Document Document Title
US08732861B2 Control system for a scanning probe microscope
A control system 32, 75 is for use with a scanning probe microscope of a type in which measurement data is collected at positions within a scan pattern described as a probe and sample are moved relative to each other. The control system is used in conjunction with a position detection system 34 that measures the position of at least one of the probe and sample such that their relative spatial location (x, y) is determined. Measurement data may then be correlated with empirically-determined spatial locations in constructing an image. The use of empirical location data means that image quality is not limited by the ability of a microscope scanning system to control mechanically the relative location of probe and sample.
US08732859B2 Apparatus and method for monitoring network equipment
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a monitoring signal from a network plug-in device where the monitoring signal includes location and identification information associated with the network plug-in device and where the server is remote from the network plug-in device, and determine whether the network plug-in device is in an unauthorized location based at least in part on the monitoring signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08732853B1 Web-based system providing sharable content item links with link sharer specified use restrictions
A system and method providing sharable content item links with link sharer specified use restrictions. The method includes: receiving, from a device used by a link sharer, a request to share a server-stored content item as a sharable link; causing a user interface to be presented at the device that allows the link sharer to specify one or more restrictions on how the sharable link is used to access to the content item; receiving, through the user interface presented at the device, a specification of at least one of the restrictions; receiving, from a device used by a link submitter, a request to access the content item at the sharable link; determining whether the at least one restriction prevents the link submitter from the requested access; and granting the requested access only after determining that the at least one restriction does not prevent the link submitter from the requested access.
US08732841B2 Software license server with geographic location validation
A computer software license management system wrapper for use in a local computer is described. The software wrapper includes a wrapper interface that provides controlled access to a computer software application file. The software application file is encapsulated by security software code to protect it from unauthorized access. The software wrapper also includes a software license key identifying a license policy specifying a use limitation within a geographic boundary. In addition, the software wrapper includes a license validation mechanism that periodically determines compliance with the license policy. The license validation mechanism permits access by another process operating on the local computer through the wrapper interface in response to a valid license confirmation signal received from the license server. A license server that utilizes and an electronic storefront that sells software license wrappers having software use limitations within a geographic boundary also are described.
US08732837B1 System and method for monitoring the security of computing resources
System and method for monitoring the security of computing resources. A server agent and client agents can be deployed to provide a method and a means for monitoring security-related settings for a plurality of computing systems deployed throughout an enterprise. The status of each setting can be recorded, and these results can be used to produce a compliance report for the computing system, as well as reports for groups of computing system or the entire enterprise. The reports or portions of a report or reports can be provide to users of the system via a Web site, Email alerts, or any other suitable mechanism. A compliance score for a system or collection of systems can be calculated and used and/or displayed as part of the reports that are generated.
US08732834B2 Systems and methods for detecting illegitimate applications
A computer-implemented method for detecting illegitimate applications may include 1) identifying an installation of an application on a computing system, 2) determining, in response to identifying the installation of the application, that at least one system file with privileged access on the computing system has changed prior to the installation of the application, 3) determining that the application is illegitimate based at least in part on a time of the installation of the application relative to a time of a change to the system file, and 4) performing a remediation action on the application in response to determining that the application is illegitimate. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08732827B1 Smartphone security system
System for protecting a mobile device against malware or harmful communications via calls and SMSs. A security module for a personal mobile device protects the device (and the user) against malicious communication, unauthorized access to resources and user private data, and against other security threats. The security module includes a combination of some or all of the following features: control of third-party applications, validation of the SMS sender's number, protection against fake contact name of the SMS sender, collection of data about fraudulent and spam SMS messages, robust sending of SOS SMSs and SOS e-mails with geographic coordinates of the mobile device, verification of validity of the base station, deletion of user data from a mobile device remotely, locking of a phone until the password is entered and filtering calls and SMS messages.
US08732823B2 Nondestructive testing system
A nondestructive testing apparatus includes a display section and a storage section which stores predetermined executable functions. Each of the predetermined functions is initially set to one of a permitted state and a disabled state, and one of a display state and a non-display state on the display section. In an initial state, at least one of the predetermined functions is set to the disabled state and the non-display state. The nondestructive testing apparatus can receive permission information which unlocks at least one of the predetermined functions initially set to the disabled state so as to be set to the permitted state, and unlocks at least one of the predetermined functions initially set in the non-display state so as to be in the display state. The apparatus displays an operation icon only with respect to all of the predetermined functions set to the display state.
US08732817B2 Switching hub, a system, a method of the switching hub and a program thereof
A switching hub, system and method for restricting a communication between terminals within a second network isolated form a first network. The terminals are connected to the first network or the second network, wherein a terminal with sufficient security level is connected to the first network and a terminal with insufficient security level is connected to the second network. And a communication between the terminals within the second network is restricted.
US08732816B2 Method and apparatus for exchanging data between a user equipment and a core network via a security gateway
The present invention concern a methods and an apparatus for exchanging data between a user equipment and a core network via a security gateway. The invention concerns the establishment of an inactive pair of tunnel mode security associations between the UE and the security gateway, as well as the application of the pair of security associations when the UE detects attachment to or need to attach to an untrusted access network.
US08732811B2 Systems and methods for implementing security services
Systems and methods for providing a login context operate a virtual machine, wherein the virtual machine includes an open services platform and an authentication service, wherein the authentication service includes a classloader, and an initial classloader is designated as the classloader of the authentication service, register a login module, receive an authentication request from a first application, and responsive to receiving the authentication request designate a classloader associated with the login module as the classloader of the authentication service, generate a login context of the login module, and provide the login context of the login module to the first application, whereby the first application uses the login context to perform an authentication.
US08732808B2 Data plan activation and modification
A method, implemented by a router device, for guiding a user in establishing access privileges for a data exchanger includes causing the data exchanger to establish a remote link with a data service provider. Access content is obtained from the data service provider and presented to a client device. Access data provided in response to the presenting of the access content is received. The access content when presented by the client device enables a user to supply the access data. The access data is useable by the data service provider to set access privileges associated with the data exchanger that enable the data exchanger to be utilized to perform a desired function. The access data is returned to the data service provider via the remote link. The data exchanger is utilized to implement the desired function.
US08732801B2 Wireless connection method and device
A method, a device, and an access point are provided for obtaining network access. A method, comprising: receiving, by an access point device and from wireless device, a request for authorization to access a network through the access point; determining, by the access point, a distance between the access point and the wireless device; determining, by the access point, that the distance is less than a first threshold distance; using, by the access point, a first process to grant access to the network through the access point when the distance is less than the first threshold distance; and using, by the access point, a second process to grant access to the network through the access point when the distance is not less than the first threshold distance, where the first process is a different and less complex for granting access to the network than the second process.
US08732800B1 Systems and methods for centralized management of policies and access controls
Methods and apparatus for centralized management of policies and access controls which provide for the storing and managing of business rules and elements of policy, and for implementing the rules and policy across heterogeneous business systems. Where rules and policies may conflict in certain cases, mechanisms for reconciling such conflicts may be provided.
US08732796B1 Addressing security in asymmetrical networks
Security in an asymmetrical network is addressed. At a security element, a handshake message is received on a path within the asymmetrical network. The handshake message is associated with an attempt to establish a session. A determination is made as to whether there is an entry for the handshake message in a local state table. When there is no entry in the local state table, then an entry is generated in the local state table, a notification of the handshake message is sent to a centralized computing platform that tracks handshake messages received by a plurality of security elements in the asymmetrical network, and the handshake message is allowed to pass along the path. A notification is received from the centralized computing platform that the session associated with the handshake message is allowed, based on associated handshake messages received at the centralized computing platform.
US08732787B2 Method and system for establishing digital media streams
Methods in an access node for establishing digital media streams between a media server and terminals in a customer premises network are provided. The method includes receiving, from the terminal, a request for establishing a first digital media stream by joining an already established digital media stream; determining transmission resources allocated to the customer premises network; comparing a sum of transmission resources required for the first digital media stream and the already established digital media streams between the media server and the customer premises network with the transmission resources allocated to the customer premises network; and establishing a digital substitution media stream replacing the first digital media stream. The digital substitution media stream is adapted to provide the same content as the first media stream but further adapted to require less transmission resources, so that the sum of transmission resources required for the digital substitution media stream and the already established digital media streams does not exceed the transmission resources allocated to the customer premises network. The substitution media stream is established by joining an already established digital media stream that requires less transmission resources.
US08732786B2 Controlled rate VOD server
A distributed stream processing system including a plurality of storage devices, at least one of which is configured to process at least one segment of a data stream, thereby producing a changed segment of the data stream, and provide output of at least the changed segment of the data stream, and a server configured to accept the output of the storage devices and combine the output into a transport stream. A method for combining a plurality of data streams including using one or more storage devices for processing at least one segment of a data stream, thereby producing a changed segment of the data stream, and providing output of at least the changed segment of the data stream, and combining the output of the storage devices into a combined data stream. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US08732782B1 Systems and methods for providing communication services over telephone lines
A system and method is described for providing communication services, including voice communications, data communications, audio/video-on-demand, and broadcast audio/video, over twisted-pair telephone lines. The system and method are based on broadband transmission techniques, such as fiber-to-the-neighborhood (FTTN) and digital subscriber line (DSL) techniques. This approach can be applied to develop an access network comprising an array of remote terminals connected to one or more telephone central offices by fiber optic cables and connected to subscriber nodes by twisted-pair lines. Each remote terminal has the capacity to support multiple subscribers and to switch broadcast channels onto subscriber lines. Each subscriber is provided the capability to individually select via the DSL interface one or more a broadcast channels from a larger set of channels.
US08732777B2 System and method for content communication
A system such as a multicast VOD system communicates content, e.g., delivers content or receives content, responsive to a user request for content and according to a schedule adapted to a user-specified acceptable latency for content delivery. The schedule may be modified to minimize initiation of delivery of content in response to the user's request. The schedule may also be modified to delay delivery of subsequent portions of the content as late as possible to allow subsequent requests to share a content stream while not exceeding the acceptable latency parameter specified by the user.
US08732774B2 Video server for controlling video signal output and video signal output control method
A video server to transmit a plurality of video information, set to a the decode processing mode, the decode processing mode including a combination of allocation, a decoding method, and a buffering method, an allocation indicating which read port of a storage the designated content is output from, the decoding method being for a plurality of decoders, the buffering method being for a plurality of output buffers, the decoding method and the buffering method being based on each of the output modes, and to output a control signal with reference to an identification information depending on the set connection pattern and the set decode processing mode so that connection between an output interface port and an allocated read port is established, the control signal setting the destination of each of the selectors.
US08732770B2 Direct broadcast signal distribution methods
A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.
US08732767B2 Method and system for displaying via a network of an interactive movie
The present invention relates to a system for transferring an interactive movie located at a server via a network and displaying the same at a user station, which comprises: (a) a display unit at the user station for displaying movie frames; (b) a control device at the user station for enabling the user to navigate within the movie; (c) a map of the movie describing the links between the individual movie frames and the index of each movie frame, said map also maintains at any given time the present virtual location of the user within the map; and (d) a prediction unit for receiving inputs from said map and from a user control device, and based on said inputs predicting those future frames that may be required for view by the user, and instructing the server to convey said predicted future frames to the user station.
US08732760B2 IPTV access control, personalized advertisement, personalized electronic program guide providing method and system using fingerprint scanner equipped set-top box
Provided is a personalized program providing method and system. The personalized program providing system may provide a view restriction, a personalized advertisement, or a personalized program guide using a set-top box including a fingerprint scanner. The personalized program providing system includes a set-top box to scan a fingerprint using a fingerprint scanner to identify identification information associated with a user and to transmit the identified identification information to an Internet TV service providing server, an Internet TV service providing server to transmit a personalized program guide corresponding to the transmitted identification information to the set-top box, and an Internet TV set to provide the transmitted personalized program guide.
US08732748B2 Dynamically configurable video input list for TV
A video input list is presented on a TV with the viewer's most recent or most selected source moved at or near the top of the list. Also, specific and thus informative labels such as “DVD player” and “PVR” can be used in place of generic “HDMI 1”, “video 2”, etc. labels.
US08732744B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for presenting a message on a display based on a type of video image data for presentation on the display
Methods, systems, and computer program products for a message on a display based on a type of video image data for presentation on the display are described. An indication of one of a plurality of priority levels associated with a message for presentation on a display is received. Whether a type of a video image data for presentation on the display has a predetermined relationship to the priority level of the message is determined. The message is presented on the display based on the video image data type determination.
US08732741B2 System and method for restricting access to a set-top box
A system and method is disclosed for restricting a remote control interface port of a set-top box configured to broadcast multimedia programs over a provider network. A change schedule that changes communication parameters may restrict the remote control interface port. The operating frequency or the code set used to transmit data and commands may be changed at random or at predefined intervals. The set-top box, the remote control, or an external network device may initiate the change schedule. Encryption of communications between the set-top box and the remote control unit may also be performed to protect the set-top box from unauthorized access.
US08732740B2 Content control in a device environment
Devices and methods are disclosed for controlling content within a device environment through interaction among electronic devices of the environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules and content rules and a processor for implementing the interaction rules and content rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. Methods involve obtaining content information of the media about to be played and comparing the content information to the content rules stored at a device. An instruction about playback of the media content is generated. Methods may also involve seeking rights information for media content and determining whether rights information exists for identified media content in response to the request. When rights information does exist for the identified media content, a message is sent that includes the rights information.
US08732733B2 Optical disc driving device having shaft upwardly protruding from chucking mechanism
There is provided an optical disc driving device including: a sleeve holder fixed to a base member; a sleeve fixed to the sleeve holder; a shaft rotating while being inserted into the sleeve; a rotor hub fixed to the shaft and rotating together with the shaft; a chucking mechanism fixed to the rotor hub and having a disc mounted thereon; and an upper case forming an internal space, together with the base member, wherein the shaft is protruded upwardly from the chucking mechanism.
US08732731B2 Streaming server administration protocol
Network server information has traditionally been obtained through the use of operating systems functions and calls. By adding URL protocol code to the network server, such data may be obtained by use of a URL. In the URL, path information for the container in the server where such data resides is included. Specific server data may be retrieved, or such data may be retrieved recursively among several levels of containers. System calls and other functions may also be added to the URL path name for searching for particular data, or similar types of data through successive levels of containers. The protocol allows server administrators to access server data, in real time, from any user device in a network in which the server resides.
US08732720B2 Job scheduling based on map stage and reduce stage duration
A plurality of job profiles is received. Each job profile describes a job to be executed, and each job includes map tasks and reduce tasks. An execution duration for a map stage including the map tasks and an execution duration for a reduce stage including the reduce tasks of each job is estimated. The jobs are scheduled for execution based on the estimated execution duration of the map stage and the estimated execution duration of the reduce stage of each job.
US08732718B2 Techniques to automatically classify processes
Techniques for automatically classifying processes are presented. Processes executing on a multicore processor machine are evaluated to determine shared resources between the processes, excluding shared system resources. A determination is then made based on the evaluation to group the processes as a single managed resource within an operating system of the multicore processor machine.
US08732716B2 Virtualization across physical partitions of a multi-core processor (MCP)
Among other things, the disclosure is applied to a generic microprocessor architecture with a set (e.g., one or more) of controlling/main processing elements (e.g., MPEs) and a set of groups of sub-processing elements (e.g., SPEs). Under this arrangement, MPEs and SPEs are organized in a way that a smaller number MPEs control the behavior of a group of SPEs using program code embodied as a set of virtualized control threads. The apparatus includes a MCP coupled to a power supply coupled with cores to provide a supply voltage to each core (or core group) and controlling-digital elements and multiple instances of sub-processing elements. In accordance with these features, virtualized control threads can traverse the physical boundaries of the MCP to control SPE(s) (e.g., logical partitions having one or more SPEs) in a different physical partition (e.g., different from the physical partition from which the virtualized control threads originated.
US08732712B2 Synthesis of concurrent schedulers for multicore architectures
Systems and methods provide a high-level language for generation of a scheduling specification based on a scheduling policy, and synthesis of scheduler based on the scheduling specification. The systems and methods can permit the use of more sophisticated scheduling strategies than those afforded by conventional systems, without requiring the programmer to write explicitly parallel code. In certain embodiments, synthesis of the scheduler includes implementation of at least one rule related to the scheduling specification through definition of one or more workset objects that are concurrent, a workset object of the one or more workset objects having an addition method, a first poll method, and a second poll method. Such poll methods extend the operability of sequential poll methods. The one or more worksets satisfy a condition for correctness that is less stringent than conventional conditions for correctness.
US08732706B2 Generating governing metrics for resource provisioning
In a method of generating governing metrics, a high-level goal to be met in a provisioned system is identified. In addition, a low-level governing policy designed to facilitate achievement of the high-level goal is selected and properties relating to the selected low-level governing policy are identified. The identified properties are formulated to define governing metrics relevant to the selected low-level governing policy and the formulated governing metrics are outputted. The formulated governing metrics are configured to be used in at least one of evaluating and controlling resource provisioning in the provisioned system.
US08732700B2 Virtualization system with a remote proxy
A remote proxy provides remote control to a virtualization system. The virtualization system includes a computer having virtualization software executing on the computer, and one or more virtual machines executing on the computer by way of the virtualization software, each of the virtual machines having a guest operating system. The remote proxy receives over a network connection a plurality of logical channels of a multi-channel remote control protocol at a first domain of a plurality of domains of the virtualization system. Each of the logical channels convey information corresponding to one of the domains. For each logical channel, the remote proxy identifies the corresponding domain. Further, for each of the logical channels corresponding to a domain other than the first domain, the remote proxy forwards the logical channel to the corresponding domain.
US08732698B2 Apparatus and method for expedited virtual machine (VM) launch in VM cluster environment
Method and apparatus for expedited virtual machine (VM) launch in VM cluster environment. In one embodiment, at least one VM is launched within a host platform. Once initialized, a VM may issue a hypercall to a VM monitor (VMM) of a VM host platform. In response, the VMM may capture a runtime image of the VM. In one embodiment, the VMM loads the runtime image of the VM within a node of the host platform as a child VM. In an alternative embodiment, the VMM issues a VM clone command to a VMM of a next host platform including the runtime image of the VM. In response, the VMM of the next platform loads the runtime image of the first VM within a node of the second host platform as a cloned VM. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08732694B2 Method and system for performing services in server and client of client/server architecture
A method and system for performing services in a server and a client of a client/server architecture are provided, and the method includes: when performing to a preset user decision point during the service performing process, the server interrupting the service performing and initiating a user decision request to a client, wherein the user decision request includes information requesting the user to decide a service performing action after the user decision point; after a user decision information made by the client responding to the user decision request is received, determining the service performing action corresponding to the received user decision information according to the corresponding relationship between the user decision information and a service performing rule, and performing the service according to the determined service performing action. The service performing action or flow can be intervened or influenced by the client through the present invention.
US08732693B2 Managing continuous software deployment
Concepts and technologies are described herein for managing continuous software deployment. A deployment controller can manage deployment of code to a data center. The deployment controller can execute workflows for checking in, verifying, deploying the code, or other processes. The code can be deployed using a differencing disk that includes data indicating changes between software hosted by the data center and a version of software resulting from deployment of the code. The differencing disk can be linked to the disk or virtual resource hosting the software and executed collectively to provide an updated version of the software. Traffic to one or more virtual machines of the data center can be controlled by the deployment controller. If errors are detecting during deployment or after updating, the update can be rolled back.
US08732678B2 Methods and apparatus for dynamic best fit compilation of mixed mode instructions
Methods and an apparatus for dynamic best fit compilation of mixed mode instructions are provided. In one embodiment, a provided method includes receiving a non-native software instruction at a device, generating a first native software instruction from a first instruction set based on the non-native software instruction, the generation of the first native software instruction occurring at the device, executing the first native software instruction at the device, generating a second native software instruction from a second instruction set based on the non-native software instruction, the generation of the second native software instruction occurring at the device, and executing the second native software instruction at the device.
US08732673B2 Automated debugging system and method
System and method for automatically identifying a source of a run-time error in a computer system comprises a static analysis system (SAS), an instrumentation system (IS) and a post-execution analysis system (PEAS). The is arranged to generate static analysis data on computer program code (CPC) for the computer system, including information on possible behaviors of the CPC when executed. The IS is arranged to instrument the CPC by inserting marker triggers into the CPC that, generate a marker associated with each of a number of predetermined points in the CPC that would be reached during execution of the CPC. Each marker is, uniquely identifiable. The predetermined points are determined in dependence on the static analysis data. The PEASpost execution analysis system is arranged to processes data on a run-time error produced by execution of the instrumented CPC, wherein the generated markers and the static analysis data to identify the source of the run-time error.
US08732666B2 Automatic identification of subroutines from test scripts
A method for automatic identification of subroutines from test scripts is disclosed. An instruction class may be coded as a subroutine vector in a vector space model. A test script action may be coded as a test script vector in a vector space model. The test script vector may be compared to the subroutine vector. The test script vector may be identified and labeled. The test script vector may be labeled as a new test script action if the result of comparing is below a threshold value. An identifier may be associated with a new test script action.
US08732664B2 Document serialization and comparison via object model
Technologies are described herein for serializing in-memory objects of an application program for purposes of comparison. A request to serialize in-memory objects of an application program is received. A list of one or more objects, properties, or methods to be serialized is read from a serialization driver file and the one or more objects, properties, or methods in an object memory of the application program are accessed through an object model exposed by the application program. Values from the one or more objects, properties, or methods in the object memory are serialized and stored in a generic object container that facilitates comparison between the serialized values from the application program and corresponding values from other versions of the application program.
US08732663B2 System, method and computer program product for providing automated testing by utilizing a preconfigured point of entry in a test or by converting a test to a predefined format
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for automated testing which utilizes a preconfigured point of entry in a test or which includes a test converted to a predetermined format. These mechanisms and methods for automated testing which utilizes a preconfigured point of entry in a test or which includes a test converted to a predetermined format can provide testing in an automated manner where the testing is otherwise typically performed manually. The ability to provide this automated testing can increase the efficiency of testing code.
US08732645B2 Placement and routing cells on integrated circuit chips
Methods and apparatuses to place and route cells on integrated circuit chips along paths. In one aspect of the invention, methods to layout an integrated circuit are based on placing and routing cells along paths. In one embodiment, a method to layout an integrated circuit including: routing a wire to connect a first cell of the integrated circuit and a second cell of the integrated circuit; and placing a third cell of the integrated circuit after the wire is routed to connect the first cell and the second cell. In one example, the first, second and third cells are on a first path; and, the third cell is connected to one of the first and second cells on the first path by only one net. The first path is selected from a set of paths; and the first and second cells are placed before the wire is routed to connect the first cell and the second cell. Timing is analyzed using a route of the wire connecting the first cell and the second cell to select a second path from the set of paths before a cell is placed on the second path.
US08732639B1 Method and apparatus for protecting, optimizing, and reporting synchronizers
A method for designing a system on a target device using an electronic design automation (EDA) tool including identifying synchronizer chains in a system design using timing relationships. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes conveniently reporting system reliability considering synchronization, and automatically protecting and optimizing synchronizer chains to improve system robustness.
US08732637B2 Formal verification of bit-serial division and bit-serial square-root circuit designs
Methods and apparatuses are described for formally verifying a bit-serial division circuit design or a bit-serial square-root circuit design. Some embodiments formally verify a bit-serial division circuit design using a set of properties that can be efficiently proven using a bit-level solver. In some embodiments, the set of properties that are used for verifying a bit-serial division circuit design does not include any terms that multiply a w-bit partial quotient with the divisor. Some embodiments formally verify a bit-serial square-root circuit design using a set of properties that can be efficiently proven using a bit-level solver. In some embodiments, the set of properties that are used for verifying a bit-serial square-root circuit design does not include any terms that compute a square of a w-bit partial square-root.
US08732635B2 Apparatus and methods for power management in integrated circuits
A programmable logic device (PLD) includes a non-volatile memory, a configuration memory, and a control circuitry. The control circuitry couples to the non-volatile memory and to the configuration memory. A set of voltages are derived from the outputs of the control circuitry, and are applied to circuitry within the PLD.
US08732630B1 Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for implementing analog behavioral modeling and IP integration using systemverilog hardware description language
Some embodiments provide support for real number modeling in SystemVerilog by defining built-in nettypes with real data type and resolution functions natively in SystemVerilog and allow a simple path for porting Verilog-AMS wreal modeling to SystemVerilog modeling. Some embodiments provide support for incompatible nettypes and for net coercion in SystemVerilog. Some embodiments provide support for SystemVerilog reals net connecting to electrical nets and support for SystemVerilog real signals connecting to Verilog-AMS wreal signals. Some embodiments combine the strengths of Verilog-AMS and SystemVerilog languages to build a solution for value conversion between incompatible nets and an effective way to configure, simulate, or verify mixed-signal designs that are written in SystemVerilog language.
US08732629B2 Method and system for lithography hotspot correction of a post-route layout
Disclosed herein are correcting methods and devices for lithography hotspots of the post-routing layout, used for correcting lithography hotspots detected in the post-routing layout. At least one two-dimensional pattern of changeable size or position of the number of hotspots in the local area is selected and adjusted, so that the simulation value of the aerial image intensity of various local areas is optimized. The simulation value of the aerial image intensity is derived through calculation with respect to a set of optical simulation model cells that can be determined by the numerical value of distribution of the aerial image intensity of a number of basic two-dimensional patterns. After adjustment, the aerial image intensity of the local area can be calculated with respect to a set of optical simulation model cells, and a number of cells in the simulation model cells are selected to synthesize the two-dimensional pattern after the change.
US08732627B2 Method and apparatus for hierarchical wafer quality predictive modeling
A method for performing enhanced wafer quality prediction in a semiconductor manufacturing process includes the steps of: obtaining data including at least one of tensor format wafer processing conditions, historical wafer quality measurements and prior knowledge relating to at least one of the semiconductor manufacturing process and wafer quality; building a hierarchical prediction model including at least the tensor format wafer processing conditions; and predicting wafer quality for a newly fabricated wafer based at least on the hierarchical prediction model and corresponding tensor format wafer processing conditions.
US08732623B2 Web cam based user interaction
This document describes tools for inputting data into a computer via the movement of features of a user as detected by a webcam or other input device. This is accomplished by a user moving his or her features in view of a webcam. The webcam or other input device then detects the presence and motion of the feature(s) and converts these motions into input signals to execute predetermined input instructions.
US08732617B1 Systems and methods for enhanced function access in mobile applications
Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems and methods for enhanced function access in mobile applications. According to an example implementation, a method is provided. The method includes outputting an application selection screen including one or more icons. The method includes receiving an indication of a first gesture input entered at a first location of a presence-sensitive display, the first location being associated with a first icon from the one or more icons. The method also includes outputting an indication of the one or more predefined functions of the application associated with the first icon, and responsive to a selection, executing the selected at least one of the one or more predefined functions without outputting the respective primary application user interface for the application associated with the first icon.
US08732616B2 Mark-based electronic containment system and method
A mark-based containment system, in one aspect, may include a graphical user interface operable to receive an indication of a mark as a container marking, attribute one or more container attributes to the container marking, and store the container mark and the container attributes associated with the container mark.
US08732607B1 Seamless integration of non-native windows with dynamically scalable resolution into host operating system
A method for integration of dynamically scalable non-native windows into a host operating system (OS), including launching a Virtual Machine (VM) running a guest OS on a computer system with the host OS and a host desktop being displayed to a user; displaying a window of a non-native desktop on the host desktop; and scaling the window in response to user action, so that items displayed in the window are scaled with the same ratio, wherein the VM interfaces to a virtual adapter for its maintenance of the window, and wherein a resolution of the displayed window changes dynamically in response to the user action.
US08732604B2 Interactive test device and a method of testing of a cable network
A test device is disclosed having a display and a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides guidance to a user by displaying first and second icons for representing first and second actions to be taken by the test device upon selecting the first and the second icons, respectively, by the user. To provide the guidance to the user, the second icon has graphical features indicative of the current status of the first action. For cases where the first action is a test that failed, the second action is highlighted thereby guiding the user to take the second action in response to the failed test. At least one of the graphical features of the second icon is indicative of whether the second icon is currently selectable by the user.
US08732598B2 Systems and methods for field data collection
Systems and methods are provided for automated field data collection. A client system may download graphical representations and space hierarchy information associated with the project from a server. A user may open, on the client system, an area where the field data collection is to occur (e.g., a room in a building), whereby the client system automatically navigates to a pre-defined region of the graphical representation (e.g., an architectural floor plan). For each discrepancy identified, the user may touch a corresponding location on the graphical representation and select a discrepancy type from a list. The user may then associate additional data files, such as image files, audio files, video files, and GPS coordinates with the discrepancy. An organization responsible for correcting the discrepancy may be automatically assigned and/or notified based on an association made on the server.
US08732594B2 Information processing device
An information processing device includes: an information acquisition process control unit for selecting an information piece to be selected and sending an instruction to a communication unit; the communication unit for transmitting an information acquisition request to other information processing device connected via a network, and acquiring information from the other information processing device according to the instruction; and a storage unit storing a display amount information indicating the amount of display information which can be displayed on a display unit at once. The information acquisition process control unit instructs the communication unit to acquire more information than the amount indicated by the display amount information. This realizes an effective information acquisition and appropriate user-friendliness.
US08732587B2 Systems and methods for displaying trustworthiness classifications for files as visually overlaid icons
A computer-implemented method for displaying trustworthiness classifications for files as visually overlaid icons may include (1) identifying a file, (2) identifying a file icon that graphically represents the file within a file manager interface on a computing device, (3) obtaining a trustworthiness classification assigned to the file that identifies the trustworthiness of the file, and then (4) visually overlaying the file icon with a trustworthiness icon that graphically represents the trustworthiness classification assigned to the file. Various other systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08732586B2 Complex system function status diagnosis and presentation
Status of complex system functions is diagnosed and reported by analyzing traffic on a data network of the complex system. The network traffic may be placed on the data network by systems that perform functions for the complex system. A user may make a view selection via a remote user interface. The view selection identifies rules for determining a status of a selected subset of the functions or a status of selected ones of the functions for a selected state of operation, such as during initial power-up. The status of the functions may be determined from the network traffic using the rules and presented to the user via the user interface. The user may interact with the presentation to make different view selections. Multiple different view selections made via multiple different user interfaces may be supported simultaneously.
US08732581B2 Package file presentation
Various embodiments illustrated and described herein include one or more of systems, methods, software, and data structures for package file presentation. Some embodiments generate visual representations of package files by extracting a list of display elements of a package file, each display element representative of a content file or a content folder including one or more content files included in the package file; extracting a presentation specification from the package file; and presenting a view of the package file as a function of the presentation specification and the list of display elements.
US08732580B2 Imaging apparatus and user interface
A screen ST1 of an LCD with which a digital camera is provided displays an icon of a folder F1 indicating that the folder F1 has been selected. Image files P11 and P12 are captured reproduced images. A display frame SC displays a currently captured picture of an object, files P11 and P12, and the icon of the folder F1. To switch the folder F1 to a folder F2, the user presses a down button of a cross key 27. When the user presses the down button on the screen ST1, the screen ST1 is switched to a screen ST3 through a screen ST2. On the screen ST2, the number denoted in the icon is changed. The screen ST2 displays a state of which the folders are being switched. An icon displayed on the screen ST3 indicates that the folder F1 was switched to the folder F2.
US08732573B2 Visual display of room information
An apparatus and method for the visual display of room information for multiple units. Information of interest is graphically displayed in a manner which conveys the information to in a form which aids in comprehension of the information. Specifically, the information is preferably conveyed on the unit level through the use of a matrix. A graphical cell is used to represent each room in the unit. Components of the cell indicate key considerations for every room. Additional information may also be displayed by clicking on a component of the cell.
US08732565B2 Method and apparatus for parallel processing in a gigabit LDPC decoder
A receiver for use in a wireless communications network capable of decoding encoded transmissions. The receiver comprises receive path circuitry for receiving and downconverting an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal to produce an encoded received signal; and a low-density parity check (LDPC) decoder associated with the receive path circuitry for decoding the encoded received signal. The LDPC decoder further comprises a memory for storing a parity check H matrix comprising R rows and C columns, where each element of the parity check H matrix comprises one of a shift value or a −1 value; and a plurality of processing elements for performing LDPC layered decoding, wherein at least one processing element is operable to process in the same cycle a first row and a second row of the parity check H matrix.
US08732563B2 Method for mapping and de-mapping of non-binary symbols in data communication systems
A method of de-mapping non-binary Galois field symbols from physical layer code-words in a data communication system, in which at least one physical layer code-word includes portions mapped from more than one non-binary Galois field symbol is provided. The method includes calculating at least a provisional likelihood estimate for values of a first non-binary Galois field symbol having at least portions within a first physical layer code-word, the calculating including selecting a first number of values of a second non-binary Galois field symbol having at least portions within the first physical layer code-word, the first number forming a subset of the possible values of the second non-binary Galois field symbol.
US08732557B2 Data protection across multiple memory blocks
Data protection across multiple memory blocks can include writing a first portion of a codeword in a first memory block and writing a second portion of the codeword in a second memory block. The first memory block and the second memory block can be different memory blocks. The first portion of the codeword can be written in a different location in the first memory block than the second portion of the codeword is written in the second memory block.
