US08146167B2
Managing the use of an optical disc drive by a program at high security. An OS of a host apparatus 100 sends one user certificate incorporating the policy information defining the use contents permissible for the optical disc drive 200 and a user key to the optical disc drive 200 under a secure environment (S3). On the other hand, the program running on the OS is authorized, and the user key is passed to the authorized program (S6). The optical disc drive 200 authorizes the program using the user key within the user certificate and the user key for the program and specifies the policy information corresponding to the user key (S7). Thereafter, the optical disc drive 200 permits the application program to gain access to the self-resource within the limits of the contents defined in the policy information (S8).
US08146162B1
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for acceleration of computer malware detection system using antivirus cache. The system provides an antivirus cache in a non-volatile system memory that may be updated with information from an antivirus database. Each update contains different types of data and executable code associated with different types of known malware. During update, the same types of data for each type of malware is collected and stored as data files in corresponding sections of the antivirus cache and executable code sections are converted into platform-specific dynamic libraries and also stored in the antivirus cache. During execution of the antivirus application, the system maps one or more data files of the antivirus cache into the memory without any further conversion, thereby accelerating launch of the antivirus application.
US08146159B2
Disclosed are methods and media for inspecting security certificates. Methods include the steps of: scanning, by a network security device, messages of a security protocol between a server and a client system; detecting the messages having a security certificate; detecting suspicious security certificates from the messages; and aborting particular sessions of the security protocol associated with the suspicious certificates. Preferably, the step of scanning is performed only on messages of server certificate records. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: sending an invalid-certificate notice to the server and the client system. Preferably, the step of detecting the suspicious certificates includes detecting a use of an incorrectly-generated private key for the certificates. Preferably, the step of detecting the suspicious certificates includes detecting an unavailability of revocation information for the certificates. Preferably, the step of detecting the suspicious certificates includes detecting a use of an invalid cryptographic algorithm for the certificates.
US08146157B2
Security information such as fixed or dynamically received camera location information, laser signature information, timestamp information, and network information, may be used to secure the transport and storage of surveillance video. Where the surveillance video is to be transported on a communication network, the round trip time from a video data storage server to the surveillance camera and back to the video data storage server may be monitored and periodically added to the secured video data. By checking to see whether the round trip time has changed, it may be possible to determine whether the video has been tampered with. The secured video data may also be transported over two or more paths on the network to two or more video data storage servers so that redundant copies may be stored at different primary locations. By comparing copies of the data, alteration of one of the copies may be detected.
US08146155B1
Embodiments of the invention relate to controlling access to a content unit stored on an object addressable storage (OAS) system. In one embodiment, the content unit may have an object identifier that is used to identify it on the OAS system. A first portion of a content unit may be assigned a first set of access permissions and a second portion of the content unit may be assigned a second set of access permissions that is different from the first set of access permissions.
US08146148B2
A method for providing security groups based on the use of tunneling is disclosed. The method includes assigning a security group identifier (SGI) to a packet and classifying the packet based on the packet's SGI.
US08146144B2
The invention relates to a method and a system for the transparent transmission of data traffic between data processing devices, a corresponding program product, and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be used especially for transparently inserting, modifying, and/or removing data packets into/in/from the data traffic by introducing a second computer system (serially connected computer system) into the network interface of a main computer and processing the network traffic in the inventive manner. Individual packets and/or connections can be affected in a selective manner or all packets and/or connections can be affected as a whole. An important aspect of the invention lies in the fact that the serially connected computer system transmits data traffic between the main computer and a partner, the serially connected computer imitating the address properties of the main computer in relation to the partner and/or the address properties of the partner in relation to the main computer.
US08146130B2
A method and apparatus for recognizing and synchronizing to in-band data at a multimedia device is provided. A content stream includes in-band data. The in-band data is processed and in-band data pattern data associated with the content stream are created. Metadata are attached to the event identification data. The event identification data are provided to multimedia devices which receive broadcasted multimedia content streams containing video programs with in-band data. The in-band data are processed and compared to the event identification data. If a match occurs, the multimedia device uses the metadata to perform specified actions.
US08146124B2
An adapter connected to a device and also connected to a client terminal via a network displays an operation window corresponding to the process mode of the device on the client terminal and remote-controls the operation of the device based on an operation signal for the operation window. When the process mode is a remote control mode that allows the client terminal to read out data accumulated in the device, the client terminal displays an image for which open setting is done by the device.
US08146118B2
The recording medium includes a data structure having a menu data area and a menu management area. The menu data area stores one or more thumbnail pictures as menu data. Each thumbnail picture is stored as a block of menu data. The menu management area stores menu management information. The menu management information provides an index to each thumbnail picture in the menu data area.
