magnitude of the received passband signal.
US08576962B1 Determining cross-polarization isolation using a modulated carrier
A method of and system for determining cross-polarization isolation is described. In one embodiment, a modulated signal is obtained from a communication link. The modulated signal includes a modulated co-polarized signal component and a modulated cross-polarized signal component. Cross-polarization isolation is determined using the modulated co-polarized signal component and the modulated cross-polarized signal component. The determined cross-polarization isolation can be used to adjust an antenna.
US08576960B2 Method and apparatus for efficient AMLD matrix computations
The computation of code-specific channel matrices for an Assisted Maximum Likelihood Detection (AMLD) receiver comprises separately computing high rate matrices that change each symbol period, and a low rate matrix that is substantially constant over a plurality of symbol periods. The high and low rate matrices are combined to generate a code-specific channel matrix for each receiver stage. The high rate matrices include scrambling and spreading code information, and the low rate matrices include information on the net channel response and combining weights. The low rate matrices are efficiently computed by a linear convolution in the frequency domain of the net channel response and combining weights (with zero padding to avoid circular convolution), then transforming the convolution to the time domain and extracting matrix elements. Where the combining weights are constant across stages, a common code-specific channel matrix may be computed and used in multiple AMLD receiver stages.
US08576957B2 Processing digital samples in a wireless receiver
A system and method for processing digital samples from a signal received via a wireless transmission channel in a wireless communications system. The method comprises: comparing a target signal quality value with an estimated received signal quality value; detecting if the estimated received signal quality value exceeds the target signal quality value for a period; and selecting one of a plurality of processing routines of differing sensitivities for processing the digital samples.
US08576956B2 Method for detecting random access signal
Provided is a method for detecting random access signal, and the method includes detecting a peak position of a random access signal in a first preamble section and ignoring the random access signal apart from the peak position for less than a certain distance in a second preamble section adjacent to the first preamble section.
US08576954B1 Method and apparatus of cross-correlation
Briefly, a method and apparatus to calculate cross-correlation values of complex binary sequences are provided. The apparatus may include a transformation unit and a cross-correlator. The cross-correlator may include a cross-correlation controller to provide, based on a type bit and a sign bit, a real component and/or an imaginary component of signals of complex binary sequences to a real accumulator and/or to an imaginary accumulator.
US08576948B2 Angle modulator, transmission device, and wireless communication device
Disclosed are an angle modulator, a transmission apparatus, and a radio communication apparatus that can compensate phase discontinuity when an operational mode of a voltage controlled oscillator is switched. Angle modulator (100) includes phase difference detection section (150) that detects a difference of phases between an input signal of subtractor (141) and an angle modulated signal, using the result of subtraction by subtractor (141) of frequency locked loop circuit (140); correction control section (160) that generates a control signal for compensating that difference of phases based on that difference of phases; correction section (120) that corrects the phase of the angle modulated signal by adding the control signal to an input signal of angle modulator (100), an input signal of loop filter (142), or an input signal of VCO (143) during a predetermined period after VCO (143) switches the operational mode (from time t3 to time t4).
US08576936B2 Method and apparatus for high speed data transmission modulation and demodulation
A method and apparatus for communicating wirelessly comprising creating a plurality of sub-carrier signals by quadrature amplitude modulating data onto a plurality of sub-carrier frequencies spaced apart by a sub-carrier frequency spacing interval, frequency shifting the sub-carrier signals by one half of the sub-carrier frequency spacing interval, and modulating the sub-carrier signals onto a radio frequency carrier wave for wireless transmission.
US08576935B2 Adaptive pilot structure to assist channel estimation in spread spectrum systems
The present invention relates generally to methods for generating a dynamic pilot symbol structure in spread spectrum communication systems, and in particular to the use of pilot symbols by user equipment in channel estimation. In one form, the method includes, allocating basic pilot symbols at the beginning of each data chunk and spread over the plurality of sub-carrier frequencies; and selectively replacing data symbols in each data chunk with adaptive pilot symbols according to the speed of the user equipment.
US08576933B2 Apparatus and method for selective single-carrier equalization
Embodiments of an apparatus and method for selective SC equalization are provided. Multipath propagation in a communication channel often changes, and the severity of multipath propagation is often below worst case conditions supported by a SC communication device. When multipath propagation is less severe and below worst conditions, the use of FDE in a SC receiver to mitigate ISI can be overkill and can result in excess power being consumed. The excess power consumption can be attributed to the general inability of the structure used to perform FDE to scale in terms of performance with channel conditions. Embodiments of the apparatus and method for performing selective equalization in a SC receiver allow either FDE or TDE to be performed based on the current multipath propagation conditions of a communication channel. In general, TDE is used in place of FDE to conserve power when channel conditions permit.
US08576921B2 Method, apparatus and system for evaluating quality of video streams
A method for evaluating quality of video streams includes: obtaining video streams; obtain coding information of video frames in the video stream; evaluating the single frame quality according to the coding information of the video frames; and evaluating the sequence quality according to the single frame quality evaluation result. An apparatus and a system for evaluating quality are also provided. Thus, the quality of video data packets transmitted in a channel can be predicted accurately, and the single frame quality evaluation result of the video frames can be obtained immediately.
US08576915B2 Position coding for context-based adaptive variable length coding
Particular embodiments include a method, an apparatus, and logic embodied in tangible computer-readable medium that when executed carries out a method of encoding an ordered sequence of quantized transform coefficients of a block of image data. One embodiment is a context adaptive variable length coding method that includes position coding the positions of zero-valued and non-zero valued coefficients by either a mixed method that encodes either the run length of zeroes preceding a non-zero coefficient or the run length of nonzero-valued coefficients preceding a zero-valued coefficients. Another includes position coding that uses a variable length code for two parameters respectively indicating the number of zero-valued coefficient positions and nonzero-valued coefficient positions still to be coded.
US08576904B2 Method and device for processing a pulse train of a modulated signal, in particular an ultra wideband signal modulated by a digital pulse interval modulation
The pulse train of a signal is modulated by a DPIM modulation involving a discrete random time parameter. A first processing is performed on the signal to deliver a sampled signal. A second processing is performed on the sampled signal, comprising a correlation processing including at least one elementary correlation processing with a correlation mask corresponding to the shape of at least part of a sampled pulse, and delivering second information items. A third processing is performed for detecting the pulses following a first pulse by taking account of the position of the first pulse, on packets of second information items, which are separated by a duration related to the discrete random parameter.
US08576902B2 Receiving device and method, demodulating device and method, and program
The present disclosure provides a receiving device including, a receiver configured to receive a signal that is transmitted via a propagation path and is modulated by a predetermined system prescribed by a predetermined standard, a demodulator configured to demodulate a received signal, an estimator configured to estimate a signal-to-noise ratio relating to the propagation path, obtained from a data signal included in the demodulated received signal, and a corrector configured to correct an estimated signal-to-noise ratio in accordance with a transmission parameter obtained from the received signal.
US08576895B2 Rapid acquisition methods and apparatus for GPS signals
A method and apparatus for receiving a signal from transmitters such as GPS satellites, for fixing the location of the receiver. Each of the transmitted signals includes a unique periodically-repeating sequence. A received signal is stored by the receiver for at least two repetitions of the periodically-repeating sequence. FFT operations are performed, and the resulting data frequency samples are pruned responsive to a hypothesized residual frequency, a procedure which significantly reduces the total number of subsequent calculations and therefore significantly reduces processing time. A correlation series is determined from the pruned samples and reference frequency samples corresponding to a hypothesized transmitter. If a match is found in the examination of this series, a code phase offset is determined; if not the process is repeated with another hypothesized residual frequency. Multiple correlation series similarly obtained may also be incoherently combined prior to this examination.
US08576887B2 Semiconductor laser driving unit, optical scanner having semiconductor laser driving unit, and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a semiconductor laser driving unit that outputs a driving current for driving a semiconductor laser. A value of a correction current is set in such a manner as to determine a rising characteristic and/or a falling characteristic of an output of the driving current in accordance with a value of the driving current.
US08576881B2 Transparent provisioning of services over a network
An apparatus and method for enhancing the infrastructure of a network such as the Internet is disclosed. A packet interceptor/processor apparatus is coupled with the network so as to be able to intercept and process packets flowing over the network. Further, the apparatus provides external connectivity to other devices that wish to intercept packets as well. The apparatus applies one or more rules to the intercepted packets which execute one or more functions on a dynamically specified portion of the packet and take one or more actions with the packets. The apparatus is capable of analyzing any portion of the packet including the header and payload. Actions include releasing the packet unmodified, deleting the packet, modifying the packet, logging/storing information about the packet or forwarding the packet to an external device for subsequent processing. Further, the rules may be dynamically modified by the external devices.