US08732550B2 Processor and error correcting method
A processor for processing data and correcting an error occurring in the data, the processor includes: a register that stores data with error check data and error correction data; an error detector that detects an error in the data stored in the register by using the error check data; and an error corrector that corrects the detected error by using the error correction data and that stores the corrected data back into the register.
US08732548B2 Instruction-set architecture for programmable cyclic redundancy check (CRC) computations
A method and apparatus to perform Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) operations on a data block using a plurality of different n-bit polynomials is provided. A flexible CRC instruction performs a CRC operation using a programmable n-bit polynomial. The n-bit polynomial is provided to the CRC instruction by storing the n-bit polynomial in one of two operands.
US08732547B2 Transmission apparatus and transmission method
In a multi-antenna communication system using LDPC codes, a simple method is used to effectively improve the received quality by performing a retransmittal of less data without restricting applicable LDPC codes. In a case of a non-retransmittal, a multi-antenna transmitting apparatus transmits, from two antennas, LDPC encoded data formed by LDPC encoding blocks. In a case of a retransmittal, the multi-antenna transmitting apparatus uses a transmission method, in which the diversity gain is higher than in the previous transmission, to transmit only a part of the LDPC encoded data as previously transmitted. For example, the only the part of the LDPC encoded data to be re-transmitted is transmitted from the single antenna.
US08732544B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of detecting code generators configured to generate a plurality of detecting codes to detect errors in a plurality of data items, respectively, a plurality of first correcting code generators configured to generate a plurality of first correcting codes to correct errors in a plurality of first data blocks, respectively, each of the first data blocks containing one of the data items and a corresponding detecting code, a second correcting code generators configured to generate a second correcting code to correct errors in a second data block, the second data block containing the first data blocks, and a semiconductor memory configured to nonvolatilely store the second data block, the first correcting codes, and the second correcting code.
US08732543B1 Tensor product codes for flash
In embodiments, data may be encoded based on a tensor product code by encoding incoming data to produce first codewords, and encoding the first codewords to produce second codewords. The incoming data may be combined with the second codewords to produce messages, which can then be transmitted and/or stored. Decoding a received message may include encoding a data portion to produce an intermediate code, and decoding the intermediate code using a codeword portion of the message to produce a corrected codeword. The data portion may then be decoded using the corrected codeword to recover data from the message.
US08732540B2 Semiconductor device having input/output wrappers, and a method of controlling the wrappers
A semiconductor device include a first wrapper including a first scan flip-flop, first control flip-flops and a first pad, the first scan flip-flop receiving a first value and second values and storing the second value for determining a function of the first pad; a second wrapper including a second scan flip-flop, second control flip-flops and a second pad, the second scan flip-flop receiving the first value from the first wrapper and storing the first value for determining a function of the second pad; and an input/output controller configured to provide a shift input signal having the first and second values to the first wrapper.
US08732539B2 Test system having a sub-system to sub-system bridge
A test system having a sub-system to sub-system bridge may be provided that utilizes the useful attributes of a plurality of circuit testing techniques, while reducing deficiencies associated with certain types of circuit testing. A bridged test system structure is utilized to facilitate circuit testing that is more effective and time efficient. The method analyzes performance data acquired by a first component for one or more circuits, and sends that performance data to a second test component. The second test component provides test signals to the circuits, using the performance date to enhance the use of the test signals, and also provides test response data for the circuits in response to the provided test signals.
US08732538B2 Programmable data storage management
A method and system for managing storage of one or more data blocks in a programmable data storage device is provided. A data storage controller partitions each of multiple data blocks into multiple sub data blocks comprising a number of bits based on one or more index value descriptors. The data storage controller generates transition vectors from each of the sub data blocks by applying one or more transition functions. The data storage controller encodes one of the transition vectors for each sub data block for obtaining a residual sub data block comprising a reduced number of bits, thereby resulting in increased bit space. The data storage controller generates a composite data block by merging each residual sub data block. The composite data block is configurable for writing to one or more regions in the programmable data storage device free from a disturbance caused by write operations to other regions.
US08732537B2 Method and system for symbol error rate estimation and sector quality measurement
A probabilistic approach of symbol error estimation is disclosed. The probabilistic approach of symbol error estimation reflects the number of symbol errors more precisely than the number of unsatisfied checks. The more precise quality metric calculated in accordance with the present disclosure allows a codec system to achieve a better overall performance. In addition, many other features that previously depend on the number of unsatisfied checks as the sector quality metric may also benefit by adopting the more precise quality metric.
US08732534B2 Predictive incident management
An incident predictor system is described herein for predicting impactful incidents in which server computer system operations fail or perform poorly. According to one embodiment of the invention, the incident prediction system trains a generalized linear model (GLM) to predict when a system health indicator will reach a level that represents an incident for the server system.
US08732530B2 System and method for self-diagnosis and error reporting
A system for self-diagnosing and error reporting of a software application in a computer system having a plurality of software applications and background processes, the system comprising a diagnosis module configured to collect and monitor usage data of resources of the computer system, execution status of the software applications and background processes of the computer system, and software application error conditions, adjust logging level of log files according to the execution status of the software applications and background processes of the computer system and the software application error conditions, and generate diagnosis advisory based on the usage data of the resources of the computer system and the software error conditions, and a reporting module configured to collect and report the usage data of the resources of the computer system, the log files and the generated diagnosis advisory automatically to a user.
US08732521B2 Detection of logical corruption in persistent storage and automatic recovery therefrom
A method, system, and computer program product for restoring blocks of data stored at a corrupted data site using two or more mirror sites. The method commences by receiving a trigger event from a component within an application server environment where the trigger event indicates detection of a corrupted data site. The trigger is classified into at least one of a plurality of trigger event types, which trigger event type signals further processing for retrieving from at least two mirror sites, a first stored data block and a second stored data block corresponding to the same logical block identifier from the first mirror site. The retrieved blocks are compared to determine a match value, and when the match value is greater than a confidence threshold, then writing good data to the corrupted data site before performing consistency checks on blocks in physical or logical proximity to the corrupted data site.
US08732519B2 Method for using bad blocks of flash memory
A method is provided for using bad blocks in flash memory. The method includes placing in a replacement area of the flash memory a special bad block that meets a “still usable” condition from the bad blocks of the flash memory. The method also includes receiving a use request for using the special bad block in the replacement area to store user data, writing the user data into the special bad block, and determining whether the user data is successfully written into the special bad block. Further, the method includes placing the special bad block back into the replacement area for a next use request when it is determined that the user data is not successfully written into the special bad block.
US08732517B1 System and method for performing replica copying using a physical copy mechanism
A system that implements a data storage service may maintain tables in a data store on behalf of clients. The service may maintain table data in multiple replicas of partitions of the data that are stored on respective computing nodes in the system. In response to detecting a failure or fault condition, or receiving a service request from a client to move or copy a partition replica, the data store may copy a partition replica to another computing node using a physical copy mechanism. The physical copy mechanism may copy table data from physical storage locations in which it is stored to physical storage locations allocated to a destination replica on the other computing node. During copying, service requests to modify table data may be logged and applied to the replica being copied. A catch-up operation may be performed to apply modification requests received during copying to the destination replica.
US08732515B2 Counter-invasive software system and method
A method and apparatus for detecting, curing and remedying invasive software installation inadvertently, negligently, or intentionally marketed by a vendor. A party may procure a product that sends back invasive data to a source. A testing regimen may identify and defeat sources of any invasive executables found. Accordingly, a party may identify those software packages deemed invasive, and may optionally provide a solution to either defeat or monitor them, where practicable. An independent developer may obtain intellectual property rights in the testing, solution or both of the counter-invasive software system or product. An independent developer may become a supplier of testing or solution systems, motivating a supplier by one of several mechanisms. The developer or damaged party may obtain a legal status with respect to the vendor or of a host of software as a customer, user, clients, shareholder, etc., in order to exercise rights and remedies or provide motivation to a vendor who does not take responsibility for its actions as executed by its marketed products.
US08732509B2 Timing synchronization circuit with loop counter
An apparatus for synchronizing an output clock signal with an input clock signal includes a first timing synchronization circuit, control logic, and a counter. The first timing synchronization circuit is operable to generate a delay to synchronize a reference clock signal representative of the input clock signal with a feedback clock signal representative of the output clock signal responsive a strobe signal. The control logic is operable to generate an enable signal based on the reference clock signal and generate the strobe signal based on the feedback clock signal. The counter is operable to count cycles of the reference clock signal occurring between the enable signal and the strobe signal to generate a loop count for the first timing synchronization circuit.
US08732506B2 Method and apparatus for providing power to a server platforms by using a capacitor to provide power during a second power supply transitioning on
In one embodiment, a method includes determining if a power load requirement associated with a server arrangement is below a threshold. The server arrangement includes at least a first power supply and a second power supply, as well as a capacitor arrangement. The method also includes providing power to the server arrangement using the first power supply and not the second power supply when it is determined that the power load requirement is below the threshold, and providing the power to the server arrangement using the first power supply and the second power supply when it is determined that the power load requirement is not below the threshold.
US08732498B2 System and method of modifying power use within an information handling system
A system and method of modifying power use within an information handling system is disclosed. In one form, a method of managing power within an information handling system is disclosed. The method can include establishing a threshold power level of a first information handling system, and detecting a first power demand of a first operating state in excess of the threshold power level. The method can also include detecting a request to invoke a first forced reduced power state of the first information handling system, and determining a first alternative power state different from the threshold power level and the first forced reduced power state. The method can further include initiating the first alternative power state.
US08732495B2 Systems, apparatuses and methods for dynamic voltage and frequency control of components used in a computer system
Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, apparatuses, and methods for dynamic frequency and voltage control of components used in a computer system. A system includes a processor voltage regulator and a system clock generator directly operably with each other. The processor voltage regulator provides a core voltage signal to a processor, and is configured to detect a present processor load state of the processor. The system clock generator is for providing a system clock signal to the processor. At least one of the processor voltage regulator or the system clock generator is further configured determine a desired frequency of the system clock signal responsive to the present processor load state, and determine a voltage level for the core voltage signal suitably paired with the desired frequency for proper operation of the processor at the desired frequency. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided.
US08732493B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
In a semiconductor LSI that sequentially performs predetermined processing on data input successively, a host CPU, a plurality of sequencers, and a data engine are connected in a hierarchical manner with the host CPU at top and the data engine at bottom. Each sequencer includes a memory that stores a parameter for execution of the sequencer, a memory controller, a loop counter, a sequence controller, and an interface unit that handles transmission and reception of signals with an external unit of the sequencer. The interface units of the plurality of sequencers have the same specifications.
US08732492B2 Information processing apparatus and method
An information processing apparatus includes: a plurality of electric power generating elements; detection means for determining whether each of the plurality of electric power generating elements has an electromotive force equal to or higher than a predetermined value; determination means determining an input operation performed by a user by identifying an electric power generating element having an electromotive force below the predetermined value when at least one of the plurality of electric power generating elements is determined as having an electromotive force below the predetermined value according to the detection means; processing means carrying out a process associate with the input operation determined by the determination means; and bypass means which is provided in parallel with the electric power generating elements and through which a current flows when the electric power generating elements have an electromotive force below the predetermined value.
US08732482B1 Incremental encryption of stored information
A method and apparatus are utilized to incrementally encrypt stored information, and can be applied to an existing medium storing unencrypted information. Information can be conditionally encrypted and/or decrypted as necessary and a separate storage area can be used to record whether a given block of information is stored encrypted or unencrypted. An embodiment of the present invention can be used as a retrofit device in a mechanism to encrypt information without causing undue interruption of normal operations. A variety of mechanisms and policies can also be used to manage, set and eliminate encryption keys.
US08732477B2 Graphical image authentication and security system
A method and system for protection of and secure access to a computer system or computer network from a portable device. The method includes the steps of receiving a first login account identifier, such as a user name from a user in communication with the computer system or network. A determination is made if the user is recognized and enrolled from the first login account identifier. If the user is recognized, a series of randomly generated visual images is displayed including one visual image from an image category which has been pre-selected by the user upon enrollment. An image category identifier is randomly assigned to each visual image in the series. An image category identifier is entered and received. If the login account identifier and the image category are validated, access is permitted to the computer system or network from the portable device.
US08732473B2 Claim based content reputation service
In some embodiments, a system may comprise a database and one or more servers. The database may, for example, store a plurality of content claims for previously evaluated data items, with each of the plurality of content claims being associated in the database with a corresponding stored digital fingerprint of a previously evaluated data item. The server(s) may, for example, be configured to receive a determined digital fingerprint of a data item from a client device on another network node, to submit a query to the database using the determined digital fingerprint as a primary key, and to transmit one or more content claims returned by the query to the client device. In some embodiments, the server(s) may be further configured to receive the content claim(s) and the digital fingerprint associated therewith from one or more computers on another network node, and to cause the received content claim(s) and digital fingerprint associated therewith to be stored in the database.
US08732465B2 Method and apparatus for source identification for key handling following a handover failure
A method of enabling key handling for a handover between different domains may include determining whether an indication of a potential key mismatch is present responsive to an attempt to conduct a handover between a first domain and a second domain, and defining validity of a most recent key set used for ciphering communication between a mobile terminal and a network device based on a result of the determining.
US08732459B2 Security system for handheld wireless devices using time-variable encryption keys
In one embodiment, the invention provides a portable wireless personal communication system for cooperating with a remote certification authority to employ time variable secure key information pursuant to a predetermined encryption algorithm to facilitate convenient, secure encrypted communication. The disclosed system includes a wireless handset, such as PDA, smartphone, cellular telephone or the like, characterized by a relatively robust data processing capability and a body mounted key generating component which is adapted to be mounted on an individual's body, in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, for wirelessly broadcasting, within the immediate proximity of the individual, a secret or private key identifying signal corresponding to a time variable secure key information under the control of the certification authority. The key identifying signal is generated in a format that facilitates secure wireless communication with the individual in accordance with a predetermined encryption algorithm including a PKI encryption algorithm. The disclosed system may be used with a console for coordinating access to a variety of different communication system and networks.
US08732450B2 System and method for configuring option ROM
An information handling system includes a processor, a first memory, a device, and a management controller that includes a second memory. The management controller obtains configuration data for the device and stores the configuration data in the first memory while the processor is powered off, and configures the device based upon the configuration data from the first memory in response to booting the information handling system.
US08732449B2 Changing the personality of a device by intercepting requests for personality information
A method and system for a target to adopt the personality of a source without loading the personality information of the source onto the target is provided. The personality system extracts personality information from the source and stores the personality information on a removable storage medium. The storage medium is then connected to the target. The personality system intercepts requests of the target to retrieve personality information, which but for the interception would be serviced based on personality information of the target. When a request is intercepted, the personality system retrieves the personality information from the connected storage medium, rather than from the personality information of the target. The personality system then replies to the request with the retrieved personality information.
US08732442B2 Method and system for hardware-based security of object references
A method for managing data, including obtaining a first instruction for moving a first data item from a first source to a first destination, determining a data type of the first data item, determining a data type supported by the first destination, comparing the data type of the first data item with the data type supported by the first destination to test a validity of the first instruction, and moving the first data item from the first source to the first destination based on the validity of the first instruction.
US08732424B2 Hybrid storage apparatus and method of sharing resources therein
A hybrid storage apparatus having a plurality of storage devices and a method of sharing resources therein. The hybrid storage apparatus can include a plurality of storage device controllers to respectively control a plurality of storage devices that employ different writing methods, a system controller to exchange information with the storage device controllers such that the plurality of storage devices are controlled in one system and in an integrated manner, a reset signal generation unit to output a reset signal that is in a first logic state via an output terminal when a power supply voltage used in the system is equal to or greater than a reference voltage, and a connection unit to electrically connect the output terminal of the reset signal generation unit to a reset signal input terminal of the system controller and to reset signal input terminals of the storage device controllers.
US08732416B2 Requester based transaction status reporting in a system with multi-level memory
A system has memory resources accessible by a central processing unit (CPU). One or more transaction requests are initiated by the CPU for access to one or more of the memory resources. Initiation of transaction requests is ceased for a period of time. The memory resources are monitored to determine when all of the transaction requests initiated by the CPU have been completed. An idle signal accessible by the CPU is provided that is asserted when all of the transaction requests initiated by the CPU have been completed.
US08732413B2 Method and system for preloading page using control flow
A method and system for page preloading using a control flow are provided. The method includes extracting preload page information from one or more pages in a first program code, and generating a second program code including the first program code and the extracted preload page information. The second program code is stored in non-volatile memory. When loading a page from the second program code stored in the non-volatile memory into main memory, preloading one or more pages from the non-volatile memory based on the preload page information stored in the loaded page.
US08732410B2 Method and apparatus for accelerated shared data migration
A method and apparatus for accelerated shared data migration between cores. Using an Always Migrate protocol, when a migratory probe hits a directory entry in either modified or owned state, the entry is transitioned to an owned state, and a source done command is sent without sending cache block ownership or state information to the directory.
US08732406B1 Mechanism for determining read-ahead length in a storage system
A storage system tracks statistical behavior of client read requests directed to a storage device to form prediction about data that the client will require next. The storage system collects the size of read sequences for various streams into a data structure, which summarizes past behavior of read requests. This data structure reports the number of streams in each equivalence class of stream sizes that is tracked. The data structure is then used to determine expected size of a selected read stream. The data structure is also used to improve predictions about an expected size computed by a known technique.
US08732405B2 Method of reducing response time for delivery of vehicle telematics services
A method of operating a predictive data cache includes receiving a request for telematics service from a telematics service requester, determining the subject matter of the request, querying a predictive data cache to determine if the predictive data cache includes a service response to the subject matter of the request and, if the predictive data cache includes the service response, then providing the service response to the requester and updating the predictive data cache using the subject matter of the request. The subject matter can include one or more of: an event description, an event period, or an event location based on the request.
US08732395B2 Write-once information recording medium, information recording method, information recording device, information reproduction method, information reproduction device and method for manufacturing information recording medium
In an information recording medium in which storage capacity per recording layer has increased so much that the size of an SBM varies with those of spare areas, there is mutual dependence between a DDS and an SBM and it is difficult to retrieve disc management information as intended. In an information recording medium according to the present invention, if the largest space is allocated to an user data area, the number of blocks to store a space bitmap is Ni (where Ni≧2). But if the smallest space is allocated to the user data area, the number of blocks to use is smaller than Ni. In such an information recording medium, if the number of blocks to store the space bitmap of a recording layer is Mi (where 1≦Mi≦Ni) and if Mi is equal to or greater than two, the space bitmap is divided into the 1st through Mith space bitmaps, each of which has a size that is still equal to or smaller than one block even when combined with a DDS, and each space bitmap is stored in an associated one of Mi blocks in a disc management area.
US08732387B2 Flash memory apparatus with automatic interface mode switching
A flash memory controller with automatic interface mode switching is applied to a flash memory apparatus with a plurality of flash memories and the controller contains: a memory interface, a microprocessor, and an interface mode controller. The microprocessor recognizes the supported interface mode of every flash memory connected with the memory interface in an initial setting process, and individually sets the corresponding interface mode setting value into the interface mode controller. Thus, when the flash memory apparatus is operating in a normal operation state, the interface mode controller can output the corresponding interface mode setting value according to the present enabled flash memory, and the memory interface can adjust and switch the interface mode according to the interface mode setting value outputted by the interface mode controller. Thereby, the present invention can achieve the purpose whereby the flash memory apparatus can speed up accessing and increase efficiency.
US08732382B2 Haltable and restartable DMA engine
A method is described for operation of a DMA engine. Copying is initiated for transfer of a first number of bytes from first source memory locations to first destination memory locations. Then, a halt instruction is issued before the first number of bytes are copied. After copying is stopped, a second number of bytes is established, encompassing those bytes remaining to be copied. After the transfer is halted, a quantity of the second number of bytes is identified. Quantity information is then generated and stored. Second source memory locations are identified to indicate where the second number of bytes are stored. Second source memory location information is then generated and stored. Second destination memory locations are then identified to indicate where the second number of bytes are to be transferred. Second destination memory location information is then generated and stored.
US08732373B2 Systems and methods relating to user interfaces for docking portable electronic
Systems and methods related to the user interface of docking portable electronic devices. A master device may be docked with a slave device to control operation of the slave device. The master device may be operable to display a user interface. The user interface of the master device may be adapted to be used with the slave device that may include different display and/or input devices than that of the master device. In one embodiment, the master device may be a handheld device such as a smart phone and the slave device may be a tablet device.
US08732367B2 Bus host controller and method thereof
A bus host controller and a method thereof are provided. If a terminal device coupled to the bus is a non-periodic device, the bus host controller places a higher priority on data packet transferring request than start-of-frame (SOF) packet transferring request.
US08732364B1 Transfer of data storage device features
Transferring storage device functionality includes providing a device coupled to the storage device, where the device is separate from the storage device, having the device handle I/O requests between an application and the storage device, and, in response to the application issuing an I/O request, having the device determine if the request corresponds to functionality being transferred and, if so, having the device provide the functionality. The device may be a host computer. The application may run on the host computer. A driver on the host computer may provide the functionality. The functionality may include read only functionality, data compression, data encryption, mirroring, and/or status reporting.
US08732359B2 Data sharing in high-fidelity simulation and real-time multi-core execution
When executing a graphical model of a dynamic system that includes two or more concurrently executing sets of operations, a processor is configured to create a first buffer and a second buffer within the executable graphical model. A first set of operations is configured to write data to the first buffer during a first execution instance of the first set of operations. The first set of operations is configured to write data to the second buffer during a second execution instance of the first thread. A second set of operations is configured to read the data from the first buffer during an instance of the second thread that executes contemporaneously with the second execution instance of the first set of operations. Determinations regarding access to the first buffer and second buffer by the first thread and second thread are self-contained within the first thread and second thread, respectively.
US08732357B2 Apparatus and method for dynamically enabling and disabling write XFR—RDY
A method for dynamically enabling and disabling use of XFR_RDY is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, such a method includes receiving a write command at a target and determining whether XFR_RDY is enabled or disabled for the write command. In the event XFR_RDY is disabled, the method determines whether one or more buffers are available at the target. If at least one buffer is available, the method processes the write command by writing data associated with the write command to the one or more buffers. The method then returns information indicating the number of buffers that are still available at the target after completing the write command. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed and claimed herein.
US08732356B2 Storage system, and access path state update method
A storage system includes: an access path management unit managing a state of each access path for each logical disk; an I/O speed calculation unit storing, for each of the access paths, a data size and required time obtained when an I/O is executed, and calculates an I/O speed for every calculation cycle; a path candidate selection unit selecting an access path in the available state as an I/O use candidate; and a path candidate exclusion unit which excludes access paths of which speed is slow from the candidates, using a highest speed value among the speed values of the access paths selected as candidates, and the access path management unit sequentially changes the states of the access paths, out of the remaining candidates, to the I/O use states, in order of the I/O speed from the fastest until the number of access paths reaches the maximum number of paths.
US08732355B1 Dynamic data prefetching
Technology is disclosed for data prefetching on a computing device utilizing a cloud based file system. The technology can receive a current execution state and a data access pattern associated with an instance of an application executing on a computing device. The technology can further receive a data access pattern associated with another instance of the application executing on another computing device. The technology can utilize the received data access patterns to determine one or more future access requests for a subset of data associated with the application, where the one or more future access requests is a function of the current execution state of the application executing on the computing device. The technology can generate a prefetching profile utilizing the determined subset of data.
US08732354B1 Method and apparatus for controlling access to a storage area network
A method and apparatus for controlling access to a storage area network among a group of hosts in a distributed computing environment. A host requests access to the storage area network by issuing an input/output request, and the input/output request is intercepted at the dynamic multipath (DMP) layer. The DMP layer checks the input/output request against an access control list. The DMP layer can grant or deny the input/output request from the host system. If the input/output request is granted, then the DMP layer passes on the input/output request to the HBA driver layer and the host is allowed to access the storage area network. If the request to access the storage area network is denied, the DMP management layer can initiate an appropriate response, such as a security procedure or generation of an error message alerting a user the request has been denied.
US08732342B1 I/O scheduling system and method
A method, computer program product, and computing system for associating a first I/O scheduling queue with a first process accessing a storage network. The first I/O scheduling queue is configured to receive a plurality of first process I/O requests. A second I/O scheduling queue is associated with a second process accessing the storage network. The second I/O scheduling queue is configured to receive a plurality of second process I/O requests.
US08732333B2 Facsimile communication system, facsimile apparatus, facsimile communication method, transmission processing method, and reception processing method
A facsimile communication system which is capable of selectively performing encrypted communication or non-encrypt communication according to the intention of a user. A transmitting-side digital multifunction machine inputs the port address of a receiving-side digital multifunction machine according to a user operation, and designates encrypted communication for transmitting IFP packets of image information, via an IP network, after encrypting the IFP packets, or non-encrypt communication for transmitting IFP packets of image information, via the IP network, without encrypting the IFP packets. The receiving-side digital multifunction machine determines whether the input port address is for an encrypted communication port or a non-encrypt communication port, and sends a response containing an associated port number to the transmitting-side digital multifunction machine. The transmitting-side digital facsimile apparatus establishes connection to the port with the port number, and performs the designated communication.
US08732332B2 Content switching with user-defined policies
A frame work to build and use a generic content switch is provided. The applications and the routing policy for the content switch are provided by the application provider. The content switch, however, is managed by a network provider so that there is a clear separation of the switching action and the switching policy. The basic framework consists of two key elements; a content switch and a user-defined application that also contains the switching policy.
US08732330B2 Method and apparatus for striping packets over parallel communication links
A system for performing packet based data communications over a parallel set of sublinks is provided. A transmitter unit separates the sublinks into an available set of sublinks and a busy set of sublinks. This transmitter avoids processing delays by utilizing sublinks in the available sublink set and not waiting for sublinks in the busy sublink set to be released. To receive the packets, a receiver unit utilizes a sequence number associated with each packet. Accordingly, the receiver extracts the one or more packets of data received in parallel over the set of sublinks in sequential order. A packet window buffer is used to store packets in sequence if they are initially received out of order. The receiver utilizes a sliding window to provide packets in continuous sequential order and transmits the packets serially over a single communication link.
US08732317B2 System and method for connecting a mobile device to a global network using a virtual private network connection
A virtual private network connection is established from a mobile device to a virtual private network server of a service provider associated with a mobile device responsive to a request for access to the remotely located content provider. A second connection is established, under control of the virtual private network server, from the virtual private network server of the service provider to the remotely located content provider server. A third connection is established, under control of the virtual private network server, from the virtual private network server of the service provider to an advertising server. The virtual private network connection, the second connection and the third connection are maintained under the control of the virtual private network server to enable transport of content data between the mobile device and the remotely located content provider server and to enable transport of advertising data between the mobile device and the advertising server.
US08732310B2 Policy-driven capacity management in resource provisioning environments
Systems and methods for policy-driven capacity management in a resource provisioning environment, the method comprising storing, in an operational database one or more virtual resource sets (VRSs) and elasticity ranges for components to be deployed in a resource provisioning environment, and probabilistic guarantees on the elasticity ranges defined in a service manifest provided by a service subscriber; collecting historical data about capacity usage in the resource provisioning environment and failure statistics from the operational database, in addition to prior service commitments due to previously contracted service level agreements (SLAs) stored in a SLA repository; calculating equivalent capacity for the resource provisioning environment based on a defined residual benefit goal, and other business goals instrumented by way of a policy engine; and placing requested virtual resources on physical resources, in response to determining that sufficient physical capacity is available to host the calculated equivalent capacity.
US08732304B2 Method and system for ensuring authenticity of IP data served by a service provider
A computer-implemented method and system identifies whether web content stored in a repository deviates from authentic web content being web content that is approved by authorized personnel of the web content prior to serving to a client requesting the web content. Web communications to the repository are monitored and web content is intercepted and analyzed in a safe environment for establishing that the web content conforms to a predetermined standard. If not, a web host serving the web content is alerted. In one embodiment, the web content is intercepted and analyzed prior to serving to the client and is served to the client only if either authenticated or after suitable modification to render it acceptable.
US08732302B2 Method and system for monitoring performance of an application system
A method for monitoring performance of an application system which is distributed across a plurality of network connected nodes, comprising: generating a hierarchical model for the application system, the hierarchical model having a plurality of levels, each level including components of a span specific to that level; mapping the application system onto the hierarchical model according to a network topology of the application system; monitoring network traffic between the plurality of network connected nodes of the application system to gather network traffic data; assembling the network traffic data into application messages; correlating the application messages into sets of one or more application messages that are causally associated in accordance with the hierarchical model, wherein the sets of causally associated application messages constitute transactions corresponding to a lowest level of the hierarchical model; and, generating records of individual transactions occurring within the application system for at least the transactions corresponding to the lowest level of the hierarchical model.
US08732298B2 Method and apparatus for maintaining routing information
A method and apparatus for maintaining routing information in a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network are provided. The method includes that: a super maintenance node receives routing update information of an ordinary node in its home area; the super maintenance node sends routing update information to super maintenance nodes in other network areas; the super maintenance nodes in other network areas notify ordinary nodes in their home network areas to update routing information. With the present invention, a node of strong processing capabilities at the network area border is chosen to act as a super maintenance node and other nodes as ordinary nodes; when a node joins or fails, an ordinary node sends detected routing update information only to the super maintenance node in the local network area; the super maintenance node then forwards the update information to super maintenance nodes in other network areas. Each super maintenance node notifies ordinary nodes in its home network area of the received routing update information.
US08732296B1 System, method, and computer program product for redirecting IRC traffic identified utilizing a port-independent algorithm and controlling IRC based malware
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for redirecting internet relay chat (IRC) traffic identified utilizing a port-independent algorithm and controlling IRC based malware. In use, IRC traffic communicated via a network is identified utilizing a port-independent algorithm. Furthermore, the IRC traffic is redirected to a honeypot.
US08732295B2 Method and apparatus for providing real friends count
A method and apparatus for tracking communications in a network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a subscription from a customer for a service to track at least one variable associated with a plurality of communicants of the customer. The method identifies a plurality of members of a social network of the customer, and gathers communication data associated with the plurality of members for tracking the at least one variable. The method then displays at least one result derived from the communication data to the customer.
US08732282B1 Model framework to facilitate robust programming of distributed workflows
A method is disclosed. A finite state machine model for a single system workflow is replicated across a plurality of distributed nodes associated with a leader election protocol. A leader is determined amongst the plurality of distributed nodes to perform a next action of the finite state machine model based at least in part on the leader election protocol. One or more nodes amongst the plurality of distributed nodes are configured to submit a timeout ticket if the next action of the finite state machine model does not appear to have been performed by the leader within a prescribed time.
US08732281B2 Actively updating clients with selected data
In an embodiment, a data processing apparatus comprising one or more electronic digital processors; Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server logic coupled to the one or more processors; an active leasequery channel response logic coupled to the DHCP server logic which when executed causes the one or more processors to perform receiving, from a particular DHCP client among a plurality of DHCP clients, an active leasequery initiation message requesting the DHCP server logic to actively send update messages about changes in network address leases that the DHCP server logic manages; wherein the active leasequery initiation message comprises a channel identifier value; determining whether the channel identifier value matches a client class that the DHCP server logic manages; in response to determining that the channel identifier value does match a client class identifier that the DHCP server logic manages, sending, to the particular DHCP client, one or more DHCP response messages describing any changes in network address leases that the DHCP server logic performs only for a subset of the DHCP clients that are in the matched client class.
US08732280B2 Device management server, device management client, and method for locating a target operation object
In the field of communications, to solve the problem in the prior art that a device management (DM) server needs to communicate with user terminals for multiple times to obtain Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) of various user terminal DM nodes, a DM server, a DM client, and a method for locating a target operation object are provided. The location method includes: obtaining a management command sent by a DM server; and operating a target operation object according to the management command, in which the management command comprises Management Object (MO) location information, MO instance feature node information, and target operation object information. The present invention has the following beneficial effects. A target operation object of a DM client may be located by communicating once, and thus increasing the efficiency of communications between the DM server and user terminals.
US08732279B2 Secure network deployment
In one embodiment, a Manufacturer Installed Certificate (MIC) and a personal identification number are sent to a call controller to request a configuration profile. When the configuration file is received, the IP phone is provisioned according to the configuration profile.
US08732271B1 Sponsored message network based on community preferences
The invention described here is a system and method for efficiently presenting sponsored messages to the user of a participating information site or service, based on the level of interest recently expressed in those messages by other visitors to the same site. Presentation of sponsored messages may also be based on the level of interest expressed by other visitors across the network who are in the individual user's geographic region.
US08732264B2 HiperSockets SIGA light-sending without outbound queue
Performing logical partition (LPAR)-to-LPAR communication in a network computing environment. Read or write requests to different memory areas of a single computer memory are controlled by a storage control element, where the requests are issued by different multiple operating systems using a general network transfer format. A request is sent by a first operating system to said storage control element, where the request is executed with a processor instruction. A result of the request is received by the same or a second operating system. A modified processor instruction is sent to the storage control element, which implements an execution of the instruction synchronously performed to the sending of the instruction, without buffering the request of the instruction in a dedicated queue.