US08146109B2
A method and architecture for increasing version resiliency between a host application that is unmanaged code and custom code that is managed code is provided. A host application exposes an application-level object and a document-level object. A custom code runtime provides a wrapper for the document-level object within the application domain of the custom code runtime. The custom code runtime also provides a mechanism within the application domain of the custom code runtime for providing to custom code a reference to the application-level object directly, rather than through a wrapper. Custom code can then access functionality of the application-level object directly using the reference without having to use a wrapper provided by the custom code runtime.
US08146107B2
A method for transmitting data to a RTOS environment via a virtual machine environment (VME) includes at least one virtual I/O service, and a custom remote procedure call for relaying calls and call responses between the RTOS and the native HOS by invoking HOS services by means of a proxy, to a non-blocking message queue. A notification is generated and transmitted from the I/O to an interrupt emulator. An interrupt is generated and includes an identifier of the I/O and triggers the RTOS to poll the non-blocking message queue to retrieve data. Relaying the interrupt to the RTOS via a hardware exception handler emulator, which makes the interrupts and an exception appear as if they had occurred on the RTOS natively. Relaying the data to the RTOS when a poll for the data is received at the non-blocking message queue. The VME includes a supervisory instruction emulator for emulating instructions.
US08146101B2
An improved handheld electronic device includes an Application Programming Interface (API) that generates various notifications in certain circumstances. Certain predetermined criteria that have been established for a particular routine on the handheld electronic device are employed to ignore certain of the notifications in appropriate circumstances in order to conserve computing and power resources.
US08146098B2
Methods and apparatus of interfacing with a computer user via virtual thumbnails are disclosed. The system determines the number of zones for each virtual thumbnail, the variable to represent in each zone, and the current state of each of those variables. The system then dynamically renders each of the virtual thumbnails accordingly. For example, if the top-left zone of a virtual thumbnail is to indicate the current operating system associated with a virtual machine, and the current operating system for that virtual machine is Microsoft Windows, then the system displays a flying window icon in the top-left zone of that virtual thumbnail. Once the virtual thumbnail are displayed, the system looks for events associated with the virtual thumbnails (e.g., a click in one of the zones) and executes instructions in response to detecting those events (e.g., show virtual thumbnails indicative of the operating system's services if the operating system zone of a virtual thumbnail is clicked).
US08146097B2
According to one aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for implementing view caching in a framework to support web-based applications. The system comprising a set of server-side objects managed by an object manager (OM) running on a server. The system further comprises a set of browser-side objects running on a browser running on a client. The system also comprises a remote procedure call (RPC) mechanism and a notification mechanism to facilitate communication and synchronization between the browser-side objects and the server-side objects. The system additionally comprises a cache on the client to store layouts of views, wherein each view is a display panel consisting of a particular arrangement of applets.
US08146089B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for allocating at least one dedicated core and at least one shareable core to a first partition of a system, where the cores are owned by the first partition. During operation, the shareable core(s) may be made dynamically available for use in one or more other partitions of the system, while the first partition retains ownership of the shared core(s). Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08146088B2
A communication apparatus includes a control unit including a controller configured to control the communication apparatus, a first communication unit configured to perform communication under control of the controller, and a second communication unit including a subcontrol unit and configured to perform communication under control of the subcontrol unit, wherein a load condition of the controller is determined, and one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit is selected to perform communication processing based on the determined load condition.
US08146084B1
This specification describes technologies relating to execution of applications and the management of an application's access to other applications. In general, a method can include loading a first application, designated to a first isolation environment, including first instructions using the first isolation environment provided by an application execution environment. A second application including second instructions is loaded using the first isolation environment despite the second application being designated to a second isolation environment provided by the application execution environment. The first application is prevented from modifying the second instructions of the second application. Data is processed using the first instructions of the first application and the second instructions of the second application, where the first instructions reference the second instructions. Information based on results of the processing is outputted.
US08146076B1
The disclosure is directed to systems and methods for customizing boot disk images using prioritization. In one example, a series of source files are copied to a staging area. Earlier received files are overridden by later received files of the same name. Pre-boot operating system files are copied first, followed by a software manufacturer's supplied files, then an original equipment manufacturer's supplied files, and finally user supplied files. Since each file is overridden by a later one, the prioritizing of copies to the staging area presents a prioritized file structure to create a boot disk image. Commands are run to further modify the files. The files are compiled into a boot disk image.
US08146074B2
A computer-readable recording medium containing an application management program for automatically performing version management to surely manage versions of a client application that communicates with a server application. A communication request monitor acquires a communication request issued from a terminal device to a server, and extracts version information of a client application from the communication request. An upgrade determination unit determines whether the extracted version information shows the latest version, and determines that upgrade is necessary if the version is not the latest version. A setting file transmitter sends the communication request to the server if the upgrade determination unit does not determine that the upgrade is necessary. If the upgrade is necessary, on the contrary, the setting file transmitter discards the communication request and sends the client application setting file for the latest version to the terminal device sending the communication request.