US08576876B2 Method and system for determining and optimizing throughput of short range wireless network
Methods and systems for determining and optimizing a throughput of a short range wireless network are provided. The method mainly includes acquiring respective time parameters in a contention access period based on information transmission characteristics of the short range wireless network; and computing and optimizing the throughput of the short range wireless network based on the respective time parameters. These time parameters are determined based on a non-persistent Carrier Sense Multiple Access CSMA mechanism. Therefore, the present invention employs a non-persistent CSMA mechanism to analyze the CAP of a short range wireless network and thus simplifies complexity in determining the network throughput and the analysis process of network optimization. As such, accurate throughput parameters of the standard network of the short range wireless network may be obtained, the network performance may be optimized and the performance of the short range wireless network is improved.
US08576862B2 Root scheduling algorithm in a network processor
Described embodiments provide for arbitrating between nodes of scheduling hierarchy of a network processor. A traffic manager generates a tree scheduling hierarchy having a root scheduler and N scheduler levels. The network processor generates tasks corresponding to received packets. The traffic manager queues the received task in an associated queue of the scheduling hierarchy. The root scheduler performs smooth deficit weighted round robin (SDWRR) arbitration between each child node of the root scheduler. The SDWRR arbitration includes checking one or more status indicators of each child node of the given scheduler and selecting, based on the status indicators, a first active child node of the scheduler and updating the one or more status indicators corresponding to the selected child node. Thus, a task is scheduled for transmission by the traffic manager every cycle of the network processor.
US08576861B2 Method and apparatus for processing packets
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for processing packets for transmission. A set of interface specific network buffers is identified from a plurality of buffers containing data for a packet received for transmission. A data structure describing the set of interface specific network buffers within the plurality of buffers is created, wherein a section in the data structure for an interface specific network buffer in the set of interface specific network buffers includes information about a piece of data in interface specific network buffer, wherein the data structure is used to process the packet for transmission.
US08576857B2 Automatically identifying an edge-facing router
Techniques for automatically identifying an edge-facing router in a network are provided. In one technique, data is obtained at a first router of a subscriber network. The data may be included in a DHCP message or a NDP RA message. The first router determines, based on the data, whether the first router is a service provider (SP)-facing router, which is a router that is coupled to a SP router and no other router in the subscriber network is logically between the SP-facing router and the SP router. If it is determined that the first router is an SP-facing router, then the first router stores identification data that identifies the first router as an SP-facing router. Otherwise, the first router stores identification data that identifies the first router as a non-SP-facing router.
US08576854B2 System for communication between private and public IP networks
A system for communication between a first computer terminal (1) in a private IP network (7) and a second computer terminal (5) in a public IP network includes a network boundary equipment (3). The communications system further includes a mediation system (2) in the private IP network that is associated with the first terminal (1) and is adapted to make an IP interface available to the second terminal (5), and a control server (4) in the public IP network able to control the mediation system 2 via a communications tunnel (6) through the network boundary equipment (3).
US08576851B2 Integrating data with conversations
A facility for integrating data in conversations is provided. In various embodiments, the facility sends a first message to a responding computing device to begin a conversation, receives a second message associated with the conversation from the responding computing device, determines whether the received message contains an indication of data that is to be associated with the conversation and, when the received message contains an indication of data that is to be associated with the conversation, renders the data. The facility can comprise an application server that receives from an initiator a first message associated with a conversation and responds to received messages, a conversation component that handles messages associated with the conversation, and an integration component that determines whether there is data that is to be associated with the conversation and, if so, adds an indication of the data to a second message that it sends to the initiator.
US08576837B1 Voice packet redundancy based on voice activity
One embodiment, having a corresponding method and computer program, features an apparatus comprising: an input circuit configured to receive packets of encoded voice data, wherein the encoded voice data includes intervals of voice activity and intervals of silence, and wherein each of the packets includes a packet sequence indicator; and a first packet circuit configured to transmit two or more of each packet that includes one or more of the intervals of voice activity, and configured to transmit only one of each packet that includes only intervals of silence.
US08576836B2 Method for handling unanswered calls
Reliable and interactive communication between parties is allowed even in those cases in which an incoming call cannot be answered due to inconvenience, inopportunity and/or impoliteness, e.g., during an important meeting, a conference or a ceremony. A packet-switched connection between the called party and the calling party is established in response to an action intended for terminating an incoming call performed at the called party's terminal.
US08576835B2 Method and apparatus for providing contextual information with telephone calls
The present invention is directed to a method for propagating contextual data in an audio communication by storing the contextual data obtained from a calling party in an extensible mark-up language formatted text document. A telephone call between a first party and a second party is converted to a session initiation protocol based voice over internet protocol communication, and the stored text document is attached to session initiation protocol messages that control the voice over internet protocol communication. The document is attached to the signaling messages by embedding the text document in a session description payload associated with the session initiation protocol message. The attached document is propagated with the audio communication, including when the signaling messages are used to transfer the audio communication from the second party to a third party or to add one or more addition parties to the audio communication.
US08576827B2 Voice data integrated multiaccess by self-reservation and contention algorithm
Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method for providing multiple access to a communication channel, the method comprising: sending a reservation request of a first type into a first selected minislot of a selected frame of an uplink channel when information of a first type is to be sent, the uplink channel having a plurality of frames, each frame having a first selectable number of minislots and a second selectable number of slots, the reservation request of the first type requesting an assignment of at least one slot for transmitting information of the first type in at least one frame that is subsequent to the selected frame.
US08576826B2 Mobile wireless communications device having a single bluetooth / wireless local area network antenna and associated methods
A mobile wireless communications device includes a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio configured to generate a WLAN transmit signal, and a Bluetooth radio configured to generate a Bluetooth transmit signal. A circulator is coupled downstream of an antenna. A transmit path couples the WLAN radio and the Bluetooth radio to the circulator such that the WLAN radio and the Bluetooth radio are capable of transmitting simultaneously. In addition, a receive path also couples the WLAN radio and the Bluetooth radio to the circulator such that the WLAN radio and the Bluetooth radio are capable of receiving simultaneously.
US08576822B2 Method and apparatus for allocating channel state information-reference signal in wireless communication system
Disclosed are an apparatus for Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) allocation and a method for CSI-RS transmission using the same in a wireless communication system. A CSI-RS for each antenna port is allocated to REs or subcarriers on a basis of a symbol or symbol axis in a subframe or Resource Block (RB), and is allocated in such a manner that a distance between neighboring CSI-RS allocation REs or subcarriers may be 3 REs or subcarriers. Accordingly, in the range of following CSI-RS transmission overhead, CSI-RSs are allocated to a time-frequency resource domain in such a manner so as to have perfect orthogonality or quasi-orthogonality according to cells or cell groups. Then, the CSI-RSs, which have been allocated to the time-frequency resource domain, are transmitted.
US08576820B2 Standby mode for use in a device having a multiple channel physical layer
The present invention provides a way of placing a physical layer device into a standby mode. After a link is established between multiple devices, a determination is made whether the device has data to transmit or whether a standby request was received from a link partner. If a standby request was received or the device has no data to transmit, standby mode is entered. In standby mode, unneeded circuitry is powered down. A transmitter in a channel and a receive path in a separate channel remain powered. While operating in standby mode, the PHY layer continuously transmits a standby code on the one or more channels that are not powered down. Standby mode is discontinued when a transceiver has data to transmit or when energy is detected on the powered down channels. Standby mode is also discontinued when no standby code is received, indicating a disconnect between devices.
US08576819B2 Routing data in a cluster
Various techniques for routing data through a cluster are disclosed. The cluster includes a number of nodes that support communications by an access terminal. A node may be configured to use an identifier assigned to an access terminal to route data associated with the access terminal to another node in the cluster. The identifier is assigned by any node in the cluster.
US08576805B2 Subscriber-controlled registration technique in a CDMA system
A subscriber controlled registration protocol, a subscriber monitors a congestion indicator signal broadcasted by a base station with which it desires to register. If the congestion indicator signal indicates that the base station is operating in a congested state, the mobile station selects another base station in the system. Otherwise, it attempts to register with the first selected base station.
US08576797B2 Apparatus and method for handover optimization in broadband wireless communication system
A method and apparatus optimize handover optimization in a broadband wireless communication system. Operations of a base station includes determining whether at least one of a plurality of time intervals included in a total time taken by handover, exceeds a threshold time. Whether to advance or delay a handover point is determined based on which at least one of the time interval exceeds the threshold time. And at least one handover parameter is changed to advance or delay the handover point.