US08732261B2 Apparatus and methods of a zero single point of failure load balancer
Apparatus and methods in a load balancer computing apparatus include, in aspects, determining if a master is functioning, and if the master is not functioning, then attempting to become the master by setting a master network identification in a master database table to a self network identification before at least one other slave sets a corresponding other slave network identification as the master network identification in the master database table. In other aspects, the apparatus and methods include assigning each of a group of commands to one of a plurality of slaves, storing the commands and a corresponding assignment in a database table, checking a command status in the database table for each of the group of commands, wherein the command status indicates whether or not the respective command has been executed; and executing a callback function when all the commands are executed.
US08732258B2 Method and system for transporting telemetry data across a network
A method for transporting telemetry data involves receiving a request from a client in a first network. The client is registered with a data transport service executing in a second network. The request includes an authentication credential for the client, a message including telemetry data, and a message priority. The method further involves authenticating the request using the authentication credential. The method further involves parsing the request to obtain and subsequently execute a command for storing the message in a physical queue of the second network. The physical queue is associated with a back-end service executing in the second network. A virtual queue maintains entries for messages stored in the physical queue that were sent from the first network to the second network. Another virtual queue maintains entries for messages stored in the physical queue that were sent from the second network to the first network.
US08732254B2 System, a method, a service server, a mobile terminal and a storage means for contents delivery
Disclosed herein are a system and method for transmitting content, a service server, a mobile communication terminal and a storage medium. The system includes an end device connected to a first mobile communication terminal via a local area communication network, and configured to transmit content to be transmitted to a second mobile communication terminal, together with a message transmission request, to the first mobile communication terminal; and the first mobile communication terminal connected to the end device via the local area communication network, connected to a service server via a mobile communication network, and configured to display a message transmission window for inputting a message and a recipient's number on a screen when the message transmission request is received from the end device, and to transmit a Multimedia Message Service message (MMS), to which the content received from the end device is attached, to the second mobile communication terminal.
US08732249B2 Providing an advisory to a user of a processing system
There is provided a method for providing an advisory to a user of a processing system. The method includes detecting an occurrence of a term in an input to the processing system provided by the user, and providing a reminder for the user to perform an action if the term occurred. The method is particularly well suited for reminding a user to include an attachment with an email message.
US08732247B2 System and method of simultaneous collaboration
A system and method of simultaneous collaboration is described. The described systems and methods can work with virtually any document structure and do not require advance locking. A plurality of possibly hierarchical, possibly overlapping domains within the document structure is defined. The server handling the simultaneous collaboration requests must keep track of conflicts in edits using the domain information and inform clients whether the edits have been accepted or rejected based on whether or not the edits cause conflicts. A well-designed domain structure as described will avoid conflicts.
US08732237B2 Interaction-based update delivery for user generated content
An apparatus and method for assisting in delivering update contents in computer networks are provided. The computer networks also comprise at least one peer client, and the assistant apparatus comprises: an evaluating unit configured to evaluate a user's interaction preference according to the user's interaction history; and a prefetching unit configured to evaluate, in response to the received update notification, whether to prefetch the update contents corresponding to the update notification according to the evaluated interaction preference, and, if prefetching, obtain the update contents from at least one peer client. The corresponding method is also provided. With the apparatus and method in this invention, the update contents in computer networks can be delivered between peer clients, not via the server, which reduces the server load without impairing user experience on client side.
US08732236B2 Managing network communications between network nodes and stream transport protocol
A stream transport protocol supports realtime network communications between communicants operating on respective network nodes. The stream transport protocol supports remote management of client communication sessions, including provisioning of each pair of client network nodes with a respective session definition defining a respective peer-to-peer session over a network connection between the constituent client network nodes of the pair. The stream transport protocol has 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.
US08732234B2 Providing relevant non-requested content to a mobile device
A system and method are directed towards providing non-requested content to a mobile terminal based on characteristics of, and tracked usage of the mobile terminal to request content through an online portal service, which provides access to content in multiple subject areas. A mobile user profile is created from the characteristics and patterns of the tracked usage. The tracked usage information includes the time, location, frequency at which the content was requested. Based on the mobile user profile information, content related to previously requested content is provided to the mobile terminal upon a trigger that is related to the requested content. The trigger event may include the mobile terminal returning to a location from which certain content was previously requested. The non-requested content may further be based on a related general user profile that indicates usage of an alternate electronic device to access content through the portal.
US08732230B2 Computers and microchips with a side protected by an internal hardware firewall and an unprotected side connected to a network
A computer or microchip comprising an internal hardware firewall configured to separate a protected side from an unprotected side of the hardware of the computer or microchip, the unprotected side being configured to connect to a network of computers; the protected side of the computer or microchip being protected by the internal hardware firewall and including at least one microprocessor or processing unit; the unprotected side of the computer or microchip being located outside of the internal hardware firewall and including one or more additional microprocessors or processing units and hardware network communications components; and the one or more unprotected microprocessors or processing units being separate from the internal hardware firewall. The unprotected side can include two or more unprotected microprocessors or processing units that are configured for parallel and/or multitasking processing.
US08732229B2 Completion processing for data communications instructions
Completion processing of data communications instructions in a distributed computing environment, including receiving, in an active messaging interface (‘AMI’) data communications instructions, at least one instruction specifying a callback function; injecting into an injection FIFO buffer of a data communication adapter, an injection descriptor, each slot in the injection FIFO buffer having a corresponding slot in a pending callback list; listing in the pending callback list any callback function specified by an instruction, incrementing a pending callback counter for each listed callback function; transferring payload data as per each injection descriptor, incrementing a transfer counter upon completion of each transfer; determining from counter values whether the pending callback list presently includes callback functions whose data transfers have been completed; calling by the AMI any such callback functions from the pending callback list, decrementing the pending callback counter for each callback function called.
US08732227B2 Method and processor unit for implementing a characteristic-2-multiplication
The method for implementing a characteristic-2-multiplication of at least two input bit strings each having a number N of bits by means of a processor unit suitable for carrying out an integer multiplication, having the following steps: a) generating at least one sequence of a number K of zero bits, using Kε{1, . . . , N}, by means of a first transformation of the respective input bit string to at least one predetermined position in the respective input bit string for generating at least one first intermediate bit string; b) linking the at least two first intermediate bit strings by means of the integer multiplication of the processor unit for generating at least one second intermediate bit string; and c) transforming the at least one second intermediate bit string by means of a second transformation for generating a result bit string.
US08732222B2 Integrating specialized knowledge sources into a general search service
Embodiments are described for a system for integrating expert sources of knowledge into a general search service. The method can include a general search engine interface to receive a search query with at least one search term from a user. An expert knowledge engine can enable retrieval of expert information and analyzes. A predictive model module can be used to determine a probability that an expert knowledge engine may provide a valuable response to the query. The search query can be routed to the expert knowledge engine based on a cost-benefit analysis. A query reformulation module can reformulate a query for use by the expert knowledge engine. A display module can be employed to combine the expert search results with other search results.
US08732211B2 Method, computer system, and physical computer storage medium for organizing data into data structures
Methods, computer systems, and physical computer storage medium for organizing data are provided. A method includes monitoring usage of the data, detecting a pattern in the usage of the data, and assigning a first concrete implementation associated with a first data structure to the data, based, in part, on the detected pattern of usage of the data. The method also includes identifying a change in the pattern of usage of the data, after the step of assigning and switching the first concrete implementation associated with the first data structure to a second concrete implementation, based, in part, on the change in the pattern of usage.
US08732206B2 Distributed storage timestamped revisions
Various revisions of encoded data slices stored in a distributed storage system can be time stamped to assist in retrieving desired data revisions. Each of the multiple revisions of the encoded data slices may have the same name, but different revision numbers. An encoded data slice, which is received at a distributed storage unit along with a write command, slice name, and the revision number, is time stamped. The timestamp and revision number are stored in conjunction with the data slice. A desired encoded data slice can be retrieved by sending a read command, slice name, and timeframe to the distributed storage unit. The appropriate encoded data slice can be retrieved by determining which revision number has a timestamp most closely matching the requested timeframe.
US08732202B2 Access requests with cache intentions
A lease system is described herein that allows clients to request a lease to a remote file, wherein the lease permits access to the file across multiple applications using multiple handles without extra round trips to a server. When multiple applications on the same client (or multiple components of the same application) request access to the same file, the client specifies the same lease identifier to the server for each open request or may handle the request from the cache based on the existing lease. Because the server identifies the client's cache at the client level rather than the individual file request level, the client receives fewer break notifications and is able to cache remote files in more circumstances. Thus, by providing the ability to cache data in more circumstances common with modern applications, the lease system reduces bandwidth, improves server scalability, and provides faster access to data.
US08732198B2 Deriving dynamic consumer defined product attributes from input queries
Methods and systems of defining product attributes may involve receiving a search query and extracting a user expectation from the search query. In addition, an attribute may be defined for a product based on the user expectation. In one example, consumer generated content such as forum content, review content, blog content and social networking content, is used to define the attribute.
US08732189B2 Command execution program and command execution method
[PROBLEMS] To limit execution of a predetermined command called from a content. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An information providing system includes processing means which receives a command execution request together with a command identifier and a request source domain identifier from an external terminal device (S30), reads out an entity of the command correlated with a combination of the received command identifier and the received domain identifier from storage means (S32), and executes the command according to the entity of the command which has been read out (S34).
US08732188B2 Method and system for providing contextual based medication dosage determination
Methods and devices for statistical determination of medication dosage level such as bolus amount based on contextual information are provided.
US08732187B1 Link-based ranking of objects that do not include explicitly defined links
A system determines ranking scores for objects based on “virtual” links defined for the objects. A link-based ranking score may then be calculated for the objects based on the virtual links. In one implementation, the virtual links are determined based on a metric of content-based similarity between the objects.
US08732186B2 Computer-implemented method and system for enabling communication between networked users based on common characteristics
A computer-implemented method and system for enabling communication between networked users based on search queries and common characteristics is disclosed. Particular embodiments relate to receiving a search query from a first user and establishing a communication link between the first user and a second user based on the first user's search query. Particular embodiments relate to receiving a first search query from a first user, receiving a second search query from a second user, determining if the first user and the second user fit within match criteria, and establishing a communication link between the first user and the second user if the first user and the second user fit within match criteria. Particular embodiments relate to receiving a first search query from a first user, receiving a second search query from a second user, determining if the first search query and the second search query fit within match criteria, determining if the first user and the second user fit within match criteria, and establishing a communication link between the first user and the second user if the first search query and the second search query fit within match criteria and if the first user and the second user fit within match criteria.
US08732185B1 Selecting content for publication
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method relating to selecting content for publication includes receiving a term to be used in selecting content for publication. The method includes obtaining information from a record using the received term, the information reflecting a correspondence between contents in a repository and the received term. The method includes determining, using at least the obtained information, a query to be performed on the repository for selecting at least part of the content.
US08732184B2 Method and apparatus for remotely displaying a list by determining a quantity of data to send based on the list size and the display control size
A system and method for remotely displaying a plurality of data items is disclosed. The system determines a total quantity of displayable data items and optionally receives an indication of a display control size from a remote client. The server stores a threshold value indicating a relationship between a quantity of data items and a size of a display control. The server compares the quantity of data items and the received indication of the display control size. If the comparison exceeds the threshold value, the server sends a subset of the items to the remote client for display, and sends additional items as requested by the remote client. If the comparison is less than the threshold value, the server sends each of the items to the remote client for display. The server repeats this comparison for changes in the quantity of data items or the size of the display control.
US08732181B2 Systems and methods for the comparison of annotations within files
Systems and methods are disclosed for comparing annotations in files to show changes in the annotations at a granular level. In one implementation, a system receives a first file and a second file for comparison. The system determines the annotation ranges for each annotation in the first file and the annotation range for each annotation in the second file. The system then determines the annotations from the first file that overlap with annotations from the second file and compares annotations that overlap. The system then incorporates the comparison of the annotations into a main comparison file. In certain implementations, the system uses an index to determine what annotations overlap. In other implementations, matched pairs are created from overlapping annotations.
US08732178B2 Using views of subsets of nodes of a schema to generate data transformation jobs to transform input files in first data formats to output files in second data formats
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for processing input data in a storage system and in communication with a repository. Views are generated that comprise a tree of nodes selected from a subset of nodes in a hierarchical representation of a schema. The views are saved to the repository. At least one of the views are used to create a job comprising a sequence of data transformation steps to transform the input data described by input schemas to the output data described by output schemas.
US08732172B2 Shape classification method based on the topological perceptual organization theory
A shape classification method based on the topological perceptual organization (TPO) theory, comprising steps of: extracting boundary points of shapes (S1); constructing topological space and computing the representation of extracted boundary points (S2); extracting global features of shapes from the representation of boundary points in topological space (S3); extracting local features of shapes from the representation of boundary points in Euclidean space (S4); combining global features and local features through adjusting the weight of local features according to the performance of global features (S5); classifying shapes using the combination of global features and local features (S6). The invention is applicable for intelligent video surveillance, e.g., objects classification and scene understanding. The invention can also be used for the automatic driving system wherein robust recognition of traffic signs plays an important role in enhancing the intelligence of the system.
US08732171B2 Providing query suggestions
Methods and computer-readable media are provided for determining suggested queries. A user enters a search website, and the user is identified based on a user identification. Suggested queries are determined based on a group associated with the user. This association is created by extracting queries from data logs, categorizing the queries into groups based on their respective subject matter, associating the user with one or more groups, and determining suggested queries for each group. The suggested queries are communicated for display.
US08732169B2 Lateral search
A search query is received. Personal information for a user is then determined. A search is performed in a general subdomain of general content using the search query. For example, the general subdomain of general content may be a WWW search. Then, a vertical subdomain is determined based on the personal information. A search is then performed in the vertical subdomain of specialized content using the search query. The search performed in the general subdomain and the search performed in the vertical subdomain generate general search results and vertical search results. The results may be combined and outputted to a client.
US08732164B1 Apparatuses, systems and methods for data entry correlation
This disclosure details the implementation of systems, methods and apparatuses for providing an integrated process tracking and management. The disclosure provides solutions for initiating, tracking, correlating and managing complex processes. In particular, the disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for process tracking and management particularly suited to job listing matching and management. In an implementation, the system may be configured to receive and extract base data entry metrics from a user designated input, for example a user's resume or a user designated saved job listing. The base data entry metrics may be correlated with user correlation metrics to derive search parameters for identifying supplemental data entries for a particular user.
US08732162B2 Systems and methods for server management
Exemplary systems and methods for server management are provided. An exemplary system comprises a plurality of servers, with each server having the ability to access a database or, in some embodiments, be configured to perform a calculation, computation or make a determination of a particular value, values or other information. A communications network delivers queries to each server whereby a look-up table directs query processing by the servers. Further embodiments of the system feature a program logic controller for rebalancing the workload of the network servers. Exemplary methods of processing queries on the system comprise submitting a query to the network, communicating the query to each server in the network and each server looking-up on a look-up table the processing responsibilities of the servers in the network. The query is processed by the server having primary responsibility for processing the query while other the servers monitor query processing. Transmission of a query result to a user typically completes the process.
US08732158B1 Method and system for matching queries to documents
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for the analysis of large document archives by matching queries against documents are disclosed. These include generating an ordered sequence of query tokens for each query, generating an ordered sequence of document tokens for each document, selecting an ordered sequence of document tokens from the tokenized one or more documents, selecting an ordered sequence of query tokens from the tokenized one or more queries, configuring a buffer to hold a subsequence of the selected ordered sequence of document tokens, comparing the selected ordered sequence of query tokens to successive subsequences of the selected ordered sequence of document tokens in the configured buffer where each of the successive subsequences and the selected ordered sequence of query tokens have the same length in tokens, and determining a match result based upon the comparison.
US08732157B2 Query optimization in a multi-tenant database system
The present invention provides techniques for managing a multi-tenant database system. In one embodiment the method includes providing access to data stored in a multi-tenant data structure that is implemented by storing data for multiple tenants on a pool of computer servers defining the multi-tenant data structure that having a plurality of data columns and one or more index columns. The one or more index columns define a first data field for a first tenant of the multi-tenant data structure and a second data field for a second tenant of the multi-tenant data structure. The first field indicates a first data type and the second field indicates a second data type, wherein the second data type is different than the first data type. Once created, records having data values in the first and second fields are stored to a single column in the data structure. The single column includes data values having different data types for different tenants in the multi-tenant data structure. Operations are monitored so that one or more requests to access the multi-tenant data structure among are distributing the pool of computer servers to maintain load balancing among the servers of the pool.
US08732151B2 Enhanced query rewriting through statistical machine translation
Systems, methods, and computer media for identifying query rewriting replacement terms are provided. A list of related string pairs each comprising a first string and second string is received. The first string of each related string pair is a user search query extracted from user click log data. For one or more of the related string pairs, the string pair is provided as inputs to a statistical machine translation model. The model identifies one or more pairs of corresponding terms, each pair of corresponding terms including a first term from the first string and a second term from the second string. The model also calculates a probability of relatedness for each of the one or more pairs of corresponding terms. Term pairs whose calculated probability of relatedness exceeds a threshold are characterized as query term replacements and incorporated, along with the probability of relatedness, into a query rewriting candidate database.
US08732150B2 Methods and apparatus for suppressing network feed activities using an information feed in an on-demand database service environment
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for suppressing network feed activities using an information feed in an on-demand database service environment. In one embodiment, a message is received, including data indicative of a user action. An entity associated with the user action is identified, where the entity is a type of record stored in a database. A type of the entity is identified. It is determined whether the entity type is a prohibited entity type. When the entity type is not a prohibited entity type, the message data is saved to one or more tables in the database. The tables are configured to store feed items of an information feed capable of being displayed on a device. When the entity type is a prohibited entity type, the saving of the message data, to the one or more tables in the database configured to store the feed items, is prohibited.
US08732144B2 Printing method and apparatus, print control method, and multimedia apparatus
A printing method and apparatus, a print control method, and a multimedia apparatus are provided. The printing method includes receiving a multimedia file or additional information of the multimedia file from a multimedia apparatus; interpreting the multimedia file or the additional information of the multimedia and obtaining at least one item included in the additional information; and printing the obtained at least one item.
US08732142B2 Generation of suggestions to correct data race errors
A method of removing a first data race condition by generating a list of suggested solutions is provided. The method comprises detecting the first data race condition involving a shared resource that is accessed first by a first thread and then by a second thread; suggesting one or more solutions using a lockset mechanism; suggesting one or more solutions using a vector clock mechanism; suggesting that a user create a new synchronization object; suggesting that a user replicate the shared resource; and displaying the list to the user.
US08732137B2 Separating content from noisy context in template-based documents for search indexing
In one embodiment, a mechanism for separating content from noisy context in template-based documents for search indexing is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting a plurality of documents for index comparison, identifying one or more identical elements found in each of the plurality of documents, and removing the one or more identical elements from consideration in an indexing process of the plurality of documents.
US08732131B2 Processing system capable of performing download and execution processes concurrently and related method thereof
A processing system capable of downloading and executing firmware at the same time, and from multiple storages, is disclosed. The processing system includes a first storage unit for storing firmware; a second storage unit for storing frequently accessed firmware, the second storage unit having a higher operating speed than the first storage unit; a download unit for downloading firmware from the first storage unit to the second storage unit; an execution unit for executing firmware from the first storage unit or the second storage unit; and a processor for controlling the download unit and execution unit to operate concurrently.
US08732122B2 Bonding contents on separate storage media
Local storage on player instruments provides the ability for adding further amendments and most recent supplements to the optical disc content. A problem arising with this technically applicable possibility is the protection of copyrights bound to disc and supplement data. The present invention describes a technique to ensure a security framework that is able to handle this, by creating a virtual file system (VFS) by merging optical disc data and local storage data based upon a common identifier.
US08732120B1 Concurrent editing of large geographic data sets
Systems, methods, and computer storage mediums are provided for collaboratively editing geographic features in a shared geographic database. An example method includes receiving a request from a first user to edit data associated with a plurality of geographic features geocoded within a first geographic area. The first geographic area is selected by the first user and defined by a first set of coordinates. The method then determines whether the first geographic area intersects a second geographic area. The second geographic area is selected by a second user and defined by a second set of coordinates. The intersection between the first and second sets of coordinates is determined by comparing the coordinates of the first and second geographic areas. When the first and second geographic areas do not intersect, the method locks the first geographic area to prevent other users from editing the geographic features geolocated within the first geographic area.
US08732115B1 Measuring sensitivity of a factor in a decision
An analytic network process (ANP) storage memory stores an ANP weighted supermatrix representing an ANP model. A processor is in communication with the ANP storage memory. The processor is configured to change priorities of a node in the ANP weighted supermatrix to be more important, to change priorities of the node in the ANP weighted supermatrix to be less important, and to assess a sensitivity of the node which was changed relative to the ANP model. The processor further is configured to maintain a same proportionality in the ANP weighted supermatrix for the changing of the priorities and the assessing of the relative sensitivity.
US08732114B2 Knowledge re-use for call routing
A method is described for semantic classification in human-machine dialog applications, for example, call routing. Utterances in a new training corpus of a new semantic classification application are tagged using a pre-existing semantic classifier and associated pre-existing classification tags trained for an earlier semantic classification application.
US08732105B1 Method to build, analyze and manage a real world model in software of a safety instrumented system architecture for safety instrumented systems in a facility
A method to build, manage, and analyze a safety instrumented model in software of safety instrumented system architecture for a safety instrumented system in a facility, with test plans. The safety instrumented system architecture comprises at least one instrumented protective function and the non-transitory computer instructions that use a software model in support of process safety lifecycle management.
US08732103B2 Process controller having a laboratory data validation model and methods for using the same
The present invention provides novel techniques for validating laboratory data values for properties of interest of products produced by a process system. In particular, samples of the product may be sent to a laboratory testing facility, where laboratory testing procedures may be used to obtain the laboratory data values for the property of interest. The laboratory data values may be sent to a control system which includes a laboratory data validation module. The laboratory data validation module may be capable of validating the laboratory data values of the property of interest by comparing the laboratory data values of the property of interest with predicted values generated by a model. The model may be created using inputs such as laboratory and measured data values of the property of interest as well as laboratory and measured data values of other properties of the product. In particular, the laboratory data validation module may, in certain embodiments, include a laboratory data validation model, which may aid the validation of the laboratory data values of the property of interest.
US08732100B2 Method and apparatus for event detection permitting per event adjustment of false alarm rate
Method and apparatus for object or event of interest detection which minimizes the level of false alarms and maximizes the level of detections as defined on a per event or object basis by the analyst. The invention allows for the minimization of false alarms for objects or events of interest which have a close resemblance to all other objects or events mapped to the same multidimensional feature space, and allows for the per event or per object adjustment on false alarms for objects or events of higher interest.
US08732091B1 Security in a geo-spatial environment
A method, apparatus, and system of security in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment a privacy server verifies that each user of the community network lives at a residence associated with a claimable residential address of the community network formed through a social community module of a privacy server using a processor and a memory, to obtain from each user of the community network, using the processor of a computing device, member data associated with each user, the member data including an address, to associate the address with a profile of each user, to determine a location of each user based on the member data, to store the member data in a database, and to obtain a personal address privacy preference from each user, the personal address privacy preference specifying if the address should be displayed to other users.
US08732087B2 Authorization for media content alteration
A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record of authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. Some embodiment implementations may include a derivative version of the media work wherein substitute content, such as an alterable component element having one or more designated aspects, is associated with a real-world entity or person.
US08732083B2 Managing consistent interfaces for number range, number range profile, payment card payment authorisation, and product template template 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 number range, a number range profile, a payment card payment authorization, and/or a product template template business object.
US08732081B1 Systems and methods for remote deposit of checks
Remote deposit of checks can be facilitated by a financial institution. A customer's general purpose computer and image capture device may be leveraged to capture an image of a check and deliver the image to financial institution electronics. Additional data for the transaction may be collected as necessary. The transaction can be automatically accomplished utilizing the images and data thus acquired.
US08732080B2 System and method for executing a financial transaction
A computer-implemented system and method for processing one or more second transactions. The system and method provides for storage of customizable business rules, which are set by a user. Upon receipt of electronic digital information relating to a first transaction, the system and method initiate execution of one or more second transactions, which are controlled by the customizable business rules. As such, the second transactions are processed independently of the first transaction.
US08732071B2 Systems and methods regarding targeted dissemination
One exemplary aspect comprises a computer-implemented method comprising: (a) electronically receiving, from a first securities market participant, data including information related to a first order and to one or more group rankings for dissemination; (b) electronically determining with one or more processors, based on data regarding a second securities market participant and the order information and group rankings, whether the second securities market participant has a second order, on the contra side of the first order, and whether, in accordance with the group rankings, the second securities market participant is qualified to receive information about the first order; and (c) after, and only if, the second participant is determined to be qualified, transmitting information sufficient to display to the second securities market participant the information about the first order.
US08732064B2 System and method for processing and displaying quantity information during user-configurable time periods
A system and method for displaying quantity related information determined for a plurality of time periods are described. According to one method, a trader may define one or more time periods for which a trading application may determine traded quantities, traded buys, traded sells, or other quantity related information at a plurality of price levels during the defined time periods. The trading application may then graphically display the quantities for each time period in relation to the static axis of prices. The method further includes periodically updating the displayed traded quantity to reflect the quantity during the defined time period, where the quantity is updated based on subsequent market updates that are received from the exchange for the tradable object.
US08732060B2 System and method for progressive transitions portfolio investment management
The present invention discloses a system and a method providing for a progressive transition of the holdings within a portfolio that takes periodic gains as the market rises and utilizes a portion of those gains to buy back in as the market falls while providing for a gradual reduction in the volatility of the portfolio. Many existing systems only allow one stop-loss or trailing stop-loss value to be used resulting in the complete liquidation of the investment once the target value is breached while some newer systems involve the use of two or more different protection levels per security, some of which may adjusted to reflect market performance and some of which may be essentially fixed. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the various systems may be adjusted to reflect the financial goals and risk tolerance of particular clients.
US08732057B1 Systems and methods for administering self-service mutual fund and IRA distributions to participants
A self-service distribution system and method to request a withdrawal of funds from tax-deferred accounts (i.e., a distribution), such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The system may retrieve information about a participant's age and type of account from which a distribution is requested. A series of checks defined by rules and regulations that apply to tax-deferred accounts may be run against participant and account information retrieved by the system. A sequence of user interfaces may present information and warnings, such as tax consequences of the distribution, to the guide the participant. The participant may request distributions having a certain frequency, amount, and timing through the presented user interfaces. After all of the information is entered to initiate the distribution, a verification page is presented such that the participant may confirm the enter information is correct. Upon submitting the request, a confirmation is presented.
US08732056B1 Methods and systems for providing guaranteed lifetime benefits
Methods and systems provide a financial account. In one implementation, one or more funding payments for a financial account are received from an investor. The financial account includes a mutual fund. The investor takes withdrawals from the financial account. A balance of the financial account is calculated by a processor. Benefit payments are paid to the investor after the balance of the financial account has reached zero.
US08732051B2 Device, system, and method of generating a customized trade article
Some embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of generating a customized trade article. In one embodiment, a trade-article generator application is to receive trade information including a plurality of values of one or more trade-related parameters defining at least one trade with respect to at least one financial instrument, and to automatically generate a customized electronic trade article corresponding to the trade based on a predefined trade-article layout. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08732048B2 Automated trading system in an electronic trading exchange
An electronic exchange system network includes a trader site having an automated trading system capable of submitting orders and/or quotes to an exchange site. The automated trading system determines whether an order or quote should be submitted based on, for example, the current market price of an option and theoretical buy and sell prices. The theoretical buy and sell prices are derived from, among other things, the current market price of the security underlying the option. The theoretical buy and sell prices are calculated when underlying factors that contribute to the theoretical prices change. Computation times of the theoretical prices may be reduced by using precalculated values and/or using interpolation and extrapolation. Other techniques may be used in addition or in the alternative to speed automatic decision-making. In addition, a system of checks may be conducted to ensure accurate and safe automated trading. The automated trading system may be capable of automatically submitting orders in connection with the underlying security in order to hedge part of the delta risk associated with the automated option trades.
US08732047B2 System and method for contract execution against expressive contracts
In a computer-implemented method of contract execution, data about contracts is stored in a computer storage accessible to a processor of a computer along with data about a procurement plan and data about a purchase request that includes information about a first quantity of at least one good or service. The processor determines a second quantity of the one good or service and a second contract against which to complete the purchase request based on the procurement plan, the data about the contracts, at least one purchase made against one of the contracts, a trigger condition and associated effect, and the quantity of at least one good or service. In response to the second contract and the second quantity being approved, the processor causes a purchase order for the second quantity of the one good or service to be placed to the supplier associated with the second contract.
US08732045B2 Instant credit card marketing system
According to some embodiments described in the disclosure, methods and systems are provided for offering a line of credit to a customer. In one example, information is generated about a customer arriving at a predetermined location of a sponsoring organization. An indication is obtained from a credit provider of a line of credit that has been established for the customer arriving at the predetermined location of the sponsoring organization, in which the customer has not solicited the line of credit. The sponsoring organization offers to the customer to activate the line of credit while the customer is at the predetermined location, and the line of credit is activated as part of a chargeable event at the predetermined location.
US08732044B2 Electronic transaction apparatus and method
One inventive step includes facilitating obtaining a payment file associated with a buyer (for example, directly from the buyer, or from a third party partner). The file includes data specifying a first form of payment from the buyer to a first biller and data specifying a second form of payment, different than the first form of payment, from the buyer to a second biller. Other inventive steps include facilitating appending first stored data to the data specifying the first form of payment to the first biller, to effectuate payment to the first biller by the first form of payment; and facilitating appending second stored data to the data specifying the second form of payment to the second biller, to effectuate payment to the second biller by the second form of payment.
US08732043B2 Charging diversification using a modified online charging indicator
A system is configured to receive an indication that a session, associated with a user device, is to be established; obtain a profile, associated with the user device, that identifies one or more services to which a user, of the user device, has subscribed; determine that a service, associated with the session, corresponds to one of the services, where the profile identifies one or more charging actions that correspond to the service; instruct a first device to initiate online charging, when the service corresponds to a first type of service; instruct a second device to initiate offline charging, when the service corresponds to a second type of service; and instruct a third device to not initiate online charging or offline charging when the service corresponds to a third type of service.
US08732035B2 Competitive sales environment in a virtual world
The invention provides a method, system, and program product for providing a competitive sales environment in a virtual world. In one embodiment, the invention comprises receiving a request for product or service information from a consumer avatar, querying a database of vendors based on the request for product or service information, identifying at least one vendor relevant to the request for product or service information, notifying the at least one vendor of the request, and making available to the consumer avatar a sales environment based on the request for product or service information.
US08732028B2 Scheduling of order processing for remotely ordered goods
A computer-implemented method for scheduling processing of an order for goods at a provider location obtains an arrival estimate for when a user associated with the order is expected to arrive at the provider location and uses the arrival estimate to schedule processing of the order. Processing may be scheduled so that completion of order processing is expected to substantially coincide with arrival of the user at the provider location. The method may also obtain an order completion estimate for when processing of the order is expected to be completed and use both the arrival estimate and the order completion estimate to schedule processing of the order. The method may update one or both of the arrival estimate and the order completion estimate. The method may be executed by a networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device of the user, or by a data processing system associated with the provider.
US08732021B2 Method and system for reducing consumption of addictive commodities
A method of controlling consumption of a commodity, particularly an addictive commodity, includes issuing a license, in advance of any purchase, to a purchaser of the commodity. The license allows purchase of a specified quantity of the commodity within a specified time period. The license is issued for a license fee that is set according to a schedule that divides the specified quantity into ranges, and charges different per unit base fees for purchases in different ones of those ranges. When a purchase is made, the license is checked to see if the purchase is allowed, and then updated to reflect the quantity purchased. Excessive consumption may be penalized by charging a higher rate for a new license in the same period, while surrender of one's license may be rewarded with incentives. The license fee may include the purchase price of the licensed quantity of the commodity.
US08732018B2 Real-time offers and dynamic price adjustments presented to mobile devices
The demand aggregation system includes deal room sponsored by a third party host. The third party host facilitates commercial transactions between a plurality of buyers and at least one seller. In exchange for sponsorship of such a deal room, the third party host can receive an incentive such as a percentage of sales, seller discount or the like. Furthermore, mechanisms are provided to aid discovery of sellers and/or offers that can be included in a group buying event for a buying group. The buying group receives a greater discount as the total purchase amount in the group buying event increases.
US08732013B2 System and method for tiered filtering of purchase transactions
A filtering module to process purchase transaction data received from a retailer POS is disclosed. Merchant information is used to filter purchase transactions by determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies an initiating purchaser for a reward. The retailer POS transmits purchase data from a merchant to a host, wherein the purchase data includes retailer data, transaction data and a retailer item identifier, and wherein the retailer item identifier enables the host to determine a manufacturer item identifier. The retailer POS then receives a determination that the merchant is a qualifying merchant when the purchase data corresponds to the loyalty program data and causes the host to issue loyalty awards based on the manufacturer item identifier and the loyalty program data.
US08732011B2 System for implementing a performance-based customer referral program
A system for implementing a performance-based customer referral program includes a referral tracking system capable of tracking referrals of users from participant sites to a retail site, and capable of determining whether such referrals result in purchases on the retail site. The tracked referral activity may, for example, be used to determine performance-based commissions to pay to the participants. The system may also include an enrollment system that partially or fully automates the task of enrolling new participants and their sites in the referral program. In addition, the system may include a report generation system that provides the participants with activity reports regarding the referral and purchase activity attributable to their sites.