US08146071B2
A mechanism for folding all the data dependencies in a loop into a single, conservative dependence. This mechanism leads to one pair of synchronization primitives per loop. This mechanism does not require complicated, multi-stage compile time analysis. This mechanism considers only the data dependence information in the loop. The low synchronization cost balances the loss in parallelism due to the reduced overlap between iterations. Additionally, a novel scheme is presented to implement required synchronization to enforce data dependences in a DOACROSS loop. The synchronization is based on an iteration vector, which identifies a spatial position in the iteration space of the loop. Multiple iterations executing in parallel have their own iteration vector for synchronization where they update their position in the iteration space. As no sequential updates to the synchronization variable exist, this method exploits a greater degree of parallelism.
US08146062B2
A method, apparatus, and computer program instructions for automatically performing test builds of natural language translated files for a software product. When a translated file is received from a translator, a test build of the translated file is executed in a translation test build environment, wherein the translation test build environment is separate from the main software product build environment. A determination is made as to whether the test build of the translated file is successful. If the test build is successful, the translated file is submitted to the main software product build environment. If the test build is unsuccessful, a log file containing error information is sent to the translator to allow the translator to fix compile errors identified in the translated file and resubmit the translated file to the translation test build environment.
US08146056B1
A method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus for debugging a computer program utilizing breakpoints triggered by accessing a rarely used or unused I/O port is provided. Rarely used or unused I/O ports are identified in a computer system and a debugger program is instructed to halt program execution when an access is made to one or more of the identified ports. An instruction for writing to one of the ports is then inserted in the program to be debugged. When the instruction is executed, the debugger program will cause the execution of the program to stop. When the breakpoint is no longer needed, the debugger program is instructed not to halt when an access is made to the I/O port.
US08146047B2
An automated design process using a computer system includes identifying a set of timing endpoints in a circuit defined by a machine-readable file. Values of slack in the estimated arrival times for the timing endpoints are assigned. Probability distribution functions, such as Gaussian distributions, are assigned for the respective values of slack, and are combined. The combination of probability distribution functions represents a measure of circuit performance. The measure is computed for alternative implementations of the circuit, and used to identify an alternative more likely to meet timing constraints.
US08146039B2
A device development tool selects a source component and identifies a plurality of sink components in a device design layout. The device development tool determines whether the sink components are configured in a single-sided layout, a multi-sided layout, or a multi-distance layout. Next, the device development tool computes a first level center of gravity for the plurality of sink components and also computes an X distance and a Y distance from the source component to the first level center of gravity. The device development tool then groups the plurality of sink components into sets and places buffers in the layout using an algorithm that is specific for the identified layout type.
US08146038B2
A method for conjecturing the effective size, i.e. the effective width or effective length, of a gate is disclosed. First, a first design gate group including a first gate design width and a first gate design length is provided. Second, an intrinsic gate channel capacitance and an edge capacitance of the first design gate are respectively obtained by calculation. Then a size error, i.e. a width error or a length error is predicted by means of the intrinsic gate channel capacitance and of the edge capacitance to calculate a calculated inversion capacitance and a predicted size deviation. Later, the size error is repeatedly predicted to minimize the predicted size deviation and to optimize the size error to obtain an optimized size error. Afterwards, the effective size of the gate are conjectured by means of the optimized size error.
US08146036B1
A circuit for determining a process corner for a CMOS device of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a CMOS monitoring circuit comprising an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor of the integrated circuit; reference circuit comprising elements for generating a reference voltage for an NMOS transistor and a reference voltage for a PMOS transistor; a first comparator for comparing a voltage generated by the NMOS transistor monitored by the CMOS monitoring circuit with the reference voltage for a NMOS transistor; and a second comparator for comparing a voltage generated by the PMOS transistor monitored by the CMOS monitoring circuit with the reference voltage for a PMOS transistor. A method for determining a process corner for CMOS devices of an integrated circuit is also disclosed.
US08146032B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that performs an RLC extraction for a three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D-IC) die. During operation, the system receives a 3D-IC die description. The system then transforms the 3D-IC die description into a set of 2D-IC die descriptions, wherein the transform maintains equivalency between the set of 2D-IC die descriptions and the 3D-IC die description. Next, for each 2D-IC die description in the set of 2D-IC die descriptions, the system performs an electrical property extraction using a 2D-IC extraction tool to obtain a 2D-IC RLC netlist file. The system then combines the set of 2D-IC RLC netlist files for the set of 2D-IC die descriptions to form an RLC netlist file for the 3D-IC die description.
US08146024B2
A method and apparatus for process optimization is provided. Process optimization improves parametric and functional yield post mask manufacturing.
US08146022B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mask pattern data generation method including: a first step of obtaining a mask data representing from a design pattern by performing a process simulation with a process parameter having a first value; a second step of obtaining a finished pattern from the mask data by performing the process simulation with the process parameter having a different value; a third step of verifying whether a dimensional error therebetween is within an allowable range; and a fourth step of: if the dimensional error is within the allowable range, determining the mask pattern data; and if the dimensional error is not within the allowable range, repeating the above steps by updating the process parameter until the dimensional error becomes within the allowable range.