US08576793B2 Coexistence management for cooperative transceiving in a shared spectrum
A wireless interface circuit transceives packetized data between a host module and a first external device using a frequency spectrum, wherein the packetized data is formatted in accordance with a first wireless communication protocol and wherein the packetized data includes an indication that the first external device is configured to use at least a portion of the frequency spectrum for communication via a second wireless communication protocol. A coexistence management module generates a wireless interface schedule that includes a least one contention free period reserved for communication via the second wireless communication protocol, and generates schedule data, based on the wireless interface schedule, for transmission to a plurality of external devices including the first external device.
US08576774B2 Method of generating low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) binary preamble sequences for OFDM systems
A wireless system and method including a medium access control (MAC) layer adapted to generate low peak-to-average power ratio binary preamble sequences for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems described.
US08576767B2 Method and system for providing a satellite interface to support mobile communication services
An approach provides a satellite air interface to efficiently support communication with a terrestrial network. One or more packets associated with a data communication session are received from a terrestrial network configured to provide cellular communications. A frame representing the packet for transmission is generated over a satellite link to a user terminal. Signaling information for the transmission of the packet over the terrestrial network is modified or eliminated for transmission over the satellite link.
US08576763B2 Inter-domain group-communications
The invention relates to group communication services, i.e. communication services involving two or more users (or service participants). The invention provides a method for distributing multicast data of a multicast service to different domains and a method for distributing multicast data to service participants in a domain. Further, the invention relates to a control node and system implementing the respective methods. To improve resource utilization when providing a multicast service, including inter alia PoC services, to service participants the invention provides mechanisms to avoid unnecessary multiplication of multicast data in the distribution tree for multicast services with service participants of different domains. For this purpose the controlling node that is initiating the multicast service upon request determined to which domains the multicast data is to be provided and only forwards the multicast data on a per-domain basis. Another aspect of the invention is the avoidance of unnecessary duplications of multicast data within individual domains.
US08576758B2 Remote wake-up system, WWAM module and terminal
Disclosed are a remote wake up system based on a WWAN module, a WWAN module and a terminal. The system includes a terminal; a WWAN module adapted to receive and/or send information in a wireless manner; and a security control module adapted to perform a security validation on the call information received by the WWAN module when the terminal is in a sleep state, and the security control module is further adapted to generate a wake-up signal and sending the wake-up signal to the terminal in order to wake up it, in the case of passing the security validation.
US08576755B2 Apparatus and method for relay transition time
An apparatus and method for establishing a relay transition time in a network node in a wireless communication system comprising comparing a network node transmit/receive (TX/RX) switch time to a switch threshold; and using a fraction of the cyclic prefix (CP) as a guard period if the network node TX/RX switch time is less than or equal to the switch threshold, or using a sounding reference signal (SRS) configured channel to blank out a last symbol if the network node TX/RX switch time is greater than the switch threshold.
US08576751B2 Method, mobile station, system and network processor for use in mobile communications
A method (200) of operation in a mobile communication system (100) includes: a mobile station (101) sending (207) to a visited network (103) a certified service record, provided by a home network (102), of communication services allowed to be provided to the mobile station, the service record being accompanied by or including a certificate code applied by the home network by a calculation procedure applied to contents of the service record using an authentication key; the visited network calculating (211) an authentication code for the service record using an authentication key obtained by the visited network; the visited network authenticating (212) the service record by matching (212) the certificate and authentication codes; and the visited network providing (215) communication services to the mobile station based upon the authenticated service record.
US08576743B2 Apparatus and methods for estimating an unknown frequency error of a tone signal
Estimating an unknown frequency error of a tone signal may comprise sampling, within an error bandwidth, wireless signals including the tone signal that occupy the error bandwidth to generate signal samples, and repeatedly, for different frequency offsets: applying a frequency offset to the signal samples to produce offset values that represent the signals occupying an offset bandwidth equal to the error bandwidth offset by an offset frequency; estimating, within a frequency estimation range less than the error bandwidth, a tone frequency error using the offset values; and measuring a signal-to-noise ratio of the tone signal using the signal samples and the estimated tone frequency error. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and discussed.
US08576739B2 Apparatus and method for estimating channel capacity of end-to-end terminal
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for estimating a channel capacity of an end-to-end terminal. The channel capacity estimating method of the end-to-end terminal includes calculating an average value of channel capacities for each size of data packets, the data packets varying in size, measuring an actual channel capacity with respect to the data packets, and deriving a linear model of a channel capacity based on the size of the data packets using the average value of the channel capacities and the actual channel capacity.
US08576736B1 Method and system for spread spectrum signal acquisition without a pilot signal
A cellular wireless communication network transmits spread spectrum signals that are spread by a pseudonoise (PN) code with any of a plurality of PN offsets, such that different coverage areas use different PN offsets. In each coverage area, the network transmits a plurality of forward link channels, each defined by a respective Walsh code, without transmitting a pilot signal. A wireless communication device (WCD) begins operating in a given coverage area and determines the PN offset used in the given coverage area by receiving a forward link signal having a Walsh code of a sync channel, paging channel, or other channel that transmits a broadcast message. The WCD selects a target bit sequence that would be expected to be included in the broadcast message. The WCD finds an effective PN offset that enables the WCD to despread the forward link signal and recover the target bit sequence.
US08576733B2 Control of access terminal operation based on interference information
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate distributing and utilizing interference information in a wireless communication environment. Interference information can be generated by a base station by evaluating uplink conditions, and disparate interference information can be collected from neighbor base station(s). Interference information associated with the base station and the neighbor base station(s) can be transmitted by the base station to access terminal(s). An access terminal that receives that interference information associated with the base station and the neighbor base station(s) can control an operation based at least in part upon the interference information. For example, the access terminal can adjust a transmit power, select a target serving base station for handover, and/or choose a random access channel (RACH) resource to use for random access as a function of the interference information associated with the base station and the neighbor base station(s).
US08576729B2 Communication method for point-to-multipoint communication system and subsidiary transmission apparatus for the same system
The communication method and the subsidiary transmission apparatus for a point-to-multipoint communication system in which the subsidiary transmission apparatus autonomously establishes point-to-multipoint communication between one main transmission apparatus and multiple subsidiary transmission apparatuses, without manually operating switches of the subsidiary transmission apparatuses. The subsidiary transmission apparatus generates, during the absence of a transmission request to the main transmission apparatus, an alarm signal to be transmitted to the main transmission apparatus through an upstream line, and the main transmission apparatus sends, while receiving the alarm signal through the upstream line, a specified notification signal, which is to be sent out in response to the reception of the alarm signal, to a downstream line, and the subsidiary transmission apparatus evaluates the state of use of the upstream line depending on the presence or absence of reception of the notification signal from the downstream line.
US08576726B2 Communication and method
A communication method according to the present invention includes receiving MAP in formation, acquiring an initial scheduled frame number and a current frame number from the MAP information, calculating the difference between the initial scheduled frame number and the current frame number, comparing the difference between the initial scheduled frame number and the current frame number with a reference value and setting a scheduled frame number, and performing transmission or reception in the scheduled frame. Therefore, even though a MAP loss occurs, the mobile station can receive only downlink data effective in downlink, thereby reducing power consumption for unnecessary reception, and can exactly perform transmission in a frame in which it should transmit in uplink.
US08576722B2 System and method for modifying connectivity fault management packets
A system and method for modifying connectivity fault management packets. Network performance information is extracted from a communications network using connectivity fault management packets. The connectivity fault management packets are received. The configuration of the connectivity fault management packets is modified to obtain additional network performance information from the communications network.
US08576721B1 Local forwarding bias in a multi-chassis router
Techniques are described for reducing the amount of data traffic carried on inter-chassis links within a multi-chassis router. A multi-chassis router is described in which the packet forwarding engines (PFEs) of each chassis receive and modify forwarding structures, generated in accordance with various load-balancing protocols, to exhibit a chassis-local link preference. Each of the PFEs may implement a selection bias for forwarding paths that egress from the multi-chassis router at the member chassis that includes the ingress PFE.
US08576716B2 Method and apparatus for data processing
A method for data processing is provided, the method comprises: determining the predicted transmission time required by the data packet to be transmitted currently during the transmission course and the residence time for the data packet residing in the buffer; when the sum of the predicted transmission time and the residence time is greater than the predetermined air interface time delay, discarding the data packet. By utilizing the technical scheme of the invention, the discarding time of the data packet is dynamically adjusted, the packet discarding rate is reduced, and the service quality is improved. An apparatus for data processing is also provided.