US08732001B2 Apparatus and method for rewarding consumers
In order to reward a consumer for trying or learning about a product, the customer is given a unique identification number, preferably an unvalidated ATM readable card, and instructions for completing a test or survey by telephone or on the Internet. Upon successful completion of the test by the consumer, the identification number is validated so that the consumer may withdraw a cash reward from a temporary bank account funded when the identification number is validated via an ATM. Where the consumer is the patient of a physician, the patient may receive the number and card from the physician along with a prescription for redemption at a pharmacy whereat the pharmacy dispenses a supply of the drug to the patient and is paid by the manufacturer of the drug through the former's insurance payment processing system.
US08731999B2 Management system, and associated methods and apparatus, for providing improved visibility, quality control and audit capability for underground facility locate and/or marking operations
A holistic approach to management and oversight of locate and marking operations is provided. Initial requests to perform such operations are improved, and such requests are intelligently assessed to appropriately allocate resources to perform operations. Technicians are effectively dispatched and may be provided with process guides to facilitate performance. A host of information regarding the performance of locate operations and their environs is acquired (e.g., via improved intelligent instrumentation employed by technicians). A quality of operations (e.g., completeness, accuracy, efficiency) is assessed, corrective actions may be taken in essentially real-time as necessary, and information regarding operations and their quality assessments is archived for auditing purposes. Relevant information is communicated to one or more parties associated with the operations; in particular, requesting parties are apprised of the status of ongoing operations, and given confirmation that operations have been performed and are completed. Requesting parties and/or other interested parties (e.g., excavators, facility owners, locate contractors, municipalities, regulators, auditors, damage investigators, insurance companies, etc.) also may be provided with detailed information regarding the performance of operations and quality assessment of same.
US08731997B2 Capacity planning for user wait time
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining when installation of additional self-service financial transaction devices (SSFTDs) may be desired at a site to improve end-to-end user experience. The system may collect and store transaction-level data, session-level data, user wait time data, and/or other data, and use an enhanced SSFTD user wait time model to identify recommendations and other statistical outputs. The SSFTD may include hardware and software to assist in measuring and collecting various useful readings.
US08731990B1 System and method for managing transportation transactions
A system and method for managing transportation transactions according to which one or more vehicles such as, for example, airplanes, depart from a specific location such as, for example, an airline gate.
US08731977B1 System and method for analyzing and using vehicle historical data
A system and method for analyzing and using vehicle historical data is provided. The system and method may include obtaining vehicle history data from a vehicle history data system, and analyzing various vehicle variables to determine final factors associated with such vehicle variables. The vehicle variables may be categorized based on the age of the vehicle, the amount of time that has occurred since some event, or other time period. The final factors can be combined to score particular vehicles. Vehicle history scores can be used to evaluate risk associated with a particular vehicle, including use in underwriting and rating insurance policies, vehicle financing, or vehicle warranties.
US08731968B1 Panel diagnostic method and system including automated diagnostic analysis
A system and method is disclosed for automated analysis of an automated medical diagnostic process. The system is comprised of a computing device, storage, and diagnostic analysis module configured to observe an automated medical diagnostic process from an initial patient contact to a final result of the disease for which a diagnosis and treatment is desired. In operation, the system receives diagnosis input from a plurality of automated medical diagnostic processes, the treatment advice given to a patient during the period, and the final result of the disease. Based on these inputs, the system determines a level of accuracy of the automated medical diagnostic process for possible follow on use to improve such accuracy.
US08731967B2 Method for consolidating medical records through the world wide web
Medical records, clinical observations, and medical imagery are organized and aggregated into a common database, enabling the data to be viewed and/or updated by medical practitioners world-wide. The information may also be viewed and monitored by patients or their relatives for accuracy, also regardless of their location. The invention further allows the records to be updated by manually controlled or automated instrumentation which measures medical parameters whether located in a doctors office, in a hospital setting, in the patient's home, or worn by the patient. Common access and point-to-point data transmission is via the global grid, or over public access common data networks supporting TCP/IP, most often referred to as the Internet. The same approach can be using insider an organization over an internal network or Intranet.
US08731962B2 Process for linked healthcare and financial transaction initiation
Methods and systems for acquiring a pre-approval from a responsible party and receiving funds from a financial account related to the pre-approval in the healthcare field are described herein. A method for collecting payment from an individual for services rendered by a provider is disclosed. The method includes verifying an individual's eligibility for benefits, estimating an individual responsibility amount, acquiring authority from the individual for up to the individual responsibility amount on at least one financial account held by the individual, submitting one or more claims to one or more payer entities requesting compensation for the services rendered by the provider, deducting an amount from the at least one financial account held by the individual, and transferring the deducted amount to the provider.
US08731957B2 Mobile discrete data documentation
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for transferring data from a medical device to a patient's electronic medical record are provided. Initially, a medical device and a patient are identified, such as by scanning a barcode or searching in an electronically-searchable database. Once identified, the medical device and the patient area associated, and data from the medical device is acquired and sent to a form that allows a user to edit the data or add other information. The user may then indicate that the data is ready to be transmitted to the patient's electronic medical record. The medical device and the patient may now be disassociated. The disassociation may be implicit, so that it is not required that a user provide an indication that the patient and medical device are to be disassociated. Rather, the disassociation may occur upon transmittal of the data to the patient's EMR.
US08731955B2 Ultrasonographic device
A technology that prevents leak of patient data, which is personal information, stored in a storage medium without requiring labor is disclosed. According to the technology, when a command for bulk-deleting pieces of data stored in memories 4 to 7 is entered using an operating unit 1 (Step 1), the pieces of data stored in the memories are bulk-deleted (Step S2). When a hospital name, a language to be used, a time zone, preset data, or user-customized data registered in advance is changed, a device is judged to have been resold. The pieces of data stored in the memories are bulk-deleted (Step 2).
US08731949B2 Method and system for audio encoding and decoding and method for estimating noise level
The present invention relates to a method and system for audio encoding and decoding and a method for estimating a noise level, and the method for estimating a noise level in the present invention comprises: estimating a power spectrum of an audio signal to be encoded according to a frequency domain coefficient of the audio signal to be encoded; and estimating a noise level of a zero bit encoding subband audio signal according to the power spectrum obtained by calculating, and this noise level for controlling an energy proportion of noise filling to spectral band replication during decoding; wherein a zero bit encoding subband refers to an encoding subband of which allocated bit number is zero. The present invention can well reconstruct the uncoded frequency domain coefficients.
US08731948B2 Audio signal synthesizer for selectively performing different patching algorithms
An audio signal synthesizer generates a synthesis audio signal having a first frequency band and a second synthesized frequency band derived from the first frequency band and comprises a patch generator, a spectral converter, a raw signal processor and a combiner. The patch generator performs at least two different patching algorithms, each patching algorithm generating a raw signal. The patch generator is adapted to select one of the at least two different patching algorithms in response to a control information. The spectral converter converts the raw signal into a raw signal spectral representation. The raw signal processor processes the raw signal spectral representation in response to spectral domain spectral band replication parameters to obtain an adjusted raw signal spectral representation.
US08731936B2 Energy-efficient unobtrusive identification of a speaker
Functionality is described herein for recognizing speakers in an energy-efficient manner. The functionality employs a heterogeneous architecture that comprises at least a first processing unit and a second processing unit. The first processing unit handles a first set of audio processing tasks (associated with the detection of speech) while the second processing unit handles a second set of audio processing tasks (associated with the identification of speakers), where the first set of tasks consumes less power than the second set of tasks. The functionality also provides unobtrusive techniques for collecting audio segments for training purposes. The functionality also encompasses new applications which may be invoked in response to the recognition of speakers.
US08731933B2 Speech synthesis apparatus and method utilizing acquisition of at least two speech unit waveforms acquired from a continuous memory region by one access
A speech synthesizing apparatus includes a selector configured to select a plurality of speech units for synthesizing a speech of a phoneme sequence by referring to speech unit information stored in an information memory. Speech unit waveforms corresponding to the speech units are acquired from a plurality of speech unit waveforms stored in a waveform memory, and the speech is synthesized by utilizing the speech unit waveforms acquired. When acquiring the speech unit waveforms, at least two speech unit waveforms from a continuous region of the waveform memory are copied onto a buffer by one access, wherein a data quantity of the at least two speech unit waveforms is less than or equal to a size of the buffer.
US08731930B2 Contextual voice query dilation to improve spoken web searching
A method for contextual voice query dilation in a Spoken Web search includes determining a context in which a voice query is created, generating a set of multiple voice query terms based on the context and information derived by a speech recognizer component pertaining to the voice query, and processing the set of query terms with at least one dilation operator to produce a dilated set of queries. A method for performing a search on a voice query is also provided, including generating a set of multiple query terms based on information derived by a speech recognizer component processing a voice query, processing the set with multiple dilation operators to produce multiple dilated sub-sets of query terms, selecting at least one query term from each dilated sub-set to compose a query set, and performing a search on the query set.
US08731926B2 Spoken term detection apparatus, method, program, and storage medium
A spoken term detection apparatus includes: processing performed by a processor includes a feature extraction process extracting an acoustic feature from speech data accumulated in an accumulation part and storing an extracted acoustic feature in an acoustic feature storage, a first calculation process calculating a standard score from a similarity between an acoustic feature stored in the acoustic feature storage and an acoustic model stored in the acoustic model storage part, a second calculation process for comparing an acoustic model corresponding to an input keyword with the acoustic feature stored in the acoustic feature storage part to calculate a score of the keyword, and a retrieval process retrieving speech data including the keyword from speech data accumulated in the accumulation part based on the score of the keyword calculated by the second calculation process and the standard score stored in the standard score storage part.
US08731918B2 Method and apparatus for automatic correlation of multi-channel interactions
A method and apparatus for multi-channel categorization, comprising capturing a vocal interaction and a non-vocal interaction, using logging or capturing devices; retrieving a first word from the vocal interaction and a second word from the non-vocal interaction; assigning the vocal interaction into a first category using the first word; assigning the non-vocal interaction into a second category using the second word; and associating the first category and the second category into a multi-channel category, thus aggregating the vocal interaction and the non-vocal interaction.
US08731913B2 Scaled window overlap add for mixed signals
A method for overlap-adding signals useful for performing frame loss concealment (FLC) in an audio decoder as well as in other applications. The method uses a dynamic mix of windows to overlap two signals whose normalized cross-correlation may vary from zero to one. If the overlapping signals are decomposed into a correlated component and an uncorrelated component, they are overlap-added separately using the appropriate window, and then added together. If the overlapping signals are not decomposed, a weighted mix of windows is used. The mix is determined by a measure estimating the amount of cross-correlation between overlapping signals, or the relative amount of correlated to uncorrelated signals.
US08731909B2 Spectral smoothing device, encoding device, decoding device, communication terminal device, base station device, and spectral smoothing method
Disclosed is a spectral smoothing device with a structure whereby smoothing is performed after a nonlinear conversion has been performed for a spectrum calculated from an audio signal, and with which the amount of processing calculation is significantly reduced while maintaining excellent audio quality. With this spectral smoothing device, a sub band division unit (102) divides an input spectrum into multiple sub bands; a representative value calculation unit (103) calculates a representative value for each sub band using an arithmetic mean and a geometric mean; with respect to each representative value, a nonlinear conversion unit (104) performs a nonlinear conversion the characteristic of which is further emphasized as the value increases; and a smoothing unit (105) that smoothes the representative value which has undergone the nonlinear conversion for each sub band, at the frequency domain.
US08731897B2 Tape emulating disk based storage system and method with automatically resized emulated tape capacity
A data protection and storage system includes an array of disk drives for data storage. Data is received for storage on the disk drive via an interface that is configured to emulate a tape drive interface. A virtual tape data structure is created and stored on the disk drives. The allocated capacity of the virtual tape is dynamically and transparently alterable in response to data storage demand within the virtual tape.
US08731895B2 System and method for accessing and configuring field devices in a process control system
A system includes a client that presents a user interface to a user, where the user interface is associated with a field device in a process control system. The system also includes an interface component having (i) an emulator that emulates a device manager associated with at least the field device and (ii) a communication manager that communicates with the field device over a communication link using a specified protocol. The system further includes a server that provides a request to the emulator based on input from the user provided through the user interface, where the emulator provides the request to the communication manager for communication to the field device. The communication manager could include a communication DTM, and the emulator could emulate at least some functions of a device DTM. A device description (such as a DD/EDD file) could also be used to generate the user interface.
US08731889B2 Modeling hydraulic fracturing induced fracture networks as a dual porosity system
A method for calibrating fracture networks. The method includes estimating an average fracture width of a fracture network using one or more of net fracturing pressure, Poisson's ratio, shear modulus, and fracture height; determining microseismic event envelope and base intensity data using a three-dimensional geomodel including microseismic event data; and determining hydraulic fracturing treatment (HFT) fracture intensity of post-hydraulic fracturing treatment (post-HFT) based on the average fracture width and HFT volume data. The method further includes calibrating the base intensity data to the HFT fracture intensity to obtain calibrated HFT fracture intensity, determining a proppant transportation and distribution scenario, and generating a dual porosity reservoir model based on the calibrated HFT fracture intensity and the proppant transportation and distribution scenario.
US08731887B2 System and method for obtaining a model of data describing a physical structure
There is provided a system and method for obtaining a model of data describing a physical structure. An exemplary method comprises defining a three-dimensional (3D) object that corresponds to a physical structure. The 3D object comprises a set of topological elements that each has an initial geometric definition. The exemplary method also comprises creating a subsequent model of the data by updating a subset of the topological elements in the 3D object. Each updated element in the subset has a geometric definition that has changed relative to its initial geometric definition.
US08731883B2 Techniques for thermal modeling of data centers to improve energy efficiency
Techniques for modeling a data center are provided. In one aspect, a method for modeling a data center is provided. The method comprises the following steps. Spatially dense three-dimensional thermal distribution and air flow measurements made in the data center using a mobile off-line surveying system are obtained. A temperature and air flow model for the data center is created using the spatially dense three-dimensional thermal distribution and air flow measurements. The temperature and air flow model is used to make thermal distribution and air flow predictions of the data center. The thermal distribution and air flow predictions are compared with the thermal distribution and air flow measurements made using the mobile off-line surveying system to produce a validated model for the data center.
US08731870B2 Method of designing a composite panel
A method of designing a composite panel, the panel comprising a plurality of zones, each zone comprising a plurality of plies of composite material arranged in a stacking sequence, each ply in each stacking sequence having a respective orientation angle. For each orientation angle a first layout matrix is created which identifies zones in the panel which contain at least one ply with that orientation angle. A second layout matrix is also created which identifies zones in the panel which contain at least two plies with that orientation angle, and so on up to an Nth layout matrix which identifies zones in the panel which contain at least N plies with that orientation angle. The layout matrices are arranged in a plurality of candidate sequences. Selection criteria are then used to choose one or more of the candidate sequences and stacking sequences are assigned to the zones in accordance with the chosen candidate sequence(s).
US08731865B2 Mobile image capture system
A mobile image capture system, a system comprising: a sensing unit for attaching to a vehicle, the sensing unit having a camera constructed and arranged to view a participant on the vehicle, the camera capturing at least one image; and processing electronics for storing data representing the captured at least one image or for relaying data representing the captured at least one image to a computer or a network.
US08731863B2 Analyzing system, data processing apparatus, and storage medium
An analyzing system, data processing apparatus, and application program are provided that can display the measurement results and/or analysis results of a plurality of different types of measuring apparatuses on a user interface that is easily comprehended by the user. The data processing apparatus is capable of displaying on a screen the measurement results and analysis results of a plurality of measuring apparatuses that perform mutually different kinds of measurements of specimens. A plurality of measurement item group switching buttons are provided on the display screen, and specimen information tables that correspond to each measurement item can be displayed by a user clicking on the buttons.
US08731854B2 Utility meter with wireless pulse output
An arrangement for measuring electrical energy consumption includes an input circuit operable to generate a first signal representative of a line voltage waveform and a second signal representative of a line current waveform. The arrangement further includes a processing circuit operable to generate energy consumption data based on the first signal and the second signal. The processing circuit is further operable to generate a first pulse waveform having a plurality of output pulses based on the energy consumption data, each output pulse corresponding to a quantity of energy consumed. The arrangement further includes a wireless transmitter coupled to the processing circuit, the wireless transmitter configured to transmit an RF signal each time the first pulse waveform changes state. The arrangement also includes an external device positioned remote from the electrical utility meter, the external device including a receiver configured to receive the RF signal.
US08731849B2 Hydrostatic pressure testing system and method
A hydrostatic pressure testing system for hydrostatic pressure testing of pipe or other vessels. A control center may include a computer program that monitors, records, and controls the system during testing. A test fluid assembly may include a fill conduit capable of providing a test fluid to an inlet section of a vessel to be tested in response to a command from the computer program. A pressure-release safety assembly may have a vent conduit in fluid communication between an outlet section of the vessel and a safety valve. The safety valve may be in fluid communication with a bleed tank for storing an outlet flow of test fluid from the vessel. The safety valve is actuated to relieve fluid pressure in the vessel in response to a selective condition. A method of using the system to conduct hydrostatic pressure testing is also described.
US08731845B2 Method and a system for determining a target in a biological sample by image analysis
The present invention relates to methods for identifying and optionally quantifying stained cells in a cell or tissue sample and determining expression level of a target, as well as methods for determining staining intensity and/or staining quality of a stained sample, calibrating digital imaging apparatus using the methods, as well as systems and a computer readable mediums therefore. In particular the invention relates to a method for identifying stained targets in a sample and uses of said method, said method comprising providing at least one digital representation of the sample wherein the sample has been stained with a stain staining a target, and filtering the digital representation with at least three filters, each of said filters comprising filter constants), applying said filter constant(s) to each pixels in at least a subset of the digital representation and determining an eigensolution based on the filter output for each pixel in the subset, wherein said filters are capable of enhancing the stained targets obtaining a filtered representation, segmenting the digital representation based on information from the optionally normalized filtered representation into stained cell targets and background, optionally combining with the digital representation, thereby obtaining a segmented representation, wherein said segmented representation discriminates between stained targets and other structures in the digital representation, and from said segmented representation identifying the stained targets in the sample.
US08731835B2 System and method for trip plan crowdsourcing using automatic fare collection data
A method and system are disclosed for trip planning using crowdsourcing. Validation information from automatic ticketing validation systems is collected and used to generate validation sequences, which include an origin, destination, and boarding and alighting timestamps. A path is defined from the validation sequence as a sequence of origins and destinations on a transportation network. The frequency of the path occurring for all travelers on the network is determined, along with the duration of travel time on the path. An expected transfer time between pairs of stations on the network is calculated from the duration, the pairs of stations corresponding to an origin and a destination in the sequence. One or more paths between a pair of stations corresponding to a selected origin and destination are identified and a trip plan is generated using the identified paths which have the least determined transfer time and the highest frequency of occurrences.
US08731827B2 Method and apparatus for estimating path for indoor localization
When a user enters an indoor space, such as a building, where it is difficult to obtain absolute positioning information, probable indoor path information is estimated based on outer appearance information of the building that the user is presumed to have entered and the moving distance and moving direction of the user. Also, location information calculated according to an estimated navigation method is selectively corrected by using the estimated indoor path information.
US08731824B1 Navigation control for a touch screen user interface
A vehicle display system includes a display having a display screen which displays an image and provides a touch screen user interface. A controller of the display includes a touch detector which detects a number of fingers touched to a predetermined portion of the display screen, as well as a direction and distance of movement of the number of fingers away from the predetermined portion of the display screen. A navigation mode determiner of the controller determines a navigation mode based on the detected number of fingers. A navigation feature determiner of the controller determines a navigation direction and navigation rate based on the detected direction and distance the number of fingers is moved. An image navigation controller of the controller controls the display to navigate the image displayed on the display screen according to the determined navigation mode, navigation direction, and navigation rate.
US08731823B2 Advanced map information delivery, processing and updating
The illustrative embodiments include update determination programmed logic circuitry operable to determine that a map data tile stored in a vehicle database is in need of updating. The illustrative embodiments further include update qualification programmed logic circuitry operable to qualify the permissibility of an update. Also included in the illustrative embodiments is update provision programmed logic circuitry operable to, contingent on the qualifying, provide an updated version of the map data tile. The update determination, update qualification and update provision programmed logic circuitry are operable to repeat the determining, qualifying and providing for at least all tiles included in a route within a predetermined proximity of a vehicle's current location along the route.
US08731813B2 Method and system for identifying and defining geofences
The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved mapping and navigational system. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a system for defining and assigning geographical boundaries to points of interests on a graphical map, where the geographical boundaries preferably correlate to spatially defined boundaries of the respective points of interests. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the points of interest, along with the respective defined geographical boundaries, can be transferred from a personal computing device to a telecommunication device, such as a portable communication device, so as to be used for mapping purposes and to set off proximity alerts when the portable communication device, equipped with a GPS unit, enters or exits the geographical boundary of a particular point of interest.
US08731812B2 Vehicle-based automatic traffic conflict and collision avoidance
Systems and methods for providing vehicle-centric collision avoidance are disclosed. An example method includes determining a first flight trajectory for a first aircraft, determining a second flight trajectory for a second aircraft, determining a predicted first distance between the first aircraft and the second aircraft at a first closest point of approach based on the first and second flight trajectories, comparing the predicted first distance to a first separation perimeter layer, the first separation perimeter layer defining a first three-dimensional perimeter based on the first aircraft, determining a first adjustment having a first magnitude from the first flight trajectory when the predicted first distance is within a first perimeter, determining a second adjustment having a second magnitude from the first flight trajectory when the predicted first distance is within a second perimeter different from the first perimeter, and altering the first flight trajectory based on the first or second adjustment.
US08731804B2 Hydrogen detecting device and method, and internal combustion engine abnormality deciding device
A device, which detects information about a hydrogen concentration level, includes an air-fuel ratio sensor, an air-fuel ratio controller, and a detecting portion. The detecting portion calculates either a ratio of response periods or a difference between the response periods to detect the hydrogen concentration level. One of the response periods is a period from the time the air-fuel ratio controller switches the target air-fuel ratio from rich to lean to the time the air-fuel ratio sensor detects this. The other of the response periods is a period from the time the air-fuel ratio controller switches the target air-fuel ratio from lean to rich to the time the air-fuel ratio sensor detects this. This allows the decisions of a variation between cylinders and an exhaust purifying catalyst degradation.
US08731798B2 Temperature estimation apparatus for aeroplane gas turbine engine
In a temperature estimation apparatus for an aeroplane gas turbine engine, there are provided with a calculator that calculates a low-pressure turbine outlet temperature change (dEGT) based on low-pressure turbine rotational speed (N1) and ambient temperature (T1), a calculator that calculates a model outlet temperature (MODEL-EGTC) based on corrected high-pressure turbine rotational speed (N2C) and atmospheric pressure (P0) to calculate a model outlet temperature difference (dEGTC) by subtracting the calculated temperature (MODEL-EGTC) from a corrected low-pressure turbine outlet temperature (EGTC), a calculator that calculates a correction amount (dEGTad) relative to the model outlet temperature difference (dEGTC) based on the model outlet temperature difference (dEGTC) and low-pressure turbine rotational speed (N1), and a calculator that calculates an estimation value of the low-pressure turbine inlet temperature (ITT) based on the low-pressure turbine outlet temperature (EGT), etc., thereby enabling to estimate the inlet temperature of the low-pressure turbine.
US08731797B2 Employing fuel properties to auto-tune a gas turbine engine
A tuning process is provided for monitoring fuel properties of a fuel being consumed by a gas turbine (GT) engine, and for dynamically tuning the GT engine as a function of changes to the monitored fuel properties. Initially, readings are taken from the GT engine during a reference calibration, or commissioning, and utilized to calculate an initial-pressure-drop reference value. The tuning process during commercial operation takes post-calibration readings from the GT engine to calculate a fuel property parameter, which represents a heating value of the fuel. Specifically, the fuel property parameter is calculated by deriving a corrected-pressure-drop dynamic value as a function of pressure and temperature readings of the fuel at a point upstream of a combustor and pressure drops across fuel nozzles that introduce the fuel into the combustor, and solving a ratio of the dynamic value and the reference value.
US08731793B2 Clutch temperature estimation for a mobile machine
A mobile machine includes a propulsion system. The propulsion system may include a prime mover, a traction device, and a clutch operable to transmit power produced by the prime mover to the traction device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls operable to control the clutch. The propulsion-system controls may include at least one information processor configured to estimate a temperature of the clutch based at least in part on an estimated slippage of the clutch and a fluid temperature.
US08731789B2 Transmission fluid heating via heat exchange with engine cylinder walls
Various systems and method are provided for heating transmission fluid by directing the transmission fluid through a cylinder block of an engine. In one example, the transmission fluid is directed to flow through the cylinder block of the engine while engine coolant is directed to flow through the cylinder head of the engine. Further, the transmission fluid may be directed through one or more heat exchangers to cool the transmission fluid.
US08731788B2 System and method of speed-based downspeed coasting management
A velocity profile can be used in conjunction with vehicle operating condition data to determine a gear shift schedule that mitigates the amount of service brake effort required to slow a vehicle by making optimal use of engine speed, friction and engine brakes. The gear shift point drives the engine to a higher operating speed and greater frictional torque, slowing the vehicle, which can then coast to a desired speed. The gear shift point can be timed to minimize fuel consumption during the maneuver. Thus, a vehicle downshift event is created based on the transmission gear recommendation. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability.
US08731786B2 Industrial truck control system
The present invention relates to an industrial truck control system (10) for influencing the driving operation of an industrial truck (A, B) according to irregularities along the route to be traveled by the industrial truck (A, B), the system comprising a sensor device (14) for recording irregularities along the route in assignment to the position of irregularities concerned, a memory device (16) for storing the data recorded by the sensor device, and means (16) for influencing the driving operation of the industrial truck (A, B) in dependence on the respective position of the industrial truck (A, B) and according to the data of the sensor device (14) stored in the memory device (16).
US08731781B2 Dynamically-supported movable downforce-generating underbody in a motor vehicle
A downforce-generating device for improving motor vehicle control is described. The device includes a movable underbody with a suspension-mounted support system such that the movable underbody transfers downforce load to, and moves with, the wheels of the vehicle. The suspension-mounted support system is adapted to functionally or physically disengage the movable underbody from the suspension of the vehicle upon lifting the movable underbody with a separate retraction system. A height-adjustment system may be provided to precisely control the ride height and orientation of the movable underbody relative to the roadway during vehicle travel.
US08731780B2 Method for operating a mechatronic chassis device of a motor vehicle
A method for operating a mechatronic chassis device of a motor vehicle, wherein the mechatronic chassis device has an arrangement with two servomotors which, when activated, individually change both a toe angle (δ) of a wheel and a camber angle (ε) of the wheel. The servomotors are controlled on the basis of target values in a predetermined manner, wherein if a first servomotor cannot be placed into operation, an emergency program is started and the second servomotor is controlled in a manner different from the predetermined manner such that a lateral force on the wheel is adjusted to a predetermined desired value.
US08731778B2 Vehicle steering apparatus
An electronic control unit determines the steering direction of rear wheels on the basis of the turning operation direction of a steering wheel when a detected vehicle speed is “0”, i.e. when the vehicle is stopped. If the steering direction of the rear wheels is a return-side steering direction to obtain a neutral steering position, the unit operates a rear wheel-side steering mechanism by driving and controlling an electric motor, whereby allowing return-side stationary steering for the rear wheels.
US08731773B2 Power management within a vehicular communication network
Power management within a vehicle is achieved by maintaining individual and/or power island power saving options for each of a plurality of devices coupled to a vehicular communication network of the vehicle. Upon determining that power savings should be enabled for a device, at least one of the power saving options for the device is selected and applied.
US08731766B2 Process for updating the scheduling of a service stop for a machine
A process for updating the scheduling of a service stop for a machine includes determining, for at least one service operation, a service occurrence specification, monitoring the machine's usage severity, and setting an earliest occurrence point and a latest occurrence point for the service occurrence specification which are determined according to the machine usage severity monitored during a monitoring interval.
US08731762B1 Method and system of controlling a powertrain system to reduce turbo lag in a hybrid vehicle
A method of controlling a powertrain system includes determining a torque request; selecting feasible input torque and input speed operating points; calculating aggregate system power losses; determining turbo efficiency as a function of a difference between a feasible input torque rate of change and a desired input torque rate of change required to reach the desired output torque; summing the turbo efficiency to the aggregate system power losses to determine total system losses corresponding to feasible input torques and input speed capable of producing the desired output torque; determining a feasible input torque and input speed corresponding to a substantially minimum total system power loss; and selecting as a desired input speed and input torque that corresponds to the substantially minimum total system power loss.
US08731757B2 Control apparatus and control system
The present invention provides a control apparatus which includes a load predicting part configured to predict, based on current load information of an engine rpm controlling part, a load of the engine rpm controlling part at a time point which is a predetermined time ahead of the present time point, the engine rpm controlling part being configured to control an engine rpm; and an engine rpm reducing part configured to reduce the engine rpm if the load predicted by the load predicting part is greater than or equal to a first threshold.
US08731750B2 System for augmenting the coverage, information and robustness of automatic identification devices of ships
A system for augmenting the coverage, information and robustness of an automatic identification system of ships incorporates standard AIS-type means, satellite links, coastal stations and processing centers handling the coordination of the means (maximizing the coverage of the system in time) and the processing of the data (merging of different information to create extended context information). The system implements a scheduling algorithm for the resources mobilized, in order to optimise the coverage by ensuring a given level of redundancy for the purposes of reliability and responsiveness of the system.
US08731735B2 Method for selecting elements in a driver information system or in a navigation system or in a mobile terminal
A method for destination selection in a navigation system in which each destination from a totality of all destinations is defined by destination parameters and a set of possible destinations from the totality of all destinations is limited step-wise due to the input of individual characters for one parameter. When inputting the characters, a switch may be made from one destination parameter to an input of a character for another parameter.
US08731732B2 Methods and system to manage variability in production of renewable energy
Methods and systems to control loads coupled to an electric energy or power grid within corresponding ranges of load values in response to one or more factors, such as to manage variability in production of renewable energy. Loads may be controlled in response to an indication of balance between available power and loads and/or in response to new loads and/or grid disconnections, and may be controlled repeatedly over time to adjust a sum load in response to changes in one or more of balance between available power and loads, new loads, and grid disconnections. A load may be repeatedly adjusted over time to provide an electrical power requirement within a time frame while accommodating at least a portion of variations in the balance between available electric power and load.
US08731730B2 Electric vehicle clustered charge distribution and prioritization method, system and apparatus
A method, system, and apparatus include a clustered charge distribution and prioritized charge distribution system for electric vehicles (EVs). Distributed processing units (DPUs) receive member information about an EV or EV user. A power distribution manager (PDM) is coupled to each of the DPUs. The PDM includes a prioritizer. The prioritizer determines a prioritization for charging the EVs based on the member information received by each of the DPUs. A method includes providing clustered charge distribution and charge prioritization for electric vehicles. The method includes sensing whether power is requested by any one of a plurality of EVs within a cluster, generating individual EV-specific information for the EVs using the DPUs, transmitting the EV-specific information to the PDM, and selecting and applying a prioritization algorithm based at least in part on the transmitted information.
US08731727B2 Method for controlling a digital hydraulic controller
A digital hydraulic controller has a feed line, a drain line, an output line and a plurality of individually switchable on/off valves which selectively connect the feed line to the output line or which connect the output line to the drain line. A controlled quantity is detected which includes a pressure and/or a flow rate of a fluid in the output line. One of the valves is selected to be switched to control the amount and direction of fluid passing through the valve for controlling the controlled quantity to approach a target value. A test sequence is performed including calibration of the individual valves by alternately opening two of the valves, one of which connects the feed line to the output line and the other connects the output line to the drain line, and by calculating and setting calibration values for the individual valves.
US08731726B2 Method and device for regulating fluid pump pressures
A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.
US08731724B2 Automated fault detection and diagnostics in a building management system
Systems and methods for building automation system management are shown and described. The systems and methods relate to fault detection via abnormal energy monitoring and detection. The systems and methods also relate to control and fault detection methods for chillers. The systems and methods further relate to graphical user interfaces for use with fault detection features of a building automation system.
US08731723B2 HVAC controller having a parameter adjustment element with a qualitative indicator
An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user.
US08731722B2 Integrated simulation technology
Virtual material handling systems can be used to drive the operation of real material handling systems for purposes such as testing and validation of the components of the real material handling systems. The real material handling system, in turn, can provide data regarding system operation which may be fed back to the virtual material handling system to control its function.
US08731718B2 Dual sensing end effector with single sensor
Systems, methods, and computer programs are presented for an end effector with a dual optical sensor. One end effector includes an arm, a mapping sensor, and a load sensor. The arm has one end connected to a pivoting joint, and a light signal is routed around the arm through a single light path. The mapping sensor is used for identifying the presence of the wafer when the wafer is not loaded on the end effector. The load sensor is used for identifying presence of the wafer on the end effector when the wafer is loaded on the end effector. The load sensor is defined by a second segment in the single light path such that the wafer intersects the second segment and interferes with the single light path when the wafer is loaded. A control module determines if an interruption in the single light path corresponds to an interruption of the single light path in the mapping sensor or the load sensor. As a result, one single light sensor is used to sense for two different conditions in the end effector.