US08146021B1
A technique for modifying a stretch of path is disclosed. The technique includes receiving an indication of a drag gesture associated with a designated point on a path, identifying the first path corner or endpoint on either side of the designated point as limit points, defining a smooth stretch of the path as a portion of the path between the limit points, and modifying the smooth stretch of the path based on the drag gesture without modifying portions outside of the smooth stretch.
US08146020B2
The enhanced detection of a circular engagement gesture, in which a shape is defined within motion data, and the motion data is sampled at points that are aligned with the defined shape. It is determined whether a moving object is performing a gesture correlating to the defined shape based on a pattern exhibited by the sampled motion data. An application is controlled if determining that the moving object is performing the gesture.
US08146019B2
A method and a terminal for playing and displaying music are provided. The method includes selecting a desired track in a playback mode, playing the selected track, displaying information about the selected track and a playing progress bar and displaying a current play time for the selected track and a position corresponding to the current play time on the playing progress bar in order to update playing progress information. The method and terminal enable a user to adjust the playback and selection of tracks through a novel interface, thereby providing increased convenience for a user of a terminal equipped with a music player.
US08146012B2
Presented is a method and system for navigating web sites. The method includes organizing web sites accessed by a user into a plurality of groups and generating a radio-like interface for selecting at least one web site from the web sites organized into the plurality of groups.
US08146011B2
The invention discloses a virtual keyboard input means with multiple input focuses and method thereof, relating to the field of information security. The means includes a control module and a virtual keyboard. The virtual keyboard is a virtual keyboard unit controlled by the control module or a virtual keyboard module communicated with the control module. The method includes that displaying virtual keyboard and multiple simulated input/output unit in the virtual keyboard input mode and setting corresponding focus indicator; if a user clicks simulated input/output unit, the control module sets the current input focus indicator as the focus indicator of the simulated input/output unit, if the user clicks virtual keyboard, virtual keyboard unit controlled by the control module or a virtual keyboard module communicated with the control module determines corresponding character according to the position of the cursor and performs corresponding processing. The invention improves the security of input with the virtual keyboard.
US08146009B2
Systems and methods are provided for the organization, management, and graphical display of multiple logically related entities. In some embodiments, the systems and methods provide the real-time display of status and location information for a fleet of tracked vehicles. In some embodiments, the systems and methods permit the automatic clustering of assets based on a user's view of an underlying map. In some embodiments, the assets are vehicles that are a part of a managed fleet. In some embodiments, the assets are logically arranged into clusters of like assets. In some embodiments, the clusters provide graphical indications of status or class information of their underlying assets.
US08146007B2
System and method for programmatically generating a second graphical program associated with a second programming development environment based on a first graphical program associated with a first programming development environment. The second graphical program may be generated programmatically, without relying on user input, or may prompt for user input to determine various options to use in generating the second graphical program. The second graphical program may implement the functionality of, or a portion of the functionality of, the first graphical program. The method preferably generates the second graphical program such that the second programming development environment is operable to treat the second graphical program identically to a graphical program interactively developed by a user using the second programming development environment. Thus, once the second graphical program has been generated, the user may use the second programming development environment to edit the second graphical program, execute the second graphical program, etc.
US08146002B2
A method, system, and computer program product for providing a pop-up repelling region (e.g., frame) for use in a screen sharing session that includes providing, or creating a region on a screen, during a screen sharing session, that includes a view of at least one application within the region and repelling from the view in the frame of all other applications.
US08146000B1
The integration of transactional workflows that are distributed across multiple contact centers is described herein. Respective agent interfaces can execute concurrently with applications running at two or more contact centers. These interfaces enable agents at the contact centers to conduct respective interactions with a customer. As the interactions progresses, the agents can enter data related to the interactions via the agent interfaces. The agent interfaces need not be integrated with the applications or the contact center infrastructure, thereby eliminating the expense of performing such integration. Instead, the agents can use both the application and the agent interfaces concurrently while interacting with the customer. Data entered by one agent via the interface can be made available to the other agent, thereby enabling the agents to cooperate with one another, and integrating the respective interactions into a cohesive transactional workflow.
US08145999B1
A system for editing audio objects in which a variety of audio objects are represented as images and laid out in a 2 dimensional visual environment. The system includes a display unit, a processing unit, a user interface unit, and a device for playing/receiving audio. The system has the capability to perform a variety of editing functions, such as the recording and playback of audio content, joining and splitting audio objects, and reordering audio objects. Additionally, the system includes functionality to automatically recording new content when sound is detected above a set threshold. Furthermore, the system includes functionality for linking portions of audio objects to media objects such as HTML documents and video.