US08576714B2 System and method for relay node flow control in a wireless communications system
A system and method for relay node flow control and/or congestion control in a wireless communications system are provided. A method for relay operation includes determining a buffer status of a buffer for data to be transmitted on a communications channel allocated from network resources controlled by a communications controller, computing buffer status information based on the buffer status, and transmitting the buffer status information to the communications controller.
US08576703B2 Synchronization of multicast information using bicasting
Techniques that enable a network device such as a router to provide multicast routing services without interruption. Techniques are provided for using bicasting to synchronize multicast information maintained by a first processor and multicast information maintained by a second processor. A multicast protocol related event of packet is sent to both a first processor operating in active mode and a second processor operating in standby mode. Each processor then updates its multicast information based upon the bicasted event or packet.
US08576697B2 Mobile radio system capable of controlling base radio station without impossibility
A mobile radio system comprises first through N-th radio base stations, where N represents a positive integer which is greater than one. On a start-up sequence of an n-th radio base station, a base station control apparatus transmits an n-th individual identifier as a station identifier, to the n-th radio base station to allocate the n-th individual identifier to the n-th radio base station, where n is a variable between one and N, both inclusive. The base station control apparatus transmits a transmission message signal having the n-th individual identifier as a transmission individual identifier to the n-th radio base station to carry out a link connection between the base station control apparatus and the n-th radio base station. In the n-th radio base station, an ATM reception section compares the transmission individual identifier with the n-th station identifier to abandon the transmission message signal when the transmission individual identifier is not coincident with the n-th station identifier. A CPU makes the ATM reception section become a reset state when the ATM reception section continues to abandon the message signal during a predetermined time duration.
US08576694B2 Apparatus and method for dynamically assigning orthogonal codes in a radio communication system
An apparatus, method, and system for dynamically assigning orthogonal codes to different information signals communicated between a Node B and user equipment in a cellular radio communication system in which a fixed number of codes are allocated between dedicated transport channels (DCHs) and high speed downlink shared channels (HS-DSCHs). A radio controller (RNC) allocates a minimum number of codes for HS-DSCH physical channels (HS-PDSCH codes) to the Node B. The Node B determines HS-PDSCH codes that are not currently being utilized and allocates HS-PDSCH codes from the unused codes without having to communicate with the RNC. When the additional HS-PDSCH codes are needed for DCH codes, the Node B reallocates the codes for DCH purposes without reducing the number of HS-PDSCH codes below the allocated minimum.
US08576689B2 Method and arrangement for failure handling in a network
A method and arrangement for failure handling in a tree-structured communications network having interconnected edge nodes and switching nodes. VLANs may be established by using spanning trees to provide connectivity in case of a failure in the network. Emitters in the edge nodes periodically broadcast alive messages on the VLANs, and notifiers note the alive messages. A missing alive message indicates a failure on one of the VLANs, and the notifier broadcasts corresponding failure messages on the VLANs. When the alive messages are restored, the notifier broadcasts corresponding repair messages. If a notifier fails to note a failure, one of the edge nodes performs a similar function although somewhat slower.
US08576688B2 Optical data recording medium and method for reproducing recorded data
An optical data recording medium, in which irradiation of a light beam is used for recording and/or reproducing data includes (i) a substrate having an a rise and/or a recess which are a light-incident surface, (ii) a reflective layer, provided on the light-incident surface of the substrate, for reflecting the light beam, (iii) a light absorption layer for converting, to heat, a light of the light beam to heat on the surface of the reflective layer, (iv) a reproducing layer, provided on the surface of the heat-light converting layer, having a transmittance that changes in accordance with a light intensity distribution of the light beam. The optical data recording medium is excellent in super-resolution property, and enables reproduction of a shorter mark length.
US08576686B2 Apparatus for multilevel optical recording
An improvement to an optical recording apparatus is provided for adapting the apparatus for an optical recording format using multiple modulation levels. The improvement includes an electro-optic modulator (EOM) added between a light source and a first modulator, to regulate a power of the light beam supplied to the first modulator. A modulation interface is adapted to output a power control signal to the EOM, and the EOM regulates the power of the light beam supplied to the first modulator to a power level corresponding to the power control signal. The apparatus is further adapted to supply a formatted data signal directly from a formatter to the first modulator, without going through the modulation interface.
US08576669B2 Hour notification
A position information acquisition section acquires position information about a mobile terminal, and a storage section stores hour information and position condition information inputted to an interface section in association with each other. When the hour shown by a clock becomes the hour indicated by the hour information stored in the storage section, a comparison section compares the position condition information stored in association with the hour information, with the position information acquired by the position information acquisition section. If the position information corresponds to the position condition information as a result of the comparison, a notification section gives a notification.
US08576662B2 Interpolation and/or extrapolation of seismic data
A method of processing seismic data is provided in the seismic data is acquired at a plurality of locations and the method comprises interpolating and/or extrapolating the seismic data, thereby to estimate seismic data at a target location different from the plurality of locations. The interpolating and/or extrapolating the seismic data is performed in a polar co-ordinate system. The method may provide for, among other things, accuracy of estimation; particularly at short offsets from the seismic source. The polar co-ordinate system used may be chosen to approximate the seismic wavefront in an earth model, for example in an earth model in which properties vary only with depth.
US08576659B2 Method and apparatus for acoustic impedance and P-wave anisotropy measurements
Measurements of impedance are made using a piezoelectric transducer oriented at different angles to a formation bedding plane. The impedance measurements are then used to estimate the anisotropic velocity of the formation.
US08576657B1 Method for calibrating a plurality of data channels in a vector sensor
A system, processor and method of use for calibration processing is provided to calibrate acoustic vector sensor data collected at comparatively close range. Vector sensor data collected at close range includes data collected with source-to-receiver separations ranging from a one-tenth to approximately two acoustic wavelengths. The calculations substantially account for the acoustic impedance of a spherically diverging wave front, where the curvature is sufficiently pronounced to cause errors in resulting measurements in the calculations. The processing uses information contained within the vector sensor data to increase the accuracy of the vector sensor data.
US08576651B2 Temperature compensation of conductive bridge memory arrays
Methods for operating a semiconductor memory array including dynamically adjusting control line voltages (e.g., unselected word line or unselected bit line voltages) based on one or more array conditions associated with the semiconductor memory array are described. The one or more array conditions may include a temperature associated with the semiconductor memory array or a particular number of write cycles associated with the semiconductor memory array. In some embodiments, an intermediate voltage is generated based on the one or more array conditions and applied to the unselected word lines and the unselected bit lines of the semiconductor memory array. The one or more intermediate voltages may be generated such that a first voltage difference across unselected memory cells sharing a selected word line is different from a second voltage difference across other unselected memory cells sharing a selected bit line based on the one or more array conditions.
US08576649B1 Sense amplifiers and operations thereof
Sense amplifiers and operations thereof are described. More particularly, embodiments of integrated circuit having a sense amplifier coupled to a first bitline and a second bitline of a memory array are described. The sense amplifier generally includes: a latch circuit and a group select input/output circuit, as well as read, reference voltage, and precharge circuitry. Further described is an embodiment of a method for a refresh operation. First data states of a group of memory cells of an array are read and written back as second data states without changing voltages at sense nodes of the latch circuits from the reading, where the second data states are an inverse of the first data states.
US08576642B2 Method of using multiplexing circuit for high speed, low leakage, column-multiplexing memory devices
In at least one embodiment, a multiplexer has a plurality of sub-circuits, and each of the plurality of sub-circuits has a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. Drains of the first transistors are coupled with a first terminal of a fourth transistor, and drains of the second transistors are coupled with a second terminal of the fourth transistor. In at least one embodiment, a method of outputting data using the multiplexer includes turning on the second transistor of a selected one of the plurality of sub-circuits responsive to a clock signal and address information. The second transistor of a non-selected one of the plurality of sub-circuits is turned off. The fourth transistor is turned on responsive to the clock signal.
US08576641B1 Method of and circuit for providing non-volatile memory in an integrated circuit
A method of providing non-volatile memory in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method may comprise storing a plurality of data blocks in volatile memory elements of the integrated circuit, wherein each data block of the plurality of data blocks comprises a plurality of data bits; reading back the plurality of data bits associated with a data block of the plurality of data blocks; determining, by a control circuit, whether values read back for the plurality of data bits associated with the data block indicate valid data in the data block; and reading back, for another data block of the plurality of data blocks, stored data bits to determine a value for the other data block. A circuit for providing non-volatile memory in an integrated circuit is also disclosed.