US08731716B2 Control logic for biomimetic joint actuators
A method of operating a biomimetic mechanical joint having a plurality of fractional actuators configured for rotating a support member about a pivot device. The fractional actuators can be selectively recruited during operation, either individually or together, to efficiently rotate the support member about the mechanical joint throughout a range of movements and under a variety of load conditions. Each fractional actuator can be continuously throttled to reduce the speed or torque at which the actuator operates. The capability of selectively recruiting and throttling each fractional actuator results in an actuator system having two degrees of freedom, in which a single operating state of the mechanical joint may be reached with one or more of actuator arrangements and throttling settings. The method of the present invention allows for selection from the available actuator arrangements and throttle settings according to predetermined operating modes such as high-efficiency, high-acceleration or general-purpose, etc.
US08731709B2 Sample processing apparatus and sample rack transporting method
A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of sample processing units, each processing a sample contained in a sample container; a transport apparatus that transports a sample rack holding a sample container to at least any one of the plurality of sample processing units; a rack feeding section that receives a sample rack and feeds the received sample rack to a transport line of the transport apparatus; and a controller configured to instruct the transport apparatus, according to a quantity of sample racks received by the rack feeding section, to transport a sample rack fed by the rack feeding section to either (a) a sample processing unit which can accept a subsequent sample rack more rapidly than any other sample processing unit or (b) a sample processing unit having a lower processing load than any other sample processing unit. Also, a sample rack transporting method.
US08731703B1 System for automated decoration
A system for automated decoration of an item comprising the steps of: installing print generating software on a computer with a memory (e.g. a server); linking an input system (e.g. a web site) to the computer; allowing a customer to select an item (customer selection), preferably a fabric item, via the input system; allowing the customer to specify a decoration (customer specification) for the item via the input system; generating a print image for the item from the customer selection and specification with the print generating software; and sending the print image from the computer to a printer, which is preferably a dye sublimation printer.
US08731698B2 Substrate receiving method and controller
A substrate receiving method in a substrate processing system includes: a processing process of transferring a plurality of unprocessed substrates accommodated in a first substrate storage container to a substrate processing chamber in sequence and performing a plasma process on the unprocessed substrates in the substrate processing chamber; a retreating process of retreating the plasma-processed substrates temporarily to a second substrate storage container by transferring the plasma-processed substrates to the second substrate storage container in sequence; a determining process of determining whether or not the last unprocessed substrate is unloaded from the first substrate storage container; and a re-accommodating process of transferring and re-accommodating the plurality of the processed substrates accommodated in the second substrate storage container into the first substrate storage container in sequence when a substrate decided as the last unprocessed substrate is unloaded in the determining process.
US08731697B2 Job assignment apparatus of automatic material-handling system and method thereof
A job assignment apparatus of an automatic material-handling apparatus to calculate an initial optimum solution based on a cost table configured by the job assignment, and to calculate a single optimum solution based on the cost table converted by statistical data. The Hungarian algorithm is stored in a tool storage unit to calculate the optimum solution. A statistical-data calculator calculates statistical data to convert costs of the initial cost table into other costs. The cost-table converter converts the costs of the initial cost table based on the calculated statistical data.
US08731694B2 Portable device with freefall detection or audio processing subsystem and freefall detection or audio processing method
In a class of embodiments, a method and apparatus for detecting freefall of a disk device (thereby predicting that the disk device will likely suffer imminent physical impact) and typically also preventing damage that a disk drive of the device would otherwise suffer if and when a predicted impact occurs. In some embodiments, a disk device includes a freefall detection processor and a CPU. The freefall detection processor is configured to monitor acceleration data to determine whether the disk device is in freefall and to perform at least one other operation (e.g., decoding of MP3-encoded audio data to generate decoded audio data) while the CPU performs at least one other task. Other embodiments pertain to a portable device including a digital audio processing subsystem and an accelerometer. The digital audio processing subsystem is configured to monitor acceleration data to identify any rhythm associated with motion of the portable device and to modify the playback of audio data in response to any such identified rhythm.
US08731684B2 Method and apparatus for aligning an ablation catheter and a temperature probe during an ablation procedure
Apparatus for aligning an ablation catheter and a temperature probe relatively for an ablation procedure includes an ablation catheter with a first antenna for ablating tissue at an ablation site in a patient's body and a temperature probe for placement in a body passage having a wall portion adjacent to the ablation site so that a second antenna in the probe is positioned opposite the first antenna. A microwave source provides a pulse modulated microwave signal to one of the antennas and a radiometer is in circuit with the other antenna. A synchronizing device in circuit with the microwave source and the radiometer enables the radiometer to synchronously detect the microwave signal so that the radiometer provides an alignment signal whose strength reflects the degree of alignment of the first and second antennas which signal may be used to control an alignment display. An alignment method using the apparatus is also disclosed.
US08731666B2 Minimizing hemodynamic compromise during post-MI remodeling control pacing
A method and device for delivering pre-excitation pacing to prevent or reduce cardiac remodeling following a myocardial infarction is described. The pre-excitation pacing is modulated in accordance with an assessment of cardiac function in order to balance the beneficial effects of stress reduction with hemodynamic compromise.
US08731664B2 Reduced diameter axial rotary pump for cardiac assist
The pump is of an axial flow rotary type suitable for implantation into the human heart or vascular system. The pump has an elongate tubular casing (1) including an electric motor (4) and defining an inlet (2) for blood, an outlet (3) for blood longitudinally spaced from the inlet and a substantially axial blood flow path (8) from the inlet to the outlet. An elongate rotatable element (7) is arranged to fit within the casing with spacing (15) between an outer surface of the rotatable element and an inner surface of the casing; the rotatable element comprises an electric motor rotor portion (10) arranged to be driven by the electric motor stator and a primary substantially axial blood flow path along the inside of the rotatable element. A rotary impeller (11) is provided axially spaced from the rotor portion for impelling blood along the primary flow path.
US08731661B2 Refractory period management based on detection of an evoked response
Various approaches are described for managing refractory periods based on the detection of an evoked response. The heart is paced and an evoked response is detected. At least one refractory period is adapted based on the detected evoked response. Adapting the refractory period may involve, for example, initiating a refractory period, terminating a refractory period, extending a refractory period or modifying one or more parameters of the refractory period. Adapting the refractory period may involve modifying a sensing threshold based on the detected evoked response. The sensing threshold of an atrial sensing channel may be adjusted, for example, to avoid sensing a ventricular evoked response on the atrial channel while allowing sensing of a P-wave on the atrial channel.
US08731658B2 System and method for using diagnostic pulses in connection with defibrillation therapy
An external defibrillator system is disclosed that generates and applies a diagnostic signal to the patient in conjunction with defibrillation therapy. The diagnostic signal is designed to elicit a physiologic response from the patient's heart, namely, mechanical cardiac response and electrical cardiac response, electrical cardiac response only, or no cardiac response. Depending upon the type of cardiac response detected, the system selects an appropriate resuscitation protocol that considers the likely responsiveness of the patient to defibrillation therapy. In one practical embodiment, a stimulus signal is applied to patients that show mechanical and electrical capture in response to the diagnostic signal. The stimulus signal maintains the mechanical capture (and, therefore, perfusion) for a period of time prior to the delivery of a defibrillation pulse.
US08731657B1 Multi-mode microcurrent stimulus system with safety circuitry and related methods
A microcurrent stimulation device with a power supply, two or more electrodes electronically coupled to the power supply, a microcontroller configured to generate an electromagnetic waveform, an impedance measurement module configured to measure electrical impedance of one or more biological tissues between the two or more electrodes. A first safety circuit monitors electric current flow through one or more components of the microcurrent stimulation device and interrupts electric current flow if the electric current flow through the one or more components is above a predetermined level. A second safety circuit interrupts electric current flow through the one or more components if a firmware failure occurs.
US08731651B2 Regulating uterine muscular activity
A method and system for regulating uterine muscular activity including measuring uterine contraction with an electrical uterine monitor (EUM), and using sensed measurements of the uterine contraction to regulate uterine muscular activity by comparing the sensed measurements to a desired level, wherein the difference between sensed and desired level is used to calculate the level of either manual or automatic application of drugs or electrical signals.
US08731644B2 ECG device with impulse and channel switching ADC noise filter and error corrector for derived leads
The present invention provides a device and method for filtering impulsive noise and channel switching noise at ADC in an ECG device with multiplexed ESCs. The filtering is based on an implementation of Burst Sampling technique also a method for correcting errors in derived leads caused by time delays due to sequential sampling of different ECG signals is also provided. Real time digital FIR filters are used for removing other types of noise in ECG signals. The ECG device is compact and light weight and includes features of self calibration, clip detection and drawing of power from USB port of a PC, batteries or an external power source. The ECG monitoring device of the present invention measures real time ECG signals with automated data recording, data storage and retrieval, data transmission/transfer to an external system, along with parameter extraction for ECG analysis in an efficient manner for quick and reliable ECG measurement, in an extremely cost effective manner.
US08731634B2 Medical imaging system and patient positioning system including a movable transport belt
A medical imaging system for imaging a region of interest (ROI) in a patient. The imaging system includes an imaging modality unit having a field of view (FOV) and an examination platform. The examination platform has a pair of opposite ends and a platform surface extending therebetween along an examination axis. The platform surface extends into the FOV. The imaging system also includes a patient transport belt that is supported by the examination platform and extends along the platform surface between the ends of the examination platform. The imaging system also includes a motor that is operatively coupled to and configured to move the transport belt along the platform surface in a direction along the examination axis. The motor moves the transport belt so that a predetermined portion of the transport belt is within the FOV.
US08731631B2 Systems and methods for making and using medical ablation systems having mapping catheters with improved anchoring ability
A mapping catheter includes an elongated body for inserting into patient vasculature. A distal end of the elongated body includes a distal portion that includes a plurality of electrodes, a proximal portion disposed proximal to the distal portion, and a reduced-dimension portion disposed between the proximal and distal portions. The distal end is formed, at least in part, from a memory shape material that bends into a preformed shape upon release from a confined space. The preformed shape includes a first loop formed, at least in part, by the distal portion. The first loop is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The reduced-dimension portion is configured and arranged to bend such that the reduced-dimension section advances distally through the first loop when the first loop is held in a fixed position and a force is applied distally along the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion.
US08731624B2 Electronic device for accessing wireless network and method for saving resources for the device
An electronic device for accessing wireless network includes a radio frequency (RF) module, a power supply management unit, a CPU and a data transmission interface. The RF module receives electromagnetic wave signal from networks and transmits electromagnetic wave signals to the networks. The data transmission interface transmits the electromagnetic wave signals from the RF module to the CPU, and transmits data and commands between the RF module and the CPU. When the electronic device does not communicate with a remote server on the networks during a predetermined time period, the CPU suspends the data transmission interface. A related method of saving resource is also provided.
US08731621B2 Method for executing application during call and mobile terminal supporting the same
A method and a mobile terminal for executing application during a call and a mobile terminal supporting the same are provided. The method for executing application during a call includes determining whether an orientation state of a mobile terminal is changed after forming a call channel and when the orientation state of the mobile terminal is determined to be changed, executing a preset application. The method and mobile terminal for executing an application during a call can momentarily execute a specific application when desired by the user.
US08731620B2 System and method for providing a call notification on a communication device
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system, method, and computer program product for providing a notification of an incoming call on a communication device. For example, in one embodiment, a communication device is disclosed comprising one or more displays covering two or more surfaces of the communication device. In certain embodiments, a first image is displayed on two or more displays in response to receiving an incoming call for providing a visible indicator for alerting a user of an incoming call. Still, in some embodiments, the first image is a current profile image of a caller retrieved from a network device associated with a social networking website.
US08731619B2 Method and apparatus for displaying an image of a device based on radio waves
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program in which information can be reliably exchanged when performing wireless communication by allowing a user to know a communication distance at which devices can be connected. For example, a communication unit 28 performs Bluetooth communication with a communication unit, which serves as a Bluetooth module, provided for a cellular telephone; a CPU 21 displays an image corresponding to the cellular telephone based on the input level of Bluetooth radio waves transmitted from the cellular telephone; the CPU 21 calculates the display position of the image to be displayed based on the data indicating the input level of the radio waves. The present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus, for example, a personal computer, PDA, or a cellular telephone.
US08731608B2 Communication method and apparatus of dual standby mode terminal
A communication method and apparatus of a dual standby mode mobile terminal for improving the emission performance are provided. The mobile terminal includes a master switch for connecting a master antenna to a master Radio Frequency (RF) unit for communication with a first network, a slave switch for connecting a slave antenna to a slave RF unit for communication with a second network, a slave control unit for controlling communication with the second network and for detecting attachment of a slave Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), and a master control unit for controlling communication with the first network, for detecting attachment of a master SIM, and for controlling the master and slave switches to establish/release either the connection between the master antenna and the master RF unit or the connection between the slave antenna and the slave RF unit.
US08731607B2 Mobile communication device with subscriber identity module
In one embodiment, a method of directing calls on a mobile communication device comprises receiving a call at the mobile communication device; determining that the received call is directed to subscriber identity information associated with a short-range enabled communication device; selecting on which of the mobile communication device and the short-range enabled device to answer the call; and directing the call to the selected device.
US08731606B2 Communication system, mobile station device, connection destination evaluating method, connection destination evaluating program, and base station device
A priority storing unit (b117) stores, for each of frequency bands predetermined, a priority for accessing a base station device using associated one of the frequency bands. A service type determining unit (b114) chooses, based on identification information received from the at least one first base station device, which of the first and second services to receive from each of the at least one first base station device. A priority determining unit (b116) determines, based on a type of a connection service chosen by the service type determining unit (b114), a priority for each of the frequency bands which is used by the at least one first base station device, and to update the priority stored by the priority storing unit (b117) based on the priority determined. A selection evaluator (b119) selects a base station device to access, based on the priority updated by the priority determining unit (b116) and a reception level of a reception signal for each of the frequency bands which is received from each of the base station devices.
US08731597B1 Method and system of transmitting power control commands
A power control command (PCC) transmission scheme is disclosed. In one embodiment, the PCC transmission scheme may involve an access network engaging in a respective existing communication session with each of a plurality of existing access terminals and sending a respective existing series of power control commands (PCCs) directed to a respective existing access terminal according to a respective existing time schedule. The transmission scheme may further involve the access network deciding to initiate a new communication session with a new access terminal and, in response to the deciding, assigning a new time schedule for sending a new series of PCCs directed to the new access terminal that differs from at least one respective existing time schedule. The transmission scheme may further involve engaging in the new communication session with the new access terminal and sending the new series of PCCs according to the new time schedule.
US08731596B2 LTE-A system and uplink power control method thereof
An LTE-A system and power control method for controlling cell interference based on codeword-specific transmission power adjustment with a transmission power control offset parameter. The method includes transmitting a parameter KS signaled by a higher layer and codeword-specific power control parameters from a base station to a terminal; calculating gains at the terminal, using the codeword-specific power control parameters and the parameter KS; calculating, at the terminal, codeword-specific transmit powers according to the gains; and transmitting, from the terminal to the base station, at least two codewords at the codeword-specific transmit powers.
US08731587B2 Method for transmitting messages in a telecommunications network
A method is provided for transmitting messages, for example, in a telecommunications network, in which a first message service and a second message service are available. Dedicated messages of the first message service are sent using messages of the second message service. An exemplary method according to the present invention may permit an optimized transmission scheme to be maintained for the dedicated messages of the first message service.
US08731580B2 System and method for terminal location
A terminal positioning system and terminal positioning method are provided. The system includes: a first distance acquiring module acquiring a first distance between a first base station and a terminal located in an overlapped coverage area of the first base station and a second base station according to first time offset information of the terminal; a second distance acquiring module acquiring a second distance between the second base station and the terminal according to second time offset information; an angle acquiring module acquiring a first signal arrival angle of the terminal relative to the first base station and a second signal arrival angle of the terminal relative to the second base station; a first positioning module obtaining an initial location of the terminal according to the first and second signal arrival angles, and a second positioning module determining the accurate location of the terminal.
US08731569B2 Cell phone extension using wireless piconet
In accordance with the principles of the present invention utilizing the BLUETOOTH specification Cordless Telephony profile, incoming calls to a cell phone including a Gateway role can be routed to another piconet device (e.g., another cell phone including a Terminal role. Two cell phones with BLUETOOTH capability each include the Cordless Telephony Profile. The cell phone receiving the call acts as a PSTN cordless telephone Gateway cell phone via the cellular network, while the other cell phone acts as a cordless telephone Terminal cell phone. The cordless telephone Terminal cell phone then acts as an extension to the Gateway cell phone allowing both calls to the Gateway cell phone to be answered at the Terminal cell phone, and even allowing calls by the Gateway cell phone to be originated by the Terminal cell phone.
US08731568B1 Device for managing coexistence communication using an interference mediation strategy
Aspects of the disclosure provide a device for managing wireless communication. The device can include an interface module coupled to at least a first wireless device. The first wireless device can communicate with a second wireless device using a first radio frequency (RF) signal that potentially interferes at least a second RF signal communicating between a third wireless device and a fourth wireless device. Further, the device can include a coexistence communication manager (CCM) configured to instruct at least the first wireless device to change at least the first RF signal according to an interference mitigation strategy that is determined based on status profiles of at least the first wireless device when the first RF signal interferes with at least the second RF signal.
US08731550B2 Method and apparatus for providing enhanced interference management at restricted access points
Methods and apparatuses are provided that facilitate providing access point measurements to restricted access points. Restricted access points can lessen restrictions to allow devices to register with the restricted access point for providing measurements thereto. Additionally or alternatively, access point measurements can be provided to a minimization of drive tests (MDT) server for providing to the restricted access points. Thus, restricted access points can obtain the access point measurements for performing enhanced interference management or other functionality based at least in part on the measurements.
US08731546B2 Architecture optimized for application data sharing within a mobile communications device
The present disclosure discloses a mobile communication device comprising a local common address database object accessible to at least one application; a communication subsystem for communicating with a network; and a database querying logic module. The database querying logic module, in conjunction with the at least one application, is operable to receive a query relating to an address record; determine that no record in a local common database disposed on the mobile communications device meets the conditions of the received query; query, via the network, a remote database for at least one remote matching record meeting the conditions of the received query; receive, via the network, the at least one remote matching record; and update the local common address database object to incorporate the at least one remote matching record.
US08731540B1 Communication device
The communication device comprising a multiple function implementer, wherein the multiple function implementer implements a voice communication function, a digital mirror function, a non-digital mirror function, and an email function.
US08731535B2 Group communication sessions in a wireless communications system
In an embodiment, an access terminal (AT), requests a non-exclusive floor (NEF) for a group communication session (GCS) in response to a detection that a user of the AT intends to speak to an associated communication group (CG). In another embodiment, the AT later requests that its NEF for the GCS be revoked in response to a detection that the user of the AT no longer intends to speak to the CG. In another embodiment, another AT holds a NEF for the GCS, and a user of the AT decides to revoke the other AT's NEF such that the AT sends a floor-revocation request to an application server (AS) that is arbitrating the GCS. In another embodiment, the AS grants NEFs to multiple ATs, selectively mixes media received from the ATs for transmission to the CG, and selectively revokes NEFs from one or more of the multiple ATs.
US08731530B1 In-vehicle driver cell phone detector
System and method for monitoring emissions from a cell phone in a vehicle having a driver side and a passenger side. A first directional antennas is aimed toward the passenger side, a second directional antennas is aimed toward a location in which a head of a driver would be situated when a driver is situated on the driver side, and a third directional antenna is aimed toward a location below the location at which the second antennas is aimed on the driver side. A receiver is associated with each antenna and includes at least one amplifier and a rectifier module that converting radio frequency signals to direct current signals. A microprocessor processes the direct current signals received and determines based thereon which antenna provides a strongest signal, which can be correlated to a most likely location of a cell phone being used by an occupant in the vehicle.
US08731525B2 Single button contact request and response
A system and a method are disclosed for sharing contact information between two mobile phones. A user of a first mobile phone can select contact information stored in the mobile phone to be shared with a second mobile phone while having live phone call with a caller of the second mobile phone. The first mobile phone transmits the contact information to the second mobile phone using a voice channel of the phone call while the phone call is established. For example, the first mobile phone may convert the contact information into an audio signal and send the audio signal to the second mobile phone while the phone call is established. The second mobile phone receives the contact information and provides a user interface such that a caller can call a phone number in the contact information with a single button press.
US08731524B2 Cellular device management
A server device of a communication system provides a web interface to allow a user to modify user interface settings and contact information. The server device communicates the modified settings and contact information to the mobile communication device via a wireless communication network. The user interface settings can be communicated to the mobile communication device via the same wireless communication network that carries voice data. The user interface of the mobile communication device, as well as the stored contact information, can be updated without requiring the user to connect the device to a computer.
US08731513B2 System and method for delivering mobile wireless broadcast messages in designated languages
A mobile wireless system and method are described for distributing emergency alert messages to mobile wireless devices in multiple languages. The emergency alert system receives an alert message including a geographic area identification, and a text alert. The emergency alert system renders one or more translations of the text alert from the text alert. The one or more translated versions of the text alert are provided in particular foreign languages based upon designated foreign languages corresponding to the geographic area identification. The emergency alert system transmits the text alert and one or more translated text alerts commercial mobile wireless service provider networks for broadcasting the text alert and the translated text alert(s) via mobile wireless transmitters having a coverage area falling within a region corresponding to the geographic area identification.
US08731512B2 System and method for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient
A system for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient; the system including: (a) at least one sensor unit situated proximately with the patient; the at least one sensor unit sensing and indicating at least one aspect of a personal context of the patient; (b) at least one long-range communication unit configured for wireless communication with a remote patient care monitoring facility via a wireless communication network; and (c) at least one short-range communication unit communicatingly coupled with the at least one sensor unit and with the at least one long-range communication unit; the at least one short-range communication unit and the at least one long-range communication unit cooperating to convey information from the at least one sensor unit to the remote patient care monitoring facility regarding the personal context of the patient.
US08731511B2 Method and related communication device for transmission and reception of natural disaster warning notification message in a wireless communication system
A method of handling notification message transmission corresponding to a message content change for a network of a wireless natural disaster warning communication system includes modifying content of transmission information corresponding to the notification message transmission when content of a notification message is changed.
US08731510B2 Method for transmitting urgent alert messages to sets of mobile terminals located in cells of a radio communication network, and related radio network controller
The invention concerns a radio network controller (BSCI), for a radio access communication network, comprising processing means (MT), upon receiving from an alarm center (CA) a message of a first SMS-CB type associated with a selected class of alarm of a selected level, containing an alarm text message addressed to mobile terminals (T) located in at least one selected cell controlled thereby, for interrupting transmission to the mobile terminals, located in each selected cell, of any message of SMS-CB type associated with a class of level lower than that of the selected alarm class, and optionally all other communication of said terminals (for example, telephone calls thereof), so that the first message may be broadcast to the mobile terminals which are located in each selected cell controlled thereby and so that some at least of said mobile terminals should transmit an alarm signal (for example radio) and display the alarm text message contained in the first message.
US08731499B2 On-chip power management for a mobile communication device and method for use therewith
A voice data and RF integrated circuit (IC) includes a memory module that stores a least one application as a plurality of operational instructions, the at least one application having a plurality of power modes that each correspond to one of a plurality of use characteristics. A processing module executes the plurality of operational instructions and that determines a selected one of the plurality of power modes based on current use characteristics of the at least one application, and generates a power mode signal based on the selected one of the plurality of power modes. An on-chip power management circuit receives the power mode signal and that generates a plurality of power supply signals based on the power mode signal.
US08731496B2 Power amplifier power controller
A power amplifier power controller in the power amplifier system monitors various operating conditions of the power amplifier, and controls the output transmit power of the power amplifier by coordinated control of both the input drive level to the power amplifier and the gain of the power amplifier. The power amplifier power controller controls the input drive level to the power amplifier so that the input drive level does not change substantially while adjusting the gain of the power amplifier to maximize the transmit power. The power amplifier power controller may also adjust the input drive level by some portion of the overall change required to the power of the power amplifier, while adjusting the gain of the power amplifier by the remaining portion of such overall change.
US08731490B2 Methods and circuits for detuning a filter and matching network at the output of a power amplifier
In transmitter modules or power amplifier (PA) modules there is at least a possible path for a second and even a third harmonic of a low band to crossover unfiltered into the high band path and reach the antenna and hence cross band isolation is necessary. Forward isolation is necessary in order to limit the input crossing over the PAs into the antenna port. According to the methods and the circuits such cross band isolation and forward isolation is improved by detuning the filter and matching network at the output of the PA. The circuit comprises a trap at the harmonic frequencies of the low band thereby at least reducing the impacts of the cross band and forward isolation.
US08731484B2 Mitigating interference in a communication network
Aspects relate to mitigating interference in a communication network that does not employ a centralized scheduler. A transmission sent on a subset of resources is evaluated to determine a number of communication pairs that have selected that subset of resources on which to transmit. If there are a large number of communication pairs transmitting on that subset, the transmission is ignored by a receiving device. The number of degrees of freedom that contain energy on the subset is evaluated to determine if an expected number of degrees of freedom that should have energy is met or exceeded. If the expected threshold number is met or exceed, the transmission is decoded by the receiving device, else the transmission is not decoded.
US08731472B2 Portable mobile apparatus providing supplementary service for user and method thereof
The prevent invention relates to a portable mobile apparatus for a user for providing a supplementary service and a method for providing a supplementary service by using the same, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for providing supplementary enhanced services by using an application run in a portable mobile terminal when the portable mobile terminal such as a cellular phone or a smart phone is used for a service through short-range RF communication. The present invention can provide a variety of supplementary services to the user by using an operation function included in the application in the mobile terminal when performing the services through the short-range RF communication. Specifically, it is possible to automate the supplementary function or provide convenience to the user and interact with the user.
US08731471B2 Communication system and method, information processing terminal and method, and information processing device and method
The present invention relates to a communication system and method, an information processing terminal and method, and an information processing device and method which enable simple and secure restricted access. When a PDA 11 is brought close, a reader 2 of a personal computer 1 reads a device ID form an IC tag 12. The personal computer 1 registers device IDs on a connection permission list, and permits only devices registered on the list to connect. When being instructed to perform accessing, the PDA 11 controls a communication unit to access the personal computer 1 and to transmits its device ID. The personal computer 1 determines whether or not the transmitted ID is registered on the connection permission list, and permits the connection when determining that the ID is registered. The present invention can be applied to various information processing devices such as a personal computer and a PDA.
US08731469B2 Data receiving apparatus, data transmitting apparatus, method for controlling the same and program
The present invention enables a data obtaining apparatus to select data to be transferred without maintaining a communication connection through close-proximity wireless communication. Accordingly, when a digital camera is communicatively connected to an external device through close-proximity wireless communication, a central processor of the digital camera obtains, from the external device, index information indicating a list of data stored in the external device. Next, the central processor terminates the communication connection to the external device and receives a designation of data to be transferred via an operation unit based on the index information. After having designated data to be transferred, an image processing unit of the digital camera obtains designated data from the external device when the camera is communicatively reconnected to the external device through close-proximity wireless communication.
US08731467B2 Playing control method, system and device for Bluetooth media
This present invention discloses a method, system and device for a play control of a Bluetooth media. The method includes: sending a JumpTo media play control command to a Bluetooth play device through an extended protocol message by a Bluetooth control device; performing the play control on a played media according to the JumpTo media play control command by the Bluetooth play device. In the present invention, the extension is performed on the protocol reserved manufacturer custom field, which enables the Bluetooth control device to send the extended media play control command in the protocol architecture to the Bluetooth play device, thereby implementing the accurate locating play control for a played media file.
US08731465B2 Enhanced near field communication terminal, smart card and communication method thereof
The present invention discloses a smart card communication method, a smart card, and an enhanced near field communication NFC terminal. The method is used for communication between the smart card and an NFC contactless front-end chip; when installing a contactless payment application, the smart card records a communication standard adopted by a contactless payment system corresponding to the contactless payment application, wherein the communication standard is identified by identification information provided by the contactless payment application; it further comprises: for each card application gate, the smart card judges whether a contactless payment application corresponding to the card application gate exists based on the identification information; if yes, creating a pipe between the card application gate and a corresponding card RF gate in the NFC contactless front-end chip.
US08731464B2 Apparatus and method for minimizing amplifier oscillation in an antenna system
Embodiments of an apparatus for minimizing oscillation of an amplifier in an antenna system are provided. These embodiments can comprise passive circuitry in the form of a coupling simulator that includes passive elements selected and combined to generate an output with properties that can cancel or substantially reduce a coupled input as between two antennas in the antenna system. In one example, the coupling simulator may include a phase-shifting device and an attenuating device, each of which have properties with values selected based on parameters that result from the relationship between the antennas of the antenna system.
US08731455B2 Computer-implemented method for facilitating creation of an advanced digital communications network, and terminal, system and computer-readable medium for the same
A method for facilitating the creation of a digital communications network by collaborative interaction among users at computer interfaces, the method comprising, at a terminal in a digital communications network: receiving question data; collecting answer data, collaboration data, and selection data relating to the terminal; transmitting the collected answer data to at least one first remote terminal; receiving answer data from the at least one first remote terminal responsive to identical question data as the received question data; receiving collaborative data from the first remote terminal; one or more of storing and displaying the question data and responsive answer data; and displaying answer data from the at least one first remote terminal in accordance with whether the at least one first remote terminal is assigned to a same predetermined first-tier group as the terminal in an answer data driven device hierarchy. A terminal, system and computer-readable medium are also disclosed.
US08731453B2 Image forming apparatus that controls speed of media conveyed to a transfer unit
An image forming apparatus includes: an intermediate transfer member onto which a image is primarily transferred from an image forming unit; a transfer unit to secondarily transfer the image from the intermediate transfer member to a media at a secondary-transfer position; a conveying unit configured to convey the media to the secondary-transfer position; and a conveying speed controller to control a speed of conveying the media. The conveying unit includes a first detector and a second detector downstream the first detector and upstream the secondary-transfer position. Based on a detection of the media by the first detector and a timing at which the image forming unit forms the image, the conveying speed controller changes the conveying speed until the second detector detects the media and changes, after the second detector detects the media, the conveying speed to a speed substantially the same as the intermediate transfer member speed.
US08731452B2 Bionanocomposite fuser topcoats comprising nanosized cellulosic particles
Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for a fuser member used in electrophotographic devices, wherein the fuser member can include an outermost layer containing a plurality of nanosized cellulosic particles dispersed in and/or bonded to a fluoropolymer matrix.
US08731449B2 Image forming apparatus with urging member with projected portion to urge sheet against transfer belt
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member on which a toner image is to be formed; a transfer device for transferring the toner image carried on the image bearing member; and a rotationally movable endless transfer belt onto which the toner image is to be transferred or on which a transfer material onto which the toner image is to be transferred is to be conveyed. The transfer device includes a sheet member contacted to an inner peripheral surface of the transfer belt while being supported by a supporting member at an end thereof and includes an urging member for urging the sheet member against the transfer belt in contact to the sheet member. The urging member includes a projected portion projected toward the transfer belt at its downstream end portion more than at its upstream end portion with respect to a movement direction of the transfer belt.
US08731440B2 Corona charger including shutter
A charging device includes a corona charger, provided with an opening opposing a photosensitive member, for electrically charging the photosensitive member; a sheet-like member provided so that the sheet-like member can cover the opening; a movable device for moving the sheet-like member; and a regulating device for regulating a shape of the sheet-like member so that a central portion of the sheet-like member protrudes toward the corona charger with respect to a circumferential direction of the photosensitive member.
US08731437B2 Focus adjusting apparatus and focus adjusting method
There are provided a focus adjusting apparatus and method in which a look of an image plane can be improved when an object area to be focused in the image plane is judged and focused prior to image-taking preparation operation. A first operation for determining the object area to be focused is performed prior to the image-taking preparation operation, and a second operation for performing the focus adjusting operation is performed at the time of the image-taking preparation operation.
US08731435B2 Process cartridge for an imaging device
A cartridge that can be detachably installed within an imaging device, which includes a cartridge casing, a photosensitive drum driving assembly located on the casing, and a control mechanism for controlling extension and retraction of a force receiving head in the photosensitive drum driving assembly. The control mechanism includes a control rod, which can rotate around a pivot on the cartridge casing, and a elastic means mounted on the control rod. The cartridge of the invention uses a control mechanism to control extension and retraction of the force receiving head in the photosensitive drum driving assembly, and as a result when the cartridge is removed of the imaging device, the force receiving head does not become stuck by a driving head of the imaging device.
US08731426B2 Information input apparatus and image forming apparatus
An information input apparatus is constituted of an operation panel that inputs various types of information and an operation panel board that controls the operation panel. The operation panel includes an LCD that is the displaying unit that displays the information input screen for inputting various types of information, and a touch panel that is the input instructing unit that executes an input instruction from an input region (virtual keys) provided on the information input screen. The LCD displays on the virtual keys information different from information previously assigned to the virtual keys on the information input screen.