US08145993B2
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with providing an XML-based translation service are described. One method embodiment includes accessing a translation-aware XML document that may comply with a translation-enabling XML schema. The document may store a first XML element that stores translatable data and a second XML element that stores a translation of the translatable data. The schema may describe that the first XML element includes a first identifier that identifies the first element as storing translatable data. The schema may also describe that the second XML element includes a second identifier that identifies the second element as storing a translation for translatable data. The method may also include establishing a session language identifier and providing a virtual view of the translation-aware XML document, the virtual view being determined, at least in part, by the session language identifier.
US08145990B2
According to some embodiments, a system, method, means, and/or computer program code are provided to facilitate use of a spreadsheet application to access information stored in a multi-dimensional data source. Some embodiments include receiving, at an analyzer module, a change indication from the spreadsheet application, the change indication being associated with an identifier entered by a user into a spreadsheet cell. In response to the change indication, a member associated with the identifier in a multi-dimensional data source may be dynamically determined. Information in the spreadsheet may then be replaced with a formula based at least in part on the determined member.
US08145989B2
A method of providing a continuous downloading service of large size content through a wireless network consisting of a mobile terminal and a content server is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises receiving a request; receiving a package list from the mobile terminal; comparing information of an individual file in the received package list and information of an individual file in the content server; and transmitting a required file list indicating at least one individual file having different information in the received package list and the stored package list to the mobile terminal, wherein the required file list comprises a content unified version. A download program installed in the mobile terminal receives the required file list and determines the continuous download.
US08145980B2
An approach is provided for transmitting messages using low density parity check (LDPC) codes. Input messages are encoded according to a structured parity check matrix that imposes restrictions on a sub-matrix of the parity check matrix to generate LDPC codes. The LDPC codes are transmitted over a radio communication system (e.g., satellite network), wherein a receiver communicating over the radio communication system is configured to iteratively decode the received LDPC codes according to a signal constellation associated with the LDPC codes. The receiver is configured to iteratively regenerating signal constellation bit metrics after one or more decoding iterations.
US08145977B2
Provided are methods for error correction coding (ECC) for flash memory pages which have been erased but have not been programmed. In one method, each ECC code word is bitwise inverted before being programmed into a page, and bitwise inverted again after being read back from the page before entering the decoder. Thus an unwritten page, whose bits are all ones when random errors are absent, appears to the decoder as all zeros, which form a valid code word(s) in linear block codes. In another method, in both page programming and page read, the parity section of each ECC code word is bitwise XORed with the complement of a parity calculated from a message whose bits are all ones. Thus an unwritten page appears to the decoder as a valid ECC code word(s) when random errors are absent. Further provided is an apparatus for determining after a page read whether or not the read page has been programmed by comparing the number of read code word symbols which do not have the default erased value and the maximum number of symbol errors correctable by the ECC.
US08145975B2
The Universal Packet Loss Recovery System is capable of recovering end-to-end network packet losses to obtain reliable end-to-end network delivery of multimedia streaming content over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, where packet losses appear above the transport layer. This system incorporates the use of Packet Forward Error Correction Coding (FEC) with packet interleaving processing prior to transport. Packet FEC Coding is an error correction coding method at the packet level which improves link transmission reliability. At the source end of the packet-switching network, the Packet FEC Coding scheme encodes a stream of transport multimedia content packets by including redundant packets to allow for recovery of lost packets by the Packet FEC Coding decoder at the user end of the packet-switching network. Since lost packets appear only above the transport layer in the IP network protocol stack, Packet FEC Coding can be viewed as a transport layer or application layer coding method.
US08145966B2
A method and system of supporting and testing equipment distant from the support system are provided. The method includes the steps of forming a communications link between the equipment and the support system, using the support system to measure performance of the equipment and to provide a set of performance data, providing library data relating to the equipment, comparing the performance data with the library data and analysing the compared data whereby to provide a performance diagnosis of the equipment, all in a substantially continuous real time operation.
US08145954B2
A method for generating a chronic circuit report for use in maintaining a communication network is provided. The method comprises the steps of searching a database for information regarding circuit exceptions reported in a communication system, compiling a listing of circuits and circuit exception information, prioritizing the listing of the circuits based on the circuit exception information, and generating a circuit exception report.
US08145951B2
A control device includes: memory diagnosis means for setting a power-on status when an electric power is turned on and diagnosing an ECC memory; restarting means for restarting the control device when the memory diagnosis means detects a correctable error of the ECC memory during the power-on status of the ECC memory; and operation processing means for resetting the power-on status and performing a normal operation when the memory diagnosis means does not detect a correctable error of the ECC memory, while performing the normal operation when a correctable error of the ECC memory is detected because of the restart of the control device by soft reset after the reset of the power-on status but when the control device is not in the power-on status.
US08145936B2
A system and method for automatic disaster recovery of a computing appliance including reconstruction of its previous operational state. A configuration bundle that includes configuration data, software revision level and a list of system updates is used to recover the device's operation state. The system and method can also be utilized to recover a not fully functional member of a clustered computing system from the configuration information stored on other members of the cluster.