US08576637B2 Memory module including memory buffer and memory system having the same
A memory buffer selecting between a parallel test mode and a mode register control mode, and a memory module and memory system having the memory buffer are disclosed. The memory buffer includes a control circuit and a mode selecting circuit. The control circuit generates a mode control signal based on a first chip selecting signal, a second chip selecting signal, a row address signal, a column address signal, and a write enable signal. The mode selecting circuit selects one of a parallel test mode and a mode register control mode in response to the mode control signal.
US08576633B2 1T smart write
The threshold voltages of particular nonvolatile memory cells on a word line are selectively increased on a column by column (cell by cell) basis. A selective program is performed on some of the cells, and simultaneously a program inhibit on other of the cells, resulting in all of the cells having a threshold voltage that falls between a minimum acceptable value and a maximum acceptable value.
US08576632B2 Methods, devices, and systems for dealing with threshold voltage change in memory devices
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for dealing with threshold voltage change in memory devices. A number of embodiments include an array of memory cells and control circuitry having sense circuitry coupled to the array. The control circuitry is configured to determine changes in threshold voltages (Vts) associated with the memory cells without using a reference cell, and adjust the sense circuitry based on the determined changes and without using a reference cell.
US08576630B2 Non-volatile memory device with plural reference cells, and method of setting the reference cells
A non-volatile memory device has an array of non-volatile memory cells, a first plurality of non-volatile memory reference cells, with each reference cell capable of being programmed to a reference level different from the other reference cells; and a second plurality of comparators. Each of the comparators is connectable to one of the first plurality of non-volatile memory reference cells and to one of a third plurality of memory cells from among the array of non-volatile memory cells.
US08576627B2 Memory array with inverted data-lines pairs
At least one data-line pair has a first data line aligned with a first column of memory cells and a second data line aligned with a second column of memory cells. The first data line is coupled to the second column of memory cells and the second data line is coupled to the first column of memory cells.
US08576621B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of operating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a control unit configured to measure a threshold voltage distribution of each of selected pages between a start voltage and an end voltage by performing a read operation on each page in response to a command set for analyzing the threshold voltage distribution, to compare the measured threshold voltage distribution with a reference threshold voltage distribution, and to determine a read voltage having a least amount of errors upon the read operation being performed.
US08576615B2 Magnetic random access memory devices including multi-bit cells
A magnetic random access memory (“MRAM”) cell includes: (1) a first magnetic layer having a first magnetization direction and a magnetic anisotropy axis; (2) a second magnetic layer having a second magnetization direction; and (3) a spacer layer disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The MRAM cell also includes a field line magnetically coupled to the MRAM cell and configured to induce a write magnetic field along a magnetic field axis, and the magnetic anisotropy axis is tilted relative to the magnetic field axis. During a write operation, the first magnetization direction is switchable between m directions to store data corresponding to one of m logic states, with m>2, at least one of the m directions is aligned relative to the magnetic anisotropy axis, and at least another one of the m directions is aligned relative to the magnetic field axis.
US08576608B2 Memory apparatus
A memory apparatus includes: a plurality of memory cells which includes a first resistance change element; and a read-out circuit which determines the size of a resistance value of the first resistance change element by comparing the resistance state of a memory cell selected among the plurality of memory cells to the resistance state of a reference memory cell, wherein the reference memory cell includes a second resistance change element, a resistance value of the second resistance change element with respect to an applied voltage is smaller than that in a high resistance state of the first resistance change element, and the second resistance change element shows the same resistance change characteristic as the first resistance change element.
US08576601B2 Content addressable memory
One embodiment provides a content addressable memory, including: a pair of spin MOSFETs including: a first spin MOSFET whose magnetization state is set in accordance with stored data; and a second spin MOSFET whose magnetization state is set in accordance with the stored data, the second spin MOSFET being connected in parallel with the first spin MOSFET; a first wiring configured to apply a gate voltage so that any one of the first spin MOSFET and the second spin MOSFET becomes electrically conductive in accordance with search data; and a second wiring configured to apply a current to both of the first spin MOSFET and the second spin MOSFET.
US08576598B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and apparatus for converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power. According to one embodiment, a system for converting DC power to AC power can be provided. The system can include a DC power source that provides a first DC power signal to a converter. Coupled to the converter can be a controller for transforming the first DC power signal into a plurality of AC power signals. The controller can also phase shift at least one of the plurality of AC power signals and combine the phase shifted AC power signal with at least one of the other of the plurality of AC power signals to provide a second DC power signal. The controller can also convert the second DC power signal to an AC power signal.
US08576596B2 Systems and methods for off-time control in a voltage converter
Various embodiments of the present invention provide voltage converters and methods for using such. As one example, a voltage converter is disclosed that includes a transformer with a first winding and a second winding. A voltage is applied to the first winding for a period that is followed by an OFF time. The voltage converter further includes an OFF time controller that is operable to adjust the OFF time based at least in part on a load current traversing the second winding.
US08576590B2 Power supply and image forming apparatus
A power supply includes a transformer, a switching unit configured to drive the transformer at a primary side of the transformer, a voltage adjustment unit configured to adjust voltage of a capacitive element at a secondary side of the transformer, at the primary side thereof, and a plurality of constant voltage members connected across the terminals of the capacitive element at the secondary side of the transformer, wherein the power supply generates voltage having a predetermined polarity during the period before the voltage of the capacitive element at the secondary side of the transformer becomes a predetermined voltage by the voltage adjustment unit, and generates voltage having a polarity opposite to the predetermined polarity after the voltage of the capacitive element at the secondary side becomes the predetermined voltage.
US08576588B2 Switching mode power supply with primary side control
The present technology are directed to switching mode power supplies with primary side control. In one embodiment, the switching mode power supply provides an equivalent current signal which represents a load current. The equivalent current signal is then used to control a switching circuit in the switching mode power supply.
US08576586B2 Dynamic drive of switching transistor of switching power converter
A switching power converter comprises a transformer (110), a switch (108) coupled to the transformer (110), and a switch controller (200) coupled to the switch (108) for generating a switch drive signal (207) to turn on or off the switch (108). The drive current of the switch drive signal (207) is adjusted dynamically according to line or load conditions within a switching cycle and/or over a plurality of switching cycles. The magnitude of the drive current can be dynamically adjusted within a switching cycle and/or over a plurality of switching cycles, in addition to the pulse widths or pulse frequencies of the drive current.
US08576583B2 Sampled charge control for resonant converter
This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for controlling a converter. In an example, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) can be configured to provide a first pulse train to control the converter. The frequency of the first pulse train of the VCO can be modulated using information indicative of an operating condition of the converter to maintain a desired DC voltage at an output. In an example, the VCO can include a frequency divider configured to provide a second pulse train to the output using information from the first pulse train.
US08576580B2 Horizontal cable manager
A cable manager provides horizontal cable management of adjacent patch panels or network equipment on network distribution racks. The cable manager includes a central section and a front cable routing section and is mountable on a network rack. The front cable routing section extends from the front side of the central section and includes a first plurality of spaced fingers. The cable manager can also include a rear cable routing section that includes a second plurality of spaced fingers. The first plurality of spaced fingers and the second plurality of spaced fingers may be sloped to provide hand access. One or more passthrough openings can be provided in the central section to allow routing of cabling from the front section to the rear section. An air dam may be inserted into the passthrough openings to control the flow of cool inlet air. Either or both of the front and rear sections can include a removable cover.
US08576569B2 Electronic devices having multi-purpose cowlings and co-axial cable grounding and fixture brackets
Retention structures are provided to guide and secure a co-axial cable from an upper portion to a lower portion of a logic board having a bend region. In one embodiment, a retention structure can guide, retain, and electrically ground the co-axial cable at multiple locations. In another embodiment, a retention structure can provide route a co-axial cable around the bend region of the logic board, while providing strain relief and the ability to accommodate co-axial cables of different lengths, due to manufacturing tolerances. Multi-purpose cowling structures are also provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board.
US08576567B2 Semiconductor device and display apparatus
A COF includes, in at least one embodiment, a heat dissipating material on a back surface of an insulating film. The heat dissipating material has a slit for reducing a degree of thermal expansion. Thus, at least one embodiment of the invention provides the COF in which deformation and disconnection of wiring are prevented.