US08731416B2 Electronic device, malfunction determining method, and computer program product
An electronic device including a first motor, the electronic device including: a first movable body that is driven to move by the first motor; a detecting unit that detects a signal according to rotation of the first motor or movement of the first movable body; an analyzing unit that performs frequency analysis of the signal and generates an analysis result with respect to each frequency; and a determining unit that determines presence or absence of malfunction of the first motor or the first movable body based on an analysis result of a first frequency preset with respect to the first motor or the first movable body out of frequencies, and determines presence or absence of malfunction of a part other than the first motor and the first movable body on the basis of an analysis result of a second frequency preset with respect to the part out of the frequencies.
US08731413B1 DAC-based optical modulator and demodulator
Methods, systems, and devices are described for modulating and demodulating data on optical signals. During modulation, at least one stream of symbol mapped bits is filtered with at least one pulse shaping filter to reduce a bandwidth of the stream of bits and to pre-compensate for at least one identified non-ideal transmission condition. The filtered bits are modulated onto a waveform in the digital domain, and the modulated filtered bits are transmitted to digital-to-analog converter. The output of the digital-to-analog converter is converted to an optical signal. During demodulation, a received optical signal is sampled at a first sampling rate at an ADC, downsampled to a lower sampling rate for filtering, filtered with at least one discrete pulse-shaping filter, upsampled for equalization and demodulation, and then equalized and demodulated.
US08731406B2 Apparatus and method for generating high resolution frames for dimming and visibility support in visible light communication
For use in a visible light communication (VLC) network, a method for generating high resolution visibility frames for visibility or dimming support. The method includes determining a required visibility for the high resolution frames. The method also includes generating a pattern that meets the determined required visibility, the pattern having a first quantity of first low resolution frames and a second quantity of second low resolution frames. The method further includes transmitting the pattern to achieve the required high resolution frames.
US08731400B2 Characterizing a frequency channel in an optical network
A tunable optical filter is configured to take point measurements at a few optical frequencies per frequency channel of a DWDM optical network. The measurement frequencies are shifted by pre-determined amounts relative to the optical frequency channel being characterized. Since the spectral shape of the tunable optical filter is known, the center optical frequency, the modulation bandwidth, and the total optical power of the channel can be obtained from as few as three optical measurements. The center optical frequency and the total optical power can be continuously monitored by providing a tunable filter stage coupled to an interleaver stage, and computing a ratio and a weighted sum the optical signals at the two outputs of the interleaver stage.
US08731399B2 Power saving method, system and optical network unit in passive optical network
A power saving method in a passive optical network, including: when receiving an upstream burst timeslot allocated by the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) after a power supply of the Optical Network Unit (ONU) is turned off, the ONU dividing the upstream burst timeslot into one or more upstream burst timeslots; and the ONU turning on own laser in the upstream burst timeslot belonging to the ONU, and after sending one or more emergent Physical Layer Operations, Administration and Maintenance (PLOAM) messages to OLT in each upstream burst timeslot, promptly turning off the own laser. A power saving system in a passive optical network and an optical network unit is provided. The invention can decrease the power supply volume of an electric supply installation in a power-off ONU and reduce the cost of the electric supply installation.
US08731397B2 Method, system and device for single-fiber bidirectional ring network protection
A method, system and apparatus for single-fiber bidirectional ring network protection are disclosed in the present invention, wherein, one working path ring between various nodes in the single-fiber bidirectional ring network shares one sharing protection channel using a set wavelength, and when a fault occurs in a working path between certain two nodes, the method includes: controlling sharing protection apparatuses of a receiving end node and a transmitting end node of the failed working path to switch from a primary port to a corresponding standby port, controlling an intermediate node in the sharing protection channel corresponding to the working path to enable a standby port of the corresponding sharing protection apparatus, and establishing the sharing protection channel corresponding to the working path; transmitting a service signal carried in the failed working path through the newly established sharing protection channel.
US08731391B2 Reduced pre-flash for LED flash based camera devices
A mobile device comprising a processor, a camera module, and a flash configured to generate at least one of a reduced pre-flash, a standard pre-flash and a flash. The processor, in response to receiving an image capture request, is configured to receive a brightness value and determine a flash status based on a flash setting with the flash status being one of an off mode, on mode, and auto mode. In the event the flash status is one of the on mode and auto mode, determine whether there is sufficient light to capture an image based at least in part on a comparison of the brightness value and a flash threshold. In the event the brightness value is greater than the flash threshold, cause the flash to generate a shortened pre-flash and obtain only a white balance measurement and an auto-exposure measurement during the shortened pre-flash.
US08731390B2 Electromagnetic actuators for digital cameras
Electromagnetic actuators for digital cameras, in particular miniature cell-phone and tablet cameras, include an electromagnet with a first elongated ferromagnetic member surrounded coaxially in part by a conductive coil along a first longitudinal axis, and a elongated second ferromagnetic member with a second longitudinal axis. The first and second ferromagnetic members have respective first and second operative surfaces and are aligned such that their longitudinal axes are parallel and such that respective operative surfaces overlap each other across a gap. The two members are mechanically coupled to respective frames. A frame hinge connects the frames and enables a relative tilt motion between the ferromagnetic members when current passes through the coil. The tilt motion is convertible into a linear displacement along an optical axis of an optical element coupled to the actuator. Two actuators can be combined into an assembly capable of providing double-axis tilt.
US08731388B1 Method for automatically focusing applied to camera module
The present invention provides a method for automatically focusing applied to a camera module. The method comprises the following steps: (a). determining a value of a modulation transfer function of an image at a center area and four corner areas of a lens by a processing unit; (b). determining whether the number of times of decreased or unchanged of the value of the modulation transfer function at the center area is over a predetermined value; and (c). if over the predetermined vale, then determining the average of the value of the modulation transfer function at the four corner areas by the processing unit, to determine the maximum of the value of the modulation transfer function at the center area.
US08731385B2 Radiant oven with stored energy devices and radiant lamps
An oven is configured with a cooking cavity for receiving a cooking load, a circuit for current supplied by one or more stored energy devices such as rechargeable batteries, and a heater comprising one or more radiant lamps to be driven by the current, the one or more radiant lamps being sized and positioned for heating the cooking load. The lamps are driven by current discharged from the batteries to radiantly heat a cooking load. An application of this stove configuration is in a toaster which is capable of toasting slices of bread in a matter of seconds.
US08731377B2 Image recording apparatus, dynamic image processing apparatus, dynamic image reproduction apparatus, dynamic image recording apparatus, information recording/reproduction apparatus and methods employed therein, recording medium with computer program stored therein
The image recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a conversion device that converts an optical image of a subject to an electrical signal, a recording circuit that records the electrical signal achieved through the conversion device in a storage device as image data and a display control circuit that detects an available capacity at the storage device and the length of time that power supply by a source is possible and displays them on a display as available capacity information and remaining power supply time information. The available capacity information indicates the length of available recording time remaining at the available capacity that has been detected.
US08731372B2 Information playback apparatus and electronic pop advertising apparatus
An electronic point of purchase (POP) advertising apparatus presents a predetermined POP advertisement. A sensor unit includes a sensor for detecting a person. A storing unit stores a plurality of different POP advertisements. Each of the plurality of different POP advertisements has at least one of (i) moving images or (ii) music. A selection unit selects a particular POP advertisement from the plurality of stored POP advertisements. An output unit outputs the particular POP advertisement in response to a detection signal output from the sensor unit such that the output unit start a presentation of the particular POP advertisement when the sensor detects the person.
US08731369B2 Multimedia distribution system for multimedia files having subtitle information
A multimedia file and methods of generating, distributing and using the multimedia file are described. Multimedia files in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can contain multiple video tracks, multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitle tracks, data that can be used to generate a menu interface to access the contents of the file and ‘meta data’ concerning the contents of the file. Multimedia files in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention also include references to video tracks, audio tracks, subtitle tracks and ‘meta data’ external to the file. One embodiment of a multimedia file in accordance with the present invention includes a series of encoded video frames and encoded menu information.
US08731367B2 Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data of a plurality of medical images at different imaging angles or different imaging positions with respect to the same region, a display unit which displays the data of the medical image read out from the storage unit, and a control unit which controls the storage unit and the display unit to play back the plurality of medical images as moving images and pause playback of the medical image.
US08731366B2 D1451 radiation curable supercoatings for single mode optical fiber
The first aspect of the instant claimed invention is a method of formulating radiation curable Supercoatings for application to an optical fiber used in a telecommunications network. A Multi-layer Film Drawdown Method useful in the Method of formulating radiation curable Supercoatings is also described and claimed. Single mode Optical fibers coated with specific radiation curable Supercoatings are also described and claimed.
US08731356B2 Microstructured optical fibers and manufacturing methods thereof
Optical devices and a method for manufacturing these devices. One optical device includes a core region having a first medium of a first refractive index n1, and includes a cladding region exterior to the core region. The cladding region includes a second medium having a second refractive index n2 higher than the first refractive index n1. The cladding region further includes a third medium having a third refractive index n3 lower than the first refractive index n1. The third medium is dispersed in the second medium to form a plurality of microstructures in the cladding region. Another optical device includes a plurality of core regions including at least one core having a doped first medium, and includes a cladding region exterior to the plurality of core regions. The core regions and the cladding region include a phosphate glass.
US08731351B2 Side fire laser assembly
Embodiments include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber has a surface configured to emit energy transverse to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes a tube including a channel, and the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the channel of the tube. The apparatus further includes an element disposed at a distal end of the tube such that a pocket is formed in the channel of the tube between the element and the distal end of the optical fiber.
US08731346B2 Waveguide integration on laser for alignment-tolerant assembly
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide optical connection techniques and configurations. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate, a laser device formed on the substrate, the laser device including an active layer configured to emit light, and a mode-expander waveguide disposed on the substrate and butt-coupled with the active layer to receive and route the light to a waveguide formed on another substrate. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US08731343B2 Optical printed circuit board, a method of making an optical printed circuit board and an optical waveguide
An optical printed circuit board, including at least one optical waveguide for carrying optical signals on the optical printed circuit board; and a trench formed adjacent the at least one optical waveguide, wherein the trench contains a light absorptive material to absorb light that strays from the at least one waveguide.
US08731330B2 Apparatus and method for composing images in an image processing device
An apparatus and method for composing images in an image processing device are provided. The method includes identifying an object in an overlap region of a plurality of images; generating a Gaussian curve for the object; determining an alpha mask for the overlap region using the Gaussian curve; and blending the plurality of images based on the alpha mask.
US08731328B2 Image processing apparatus, method and recording medium for generating a composite image
In an image pickup apparatus 1, reference image data is generated from plural pieces of image data and further, at least two pieces of arbitrary image data are selected from among the plural pieces of image data. A first difference calculating unit 71 calculates differences between the selected pieces of image data for two adjacent pixels. A second difference calculating unit 72 calculates differences in pixel values of the selected pieces of image data from the reference image data. A cost function is set, having variables of the differences calculated by the first difference calculating unit and the differences calculated by the second difference calculating unit. A boundary setting unit 74 sets boundaries respectively in the selected pieces of image data so as to minimize the cost function. The selected pieces of image data are combined together in accordance with the boundaries set by the boundary setting unit.
US08731324B1 Systems and methods for performing image inpainting
Various embodiments are disclosed for performing image inpainting. One embodiment is a method for editing a digital image in an image editing device that comprises obtaining a restoration region in the digital image and generating a structure strength map corresponding to the restoration region based on structure characteristics associated with each pixel in the restoration region. Based on the structure strength map, priority levels are determined for pixels in the restoration region. An inpainting operation is applied to the pixels in the restoration region, beginning with a pixel having a highest relative priority determined based on the structure characteristics.
US08731318B2 Unified spatial image processing
A method for enhancing an input image to produce an enhanced output image is provided. The method includes constructing a photographic-mask intermediate image without low-contrast details and a temporary-image intermediate image with enhanced mid-contrast details, retained high-contrast details, and reduced low-contrast details, and employing values for the photographic-mask intermediate image and temporary-image intermediate image to produce the enhanced output image that is globally and locally contrast-enhanced, sharpened, and denoised.
US08731314B1 Methods for encoding an image
An image encoding apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an encoding engine coupled to a source of a block of pixel data, the encoding engine enabled to encode the block of pixel data to a quality level, the encoding engine coupled to a network interface; and a state sequencer, the state sequencer enabled to obtain an indication of scan block persistence, build state information and encoding parameters to control the quality level.
US08731313B2 Method and apparatus for accurate compression and decompression of three-dimensional point cloud data
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for accurate compression and decompression of data. More specifically, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for compressing three dimensional spatial points (so called “point cloud”) and decompressing such data to produce an accurate point cloud. In one embodiment of the present invention, a level set based method is used to reconstruct a surface to approximate the surface of the point cloud. This reconstructed surface is defined implicitly as the zero level set of a function, which can be computed on a regular three-dimensional rectangular grid. Furthermore, the three-dimensional grid may be rearranged into a two-dimensional grid where the data are compressed and stored in a form of gradient. In order to recover the point cloud, the three-dimensional grid is rebuilt from the two-dimensional data and an interpolating algorithm on the implicit function is utilized to compute the points on the surface.
US08731306B2 Increasing interest point coverage in an image
A system for generating virtual interest points in an image, according to detected interest points in that image is detected by an interest point detector. The system includes: an interest point density map producer and an interest point generator, the interest point density map producer receiving the image including the detected interest points, the interest point density map producer extracts a density map of the detected interest points within the image. The interest point generator is coupled with the interest point density map producer, the interest point generator receiving the image including the detected interest points and the interest point density map. The interest point generator determines image areas for generating virtual interest points, the interest point generator generating at least one virtual interest point at the determined areas according to at least the position of one of the detected interest points, the virtual interest point not being detected by the interest point detector.
US08731301B1 Display adaptation based on captured image feedback
A computer implemented method is provided for display adaptation based on captured image feedback. Content that comprises a marker is displayed. An image of the content is captured by a mobile device. Whether the marker in the image is recognized is determined. The marker in the image is analyzed in response to a determination that the marker in the image is not recognized. The content is adjusted based on the analyzed marker. The adjusted content is displayed. The marker in the image is analyzed to determine at least one of a time and a location associated with capturing the image of the content in response to a determination that the marker in the image is recognized. Another content is displayed based on at least one of the time and the location determined by analyzing the marker.
US08731296B2 Contact text detection in scanned images
A device and method for identifying text pixels that are erroneously classified as non-text pixels, includes accessing an image region containing a non-text component. For each non-text component within the image region component, only one determines if there are any long line structures within the bounding box defined by the non-text component. If the long line structures are greater than a predefined percentage of the span of the dimension of the bounding box parallel to the line structure, then the line structure is removed. Any remaining non-text pixels within the bounding box are reclassified as text-pixels.
US08731294B2 Identifying multiple rectangular areas in a multi projector system
Determination of locations of multiple rectangular areas within a composite projection area formed on a projection surface by a projector array of multiple projectors. A location of a maximum rectangular area is determined within the composite projection area. Available regions comprise regions unoccupied by previously-located rectangular areas. The maximum rectangular area is removed from the available regions. The following are iteratively repeated: determining a location of a next maximum rectangular area and removing the next maximum rectangular area from the available regions, until a stopping condition is met. A list of determined locations for rectangular areas within the composite projection area is provided after the stopping condition has been met.
US08731292B2 Method and apparatus for comparing videos
In a method of comparing a query video and a target video, frames of the query video and frames of the target video are partitioned into blocks. The mean intensity value is calculated for each block. Minima and maxima values are extracted from temporal changes of the mean intensity values for each block. Inclines and declines are obtained from the minima and maxima values. The inclines and declines are used in determining if alignment exists between the query video and the target video.
US08731281B2 Wavelet transform on incomplete image data and its applications in image processing
A system and method for effectively performing wavelet transforms on incomplete image data includes an image processor that performs a green-pixel transformation procedure on incomplete color pixel matrices. The image processor then rearranges red, blue and transformed green-pixel into four quadrants of contiguous pixels and applies some two dimensional (2D) wavelet thresholding schemes on each quadrant. After thresholding, an inverse procedure is applied to reconstruct the pixel values on the incomplete color pixel matrices. For further de-correlation of image data, the image processor may stack similar image patches in a three dimensional (3D) array and apply incomplete-data wavelet thresholding on the 3D array. The incomplete-data wavelet thresholding procedure may be put in an improved local similarity measurement framework to achieve better performance of image processing tasks. A CPU device typically controls the image processor to effectively perform the image processing procedure.
US08731278B2 System and method for sectioning a microscopy image for parallel processing
A computer-implemented system and method of processing a microscopy image are provided. A microscopy image is received, and a configuration for an image section that includes a portion of the microscopy image is determined. Multiple image sections are respectively assigned to multiple processing units, and the processing units respectively process the image sections in parallel. One or more objects are determined to be respectively present in the image sections, and the objects present in the image sections are measured to obtain object data associated with the objects.
US08731263B2 Diagnostic imaging support equipment
The present invention comprises: a data storage unit for storing series image data obtained by medical image acquisition equipment and object data containing image acquisition conditions for the series image data and the specific information for specifying other series image data related to the series image data; an information management unit for generating a thumbnail image that represents combination information of the presently obtained series image data and the past related series image data by referring to the object data; and a display unit for displaying the thumbnail image.
US08731262B2 Medical image and vessel characteristic data processing system
An image data processing system automatically indicates an image of a digitally subtracted Angiography (DSA) image sequence is associated with at least one of, arterial, venous, or capillary phases of blood flow. The system includes an interface for acquiring data representing a DSA sequence of digitally subtracted images enhancing vessel structure. An image data processor automatically indicates an image of the DSA sequence is associated with at least one of, arterial, venous, or capillary phases of blood flow by determining individual minimum luminance intensity level values of individual images of the DSA sequence and using the determined individual minimum luminance intensity level values in identifying images of the DSA sequence are associated with at least one of, arterial, venous, or capillary phases of blood flow. An output processor automatically assigns an attribute to image data to identify vessel phase in response to the identifying images of the DSA sequence.
US08731261B2 Method of analyzing a medical image
A method of analyzing a medical image, where the medical image comprises one or more than one region of interest, and where the method comprises a) providing the medical image comprising a set of actual image values; b) rescaling the actual image values to produce corresponding rescaled image values and to produce a rescaled image from the rescaled image values; c) deriving a histogram of the rescaled image values; d) using the histogram to derive an adaptive segmentation threshold; e) using the adaptive segmentation threshold to recursively split the rescaled image; f) terminating the recursive splitting of the sub(sub) images using one or more than one predetermined criteria; and g) identifying one sub(sub) image in the terminated Hierarchical Region Splitting Tree which comprises the region of interest.
US08731259B2 Systems and methods for matching, naming, and displaying medical images
A method of matching medical images according to user-defined matches rules. In one embodiment, the matched medical images are displayed according user-defined display rules such that the matched medical images may be visually compared in manner that is suitable to the viewer's viewing preferences.
US08731257B2 Analysis of radiographic images
The present invention therefore provides a method for the analysis of radiographic images, comprising the steps of acquiring a plurality of projection images of a patient, acquiring a surrogate signal indicative of the location of a target structure in the patient, reconstructing a plurality of volumetric images of the patient from the projection images, each volumetric image being reconstructed from projection images having a like breathing phase, identifying the position of the target structure such as a tumor in each volumetric image, associating a surrogate signal with each of the projection images, and determining a relationship between the surrogate signal and the position of the target structure. Multiple projection images having a like breathing phase can be grouped for reconstruction, to provide sufficient numbers for reconstruction. The analysis of the multiple values of the surrogate associated with each breathing phase can be used to determine the mean surrogate value and its variation. Multiple values of the surrogate signal associated with the same nominal breathing phase can be used to determine a mean value of the surrogate signal for the target position associated with that phase and a variation of the value of the surrogate signal for the target position associated with that phase. The breathing phase of specific projection images can be obtained by analysis of one or more features in the images, such as the method we described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,356,112, or otherwise.
US08731241B2 Activity mapping system
A system for monitoring the motion of objects is configured to identify objects meeting predetermined criteria appearing in a scene and to track the motion of identified objects across the scene. In a particular embodiment the system is configured to compile statistical data for multiple points or regions to indicate one or both of: the frequency with which objects are initialised at that region or point; and the frequency with which initialised objects cross the region or point. The initialisation data will indicate the areas in the scene where objects are most frequently initialised. If the statistical data shows an area of the scene in which objects are never initialised this might indicate that there is an obstruction between objects that need to be tracked and the detector. The path data will indicate the paths most frequently followed by objects. If there is a particularly well trodden path to and fro in a particular part of the scene this might distort the result of a count of people entering and leaving a region in the scene.
US08731233B2 System of automated document processing
A system is proposed for automated document processing, comprising a document, consisting of two sections—a main section, containing data in printed character form, and a supplementary section in a machine-readable form; a document forming means; a document inputting means; a character recognition means; a main and supplementary data comparison means. Said system uses the supplementary section data to confirm the main section data. The supplementary section data can fully or partly duplicate the main section data, supplement it and also comprise other additional data. The supplementary machine-readable section can be realized in a form of coded consecutive characters, printed graphic image (bar-code), magnetic, optical, microprocessor or other kind of data storage means. For enhancing security of documents all or a part of data can be coded prior to introduction into the supplementary section.
US08731223B2 Microspeaker with inner resonance chamber
Disclosed is a microspeaker with an inner resonance chamber, more particularly a microspeaker with an inner resonance chamber which improves quality of sound and enables slim and compact design of the microspeaker by blocking rearward sound generated at the rear side of the vibration plate to prevent interference of a rearward sound with a forward sound generated at the front side of a vibration plate and installing a chamber with a specific volume within the microspeaker to allow the rearward sound to cause resonance.
US08731221B2 Hearing aid
There is provided a hearing aid that reduces a possibility of loss. The hearing aid of the present invention includes a microphone 101 configured to collect sound; a hearing aid processing unit 102 configured to perform hearing aid processing to an input signal from the microphone 101; a speaker 103 configured to output a signal processed by the hearing aid processing unit 102 to the outside; and a drop detection unit 104 configured to detect drop by reference to the input signal from the microphone 101.
US08731218B2 Deformable controller for electronic device
A deformable controller for an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device, is disclosed. A user can interact with the controller to cause it to “deform” and thereby provide user input to control the electronic device. The controller can be malleable and symmetrical, and user interaction with the controller can be provided with substantially arbitrary orientation. In one embodiment, the controller is an in-line controller with a cable that couples to the electronic device. In one particular implementation, the portable electronic device can be a portable media player and the controller can remotely control media playback functions for the portable media player.
US08731217B2 Method and apparatus for controlling audio signal output level of portable audio device
An audio signal output level control method used in an audio device includes detecting input levels of an audio signal, determining control modes to be applied to the audio signal based on the input levels of the audio signal, controlling the input levels of the audio signal according to the control modes, and determining output levels corresponding to the controlled input levels.
US08731213B2 Voice analyzer for recognizing an arrangement of acquisition units
A voice analyzer includes an apparatus body, a strap that is connected to the apparatus body to make the apparatus body hung from a neck of a wearer, a first voice acquisition unit that acquires a voice of a speaker and is disposed in either a left or right strap when viewed from the wearer, a second voice acquisition unit that acquires the voice of the speaker and is disposed in the opposite strap in which the first voice acquisition unit is disposed, and an arrangement recognition unit that recognizes arrangements of the first and second voice acquisition units, when viewed from the wearer, by comparing a voice signal of the voice acquired by the first voice acquisition unit with sound pressure of a heart sound of the wearer acquired by the second voice acquisition unit.
US08731209B2 Device and method for generating a multi-channel signal including speech signal processing
In order to generate a multi-channel signal having a number of output channels greater than a number of input channels, a mixer is used for upmixing the input signal to form at least a direct channel signal and at least an ambience channel signal. A speech detector is provided for detecting a section of the input signal, the direct channel signal or the ambience channel signal in which speech portions occur. Based on this detection, a signal modifier modifies the input signal or the ambience channel signal in order to attenuate speech portions in the ambience channel signal, whereas such speech portions in the direct channel signal are attenuated to a lesser extent or not at all. A loudspeaker signal outputter then maps the direct channel signals and the ambience channel signals to loudspeaker signals which are associated to a defined reproduction scheme, such as, for example, a 5.1 scheme.
US08731201B2 Techniques for securing content in an untrusted environment
Techniques for securing content in an untrusted environment are provided. Content is encrypted and stored with a content delivery service in an encrypted format. Encrypted versions of a content encryption/decryption key and a first key are also housed and distributed by the content delivery service. The first key is used to decrypt the encrypted version of the content encryption/decryption key. The content delivery service is unaware of the content encryption/decryption key and the first key; and the content held by the content delivery service is encrypted with the content encryption/decryption key. Principals securely share, create, manage, and retrieve the encrypted versions of the content encryption/decryption key and the first key from the content delivery service using secure communications. The encrypted content is obtainable via insecure communications from the content delivery service.
US08731194B2 Method of establishing security association in inter-rat handover
A method of establishing security association during handover between heterogeneous networks in a radio access system is disclosed. A method of establishing security association before handover with a target base station included in a heterogeneous radio access network is performed comprises transmitting a request message to a service base station, the request message requesting the service base station to transfer authentication related information of a mobile station to a target network authentication server; and receiving a response message from the service base station before the handover with the target base station is performed, the response message including security related information used in a target network.
US08731193B2 Partial encryption using variable block sizes
A method for data processing, comprising providing a sequence of image frames that is encoded by identifying intra and inter frames in the sequence and applying a variable block size motion compensation (VBSMC) procedure to the inter frames, thereby generating respective parameters representing the inter frames; selectively encrypting the block sizes, using an encryptor, without encrypting all of the parameters representing the inter frames; and outputting encoded data representing the sequence of the image frames and comprising the encrypted block sizes.
US08731181B2 Computer telephony integration device and resource management method and incoming call control method
A Computer Telecommunication Integration (CTI) device in a call center is disclosed. This device comprises a CTI management module, one or more CTI units and an agent caching pool shared by said CTI units. Said CTI management module is configured to configure and register CTI units, and monitor states of said CTI units. The CTI unit is configured to manage agents which are subordinate to this CTI unit, and select an idle agent which is able to provide services, and return the selection result to said CTI management module. The agent caching pool is configured to cache an identifier of said agent, a state of said agent, and the information of the CTI unit to which said agent is subordinate. The technical scheme also provides a method for managing resources and a method for controlling an incoming call applied to a call center.
US08731175B2 Method and system for securing access to information in an automatic call distributor system
A method for granting access to secure information includes receiving from a caller a call for connection with one of a plurality of agents, distributing the call to the agent of the plurality of agents, initiating an active communication session between the caller and the agent for handling the call, and granting to the agent access to the secure caller information using a plurality of access authentication information that includes an active communication session between the caller and the agent.
US08731166B2 Automated electronic telecommunications order translation and processing
Systems and method for processing orders for telecommunications services are disclosed. Generally a telecommunications transaction set of an electronic data interchange standard is received, the telecommunications transaction set corresponding to a telecommunications product or service for a customer. An order for the telecommunications product or service is then generated based on processing of the telecommunications transaction set.
US08731160B2 System, method, and computer-readable storage medium for telecom billing outsourcing
A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium for outsourcing telecom billing are disclosed for issuing one or more first billing statements and one or more second billing statements from a first telecom network; and transmitting at least the one or more first billing statements to a second telecom network. The one or more first billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the first telecom network to the second telecom network, and the one or more second billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the second telecom network to one or more customers thereof. The one or more charges of the first and second billing statements may reflect the same service(s).
US08731147B1 Methods and systems for confirming message delivery
Methods and systems for processing messages and providing notifications regarding the same are described. An optional embodiment includes a telecommunications interface, a data network interface, and an answering system coupled to the telecommunications interface and the data network interface, the call processing system configured to receive a first call from a caller via the telecommunications interface, store a message from the caller, transmit a message notification using the data network to the intended recipient of the call via which the intended recipient can access the message, and transmit information related to the intended recipient's receipt of the message.
US08731139B2 Evaporative thermal management of grazing incidence collectors for EUV lithography
Evaporate thermal management systems for and methods of grazing incidence collectors (GICs) for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography include a GIC shell interfaced with a jacket to form a structure having a leading end and that defines a chamber. The chamber operably supports at least one wicking layer. A conduit connects the wicking layer to a condenser system that support cooling fluid in a reservoir. When heat is applied to the leading end, the cooling fluid is drawn into the chamber from the condenser unit via capillary action in the wicking layer and an optional gravity assist, while vapor is drawn in the opposite direction from the chamber to the condenser unit. Heat is removed from the condensed vapor at the condenser unit, thereby cooling the GIC mirror shell.
US08731135B2 Shift register and display device
Each stage of a shift register includes: a shift pulse input terminal; a shift pulse output terminal; first to fifth terminals; an input gate, first to fourth switching elements; a first output transistor, and a first circuit, connected between a first output terminal and the second input terminal, which forms a current path between the first output terminal and the second input terminal.
US08731134B2 Method and apparatus for a BWR jet pump inlet mixer support
A method and apparatus for a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) jet pump inlet mixer support that provides rigid support for inlet mixers. The inlet mixer support attaches to a conventional BWR jet pump assembly to pull the inlet mixer away from the centerline of a riser pipe or maintain the existing inlet mixer position. The inlet mixer support may provide redundant support that may otherwise be provided by set screws of a conventional restrainer assembly. The inlet mixer support may, alternatively, be used in lieu of conventional set screws. The inlet mixer support may also counter-act additional side loading that may be applied to inlet mixers to stabilize inlet mixer movement and vibration when the BWR jet pump assembly is in operation. Optionally, the inlet mixer support may also prevent removal of existing restrainer bracket set screws.
US08731127B2 Method and apparatus for a BWR inlet mixer clamp assembly
A method and apparatus for physically restraining an inlet mixer of a boiling water reactor (BWR) jet pump assembly. An inlet mixer clamp assembly is attached to the top of a transition piece of the BWR jet pump assembly, to provides a downward clamping force on the top of the inlet mixer. The clamping force restrains the inlet mixer from experiencing vibration and mitigates leakage between the inlet mixer and the transition piece sealing surfaces of the jet pump assembly. The clamping force also restrains the inlet mixer from undesirable rotation, especially during operation of the jet pump assembly. The inlet mixer clamp assembly may be used as an alternative to conventional jet pump beam assemblies. Alternatively, the inlet mixer clamp assembly may be used as a redundant physical restraint in addition to the conventional jet pump beam assemblies.
US08731125B2 Method and apparatus for aligning phases of a master clock and a slave clock
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for aligning the phases of a master clock and a slave clock; and the method comprises the following steps: A. locking a phase of a master clock; B. measuring phase difference between a slave clock and the master clock; and C. adjusting a phase output by the slave clock so as to align it with the phase of the master clock based on the phase difference measured in Step B. The present invention also discloses an apparatus for aligning the phases of a master clock and a slave clock. By measuring the phase difference between the master clock and the slave clock, and aligning the phases of the master clock and the slave clock according to the phase difference the present invention improves the precision of phase alignment without increasing costs.
US08731122B1 Spurious component reduction
A filter includes, in at least one aspect, one or more differential inputs to receive one or more differential input signals, a first filter stage to provide one or more primary poles corresponding to a first frequency associated with the one or more differential input signals, a second filter stage coupled with the first filter stage to provide one or more secondary poles corresponding to a second frequency associated with the one or more differential input signals, the second frequency and the first frequency having a predefined relationship, and one or more differential outputs coupled with the second filter stage to provide one or more differential output signals.
US08731120B1 Feedback-controlled biased inverting limiter for RFI suppression
A method and apparatus is provided for reducing interference in a communication system. A feedback-controlled biased inverting limiter is used to reduce interference power by trapping the interfering signal, while passing the wanted signal through to the output. The amplitude trap triples the frequency of a signal component of a particular amplitude, thus shifting it out of the communication band and into the stopband of the receiver or transponder filter. The feedback-controlled biased inverting limiter uses a hard limiter, window comparator, feedback loop, and an exclusive NOR gate to trap the interfering signal, while allowing the wanted signal to pass through to a receiver.
US08731119B2 Apparatus and method for reducing receiver frequency errors
A method in a receiver includes receiving from a transmitter an instruction to check for messages from the transmitter at intervals having a specified time period. A frequency error of the receiver relative to the transmitter is estimated at the receiver, and an actual time period that does not exceed the specified time period is selected based on the estimated frequency error. The receiver is activated periodically according to the selected actual time period so as to reset the frequency error.
US08731109B2 Methods and systems for effective channel estimation in OFDM systems
A method and apparatus for channel estimation in wireless communications are provided. After an initial channel estimation and an estimation of the effective channel length (ECL) are performed, a weighting based on the ECL may be applied in an effort to remove noise from the initial channel estimate and provide an estimated channel with increased accuracy. Different weightings may apply for different channel lengths. A threshold may be used during the ECL estimation, and the threshold may be predetermined or calculated in an effort to adapt to different channel environments.
US08731108B2 Communication system for recognizing type of noise source
Provided is a communication system that includes setting a detection threshold according to a distribution of at least one logic value of a transmission signal corresponding to an on-off keying (OOK) scheme or a frequency shift keying (FSK) scheme, and determining a type of noise source influencing a reception signal using the detection threshold and the distribution of at least one logic value.