US08145930B2
The object of the invention is to control the power consumption in a storage subsystem. In a storage system, when a monitor in a host computer acquires information concerning a storage region to manage the storage region, a monitor in the host computer checks whether or not the power supply state in the storage region is ‘on’ based on a storage region information that stores first information indicating whether or not the power supply state in the storage region is ‘on’ and second information concerning the storage region, and acquires the second information from the storage region information table if the power supply state in the storage region is not ‘on’.
US08145928B2
Methods and systems for managing power consumption in data processing systems are described. In one embodiment, a data processing system includes a general purpose processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), at least one peripheral interface controller, at least one bus coupled to the general purpose processing unit, and a power controller coupled to at least the general purpose processing unit and the GPU. The power controller is configured to turn power off for the general purpose processing unit in response to a first state of an instruction queue of the general purpose processing unit and is configured to turn power off for the GPU in response to a second state of an instruction queue of the GPU. The first state and the second state represent an instruction queue having either no instructions or instructions for only future events or actions.
US08145925B2
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device, which comprises (i) an interface having an input for receiving an input clock and a set of data lines for receiving commands issued by a controller including an erase command; (ii) a module having circuit components in a feedback loop configuration and being driven by a reference clock; (iii) a clock control circuit capable of controllably switching between a first state in which the reference clock tracks the input clock and a second state in which the reference clock is decoupled from the input clock; and (iv) a command processing unit configured to recognize the commands and to cause the clock control circuit to switch from the first state to the second state in response to recognizing the erase command. The module consumes less power when the reference clock is decoupled from the input clock than when the reference clock tracks the input clock.
US08145921B2
A system and method for implementing a common control bus in a multi-regulator power supply integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may, for example, comprise first and second power regulator modules that control at least one characteristic of respective power signals. The integrated circuit may also, for example, comprise a communication interface module that receives power control information related to operation of the first and second power regulator modules over a shared data bus. An exemplary method may, for example, comprise receiving power control information over a data bus. The method may also, for example, comprise determining which of a plurality of power regulators corresponds to the received power control information. The method may further, for example, comprise determining a regulator control signal, based at least in part on the received power control information, and provide the regulator control signal to the determined regulator(s) to control operation of the determined regulator(s).
US08145918B2
A method and system for monitoring power consumption of software applications. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a new feature is inserted in a system availability monitoring product which estimates the power consumption of the system, starting from the measurement of some parameters collected by a monitoring tool. All systems are impacted by energy consumption, by the usage of its resources (hard-disk, CPU, memory, CDROM, etc.); when the usage of these components increases, the energy consumption increases too. The usage of the resources can be calculated through the monitoring tool according to some specific parameters. The calculated metrics of the usage are based on the measurement of the time during which a resource is in a predetermined status. Each resource has an associated table for determining the expected power consumption according to the status.
US08145914B2
A facility for performing a local human verification ceremony to obtain user verification is provided. Upon determining that user verification is needed to perform an action on a computer system, the facility presents a CAPTCHA challenge requesting verification that the user wants the action performed on the computer system. Upon receiving a response, the facility compares the received response to an expected correct response. If the received response is the correct response, the facility authorizes the action to be performed.
US08145907B2
The invention concerns secure data transfer from a first radio communication device of a first party to a second radio communication device. A random first symmetric key is generated at the first terminal device. User data of the first terminal device is encrypted with the first symmetric key. The first symmetric key is encrypted with a public key of a third party. The encrypted first symmetric key is sent from the first terminal device to the second terminal device via a transfer device. The encrypted first symmetric key is decrypted at the second terminal device by utilizing a secret key associated with the public key and comprised in a security device of the third party. The encrypted user data is sent from the first terminal device to the second terminal device via the transfer device. The encrypted user data is decrypted at the second terminal device with the first symmetric key.
US08145905B2
Disclosed is a method for multiple EAP-based authentications in a wireless communication system. In the method, a first master session key (MSK) is generated in a first EAP-based authentication for a first-type access. A first temporal session key (TSK) is generated from the first master session key (MSK). A second EAP-based authentication is performed, using the first temporal session key (TSK), for a second-type access. First-type access and second-type access are provided after the first and second EAP-based authentications are successfully completed.
US08145900B2
This disclosure relates to pairing of a different cryptographic key with each pointer in a data structure to form a crypto-pointer. The cryptographic key is used to encrypt the contents of all data stored at the physical location on the storage device indicated by the pointer. Preferably the only data accessible in an unencrypted form is contained in cells that are reachable from root-set crypto-pointers. Once the crypto-pointer associated with a particular memory cell is deleted, normally by overwriting or explicitly zeroing the crypto-pointer, the contents of the memory cell become inaccessible because the data stored at that cell is in encrypted form (cipher text) and the crypto-pointer that included the cryptographic key for decrypting the cipher text has been deleted from the system.