US08576560B1 Line memory module form factor cooling device
Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus for cooling a hard drive in a hard drive array. In one example, the cooling device has similar dimensions as a hard drive on a server. Within the cooling device is a fan. The positioning of the fan provides both impingement and indirect airflow on a hard drive. The cooling device may also have power and data connections identical to those of the hard drive. These connections allow the cooling device to be connected and controlled by a control unit. The control unit may operate to monitor and control the temperature of the hard drive by controlling the power and speed of the fan. In another example, the cooling device is operable to cool DIMMs on a circuit board.
US08576551B2 Image display device
Disclosed herein is an image display device including a liquid crystal panel module for implementing an image; an image display device cover to which the liquid crystal panel module is mounted and fastened; an image display device pedestal base combined with the image display device cover to support the image display device; and a system board mounted within the image display device pedestal base.
US08576545B2 Switchgear
A switchgear includes a chassis which is partitioned by metal earthed plates and includes a bus bar section located at a central portion, a switch section located below the bus bar section, a cable section located at a rear surface side, and a control section located at a front surface side; an air-insulated earthed disconnecting switch provided in the switch section; and a manipulating device. The switch section is separable from the chassis, and is configured as a case having a semi-closed structure which allows air to pass therethrough but prevents particles of oil and water from passing therethrough.
US08576524B1 Diode based ESD triggers
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) detector is coupled to the input voltage, and includes a voltage modulated input capacitance Cj configured to decrease as the input voltage increases. An output pulse generator is coupled to an output of the detector, and configured to amplify the output of the detector. An ESD protection switch is coupled to turn on upon application of an output pulse from the output pulse generator.
US08576520B2 Method for detecting arcs in photovoltaic systems and such a photovoltaic system
The invention relates to a method for detecting arcs in a direct-current path of a photovoltaic system, wherein values of a current (IDC) of the direct-current path are detected during a repeating time frame (7) and a mean value (8) is generated, and such a photovoltaic system. In order to reliably detect arcs by means of a component of the photovoltaic system, values of a voltage (UDC), of the direct-current path are detected during the time frame (7) and a mean value (8, 8′) is generated, and at least one detection signal (9) and at least one detection threshold (10) are continuously calculated based on the mean values (8, 8′) for the current (IDC) and the voltage (UDC) by means of a calculation method.
US08576516B2 Magnetic disc apparatus including a thermal actuator as part of a two-stage actuator
A magnetic disc apparatus includes a micro actuator for two-stage actuator having a first stage and a second stage, and a slider mounted to the miro actuator and having a head element to perform recording and reproduction into/from a magnetic disc. A thermal actuator and a spring part are provided on a table, on which the slider is put. The thermal actuator is connected to the slider, and the thermal actuator includes a V-shaped thin film resistance.
US08576512B1 Spindle motor and disk drive apparatus
A base member includes a base groove portion, a base through-hole, and an insulating sheet portion. The base groove portion is positioned on a lower surface of the base member. The base through-hole extends through the base member. The first insulating sheet portion is arranged on a bottom surface of the base groove portion. A lead wire extended from a coil is led out into the base groove portion through the base through-hole and is connected to a land portion. The base through-hole has a diameter which is different depending on the direction in which it extends. The base through-hole includes a major and minor axis extending in a direction where the diameter is largest and smallest respectively. A portion of an edge of the first insulating sheet portion on the lower surface of the base member intersects the major axis and covers a portion of the base through-hole.
US08576510B2 Robust metric computation of longitudinal position (LPOS) data symbol detection
In one embodiment, a tape drive system includes a magnetic head having a servo sensor for sensing a defined servo track of a magnetic tape and configured to read servo pulses from servo bursts of the servo track while the magnetic tape is moving past the magnetic head with the servo bursts representing an encoded data symbol, an analog-to-digital converter configured to provide a sequence of samples of the readback servo signal, a digital correlator configured to compute a correlation signal between the sequence and a reference waveform, a timing reference module configured to provide a reference timing model having interpolation instants to the digital correlator, a correlation interpolator configured to interpolate the correlation signal at the interpolation instants and compute a longitudinal position (LPOS) detection metric, and an LPOS detector configured to decode the encoded data symbol of the servo bursts using the computed LPOS detection metric.
US08576503B2 Image capturing optical lens assembly
An image capturing 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 and a concave image-side surface, a second lens element with negative refractive power, a third lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface, and a fourth lens element with refractive power having a concave image-side surface. The object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fourth lens element are aspheric. Either or both of the object-side surface and the image-side surface have at least one inflection point formed thereon.
US08576498B2 Optical imaging lens assembly
An optical imaging lens assembly, sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side along an optical axis, comprising: the first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, the second lens element with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, the third lens element with positive refractive power having a convex image-side surface, the fourth lens element with refractive power having both optical surfaces being aspheric, the fifth lens element with refractive power having a concave image-side surface and both optical surfaces being aspheric, wherein a stop and an image sensor disposed on an image plane are also provided. By such arrangements, the image pickup optical system satisfies conditions related to shorten the total length and to reduce the sensitivity for use in compact cameras and mobile phones with camera functionalities.
US08576495B2 Zoom lens and imaging device using same
A zoom lens includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, a third lens unit and a fourth lens unit. The third lens unit includes a movable barrel, a first slidable member able to move in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a second slidable member able to move along a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and also perpendicular to the first direction. The movable barrel includes a first Hall member and a first coil, the first slidable member comprises a second Hall member and a second coil. A first magnet is aligned with the first coil, and a second magnet is aligned with the second coil, both coils can be independently energized to compensate any shaking movements experienced by the Hall members.
US08576493B2 Zoom lens system, interchangeable lens apparatus and camera system
A zoom lens system comprising: a first lens unit having negative optical power; a second lens unit; and at least one subsequent lens unit, wherein in zooming, the first lens unit moves along an optical axis, and at least an interval between the second lens unit and a lens unit which is one of the at least one subsequent lens unit varies, in focusing, an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit varies, at least one aspheric surface is included in the at least one subsequent lens unit, and the condition: 0.1
US08576477B2 Organic light-emitting display device
An organic light-emitting display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a display unit having a plurality of pixels and an electronic ink layer for changing a distribution of charged ink particles and selectively substantially covering the pixels on the display unit. The device provides black visibility while it is powered off using an electronic ink layer operating in the same manner as a shutter so that a reduction of brightness while forming an image may be inhibited.
US08576475B2 MEMS switch
A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch includes an active device, an immovable metal layer and a movable metal layer is provided. The immovable metal layer is disposed on the active device and the movable metal layer is disposed above the immovable metal layer. Accordingly, an insulating cavity is formed between the immovable metal layer and the movable metal layer. Further, the active device is capable of driving the movable metal layer. Compare to thin film transistor, since the operation performance of the MEMS switches would not affected by carrier mobility and on-off current ratio, display performance of the display device can be easily improved.
US08576473B2 Smart window
A smart window including: a thermochromic or thermotropic transmittance controlling layer; and a heater layer for generating heat in response to an external energy source and for supplying the heat to the transmittance controlling layer.
US08576455B2 Determining if a received fax is an auto-reply for a transmitted fax
A method implemented in a fax machine for analyzing a received fax to determine whether it is an auto-reply fax. Auto-reply faxes are handled differently from other faxes to avoid unnecessary printing. The analysis method includes: determining whether the sender of the received fax is the same as the receiver of a fax sent by the fax machine within a predefined time period in the past; determining whether the received fax contains only one or two pages; extracting text from the image of the received fax using OCR; and detecting the presents of certain keywords in the extracted text which indicate an auto-reply or received status. These determination and detection results are combined to determine whether the received fax is an auto-reply. Auto-reply faxes may be saved but not automatically printed, or forwarded to an email box of the sender of the original fax, etc.
US08576447B2 Error diffusion halftoning with bandpass noise shaping
Error diffusion halftoning includes using a quantizer having an input and an output; and using a system having a bandpass characteristic to modify the quantizer input without feeding the quantizer output directly into the quantizer input. The error diffusion halftoning can produce clustered pixel halftone patterns that can be reliably reproduced by laser printers and other electro-photographic devices.
US08576446B2 Deblurring and supervised adaptive thresholding for print-and-scan document image evaluation
A method is described to obtain a binary image from the print-and-scan process to best match the known original. A point-spread function (PSF) of the PAS process is first obtained from its knife-edge responses, and deblurring is carried out on the scanned images using deconvolution. After image deskewing and preliminary registration, a supervised adaptive thresholding procedure is utilized to binarize the scanned image such that a measure of difference (e.g. the Euclidean distance) between the original and binarized images is minimized. The supervised adaptive thresholding procedure divides the scanned images into many rectangular sub-images. Otsu's method is used to find a starting threshold for each scanned sub-image. An optimal threshold is found around the Otsu's threshold via iterative search to minimize the measure of difference between the original sub-image and scanned sub-image. The sub-images are binarized using the optimal threshold. This method may be used in document authentication.