US08731106B1 Method and apparatus for correcting I/Q mismatch in a wireless communication signal
Briefly, some embodiments of the invention may provide devices, systems and methods of in-phase and quadrature mismatch analysis and correction. For example, a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may include re-encoding an estimated symbol of an input signal having an in-phase component and a quadrature component, based on an analysis of a mismatch between said in-phase component and said quadrature component.
US08731103B2 Multicarrier-signal receiving apparatus and multicarrier-signal transmitting apparatus
A multicarrier-signal transmitting apparatus comprising a rotation-amount setting unit configured to set a phase rotation amount for each subcarrier of a plurality of subcarrier groups, the phase rotation amount being set with a setting selected from a first setting and a second setting, the first setting being such that the phase rotation amount is different between a subcarrier group and an adjacent subcarrier group within a plurality of adjacent subcarrier groups, and the second setting being such that the phase rotation amount is identical between a subcarrier group and an adjacent subcarrier group within a plurality of adjacent subcarrier groups; and a phase rotator configured to add a phase rotation to reference signals and a data signal of said each subcarrier of said plurality of subcarrier groups based on the phase rotation amount.
US08731092B2 Apparatus and associated methods to perform space-frequency interleaving in a multicarrier wireless communication channel
An apparatus and associated methods for performing space-frequency interleaving in a multicarrier wireless communication system is generally described.
US08731079B2 High-density multi-channel QAM modulator using an IDFT/IFFT and polyphase filter bank
Methods and apparatuses are provided for increasing the frequency resolution of a multi-channel QAM modulator and using a novel IDFT/IFFT and polyphase filter bank architecture to provide a more computationally efficient and high density multi-channel QAM modulator. The implementations of the improved multi-channel QAM modulator modulate QAM symbol streams onto respective carrier signals where the frequency of each carrier signal is an integer multiple of a fraction of the input sample rate of the respective QAM symbol stream. The modulated carriers are then combined using a novel IDFT/IFFT and polyphase filter bank architecture.
US08731073B1 In-band lane alignment for a multi-lane transceiver
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for aligning lanes of low speed serial links coupled to a transceiver. The transceiver cooperatively performs lane alignment operations with a low speed device during initialization of the transceiver and the low speed device. The lane alignment operations are performed in-band using the low speed serial links, and therefore, do not require additional out-of-band-signaling wires between the transceiver and the low speed device to perform the lane alignment operations. The lane alignment operations may be performed by a handshaking process performed by the transceiver and the low speed device, where the transceiver and the low speed device provide training pattern(s) of data that are used to align the low speed serial links. The low speed serial links are continuously monitored after initialization is complete to detect various transient impairments and to re-initiate lane alignment operations in response to detecting such impairments.
US08731072B2 Adaptive filter for video signal processing for decoder that selects rate of switching between 2D and 3D filters for separation of chroma and luma signals
An adaptive temporal motion filter for a video decoder system operates in an infinite impulse response (IIR), a max or a bypass mode. The adaptive temporal motion filter includes an adaptive time constant control module and a filter gain module. A gain factor of the filter gain module is varied by the adaptive time constant control module for every pixel in a current composite video signal. The adaptive time constant control module selects a variable gain for the filter gain module based on the motion magnitude, motion polarity and chroma luma status of the pixel.
US08731070B2 Hybrid look-ahead and look-back distortion estimation
According to an implementation, a value of distortion is determined. The value is associated with at least a portion of a particular picture in a series of pictures. The value is based on distortion in the particular picture that is attributable to error in the particular picture or in a previous picture in the series. The value is also based on distortion in a subsequent picture in the series that is attributable to error in the particular picture or in a previous picture.
US08731067B2 Memory management for video decoding
Techniques and tools described herein help manage memory efficiently during video decoding, especially when multiple video clips are concurrently decoded. For example, with clip-adaptive memory usage, a decoder determines first memory usage settings expected to be sufficient for decoding of a video clip. The decoder also determines second memory usage settings known to be sufficient for decoding of the clip. During decoding, memory usage is initially set according to the first settings. Memory usage is adaptively increased during decoding, subject to theoretical limits in the second settings. With adaptive early release of side information, the decoder can release side information memory for a picture earlier than the decoder releases image plane memory for the picture. The decoder can also adapt memory usage for decoded transform coefficients depending on whether the coefficients are for intra-coded blocks or inter-coded blocks, and also exploit the relative sparseness of non-zero coefficient values.
US08731066B2 Multimedia signature coding and decoding
A method and apparatus for coding and decoding the fingerprint of a multimedia item such as video or audio is disclosed. A multimedia content temporal, such as a video segment or audio segment, is described by a coarse fingerprint and a plurality of fine fingerprints, each fine fingerprint corresponding to a temporal sub-interval of said temporal interval, said temporal sub-interval typically being smaller than said temporal interval. One or more fine fingerprints are encoded in a non-predictive way, with no reference to the temporally neighboring signatures, and one or more fine fingerprints are encoded in a predictive way, from the temporally neighboring signatures. The predictive encoding entails computing the difference between neighboring fine fingerprints to make up a prediction difference matrix, scanning said prediction difference matrix into a one dimensional vector by vectorising along rows or along columns or along diagonals or along any suitable scanning pattern, and performing lossless encoding on the one dimensional vector by an appropriate method, preferably selected, at least in part, based on the scanning method used.
US08731065B2 Dynamic image stream processing method and device, and dynamic image reproduction device and dynamic image distribution device using the same
There are included: an extraction unit that extracts a first bit stream of a picture that is decodable by itself and a second bit stream of a picture whose image data part is decodable by itself but a part other than the image data part is not decodable by itself from a coded bit stream of a moving image; and a conversion unit that converts the second bit stream extracted by the extraction unit into a third bit stream of a picture that is decodable by itself, the first bit stream of the picture extracted by the extraction unit and the third bit stream being arranged and output in order of extraction or in reverse order to that of extraction.
US08731054B2 Method and apparatus for weighted prediction in predictive frames
A method and apparatus for constructing weighted bi-directional predicted video pictures including locating first and second prediction regions in first and second reference frames, receiving first and second weight parameters related to the first and second prediction regions, where the weight parameters and weighting methodology used to encode the weight parameters can be from several different codec designs for weighted bi-directional prediction. Further including, modifying the weight parameters to conform to a bit configuration and weighting methodology, applying the weight parameters to the first and second prediction regions and combining them to form a weighted bi-directional predicted picture. The bit configuration being chosen to accommodate multiple encoded bit configurations and methodologies, where the encoded bit configurations and methodologies can differ in characteristics such as, for example, bit size, being signed or unsigned, and supporting offsets.
US08731036B2 Packet filter-based clock synchronization system, apparatus, and method, and program thereof
A clock synchronization system synchronizes a clock of a slave node with a clock of a master node. The master node includes a packet transmitting unit that transmits a packet including a time stamp (TS) to the slave node. The slave node includes: a packet receiving unit that receives the packet transmitted from the master node; a packet filter unit that calculates as a value of delay of the packet a difference between a TS on the clock of the slave node when the packet is received and the TS of the packet received, corrects the value of the delay of the packet or a threthold for the delay of the packet, and performs filter processing on the packet received from the packet receiving unit based on the value of the delay of the packet and the threshold for the delay of the packet; and a phase synchronization unit that outputs the clock of the slave node based on the TS included in the packet employed.
US08731034B2 Method and system of payload encoding and modulation for channel quality feedback
The present invention relates to a method, a computer readable medium, and a system of payload encoding and modulation and, more particularly, to a method, a computer readable medium, and a system of payload encoding and modulation for channel quality feedback. A method includes sending a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) in a x-bit modulation scheme, and after sending the CQI, sending at least one CQI in a y-bit modulation scheme, the at least one CQI indicating one of an increment and a decrement of a previous CQI. The method further includes detecting a trigger event, and when the trigger event is detected, sending the CQI in the x-bit modulation scheme.
US08731032B2 Communication apparatus for continuous phase modulation signal
A communication apparatus for a continuous phase modulation signal. The communication apparatus includes a first processing unit configured to generate first information of the continuous phase modulation signal using first symbol data; a symbol converting unit configured to convert the first symbol data into second symbol data or convert the second symbol data into the first symbol data; a symbol storage unit configured to store the second symbol data; a second processing unit configured to second information of the continuous phase modulation signal using the second symbol data stored in the symbol storage unit; a third processing unit configured to generate third information of the continuous phase modulation signal using a modulo operation of an integer related to a modulation index; and an output unit configured to add an output from the third processing unit and an output from the first processing unit and generate the continuous phase modulation signal.
US08731029B1 Frequency offset acquisition for wireless communications
Systems and techniques relating to wireless communications are described. A described technique includes receiving information that is indicative of a wireless communication signal transmitted by a wireless communication device, the wireless communication signal having been generated based on a spreading sequence and a known preamble; determining, based on the received information and the known preamble, an estimation of a first frequency offset using two or more locations for encoding elements associated with the spreading sequence; determining, based on the received information, the known preamble, and the first frequency offset, an estimation of a second frequency offset using two or more locations for symbols associated with the known preamble, the second frequency offset being different from the first frequency offset; and processing the received information based on a combination of the first frequency offset and the second frequency offset.
US08731027B2 Methods and apparatuses using filter banks for multi-carrier spread-spectrum signals
A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to the synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit.
US08731015B2 Compact CO2 slab-laser
A compact CO2 slab-laser is contained in a fluid cooled housing having three compartments. One compartment houses discharge electrodes and a laser resonator. Another compartment houses a radio-frequency power supply (RFPS) assembled on a fluid-cooled chill plate and an impedance-matching network. The remaining compartment houses beam-conditioning optics including a spatial filter. The housing and RFPS chill-plate are on a common coolant-fluid circuit having a single input and a single output. The spatial filter is optionally fluid-coolable on the common coolant fluid circuit.
US08731014B2 Output-power control apparatus for a CO2 gas-discharge laser
A carbon-dioxide CO2 gas-discharge laser is energized by the output a radio-frequency power supply (RFPS). Output-power of the laser is stabilized by adjustments of the RFPS responsive to periodic measurements of the laser output-power using detector output amplified by an amplifier. The amplifier has an offset-voltage which is subject to drift. A synchronous auto-zero arrangement is provided for canceling out the offset-voltage of the amplifier immediately prior to each periodic measurement of the laser output power.
US08731013B2 Linear adaptive optics system in low power beam path and method
A system and method for providing a wavefront corrected high-energy beam of electromagnetic energy. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a source of a first beam of electromagnetic energy; an amplifier for amplifying said beam to provide a second beam; a sensor for sensing aberration in said second beam and providing an error signal in response thereto; a processor for processing said error signal and providing a correction signal in response thereto; and a spatial light modulator responsive to said correction signal for adjusting said beam to facilitate a correction of said aberration thereof. In more specific embodiments, the source is a laser and the sensor is a laser wavefront sensor. A mirror is disposed between said modulator and said sensor for sampling said beam. The mirror has an optical thin-film dielectric coating on at least one optical surface thereof. The coating is effective to sample said beam and transmit a low power sample thereof to said means for sensing aberration. The processor is an adaptive optics processor. The spatial light modulator may be a micro electro-mechanical system deformable mirror or an optical phased array. In the illustrative embodiment, the source is a master oscillator and the amplifier is a power amplifier beamline. An outcoupler is disposed between the oscillator and the amplifier.
US08731010B2 Phased laser array with tailored spectral and coherence properties
Architectures for coherently combining an array of fiber-based lasers are provided. By matching their lengths to within a few integer multiples of a wavelength, the spatial and temporal properties of a single large laser are replicated, while extending the average or peak pulsed power limit.
US08731006B2 Signal separating circuit, signal separating method, signal multiplexing circuit and signal multiplexing method
When a data signal of a first channel is an RZ signal having a pulse period T1 and a logic “1” pulse width m, a data signal of a second channel is an RZ signal having a pulse period T2 and a logic “1” pulse width n and the relation n
US08731005B2 Absolute timing and Tx power calibration of the Tx path in a distributed system
A radio system and a method for relaying packetized radio signals is disclosed. The radio system and the method provide a calibration of transmit signals. Furthermore the radio system and the method provide a measurement of a transmit power level. The radio system comprises at least one transmit path, a calibration unit, a base band calibration signal generator synchronized to a synchronization unit, at the least one link and a power sensor. A portion of a selected one of coupled transmit signals is forwarded to a power sensor for measuring a power level, wherein the calibration unit is adapted to update a transmit power level of the at least one transmit path in response to the transmit power level of the selected one of the coupled transmit signals.
US08731004B2 Method of and apparatuses for recognizing an out-of-sync base station
A method of and a network controller (304) for recognizing an out-of-sync BS in a TDD based cellular communication network is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving information reported by one or more BSs having uplink interference from the out-of-sync BS (414), and locating the out-of-sync BS based on the information (416). A BS and an NMS for use with the above network controller (304) and a TDD based cellular communication network comprising at least the above network controller (304) and the above BS (306-1, 306-2, . . . , 306-n) are also provided.
US08731000B2 Decoding earlier frames with DTS/PTS backward extrapolation
In one method embodiment, receiving a video stream comprising a first compressed picture without associated time stamp information and a second compressed picture having associated first time stamp information, the second compressed picture following the first compressed picture in transmission order; deriving second time stamp information based on the first time stamp information; and processing the first compressed picture based on the second time stamp information.
US08730998B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving control information in broadcast communication system
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving control information in a system in which one or more Radio Frequencies (RFs) are used to carry multiple services through a frame constituted by time resources or time-frequency resources. Control information regarding frame configuration information is not transmitted over a separate control channel but over a data channel through which to transmit primary service traffic among all service traffic, and each non-primary service traffic other than the primary service traffic includes control information for a primary service. Thus, even when a receiver changes the current service to a target service, control information necessary to detect the location of the target service in a frame and demodulate the target service can be acquired, and thus a service change can be made without reading a separate control channel.
US08730986B2 Service bearing method and apparatus, service data receiving method and receiving terminal
A service bearer method and apparatus, a service data receiving method and a receiving terminal are provided. The method includes: a network side converts a Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBSFN) sub-frame to a unicast service sub-frame and bears the unicast service on the converted unicast sub-frame. The method improves the utilization ratio of the wireless resources.
US08730981B2 Method and system for compression based quality of service
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for preserving bandwidth in data networks. The method includes determining whether to perform functional redundancy processing for a current data set. Determining whether to perform functional redundancy processing for a current data set may be conducted according to redundancy rules. In performing functional redundancy processing, the method includes receiving a first data set and a second data set and storing the first data set in a queue. The method may also include determining whether the content of the first data set is functionally redundant to the content of said second data set. If the contents of the first data set are functionally redundant to the contents of the second data set, the method includes transmitting the first data set and dropping the second data set. Functionally redundant messages are dropped prior to transmission, optimizing bandwidth.
US08730976B2 System and method for preventing erroneous link aggregation due to component relocation
Various methods and systems for preventing erroneous link aggregation due to component relocation are disclosed. Such methods include a method for changing the identifier used by a network device and communicating the identifier change to a peer network device without disrupting an aggregated link. In one embodiment, a method involves detecting an identifier change and sending a Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) protocol data unit (PDU) that includes a new identifier and information. The information indicates the identifier change. The new identifier identifies a network device subsequent to the identifier change. Another embodiment of a method involves detecting an identifier change and, subsequent to the identifier change, sending a link aggregation protocol PDU that includes an “old device identifier” field dedicated to conveying an old identifier. The old identifier identifies a network device prior to the identifier change.
US08730973B2 Method and equipment for user'S uplink data scheduling
A method for user uplink data scheduling and an user equipment are applied in multi-period mode semi-persistent scheduling under 3GPP Long Term Evolution TDD configuration 2, the method includes setting the different offsets delta of periods for multi-period mode semi-persistent scheduling started by each uplink sub-frame in 10 ms radio frame, determining the periods of multi-period mode semi-persistent scheduling started by each uplink sub-frame in 10 ms radio frame according to the set delta, and scheduling the uplink new conveyed package data of user according to the periods of multi-period mode semi-persistent scheduling started by each uplink sub-frame in 10 ms radio frame. The method and user equipment can be used to increase the utilization ratio of resource, and are simple and easy to use.
US08730969B2 Method of detecting and handling and endless RLC retransmission
Disclosed is a radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and a terminal, and more particularly, to a method of effectively detecting and handling endless RLC retransmission so as to prevent endless RLC retransmission occurring between the terminal and a network in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) that has evolved from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system.
US08730958B2 Method, node, and system for notifying proxy update in WMN
Embodiments of the present invention disclose Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) for notifying proxy update. By constructing the proxy update add message, where the proxy update add message includes the address of terminal, the current proxy node address after terminal switching and the destination node address of the terminal, and taking the address of the original proxy node before terminal switching as the address of the destination node, and sending the proxy update add message constructed to the original proxy node, where the proxy update add message is used for updating proxy information of the terminal in the proxy information table of the original proxy node to be the current proxy node address. It makes sure that packets received by the original proxy node which should be sent to the terminal could be received by the terminal, and packet loss rate during terminal switching could be reduced.
US08730936B2 Random access channel protocol
The present invention provides an improved random access channel protocol, wherein different user elements may be associated with different priority levels. Based on relative priority, the user elements may have different probabilities for deciding when to retransmit a previously transmitted packet upon receiving information from an access point indicating that the packet needs to be retransmitted. A buffer is provided for storing a packet to transmit, and the buffer is associated with a stack counter, which is incremented or decremented to or from a nominal value to determine when to transmit or retransmit the packet stored in the buffer. Based on the relative priority, feedback information from the access point may cause the stack counter for a packet needing to be retransmitted to stay at the nominal value, wherein retransmission will occur at the next available time slot, or it may increase the stack counter by one or more levels.
US08730922B2 Methods and devices for uplink transmit diversity
Methods and devices are described for use in a wireless communications system supporting uplink transmit diversity. If it is detected that a user equipment is currently in one of a predetermined set of situations, a set of restrictions associated with the detected situation is applied when the user equipment changes pre-coding weights. The set of restrictions limits how much the pre-coding weights can be changed. A user equipment in soft handover may also be restricted to only consider feedback information from a serving base station when selecting pre-coding weights. Thus it is possible to ensure that pre-coding weights are carefully selected in situations where there is a high risk for detrimental interference and/or inferior uplink/downlink performance. A network node may be configured to detect such a situation and notify the user equipment of any restrictions to be applied on the pre-coding weight selection.
US08730919B2 Method for performing mobility in wireless communication system and apparatus for the same
A method for performing mobility by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: receiving Physical layer Cell Identity (PCI) split information from a network, the PCI split information indicating a predetermined set of at least one PCI reserved for a predetermined cell type; receiving system information from at least one candidate cell, the system information comprising a PCI for each cell; measuring the at least one candidate cell; determining whether to apply the PCI split information for selecting a target cell; selecting the target cell; and performing the mobility to the target cell. If it is determined that the PCI split information is applied, the step of selecting the target cell includes: excluding at least one cell has a PCI included in the predetermined set; and selecting the target cell among at least one remaining cell.
US08730913B2 High data rate interface apparatus and method
A data interface for transferring digital data between a host and a client over a communication path using packet structures linked together to form a communication protocol for communicating a pre-selected set of digital control and presentation data. The signal protocol is used by link controllers configured to generate, transmit, and receive packets forming the communications protocol, and to form digital data into one or more types of data packets, with at least one residing in the host device and being coupled to the client through the communications path. The interface provides a cost-effective, low power, bi-directional, high-speed data transfer mechanism over a short-range “serial” type data link, which lends itself to implementation with miniature connectors and thin flexible cables which are especially useful in connecting display elements such as wearable micro-displays to portable computers and wireless communication devices.
US08730905B2 Transmission resource reservation scheme
A method, apparatus, and computer program for acquiring transmission resources during a transmission period is provided. A first communication apparatus is arranged to utilize at least one other communication apparatus to reserve at least one additional transmission band for the first communication apparatus during the transmission period of the first communication apparatus. Upon reception of a message indicating availability of additional transmission band(s) from the at least one other communication apparatus, the first communication apparatus is configured to increase its transmission band during the transmission period.
US08730889B2 Method or HARQ acknowledgement transmission and transport block retransmission in a wireless communication system
A method of transport block retransmission in a wireless communication system employing carrier aggregation is disclosed. A method of retransmitting transport blocks in a base station of a wireless communication system employing carrier aggregation comprises mapping each of a plurality of transport blocks to each of a plurality of component carriers using a first mapping pattern and transmitting the plurality of transport blocks to a mobile station; recognizing that the plurality of transport blocks are not transmitted successfully; and mapping each of the plurality of transport blocks to each of the plurality of component carriers using a second mapping pattern and retransmitting the plurality of transport blocks to the mobile station.
US08730887B2 Method, apparatus and system for transmitting information
A method for transmitting information includes: by a NodeB, receiving information reported by a User Equipment (UE) through an Enhanced Dedicated Channel (E-DCH) transmission channel, and determining the UE corresponding to the received information according to UE ID information carried in the received information. A system and NodeB for transmitting information are also provided. Therefore, when random access data is transmitted between the UE and the NodeB, the NodeB can determine the UE from which the data is received, thus ensuring practicability of the transmission solution that uses High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) to implement random access.
US08730884B2 Method for managing resources in high capacity wireless communication system
Provided is a method for managing resource in a high capacity wireless communication system capable of communicating with two or more users in a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) scheme when a base station transmits data. The includes: transmitting a MU-MIMO request-to-send (RTS) message to stations intending to transmit data in the MIMO scheme, and sequentially receiving a clear-to-send (CTS) message from stations intending to receive the data; transmitting a transmission ACK message to the stations, wherein the transmission ACK message includes information which prevents data collision during a time of data transmission to the stations and ACK signal; and configuring data to be transmitted to the stations into aggregated packets (A-MPDUs), transmitting the A-MPDUs to the stations in the MIMO scheme, and receiving a block ACK message from the stations.
US08730878B2 Power and resource efficient APPDU based approach with scheduled block ACKS for WLAN
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for communications by which a data packet is generated for transmission to a node, or by which a data packet is received from a node, the data packet including a header and data, wherein a channel designation for a node to send an acknowledgement to an apparatus or a transmitting node is embedded in the header of the data packet.
US08730871B2 System and method for providing voice communications over a multi-level secure network
According to one embodiment, a communication network includes an analog voice bridge coupled to two secure network domains that each have a differing security level. The analog voice bridge includes two codecs that are coupled together through an analog voice line that transfers analog voice signals. The analog voice bridge is coupled to each secure network domain through a network switch that transfers data packet streams from their respective networks to the codecs while restricting data packets that are not associated with the data packet stream.
US08730863B2 Network communication systems and methods
Distributing a message in a network may include transmitting, via a contention-free access channel, the message from an originating node to a first set of nodes neighboring the originating node, and designating a subset of the first set of nodes as relay nodes. A first one of the relay nodes may then relay, via the contention-free access channel, the message to a second set of nodes neighboring the first relay node.
US08730862B2 Method for setting a period in a ban
A method for setting a period in a body area network (BAN) having two or more types of virtual basic service sets (BSSs) according to a type of a supported application is provided. The method includes: transmitting BAN BSS type information of a BAN BSS corresponding to an application to be supported by a device (DEV) to a central point (CP); receiving BAN BSS configuration information corresponding to the BAN BSS type information; and transmitting data to the CP in an active period according to duty cycle information included in the BAN BSS configuration information. Accordingly, the BAN BSS can be suitably managed for the application.
US08730859B2 Method and apparatus of sleep mode operation
Disclosed herein relates to a sleep mode operation method, and the sleep mode operation method according to the present invention may include transmitting a sleep request message for requesting sleep mode switching to a base station; receiving a sleep operating parameter including a sleep cycle and a listening window from the base station; referring to the sleep operating parameter to switch to a sleep mode; receiving a traffic indication message indicating that traffic is generated from the base station; receiving traffic from the base station during the listening window while at the same time operating a timer; and early terminating the listening window to enter into a sleep window if the timer operation is expired according to the traffic reception prior to terminating the listening window.
US08730858B2 Method and device for sensitivity compensation
When a radio station terminates a first service on a first radio frequency channel and selects a second radio frequency channel for engaging in a second service, a time delay is inserted after the termination of the first service and before selecting the second radio frequency channel or before engaging in the second service. The time delay is dependent on the state of the radio station and/or a characteristic of the second service.
US08730849B2 Method for transmitting and receiving information related to relay station
A method of transmitting and receiving information related to a relay station is disclosed. The present invention includes the steps of periodically receiving hop information indicating whether a hop number from the relay station to a base station is odd via a superframe header and determining a timing point for the mobile station to switch to a receive mode according to the hop information. Accordingly, a mobile station is informed of a hop number between a base station and a multi-hop relay station, whereby a waste of power of the mobile station is minimized. And, resources can be efficiently usable.
US08730840B2 Node device cooperating with switch which implements zones in a fibre channel system
In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fiber Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.
US08730839B2 Control device, communication terminal, control method, communication control method, and integrated circuit
In a power line communication system, a control device sets an intra-breaker communication period during which communication is performed between communication terminals connected to a single breaker, and an inter-breaker communication priority period during which communication is performed between communication terminals connected to different breakers from each other. The control device operates filters so that the filters allow signals that travel via breakers to pass through the filters during the inter-breaker communication priority period, and so that the filters block signals that travel via breakers from passing through the filters during the intra-breaker communication period.
US08730837B2 System and method for control of power distribution networks
A system for controlling a multi-feed power distribution network includes: a first controller configured to control operation of a first network sector, the first controller configured to, in response to a topology change in the first network sector causing a change in a location from which power is supplied to at least one affected network segment, transmit a message identifying the at least one affected network segment from the first controller to the network without prior knowledge of any other controllers; and at least one second controller configured to control operation of the at least one second network sector, the second controller configured to receive the message, exchange configuration information regarding the at least one affected segment with the first controller, and automatically update the second configuration data of the second controller based on the configuration information received from the first controller to reflect the topology change.
US08730831B2 Method and system for acquiring route strategies
A routing strategy provision unit sends routing strategies of local IP access to radio side network elements; the radio side network elements receive the routing strategies of local IP access. The radio side network elements are able to acquire the routing strategies of local IP access at the network element level or the user level, so that the radio side network elements transmit data according to the routing strategies, and the radio side network elements can effectively offload the data with the acquired routing strategies. Besides, the routing strategies might be for users, that is, different routing strategies might be made for different users, thereby improving the user experience and promoting generalization and popularization of services.
US08730830B2 Indoor location measuring method and apparatus using access point
Provided is an indoor location measuring method and apparatus. The indoor location measuring apparatus that measures a location of a communication terminal within a building by determining a floor where the communication terminal is located may include a floor classifying means for classifying information relating to a plurality of access points (APs) and collected by the communication terminal for each floor, and a location determining means for assigning a grade constant to each item of AP information classified for each floor based on the signal intensity included in the AP information, and for calculating the sum of the grade constants for each floor, and for determining a floor having the largest sum as a location of the communication terminal.
US08730817B2 Methods and apparatus to determine network link weights
Methods and apparatus to determine network link weights are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein to determine link weights for routing in a communication network comprises iteratively updating a plurality of vectors using a genetic algorithm, the vectors including a plurality of individual values decodable into possible link weights, and decoding a first one of the vectors updated using the genetic algorithm into a first plurality of link weights providing a possible routing of a load through the communication network, the load to be split among a plurality of paths having respective path lengths determined from the plurality of link weights, at least two of the paths having different path lengths.
US08730806B2 Congestion control and resource allocation in split architecture networks
A controller performs network-wide congestion control in a split architecture network. The controller receives flow statistics from switches for each entity that communicates via the network. The controller chooses a most congested link as a bottleneck link based on a packet loss rate that is derived from the flow statistics and estimated for each entity on each link of the network. The controller identifies a target path in the network that passes through the bottleneck link and carries the most traffic, and calculates a throttling probability for each sharing entity that shares the target path based on the capacity of the bottleneck link, capacity of the first link of the target path, bandwidth consumption and packet loss rate of each sharing entity. The controller then transmits the throttling probability of each sharing entity to the ingress switch of the target path to reduce the congestion on the bottleneck link.
US08730799B2 Dynamic adjustment of receive window utilized by a transmitting device
A method of controlling size of a receive window includes, at a transmitting device, transmitting packets over a communication channel from the transmitting device to a receiver, receiving acknowledgment packets from the receiver corresponding to the transmitted packets, determining a backlog parameter for the receiver in accordance with a parameter value in the received acknowledgment packets, resetting the size of the receive window in accordance with a function of a current size of the receive window and the backlog parameter, and after the resetting, transmitting packets over the communication channel from the transmitting devices to the receiver in accordance with the reset size of the receive window.
US08730791B2 Aircraft communication system
An aircraft communication system includes primary and secondary networks. The system also includes an interconnection gateway with a filtered interface connected to only one of the primary and secondary networks, and an unfiltered interface connected to the other network. The filtered interface includes first incoming and outgoing buffers, a memory, and a selector. The unfiltered interface includes second incoming and outgoing buffers. The second incoming buffer sends all frames received from the other network to the first outgoing buffer for distribution through the only one network. The selector selects common data frames corresponding to virtual link identifiers in a stored list and copies only the selected common data frames from the first incoming buffer to the second outgoing buffer of the unfiltered interface for distribution through the other one of the networks.
US08730790B2 Method and system for cell recovery in telecommunication networks
A method and system that helps to ensure that any cell crash (i.e., an involuntarily action occurring as a result of a software bug or malfunction) is localized to a single cell on a single modem board that supports multi-cell configuration. In this regard, the control plane and the remaining cells that are configured on the modem board should remain operational. Further the operator should be able to choose to take corrective action (i.e., reboot, reconfigure, delete, or create) with regard to a cell on the modem board without impacting the operations of the other configured cells.
US08730788B2 Linear multiuser precoding with multiple-receive antenna receivers
According to one embodiment there is provided a method performed in a transmitter side of a multiuser minimum square error linear precoding MIMO system that comprises a transmitter with a plurality of transmit antennae and a plurality of receivers. Each receiver of the plurality of receivers comprises a plurality of receive antennae. The method is a method of scheduling receivers from among the plurality of receivers and comprises obtaining, for some or all of the receivers, receiver channel information that quantifies the properties of transmit channels between receiver antennae of the receiver and transmit antennae of the transmitter and establishing an order for determining the receiver combining vectors of the some or all of the receivers. The order is established by selecting as a next receiver in the order a so far unselected receiver from the some or all of the receivers that minimally increases the mean square data transmission error. The establishing of the order is based on the channel information of any receivers previously selected in the order and of unselected receivers.
US08730780B2 Light delivery waveguide
A light source and a waveguide are mounted on a recording head slider. Light rays are emitted from the light source into the waveguide. The waveguide may include two core layers for light ray transmission. The first core layer enhances light coupling efficiency from the light source to the second core layer. The second core layer transforms a profile of the light. The waveguide may include a tapered portion with a narrow opening near the light source and a wider opening near the tapered portion exit. The light rays passing through the waveguide may be directed toward a collimating mirror. The collimating mirror makes the light rays parallel or nearly parallel and re-directs the light rays to a focusing mirror. The focusing mirror focuses the collimated light rays to a spot on a magnetic media disc.
US08730771B2 Recording/reproducing device
The present invention relates to a recording/reproducing device that records data on a double-sided recordable optical disk for storage and management purposes. The device includes a unit which stores a plurality of optical disks, a unit which records data onto and reproduces data from an upper side of an optical disk, a unit which records data onto and reproduces data from a lower side of an optical disk, a unit which conveys an optical disk between the disk storage unit and each recording/reproducing unit. When a request for reading data recorded on the lower side of the disk is received while the upper side is being written onto, a control unit interrupts a data recording process on the upper side, reproduces data recorded on the lower side, and after completion of reproducing the recorded data, resumes the interrupted data recording process.
US08730769B2 Dial plate structure and watch
A dial plate structure includes first and second dial plates, a rotary indicator and a cover member. The first dial plate has a cutout portion. The second dial plate is arranged under the first dial plate and has a plurality of function display portions exposed through the cutout portion. The rotary indicator is arranged between the first and second dial plates and has a function indicator to selectively indicate one of the function display portions by rotation. A part of the rotary indicator is exposed through the cutout portion. The cover member is arranged on the second dial plate. The plurality of function display sections are arranged radially outward than the rotary indicator. The cover member is arranged to face the outer periphery of the rotary indicator and to prevent the outer periphery of the rotary indicator from visually contacted through the cutout portion.
US08730765B2 Method and device for measuring a profile of the ground
A method for measuring a profile of the ground involves using a transmitting arrangement, which is attached to a watercraft, for the directed emission of sound signals into an underwater area and a receiving arrangement having at least two transducers for receiving sound waves reflected by the profile of the ground.
US08730760B2 Method for seismic surveying using wider lateral spacing between sources to improve efficiency
A method for towing a marine seismic acquisition array in a body of water includes towing a plurality of laterally spaced apart sensor streamers behind a survey vessel in the water. A lateral spacing between adjacent streamers is represented by L. At least two laterally spaced apart seismic energy sources are towed behind the survey vessel. A lateral spacing between the at least two sources is represented by kL, wherein k is a constant and wherein k is at most equal to the number of streamers.