US08145885B2
A processor interleaves instructions according to a priority rule which determines the frequency with which instructions from each respective thread are selected and added to an interleaved stream of instructions to be processed in the data processor. The frequency with which each thread is selected according to the rule may be based on the priorities assigned to the instruction threads. A randomization is inserted into the interleaving process so that the selection of an instruction thread during any particular clock cycle is not based solely by the priority rule, but is also based in part on a random or pseudo random element. This randomization is inserted into the instruction thread selection process so as to vary the order in which instructions are selected from the various instruction threads while preserving the overall frequency of thread selection (i.e. how often threads are selected) set by the priority rule.
US08145875B2
An address translation circuit includes an area address holding section, an invert flag holding section, a match detection section, and a bit conversion section. The area address holding section holds at least part of a translation target address as an area address. The invert flag holding section holds an invert flag specifying whether or not part of said translation target address is to be inverted. The match detection section detects a match between a predetermined part of at least one bit in an input address on the one hand, and said area address held by said area address holding section on the other hand. If a match is detected by said match detection section and if said invert flag held by said invert flag holding section specifies that part of said translation target address is to be inverted, the bit inversion section inverts a predetermined bit part in said input address before outputting the bit-inverted address.
US08145874B2
In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, comparing, during a write back stage at an execution unit, a write identifier associated with a result to be written to a register file from execution of a first instruction to a read identifier associated with a second instruction at an execution pipeline within an interleaved multi-threaded (IMT) processor having multiple execution units. When the write identifier matches the read identifier, the method further includes storing the result at a local memory of the execution unit for use by the execution unit in the subsequent read stage.
US08145864B1
A method for enhancing computer data backup is disclosed. The method includes storing identifications and corresponding functionalities for a plurality of storage devices in a database. A storage device that is in data communication with a computer that is to be backed up is selected. An identification of the storage device selected for use in the backup is determined. If functionalities for the selected storage device are contained in the database, then at least one of the functionalities for the selected storage device is used to enhance a data backup to the selected storage device if functionalities for the selected storage device are stored in the database. If functionalities for the selected storage device are not contained in the database, then the selected storage device can be queried in an attempt to match it to one of the storage devices contained in the database, so that functionalities for the storage device contained within the database can be used to enhance data backup.
US08145856B1
A processor circuit including a register file system that has a number of register file elements. Each of the register file elements has an input/output port, a register file cell, and a special memory element. The register file cell and the special memory element are clocked by an advance thread signal. Data stored in the register file cell propagates to the special memory element according to the advance thread signal. In this manner, state information for multiple threads may be stored.
US08145854B1
A method and apparatus are presented for automatically generating machine control instructions for controlling automated food preparation systems and equipment from ordinary recipes in natural language. The invention allows the sharing, remote execution, scheduling, and automatic ingredient ordering for such recipes to allow professional food preparation with little or no human intervention.
US08145852B2
A device having a shared memory and a method for providing access status information by the shared memory are disclosed. A digital processing device includes n processors and a shared memory. The shared memory is coupled to each processor though a separate bus, its storage area includes m common sections, and generates and outputs access status information related to whether an arbitrary processor is accessing at least one of the common sections. With the present invention, a control sequence of each processor can be simplified at a maximum by allowing the shared memory to generate and output access status information related to the common sections.
US08145844B2
A memory controller includes a write data cache, a read data cache and coherency circuitry. The coherency circuitry manages coherency of data between the write data cache, the read data cache and data stored within a main memory when servicing read requests and write requests received by the memory controller. Write complete signals are issued back to a write requesting circuit as soon as a write request has had its write data stored within the write data cache.
US08145836B2
A virtualization technique, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes emulating the small computing system interface (SCSI) protocol to access a virtual SCSI storage device backed by a file stored on network attached storage (NAS).
US08145834B2
The storage apparatus of the present invention includes a disk controller (CM) that issues a command to a disk via a fabric device. The CM controls the number of commands to be issued to the disk based on the structure of the storage apparatus and the operation state of the storage apparatus.
US08145829B2
A storage has a first cache area temporarily storing one page data read from a flash memory, and a second cache area to which data of the first cache area is transferred. A controller stores data of the first cache area in the second cache area, and reads and outputs the data stored in the second cache area when data having the same address as data read from the first cache area is read.
US08145821B2
A docking station apparatus interfaces a portable electronic device with one or more electrical systems of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a docking assembly having an internal cavity and configured to hold the electronic device, and a mechanical interface in the cavity and configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to the electronic device. A power supply conversion circuit translates vehicle power levels to electronic device power levels, and one or more support circuits or connectors provide different connectivity functions for the electronic device. The support circuits or connectors can include input audio/video connectors in the docking assembly to provide analog audio/video signals to an analog distribution hub; an audio/video encoder and digital data connectors to provide digitally encoded audio/video signals in a wired or wireless mode to a digital distribution hub; multiplexing circuitry to accept analog audio, composite video, or component video for multiplexing between externally supplied audio/video and locally generated audio/video; and a command and control circuit to provide command and control data, and navigation data, to the electronic device in a wired or wireless mode.