US08576443B2 Device, image forming apparatus, and non-transistory computer readable medium for displaying and executing a periodic process
A screen control device includes: a history storage unit that stores history information associating information on a process executed in an image forming apparatus with user information that identifies a user who executed the process; a periodic process determination unit that determines whether a process executed by the user is a periodic process executed periodically based on the history information; an execution schedule calculation unit that calculates, in a case where the process executed by the user is a periodic process, an execution scheduled date when the periodic process is executed next time; a periodic process management unit that manages the periodic process in association with the user and the calculated execution scheduled date; and a display controller that displays a screen that allows an execution of the periodic process on a display when the user uses the image forming apparatus during a given term including the execution scheduled date.
US08576442B2 Color coefficient apparatus, color reproduction device, and computer readable medium storing program
A color conversion coefficient generating apparatus includes a first color reproduction characteristic obtaining unit that obtains a first color reproduction characteristic that is obtained by correcting a color reproduction characteristic of a first device in accordance with a color of a first medium used for printing in the first device, a second color reproduction characteristic obtaining unit that obtains a second color reproduction characteristic that is obtained by correcting a color reproduction characteristic of a second device in accordance with a color of a second medium used for printing in the second device, a modifying unit that modifies the first color reproduction characteristic and that repeatedly modifies the modified first color reproduction characteristic, and a generating unit that generates a color conversion coefficient for performing simulated printing based on the color reproduction characteristic of the first device on the basis of the first and second color reproduction characteristics.
US08576441B2 Profile correcting method
A profile correcting method includes: acquiring a device profile indicating correspondence relationships between a plurality of input values and a plurality of sets of first output values, each first output value set corresponding to one of the plurality of input values, each input value representing an achromatic color having a density level, each first output value set including a plurality of chromatic values each representing a chromatic color, the achromatic color being reproduced by mixing the chromatic color; and, performing a process for each input value.
US08576437B2 Image forming apparatus and method for printing variable contents and attributes associated therewith
Disclosed is printing a character forming image in an end part of each sheet of a plurality of sheets of paper which are to be sorted by an attribute, in an order of slicing a character which expresses the attribute of each sheet, based on what number sheet of paper is each sheet among a paper group which is sorted by the same attribute, the character forming image being obtained by sequentially slicing the character in a previously determined direction at a previously determined interval.
US08576435B2 Print-document conversion apparatus, print-document conversion method, and computer-readable medium storing program
A print-document conversion apparatus includes a conversion-module activation section that activates, as a process, a conversion module for performing conversion processing for converting print-document data which is described in a page description language and which includes units of processing into print-image data. The conversion module includes a thread activation part, an assigning part, and a shared cache. The thread activation part activates conversion processing threads. The assigning part assigns the units of processing to the conversion processing threads, and causes the conversion processing threads to perform processing on the units of processing. The shared cache is shared by the conversion processing threads. When a conversion result obtained by converting an object included in the units of processing is stored in the shared cache, each of the conversion processing threads obtains the stored conversion result instead of obtaining the conversion result by converting the object.
US08576427B2 Image forming apparatus implemented by a distributed control system
There are provided an image forming apparatus which implements divisional control using a plurality of control units without an increase in cost and a control method for the apparatus. To accomplish this, this image forming apparatus includes a master control unit that controls the overall image forming apparatus, a plurality of sub-master control units that control a plurality of functions for performing image formation, and a plurality of salve control units that control loads for implementing a plurality of functions. The master control unit is connected to the plurality of sub-master control units via first signal lines. The plurality of sub-master control units are connected to the plurality of slave control units via second signal lines higher in data transfer timing accuracy than the first signal lines.
US08576422B2 Print system, print server, control method thereof, and program capable of registering printer configuration information in a service provider in an environment in which a service for providing the printing function is utilized
A client terminal transmits a request to a printing apparatus for a registration web page for registering, in a print server, a printing apparatus used in a print service provided by the print server. The printing apparatus collects configuration information of the printing apparatus in response to reception of the request, and creates link information which contains the collected configuration information and is used to access the print server. The printing apparatus then generates a registration web page containing the created link information, and transmits it to the client terminal. The print server receives the configuration information of the printing apparatus transmitted from the client terminal via the registration web page transmitted to the client terminal. The print server creates printing apparatus information which associates the configuration information with user information of the user of the client terminal, and manages it in a storage medium.
US08576408B2 Surface figure test method for large convex optical surfaces
A method of testing figure quality of a convex mirror in which an optical quality substrate material is used. Three separate interferometric null tests are carried out to produce three independent sets of optical path difference (OPD) data. Null lenses, or nulling computer generated holograms (CGHs), are designed and used as needed in each test setup so that spherical aberration is corrected. From the three sets of OPD data, surface figure errors on the rear and front surfaces of the test optic are calculated as well as the OPD error introduced by refractive index inhomogeneity in the substrate material. The rear surface is then corrected, generally using a computer-controlled polishing machine, to reduce rear surface errors to a manageably small level. The front convex surface of the test optic is then corrected to reduce surface figure error to within some specified amount.
US08576405B2 Heterodyne polarimeter with a background subtraction system
A polarimeter based on coherent detection and a method for measuring the optical rotation of a polarized light beam by an optically active substance, while enabling the subtraction of background signals, are provided.
US08576404B2 Optical interferometer
An optical interferometer including, an analyzer configured to calculate an air dispersion ratio of air in the dispersion measurement interferometer excluding the component gas on the basis of a detection result of a first partial pressure detector, to calculate dispersion of air in a distance measurement interferometer from the calculated air dispersion ratio and a detection result of a second partial pressure detector, and to calculate a geometrical distance of the optical path length difference between a reference surface and a target surface.
US08576388B2 Optical differential delay tester
The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring the differential delay in a computer system having a disaster recovery secondary site. The device includes a transmitter for use at a primary site, the transmitter having a first laser and a second laser. The first laser is optically connected to an end of the transmission path and the second laser is optically connected to an end of the receive path. A receiver is located at the secondary site. The receiver has a first optical receiver optically connected to an end of the transmission path and a second optical receiver optically connected to an end of the receive path. The receiver includes a microprocessor to count the number of cycles between the receipt of light pulses simultaneously emitted from the first and second lasers. From this cycle count, the differential delay between the transmission and receive path is calculated.
US08576373B2 Lithographic apparatus and method
A lithographic apparatus is provided with a sensor. The sensor comprises a frame that defines a space that is crossed multiple times by wire. Detection electronics are connected to the wire and configured to detect a change of temperature of the wire due to infrared radiation being incident upon the wire. The detection electronics are further configured to provide an output signal in the event that a change of temperature of the wire is detected.
US08576364B2 Method for forming multiple alignment films on a substrate and pixel structure of a liquid crystal display
A method for forming the alignment films on the substrate and a pixel structure of a liquid crystal display are disclosed. The pixel structure comprises a plurality of pixel units arranged in arrays. Each of the pixel units comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, two first alignment films and two second alignment films. The first alignment film is different from the second alignment film. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The two first alignment films and the two second alignment films are individually disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, while each of the first alignment films is disposed substantially opposite to one of the second alignment films. The method for forming the alignment films comprises the following steps: (1) forming a trench on the substrate to divide each of the pixel units into a first sub-pixel area and a second sub-pixel area, (2) forming the first alignment film on the first sub-pixel area of the substrate and then, (3) forming a second alignment film on the second sub-pixel area of the substrate at last.
US08576350B2 Image displaying apparatus
A display apparatus is provided which includes a display panel, a signal board for processing an image signal used in an image display, and a power source board for supplying power from a power source to the signal board and the display panel. The signal board and the power source board are disposed in a horizontal direction relative to the display panel, and a projection portion, being disposed higher above a surface of the power source board than a circuit element of the power source board and not being connected with a member opposing to a mounting side of the circuit element, is provided on the surface of the power source board where the circuit element is mounted.
US08576347B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object of the present invention to form a pixel electrode and a metal film using one resist mask in manufacturing a stacked structure by forming the metal film over the pixel electrode. A conductive film to be a pixel electrode and a metal film are stacked. A resist pattern having a thick region and a region thinner than the thick region is formed over the metal film using an exposure mask having a semi light-transmitting portion. The pixel electrode, and the metal film formed over part of the pixel electrode to be in contact therewith are formed using the resist pattern. Accordingly, a pixel electrode and a metal film can be formed using one resist mask.