US08730759B2 Devices and system providing reduced quantity of interconnections
Methods, devices and systems for reducing the quantity of external interconnections of a memory device are disclosed. Implementation of one such method, device and system includes inputting over an address bus a first portion of an address of a next row of memory cells to be activated. The first portion of the address of the next row of memory cells to be activated is embedded in a command related to the previously activated row of memory cells. The next row of memory cells is subsequently activated according to a concurrently received second portion of the address of the next row of memory cells also received over the address bus. The portioning of the address signals can reduce the width of the address bus and, therefore, the number of required respective external interconnections.
US08730758B2 Adjustment of write timing in a memory device
A method and system are provided for adjusting a write timing in a memory device. For instance, the method can include receiving a data signal, a write clock signal, and a reference signal. The method can also include detecting a phase shift in the reference signal over time. The phase shift of the reference signal can be used to adjust a phase difference between the data signal and the write clock signal, where the memory device recovers data from the data signal based on an adjusted write timing of the data signal and the write clock signal.
US08730753B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, having a booster circuit capable of performing a boost operation with appropriate boost voltage arrival time without increasing the circuit size. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a timing generator circuit and a current load circuit which applies a current load to an output of a booster unit according to a signal from the timing generator circuit, thereby achieving an appropriate boost voltage arrival time by using the current load circuit in concert with the operation of erasing or writing on memory cells.
US08730737B2 Method and system for minimizing number of programming pulses used to program rows of non-volatile memory cells
A flash memory device programs cells in each row in a manner that minimizes the number of programming pulses that must be applied to the cells during programming. The flash memory device includes a pseudo pass circuit that determines the number of data errors in each of a plurality of subsets of data that has been programmed in the row. The size of each subset corresponds to the number of read data bits coupled from the memory device, which are simultaneously applied to error checking and correcting circuitry. During iterative programming of a row of cells, the pseudo pass circuit indicates a pseudo pass condition to terminate further programming of the row if none of the subsets of data have a number of data errors that exceeds the number of data errors that can be corrected by the error checking and correcting circuitry.
US08730723B2 Structures and methods of high efficient bit conversion for multi-level cell non-volatile memories
Structures and methods of converting Multi-Level Cell (MLC) Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) into multi-bit information are disclosed. In MLC NVM system, multi-bit information stored in NVM cell is represented by the states of NVM cell threshold voltage levels. In this disclosure, “P” states of NVM cell threshold voltage levels are divided into “N” groups of threshold voltage levels. Each group contains “M” states of multiple threshold voltage levels of NVM cells, where P=N×M. The “M” states of NVM cell threshold voltage levels in each group are sensed and resolved by applying one correspondent gate voltage to the group. By applying “N” multiple gate voltages, the whole “P” states of NVM cell threshold voltage levels can be sensed and efficiently converted into storing bits in the MLC NVM cells.
US08730721B2 Reduction of read disturb errors in NAND FLASH memory
Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system utilizing modified or extra FLASH memory cells.
US08730713B2 SRAM cell writability
Systems and methods for detecting and improving writeability of a static random access memory (SRAM) cell. A bias voltage value corresponding to an operating condition, such as, a process, a voltage, or a temperature operation condition that indicates a cell write failure condition of an external SRAM array comprising the SRAM cell is generated. This bias voltage value is applied to word lines of SRAM cells in a model SRAM array. A first delay for a trigger signal rippled through the model SRAM array is detected and compared to a reference delay. A write assist indication is generated if the first delay is greater than or equal to the reference delay. Based on the write assist indication, a write assist is provided to the SRAM cell.
US08730709B2 Memory component, memory device, and method of operating memory device
A memory component including first and second electrodes with a memory layer therebetween, the memory layer having first and second memory layers, the first memory layer containing aluminum and a chalcogen element of tellurium, the second memory layer between the first memory layer and the first electrode and containing an aluminum oxide and at least one of a transition metal oxide and a transition metal oxynitride having a lower resistance than the aluminum oxide.
US08730688B2 Flyback power converter with multiple outputs and a secondary side post regulator thereof
A flyback power converter with multiple outputs is disclosed. The flyback power converter has a transformer, a first output circuit, a second output circuit, and a secondary side synchronous rectification controller. The transformer has a primary side winding, a first output winding, and a second output winding. The first output circuit has a first output capacitor for storing electric energy from the first output winding. The second output circuit has a second rectifying switch and a second output capacitor. The second output capacitor is utilized for storing the electric energy from the second output winding. The secondary side synchronous rectification controller controls the conduction time of the second rectifying switch according to a detecting signal of a secondary-side conduction period. The electric energy in the first output capacitor may be transferred to the second output capacitor through the second output winding and the second rectifying switch and vice versa.
US08730675B2 Electronic device and method of radiating heat from electronic device
An electronic device including a housing including a frame member exposed to an outer surface of the electronic device; a circuit substrate disposed within the housing on which a plurality of electronic components are disposed; and a heat-radiating member provided in contact with or in close proximity to the electronic components disposed on the circuit substrate, and in contact with the frame member.
US08730670B1 Embossed heat spreader
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a heat spreader module for dissipating thermal heat generated by electronic components. The assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), electronic components disposed on the PCB, a thermal interface material (TIM) thermally coupled to the electronic components, and a heat spreader plate thermally coupled to the TIM. The heat spreader plate includes an embossed pattern. Consequently, surface area available for heat conduction between the heat spreader plate and surrounding medium may be increased relative to the prior art designs.
US08730669B2 Transformer case for notebook slate computer with wireless keyboard
An approach is provided that uses a foldable transformable display case that includes two panels. The two panels are attached using a hinge. Two components are attachable to at least one of the panels. One of the two components is an integrated display screen. Another component is a keyboard unit. At least one of the components can be removed from the panels.
US08730667B2 Protection cover, electronic device and cover holding structure
A first coupling member 20 can be engaged with a first engagement hole 2e and held slidably by a first support member 12. A second coupling member 30 of the present embodiment can be engaged with a second engagement hole 2f and held slidably by a second support member 13. With this configuration, a relative position between a second housing 2 and a protection cover 10 changes at the time of turning the second housing 2 in a direction indicated by an arrow A or B, which can prevent the protection cover 10 from loosening significantly near the hinge portions 3.
US08730666B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a speaker, a board that includes a speaker placement section in which the speaker is disposed and a double-faced adhesive tape that surrounds the speaker placement section of the board and adheres to an edge of a back surface opposite to a sound emitting surface of the speaker so as to cause the board to support the speaker.
US08730661B2 Fastening module
A fastening module for fastening a data storage device is provided. A fastening trough is formed at a lower surface of the data storage device. The fastening module includes a frame bracket, a fastening member, and a buckling member. The frame bracket is used for carrying the data storage device. The frame bracket includes a lower frame and two side frames. The side frames are connected to two sides of the lower frame. The lower frame includes a clamping hole. The fastening member is disposed at the clamping hole and inserted into a fastening trough, so as to prevent the data storage device from moving. The buckling member is movably disposed at the side frames to buckle an upper surface of the data storage device.
US08730659B2 Mounting apparatus for expansion card
A mounting apparatus for expansion card comprising a chassis, a mounting frame secured to the chassis and located in a first portion of the chassis, a hull secured to the chassis and located in a second portion of the chassis opposite to the first portion, and a mounting member. The mounting member comprises an elastically deformable latching portion. The hull comprises two limiting portions and defines a positioning opening, and the mounting member is engaged in the two limiting portions and is slidable relative to the hull. The mounting member is slid to a side edge of the hull towards to the mounting frame when the elastically deformable latching portion is engaged in the positioning opening.
US08730651B2 Cross bus main device
A device for disconnecting electrical power from a first stack of meter modules, wherein the power is supplied by a main box that also supplies power to a second stack of meter modules. The device includes an incoming bus section for receiving power from the main box and an outgoing bus section for feeding power to the first stack of modules. In addition, the device includes a cross bus device connected to the incoming and outgoing bus sections and a circuit breaker connected to the cross bus device. When the circuit breaker is closed, power is supplied to the first and second stacks of modules. When the circuit breaker is opened, power to the first stack of modules is disconnected while power to the second stack of modules is maintained.
US08730642B2 Stacker and static elimination device for the same
This invention provides a stacker with static elimination devices arranged at both sides of each shelf of the stacker and comprises a rectangular box producing charged ions. A rotary shaft is connected with the rectangular box and with both ends fixed on upper and lower shelf holders, respectively. A standpipe parallel with the rotary shaft is provided inside the rectangular box and includes a horizontal transverse plate on which an ion generator is installed. The standpipe includes a blowing device directing charged ions generated toward a cartridge transferred in and out of the shelf. With the static elimination devices at both sides of each shelf of the stacker, the charged ions are blown toward glass substrates disposed inside the cartridge transferred in and out of the shelf to eliminate the static of the glass substrate inside the cartridge and improve the yield.
US08730639B1 Overvoltage protection for remote radio head-based wireless communication systems
A surge suppression system provides surge protection both locally within the radio station building were the power plant and telecommunication equipment are located and remotely next to the radios and antennas located outside of the building on the communication tower. An aerodynamically shaped remote surge suppression unit provides a waterproof enclosure for both surge suppression devices and fiber optic connectors. The unit has reduced wind load and reduced weight and can be placed on a wide variety of different radio tower and building structures with tight space restrictions. A rack mountable surge suppression unit provides local in-line surge suppression protection for the electrical equipment located in the communication station. A unique surge suppression tray is hot swappable so that multiple surge suppression devices can be replaced at the same time without disrupting radio operation.
US08730631B2 Protective monitoring circuit and battery pack
A protective monitoring circuit includes a protective circuit to detect at least one of overcharging, overdischarging, and overcurrent of a chargeable secondary battery to control whether to turn on or off a control transistor to protect the secondary battery, and a secondary-battery monitoring circuit, having a reduced size and having a breakdown voltage lower than a battery voltage of the secondary battery, to detect a status of the secondary battery, wherein the protective circuit generates a voltage that is commensurate with an output voltage of the secondary battery and that is within a predetermined tolerance voltage range of the secondary-battery monitoring circuit, and the secondary-battery monitoring circuit generates a detection value responsive to the generated voltage supplied from the protective circuit, the detection value being indicative of the output voltage of the secondary battery.
US08730625B2 Electrostatic discharge protection circuit for an integrated circuit
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes a clamping transistor and a trigger circuit. The clamping transistor is coupled between a first power supply voltage terminal and a second power supply voltage terminal. The trigger circuit includes a detection circuit, first and second transistors, and first, second, and third inverters. The detection circuit is coupled to monitor a power supply voltage. The first inverter has an input terminal coupled to a current electrode of the first transistor, and an output terminal coupled to a control electrode of the clamping transistor. The second inverter and the third inverter form a feedback path from the output of the first inverter to the control electrode of the first transistor. The second inverter has a switching voltage that is lower than a midpoint voltage of a power supply voltage provided to the first and second power supply voltage terminals.
US08730614B2 Suppression of seek repeatable runout
The disclosure is related to an apparatus and methods of suppressing seek repeatable runout. In a particular embodiment, a servo loop is disclosed. The servo loop includes a seek signal generation component that generates a seek trajectory acceleration signal. The servo loop also includes a STRRO suppression component that is coupled to the seek signal generation component. The STRRO suppression component injects STRRO suppression signals into the seek trajectory acceleration signal and outputs an STRRO suppressed seek trajectory acceleration signal.
US08730613B1 Retracting an actuator
An apparatus and associated methodology for retracting a first member in relation to a second member. The first member may be selectively moveable by a first motor and the second member may be selectively moveable by a second motor that operably generates a back electromagnetic force (BEMF) voltage VBEMF. In an embodiment a retract control circuit may control movement of the first member via the first motor in response to a loss of supply power to the second motor. An embodiment of the apparatus may include a backup power source storing a voltage VB after the loss of supply power. Another embodiment of the apparatus may include retract logic operative on the retract control circuit to divide the VB from the VBEMF to energize the first motor by the VBEMF and not the VB when the VB is greater than a predetermined threshold voltage and a loss of the supply power to the second motor is detected.
US08730610B2 Closed loop fly height control
A distance between a head and a storage media is measured. An amount of power applied to a heater element in the head is adaptively adjusted based on a difference between the measured distance and a reference position indicating a desired distance between the head and the storage media. Related circuits and devices are also discussed.
US08730606B1 Read channel error correction using multiple calibrators
Read channel circuitry comprises a decoder and error correction circuitry. The error correction circuitry is configured to calibrate a first set of filters using a read channel data signal, to determine first hard decision information regarding the read channel data signal using the calibrated first set of filters, to determine an error corrected read channel data signal using the first hard decision information, to calibrate a second set of filters using the error corrected read channel data signal, to determine second hard decision information regarding the error corrected read channel data signal using the calibrated second set of filters, and to decode the second hard decision information. The first set of filters and the second set of filters are calibrated in respective first and second calibrators.
US08730603B2 Power management for storage device read channel
A hard disk drive or other storage device comprises a storage medium, a read head configured to read data from the storage medium, and control circuitry coupled to the read head and configured to process data received from the read head. The control circuitry comprises read channel circuitry that includes a low-density parity check decoder or other type of decoder. Power management circuitry associated with the read channel circuitry is configured to detect a power control condition of the read channel circuitry and to control insertion of idle clock cycles in a clock signal supplied to the decoder responsive to the detected power control condition. For example, the read channel circuitry may comprise a clock generator configured to gate the clock signal responsive to a control signal from the power management circuitry.
US08730596B2 Imaging device and lens barrel
An imaging device comprises a lens barrel having an optical system with an adjustable focal point, and has a first state can focus relative to an imaging face, and a second state can not focus relative to the imaging face, a changing unit for changing the lens barrel from the second state to the first state when the imaging unit is activated, a discriminating unit which discriminates whether the state of the barrel is the first state or the second state, and a control unit which, at a time of activating the imaging unit, changes the lens barrel to the first state by the changing unit if it is discriminated that the state of the barrel is the second state, and which maintains the first state if it is discriminated that the state of the barrel is the first state.
US08730594B2 Image pickup lens for solid-state image pickup element
An image pickup lens for a solid-state image pickup element includes a first lens having a positive refractive power with a convex surface facing the object side, a second lens with concave surfaces facing the object side and an image side, a third lens of a meniscus shape having a positive refractive power with a convex surface facing the image side, and a fourth lens with concave surfaces facing the object side and the image side, wherein the image pickup lens satisfies the following conditional expressions (1),(2),(5),and(7); −1.3
US08730588B2 Zoom lens and image pickup unit
A zoom lens includes: a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power, the first to fourth lens groups being arranged in order from an object side, in which zooming is performed through varying a distance between adjacent lens groups of the first to fourth lens groups, and the fourth lens group includes a first positive lens, a first negative meniscus lens, and a cemented lens which are arranged in order from the object side, the cemented lens being configured of a second negative meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the object side and a second positive lens.
US08730587B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus using the same
A zoom lens includes in order from an object side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having a positive refractive, and a last lens group having a positive refractive index, and at the time of zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group is fixed, the second lens group moves toward a side of an image plane, the third lens group is fixed, and the fourth lens group moves, and at the time of focusing, the fourth lens group moves. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditional expression (101) 0.20
US08730585B2 Zoom lens
An embodiment of this invention provides a zoom lens, which primarily includes, in order from an object side to an image-forming side, a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power; a fourth lens group having positive refractive power; a fifth lens group having negative refractive power; and a sixth lens group having positive refractive power; wherein the first lens group comprises a prism, and the second lens group, the fourth lens group, and the fifth lens group are moved toward the third lens group along an optical axial for zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end.
US08730583B2 Microscope objective
Described is a microscope objective (10, 100, 200) having an objective housing (12) which contains a lens system including a lens unit (60) capable of being moved along the optical axis (O) of the lens system to compensate for the thickness of the coverslip, and further having an adjusting device for adjusting the lens unit (60), said adjusting device including a drive unit (14, 102, 202) and a transmission (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 62) which is drivable by the drive unit (14, 102, 202) and coupled to the lens unit (60). According to the present invention, the drive unit (14, 102, 202) has a motor (34) and is mounted on the objective housing (12).
US08730581B2 Head-up display for night vision goggles
A head-up display system for a vehicle facilitating the use of night vision goggles for a person in the vehicle during night vision conditions. The system includes a light source for providing light to an image source. The image source is arranged to project an image on a semi-transparent combiner mirror. The combiner mirror is arranged to superimpose the projected image onto a view of the environment in front of the vehicle by transmitting light rays from the environment and at the same time reflecting the projected image towards the eyes of an observer. The system includes a first and a second light source for alternatively providing light to the image source. The first light source is arranged to emit light of a first color to be used during daylight conditions, and the second light source is arranged to emit light of a second color to be used during night vision conditions, wherein the second color is mainly yellow or mainly orange.
US08730580B2 Light diffusion cell for laser light, light source device and image display device using same
A light diffusion cell for laser light where in a transparent cell in which a liquid can be sealed, a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles having an average particle size of 100 nm or more and 1.5 μm or less are colloidally dispersed in a liquid medium transmitting light, a same light diffusion cell including a reflection mechanism recursively using reflection light of incident light, a laser light source device including the light diffusion cell and a semiconductor laser light source and an image display device including the light diffusion cell or the laser light source device, and the light diffusion cell significantly reduces or removes speckle noise of semiconductor laser light. In addition, the light diffusion cell has an easy constitution, occupies a smaller volume and can be easily incorporated in any type of image display device using laser light. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce or remove speckle noise without large-sizing of an image display device using laser light or a higher cost-up.
US08730579B2 Optical sheet having enhanced optical characteristics
An optical sheet includes a base film in which light is incident from a lower side, a plurality of prism patterns and a diffusion member. The prism patterns are protruded to be spaced apart from each other on the base film to enhance the front luminance of light incident from the lower side of the base film. The diffusion member is disposed between prism patterns to have a diffusion surface in parallel with the base film. The diffusion member includes a plurality of diffusion dots capable of enhancing the luminance uniformity of light incident from the lower side of the base film. Thus, front luminance and luminance uniformity may be enhanced due to a juxtaposition of the prism patterns and the diffusion portion, and the viewing angle of the LCD device may be enhanced.
US08730578B1 Sunlight coupler and sunlight system comprising thereof
A sunlight coupler is provided, the sunlight coupler may include a beam integrator configured to concentrate beams of sunlight, which may be incident from a plurality of optical fibers, in the form of a single beam, a triplet lens focusing the concentrated beam on a specific position, and an optical fiber provided for transmission of the focused sunlight. The optical fiber may be a thermally-diffusion expand core fiber.
US08730564B2 Method and structure for nonlinear optics
A nonlinear optical crystal having a chemical formula of YiLajAlkB16O48, where 2.8≦i≦3.2, 0.8≦j≦1.2, i and j sum to about four, and k is about 12 is provided. The nonlinear optical crystal is useful for nonlinear optical applications including frequency conversion. Nonlinear optical crystals in a specific embodiment are characterized by UV blocking materials (e.g., some transition metals and lanthanides) at concentrations of less than 1,000 parts per million, providing high transmittance over portions of the UV spectrum (e.g., 175-360 nm).
US08730559B2 Multicolor display optical composition, optical device, and display method of optical device
The present invention provides a multicolor display optical composition comprising a dispersion medium, a periodic structure having a porous structure inside communicated with the outside, and mobile particles contained in the dispersion medium so as to be movable and having a volume average primary particle diameter from 1 nm to 80 nm in a dispersion state in the dispersion medium, a volume average particle diameter of coagulated particles of 100 nm or larger in optical coagulation state by stimulation application, and having a refractive index different from that of the dispersion medium by 0.1 or more, wherein the mobile particles show no coloration in the dispersion state when the particles are dispersed in the dispersion medium and show white coloration with a predetermined whiteness value or higher in the coagulation state when the particles are coagulated, an optical device, and a display method of the optical device.
US08730555B2 Electrowetting display having controlled fluid motion
An electrowetting display device comprises a plurality of picture elements (2) having a first support plate (5) including a surface (68) and a second support plate. A space (10) of a picture element between the surface of the first support plate and the second support plate includes at least one first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with each other, the second fluid being electroconductive or polar. The first support plate includes an electrode (46) for applying an electric field in the picture element. It also includes a layer (44) arranged on a side of the electrode facing away from said space. The layer forms an electronic component (33) for applying a voltage to the electrode. The electrode comprises a height difference (86) corresponding to a thickness of the layer (44). The height difference causes an inhomogeneous electric field in the space, providing a preferred direction of motion of the first fluid on application of the electric field.
US08730554B2 Variable transmittance element, optical system, and optical apparatus utilizing electrochromic material
A variable transmittance element includes two substrates, two transparent electrode layers held between the two substrates, an electrochromic layer held between the two transparent electrode layers and having transmittance that is reversibly changed by electric control, and a first dielectric layer provided between one of the two substrates and one of the two transparent electrode layers closest to the one of the two substrates and configured to reduce reflections. The first dielectric layer is a multilayer film made by alternately laminating two or more layers each having a high refractive index and two or more layers each having a low refractive index, a refractive index difference for a wavelength of 550 nm between the layer having the high refractive index and the layer having the low refractive index being 0.2 or more.
US08730550B2 Display device
Provided is a display device, including: a pair of light transmissive substrates disposed to be opposed to each other at an interval; a sealing member which bonds the pair of light transmissive substrates together and defines an encapsulation space between the pair of light transmissive substrates; a plurality of shutters disposed in the encapsulation space so as to optically display an image; liquid having optical isotropy filled in the encapsulation space; and an optical film disposed between the liquid and at least one of the pair of light transmissive substrates. A refractive index of the optical film is different from a refractive index of the pair of light transmissive substrates.
US08730547B2 Lattice-based screen design for N-color all-orders moire-free screen set
A method and system to generate a moiré-free to all-orders N-color screen-set by a lattice-based screen design the method including choosing a lattice in frequency space with basis vectors u1 and u2 such that (∥{right arrow over (u)}1∥,∥{right arrow over (u)}2∥,∥{right arrow over (u)}1±{right arrow over (u)}2∥)>f min, where f min is the minimum moiré invisible to the human eye, and choosing a set of N pairs of fundamental frequency vectors on the vertices of this lattice to be the screen vectors.
US08730538B2 High speed digital cataloguing system and method
Devices and methods are disclosed for the high speed digitization and cataloguing of large collections of objects. The objects are inserted into transparent pockets on an elongated belt, and the belt is driven rapidly past a high speed digital camera. A glare reduction means may be employed to avoid glare off the transparent pockets, and motion blur may be substantially eliminated through the use of high speed strobe illumination or a high speed shutter. The invention can be commercialized by having a customer load the belt with objects and deliver the belt to a processing location. Digital images of the objects may then be provided to the customer, and the original objects may be left in the pockets on the belt for convenient storage.
US08730523B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
In an image processing apparatus, fast error diffusion processing is performed without increasing the size of an error diffusion processing circuit, even in cases where the print data to be generated is 12 colors data or similarly large data. More specifically, with quantization by error diffusion, binarized image data for 12 colors is obtained by causing an image processing circuit that executes 6 colors quantization processing to operate twice. At this point, RAM realized by DRAM with comparatively slow operating speeds, for example, is accessed for error data diffused to a first raster and error data diffused from a last raster. In contrast, an error buffer realized by SRAM inside the image processing circuit with fast operating speeds is accessed for all other error data. Thus, as a result, memory access speeds for reading out and writing error data can be improved overall.
US08730522B2 Image forming apparatus having plural deflection units and to perform positional shift correction
An image forming apparatus includes a first light source that emits light when color print is specified; a first deflection unit that deflects the light emitted from the first light source; a first driving unit that drives the first deflection unit; a second light source that emits light when color print is specified and when monochrome print is specified; a second deflection unit that deflects the light emitted from the second light source; a second driving unit that drives the second deflection unit; a control unit that, when a image data receiving unit receives first image data and information specifying that the first image data is to be printed in monochrome and receives second image data and information specifying that the second image data is to be printed in color, causes the first driving unit to operate while a monochrome image corresponding to the first image data is being formed.
US08730521B2 Method and apparatus for using game mechanics to implement enterprise print governance
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for processing a request to print using game mechanics are disclosed. For example, the method receives one or more parameters associated with the request to print, calculates a score for the request to print based upon the one or more parameters, updates an overall score of a user associated with the request to print based upon the score that is calculated and presents the overall score that is updated to a display device of the user.
US08730517B2 Image forming system, image forming method, and image forming apparatus that transfers a setting values set
An image forming apparatus stores a setting values set including core data independent of a model of the image forming apparatus and non-core data not included in the core data; writes the core data on another image forming apparatus without change, and if the model of the image forming apparatus is the same as the model of the another image forming apparatus, writes the non-core data on the another image forming apparatus without change, while if the model of the image forming apparatus is not the same as the model of the another image forming apparatus, writes the non-core data including a setting value of a function setting in the non core-data that is the same as the function setting in the another image forming apparatus on the another image forming apparatus.
US08730510B2 Image input system, server in system, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An image input system capable of applying to a system using a cloud computing and of selecting the optimal transmission route. The image input system comprises a server, an information processing apparatus that communicates with the server via the Internet, and image input apparatuses communicate with the information processing apparatus via a local network and communicate with the server via the Internet. The server acquires the transmission capacity information of the image input apparatuses searched, selects a first route that directly transmit to the server or a second route that transmit to the server via the image processing apparatus based on the transmission capacity information, and transmits a job message to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus transmits the job message to the image input apparatus selected. Each of the image input apparatuses generates the image information and transmits it to the server.
US08730509B2 Network system, network setup method, and program and storage medium therefor
A network system and network system setting method including a control apparatus connected to a network and an image processing apparatus connected to the control apparatus so as to access the network, where when setup information for the image processing apparatus is transmitted to another image processing apparatus, setup information for the control apparatus is also transmitted.
US08730507B2 Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the image forming apparatus, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus includes a generation unit and a preview control unit. The generation unit acquires print information from an input print job and generates a preview image for displaying, on a display unit, a print image of a page to be printed whose print processing by a printing unit is still stoppable. The preview control unit displays the preview image generated by the generation unit on the display unit.
US08730496B2 Information processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, and control method therefor, as well as a program
An information processing apparatus connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network, comprising, a transmission unit configured to transmit identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus on the network and specifying information by which a user identifies the information processing apparatus to the plurality of image processing apparatuses on the network, and a reception unit configured to be operable when the user selects the specifying information in one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses, to receive information for using the selected image processing apparatus transmitted from the selected image processing apparatus based on the identification information.
US08730488B2 Print control apparatus, print control system, and printer driver
A print control apparatus configured to control a plurality of types of printers, the print control apparatus including: a storage part storing a printer type, a function of the printer type, and a correspondence between the printer type and the function of the printer type; an acquisition part, which acquires identification information for identifying at least the printer type from the printer, and the acquisition part acquires the function corresponding to the printer type identified based on the identification information from the storage part, and a display part displaying an operation screen corresponding to the function acquired by the acquisition part.
US08730484B2 Resonant cavity sensor having multiple input optical signals at different angles
Embodiments of environmental stimulus sensors comprising multiple sources and detectors for interrogating one or more optically resonant cavities that are responsive to one or more environmental stimuli are disclosed. Such sensors have, among other advantages, improved immunity to source and/or detector noise.
US08730483B2 Interferometric measurement of displacement in axial direction of a grating
A displacement measurement device includes a first diffraction grating that generates first diffraction light of a prescribed order; a second diffraction grating movable relative to the first diffraction grating, the second diffraction grating dividing the zeroth-order light that has passed through the first diffraction grating into zeroth-order light and a second diffraction light of a prescribed order; and a first optical sensor that detects interfering light beams formed by the first diffraction light from the first diffraction grating and the second diffraction light from the second diffraction grating to determine an amount of a displacement of the second diffraction grating relative to the first diffraction grating.
US08730477B2 Device for optically scanning and measuring an environment
With a device for optically scanning and measuring an environment, which is designed as a laser scanner, with a light emitter, which emits an emission light beam, with a light receiver which receives a reception light beam which is reflected from an object in the environment of the laser scanner or scattered otherwise, and with a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines at least the distance to the object, at least one shell is provided as part of the housing of the laser scanner, said shell being partially covered on its outer side by at least one yoke which serves as protection.
US08730472B2 Method for predicting haze in lubricant base stocks
The invention is a technique for predicting future haze formation in dewaxed, petroleum-derived, lubricant base stocks and, by extension, products made from such base stocks. In general, the technique measures the changes in light scattering caused by the formation and disappearance of wax crystals in a dilute test sample of neat base stock, over the course of a temperature profile. The data obtained is then compared to a previously formulated historical correlation of measurements taken using light scattering data to haze potential. The technique focuses on haze disappearance temperature as a reference point, as opposed to total wax formation. The technique also uses a solvent to accelerate the formation of wax crystals in the test sample. The technique provides a robust early warning system that allows refineries to rapidly and accurately determine the long term haze potential of a base stock production prior to release. The technique can be performed in real time, typically in less than an hour.
US08730457B2 Sensor arrangement for object recognition
A sensor arrangement for object recognition in a monitored zone is provided having a first and second distance-measuring optoelectronic sensor whose fields of vision overlap, and having a common control unit which is formed for determining a position of a calibration target in the overlap region with respect to the first and second sensor to determine a transformation instruction between coordinate systems of the sensors in a registration mode so that measured points of the sensors can be combined in a common global coordinate system. The common control unit is designed to determine positions of the calibration target with respect to the first and second sensor and to determine that transformation instruction which brings a connection line between the positions with respect to the first sensor's coordinate system to cover the connection line between the positions with respect to second sensor's coordinate system.
US08730438B2 Liquid crystal display panel with multi-domain unit pixels and an optical mask for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display panel, including a unit pixel including a first substrate having a first alignment film, a second substrate having a second alignment film spaced apart from and facing the first alignment film, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first alignment film and the second alignment film; and first and second adjacent domains, each of which includes a domain boundary region defining part of an area between the adjacent domains, and a normal-luminance region adjacent to the domain boundary region, wherein pretilt angles of liquid crystal molecules near the first alignment film in the domain boundary regions are greater than pretilt angles of liquid crystal molecules near the first alignment film in the normal-luminance regions.
US08730436B2 Liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein are a liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a method for manufacturing the same, capable of preventing problems (i.e., movement of balls, damage to the surfaces that face spacers upon application of predetermined pressure, and variation in cell gap) associated with the use of the ball spacers. The liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a spacer formed on the first substrate, wherein the spacer includes a plurality of balls and a solid to aggregate the balls together and adhere the balls to the first substrate, a hard coating layer formed on the second substrate facing the spacer, and a liquid crystal layer filled between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08730428B2 Liquid crystal display device having first and second conductive members
This invention provides a liquid crystal display device that makes it possible to ground the conductive film provided on the display side of the liquid crystal display panel without fail while making the frame narrower. The device has a liquid crystal display panel where a liquid crystal layer is provided between two facing substrates; a mold frame for holding the liquid crystal display panel in a predetermined position; a lower frame made of a metal for containing the mold frame; and first and second conductive members, and characterized in that a conductive film is formed on the display side of the liquid crystal display panel, the first conductive member is provided so as to make contact with the conductive film and an upper surface of the mold frame, and the second conductive member is provided so as to make contact with the first conductive member and the lower frame.
US08730418B2 Array substrate and method for manufacturing the same
In an array substrate capable of improving the quality of displayed images and a method for manufacturing the array substrate, the array substrate includes a base substrate, a first conductive pattern including a gate line and a first light-blocking pattern, a semiconductor layer overlapping the light-blocking pattern, a second conductive pattern including a data line and a storage line overlapping the first light-blocking pattern, and a pixel electrode overlapping the storage line to form a storage capacitor. The first conductive pattern may further include a second light-blocking pattern overlapping the semiconductor layer which is formed under the data line. The first and second light-blocking patterns block light proceeding toward the semiconductor layer formed under the storage line and under the data line, respectively, so that the semiconductor layer may be prevented from being excited by light energy.
US08730417B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
The LCD device of this invention comprises an LC panel having a plurality of pixels defined by a plurality of gate lines and data lines, one or more gate shorting bars disposed outside the LC panel, for applying a test signal to the LC panel through gate lines, first and second data shorting bars disposed outside the LC panel, for applying test signals to odd and even numbered data lines, respectively, an odd numbered data link line connected to the odd numbered data line, and spacing from the first data shorting bar by a predetermined distance, an even numbered data link line connected to the even numbered data line, and spacing from the second data shorting bar by a predetermined distance, and a connection line for electrically connecting the odd numbered data link line and the first data shorting bar with each other, and connecting the even numbered data link line and the second data shorting bar with each other through contact holes, wherein the odd numbered data link line has a length equal to that of the even numbered data link line.
US08730415B2 Cover glass integrated sensor
A cover glass integrated sensor has an excellent visibility of sharp outlines of the display screen as seen through the cover glass and has a sense of unity in appearance in portions surrounding the display screen. The cover glass integrated sensor includes a cover glass and a capacitance type film sensor. The cover glass includes a glass substrate and a first frame-like light-blocking layer made of a screen printing film formed on peripheral portion on the rear surface of the glass substrate. The capacitance type film sensor has a second frame-like light-blocking layer made of an exposure/development product of color resist material formed on a periphery of the front surface. The capacitance type film sensor is attached to a rear surface of the cover glass. An inner edge of the second frame-like light-blocking layer is closer to the center than an inner edge of the first frame-like light-blocking layer.