US08576342B2 System and method for detecting scene changes in a digital video stream
A system and method that processes video to extract a keyframe-based adequate visual representation is disclosed. Certain embodiments utilize a hierarchical processing technique. A first stage in the hierarchy extracts a chromatic difference metric from a pair of video frames. An initial set of frames is chosen based on the chromatic metric and a threshold. A structural difference measurement is extracted from this initial set of frames. A second threshold is used to select key frames from the initial set. The first and second thresholds can be user selectable. The output of this process is the visual representation. The method is extensible to any number of metrics and any number of levels.
US08576340B1 Ambient light effects and chrominance control in video files
Methods and systems for controlling ambient light effects associated with video content are provided. The method includes providing a receiving device configured to parse an incoming video file. The video file includes at least one track specifying at least one ambient light effect associated with at least one portion of the video file. The at least one track includes chrominance control data specifying at least one light color to be generated by the at least one lighting device. The method also includes parsing the video file at the receiving device to separate the track specifying the ambient light effect and the chrominance control data and sending a command to at least one lighting device to generate the ambient light effect specified in the track and the chrominance control data.
US08576336B2 Progressive video reformatting for film-based content
A video formatter reformats progressive video using a film-based video film rate and a display refresh rate to determine a frame OFF period for a progressive video sequence. The video formatter inserts at least one black frame into the progressive video sequence to approximate the frame OFF period. Typically, the film rate is 24 frames per second (industry standard) and, thus, the display refresh rate can be a multiple of the frame rate (e.g., 96 Hz, 120 Hz, 240 Hz, etc.). Progressive video replicates a single frame of a film several times (“a progressive video sequence”) depending on a display's refresh rate. The black frame(s) is/are substituted at the end of this sequence instead of displaying the same image throughout for a single film frame.
US08576334B2 Camera body component arrangement
A camera body is provided that includes a base member, a body mount, a focal plane shutter and a fastening member. The body mount is configured to support an interchangeable lens. The fastening member is configured to fasten the focal plane shutter unit to the base member. The body mount, the base member, and the focal plane shutter unit are disposed between a subject side of the camera body and a user side of the camera body in that order. The focal plane shutter unit is fastened to the base member that faces toward the user side of the camera body.
US08576330B2 Camera module and electronic device
A camera module 20 includes an image sensing device 3, and a lens 5 for converging, on the image sensing device 3, incident light 40 from a direction in which an image is shot. The camera module 20 further includes a filter 30 including (i) a visible light scattering filter 8 for scattering the incident light 40 and (ii) a visible light transmitting filter 9 for transmitting the incident light 40, the filter 30 being provided, on a side of the lens 5 from which side the incident light 40 enters, so as to be movable perpendicular to a direction 42 of the incident light 40.
US08576329B2 Focus detection apparatus and control method therefor
A focus detection apparatus includes an image sensor including pixels for focus detection for receiving a pair of respective light beams transmitted through different pupil areas of a photographing lens to output a pair of signals; an acquisition unit for acquiring exit window information on the photographing lens; an arithmetic circuit for calculating a tilt for detection area in the detecting position, depending on an image height for a detecting position in which a focus state is detected and on the exit window information; and a calculation unit for calculating the shape of the detection area depending on the calculated tilt, in which the defocus amount is detected on the basis of a phase difference between the pair of signals obtained from pixels for focus detection included in the calculated detection area.
US08576326B2 Imaging apparatus and method of controlling the image depth of field
An imaging apparatus (100) of the present invention includes a shift control unit (22) shifting an object-space focal point of the imaging apparatus (100) by shifting an image-space distance; and a shift pattern determining unit (21) determining a shift pattern of the image-space distance shifted by the shift control unit (22) in a frame period. The shift pattern determining unit (21) determine the shift pattern such that: a shift speed of the image-space distance increases from zero during an acceleration period included in the frame period; the image-space distance shifts at a constant speed during a constant speed period; and the shift speed of the image-space distance decreases to zero during a deceleration period, and each of the acceleration period and the deceleration period has a duration equal to or longer than one-tenth of the frame period.
US08576324B2 Image acquisition system using orthogonal transfer CCD sensing element
An image acquisition system that includes a first image recording device that records a series of images of a subject. A lateral velocity vector estimator receives the series of images from the first image recording device and estimates the lateral velocity vectors of the subject relative to the image acquisition system. The image acquisition system further includes a second image recording device that includes an orthogonal transfer CCD sensing element which records a target image of the subject. The orthogonal transfer CCD sensing element includes an array of pixels. A control adjusts the array of pixels within the orthogonal transfer CCD sensing element based on the lateral velocity vector estimates provided by the lateral velocity estimator.
US08576323B2 Optical imaging system with an extended depth-of-field and method for designing an optical imaging system
A method for designing a mask, the method includes: choosing or receiving a desired contrast value; and determining sizes, locations and shapes of multiple rotationally symmetric regions of a mask such as to define a modulation transfer function that is characterized by a substantially uniform response over a spatial frequency range; wherein the uniform response is substantially indifferent to an orientation of features of the object and to a location of the object within a deep depth-of-field region. An optical imaging system that includes: a mask that includes multiple rotationally regions; wherein the multiple rotationally symmetric regions are shaped and positioned such as to define a modulation transfer function that is characterized by a substantially uniform response over a spatial frequency range, wherein the uniform response is substantially indifferent to an orientation of features of the object and to a location of the object within a deep depth-of-field region.
US08576320B2 Digital photographing apparatus and method of controlling the same
A digital photographing apparatus with a display unit on a front surface thereof and a method of controlling the same. The method includes setting a self photographing mode; generating countdown information for self photographing; determining a subject distance; and displaying the countdown information together with a captured image on the display unit when the subject distance is shorter than a reference distance. Thereby, a photographer may see a preview along with the countdown information so that a desired self-photographed image may be acquired.
US08576319B2 Image sensor, semiconductor device and image sensing method
An image sensor and an image sensing method can obtain image signals with a high S/N ratio in a high-speed image pickup operation. Signal charges are input to input transfer stage 31 of CCD memory 30. Final transfer stage 32 is formed so as to be connected to the input transfer stage 31 and able to transfer signal charges to the input transfer stage 31. In an accumulation mode, read gate 42 and drain gate 40 are not turned on and the next transfer operation of the CCD memory 30 is conducted. The accumulated signal charges are transferred on a stage by stage basis and the signal charges obtained at the first image pickup timing are transferred again straightly to the input transfer stage 31. In this state, the signal charges obtained newly at photoelectric conversion section 20 at the next image pickup timing are injected into the input transfer stage 31 by way of input gate 21. As a result of this operation, the signal charges obtained at the last image pickup timing are added to the signal charges accumulated in the input transfer stage 31 so that integrated signal charges obtained by adding the two sets of signal charges are accumulated in the input transfer stage 31.
US08576318B2 Image sensors and methods of fabricating the same
An image sensor and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The image sensor includes a substrate having a pixel region including a plurality of unit pixels and a non-pixel region, at least one first well in the non-pixel region, an interconnect structure on a first side of the substrate, and a base well in the non-pixel region and between the first well and a second side of the substrate.
US08576317B2 Solid-state image pickup apparatus signal processing method for a solid-state image pickup apparatus, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a solid-state image pickup apparatus, including a pixel array section in which a unit pixel including a photoelectric conversion section and a charge detection section for detecting charge generated by photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion section is disposed; a driving section adapted to carry out driving of reading out a signal of the unit pixel divisionally by twice as a first signal and a second signal; and a signal processing section adapted to set the first signal read out first from the unit pixel as a reference voltage for a processable input voltage range of the signal processing section, adjust the reference voltage so that the first and second signals may be included in the input voltage range and carry out signal processing for the first and second signals using the adjusted reference voltage.
US08576315B2 Imaging device and imaging apparatus for performing focus alignment
An imaging device including: image generation pixels generating signals for image generation; and phase difference detection pixels generating signals for focus alignment determination by phase difference detection is disclosed. The first lines where the image generation pixels are arranged in a specific direction and second lines where the phase difference detection pixels are arranged in the specific direction are alternately arranged in a direction perpendicular to the specific direction. The image generation pixels and the phase difference detection pixels are alternately arranged so that the image generation pixels constituting the first line and the phase difference detection pixels constituting the second line adjacent to the first line overlap by portions thereof in the perpendicular direction.