US08145820B2
In a multiprocessor system including a plurality of processors, the processors execute, at a time of migration a task operating in own processor to another processor, a transmitting task for transmitting the migration target task to a destination processor, and when an interrupt request to be received and executed by an interrupt handler accompanying the migration target task is generated during transmission of the migration target task, the transmitting task receives the interrupt request instead of the interrupt handler and starts the interrupt handler.
US08145817B2
A scalable locking system is described herein that allows processors to access shared data with reduced cache contention to increase parallelism and scalability. The system provides a reader/writer lock implementation that uses randomization and spends extra space to spread possible contention over multiple cache lines. The system avoids updates to a single shared location in acquiring/releasing a read lock by spreading the lock count over multiple sub-counts in multiple cache lines, and hashing thread identifiers to those cache lines. Carefully crafted invariants allow the use of partially lock-free code in the common path of acquisition and release of a read lock. A careful protocol allows the system to reuse space allocated for a read lock for subsequent locking to avoid frequent reallocating of read lock data structures. The system also provides fairness for write-locking threads and uses object pooling techniques to make reduce costs associated with the lock data structures.
US08145814B2
Aspects of a method and apparatus for a configurable connector for Ethernet are provided. In this regard, a configurable Ethernet connector residing in an Ethernet enabled communication device may couple the communication device to one or more twisted pairs and enable communication of Ethernet frames over the twisted pair(s). Conductors of each of the twisted pairs may make contact with adjacent pins of the configurable Ethernet connector. A size and shape of the configurable Ethernet connector may enable housing of more than 48 instances of the configurable Ethernet connector in a single standard size one rack unit face plate of a 19-inch rack. The configurable Ethernet connector may provide mechanical and electrical indications that enable a device coupled to the configurable Ethernet connector to determine configuration information of the configurable Ethernet connector. The information may indicate presence or absence of various components within and/or on the configurable Ethernet connector.
US08145813B2
An electronic device includes: a first output port, a processing circuit and a bridge circuit. The first output port is configured for connecting a connector with a connector type complying with a specific signal transmission standard. The processing circuit is utilized for processing an input data to generate an output data. The bridge circuit is coupled between the processing circuit and the first output port, and utilized for receiving the output data generated from the processing circuit, converting the output data into an output signal which has a physical layer compliant with the specific signal transmission standard and a protocol layer different from the specific signal transmission standard, and then outputting the output signal to the first output port.
US08145812B1
A programmable system includes programmable analog and digital components that, when configured by a processing device, implement a line driver to transmit differential signals over multiple drive lines and a line receiver to receive differential signals over multiple receive lines. A system includes a line receiver to receive differential signals from receive lines with multiple input pads and to convert the differential signals into a single-ended signal. The system further includes a digital communication device to receive the single-ended signal from the line receiver and extract received data from the single-ended signal. The system includes a line driver to receive transmission data from the digital communication device, convert the transmission data into differential signals, and provide the differential signals to multiple output pads for transmission over drive lines.
US08145795B2
A technique for organizing a plurality of computers such that message broadcast, content searching, and computer identification of the entire collection or a subset of the entire collection may be performed quickly without the use of a controlling computer. The technique describes the creation, operation, and maintenance of a connection scheme by which each computer in the collection appears to be the top level of a hierarchical array. The maintenance of this hierarchical connection scheme allows one to many communications throughout the collection of computers to scale geometrically rather than linearly.
US08145783B2
The invention is related to methods and apparatus for tailoring an amount of Pre-Data that can be used in media clip streaming applications. A variable-bit-rate encoded media clip can be encoded at an average playback bit rate. When the actual transmission bit rate exceeds the average playback bit rate, a maximum bit deficit computation that uses the average playback bit rate overestimates the amount of Pre-Data that can be used to buffer the media clip. Embodiments of the invention tailor the amount of Pre-Data at least in part to the amount of data used to encode intervals of data and to actual transmission bit rates or to predictions of actual transmission bit rates, thereby decreasing the amount of Pre-Data that can be used and decreasing a latency time before play of the media clip begins.
US08145775B2
An apparatus includes a plurality of UDP ports capable of receiving UDP messages and a message generator to generate a request message to be transmitted to remote endpoints connected over a network via a connectionless diagram protocol. The request message includes a header section having data identifying a plurality of reply-to addresses corresponding to the UDP ports.
US08145774B2
Techniques relating to progressive data downloading are described. In one instance, a system includes an application configured to utilize data blocks to display content in a user-interface. The system also includes a progressive download component configured to retrieve specific data blocks from a data container responsive to requests from the application.
US08145771B2
A name system and method in a communication network, includes a technique for implementing naming in which security is ensured in an Internet environment and a personal network in which a user can access his own device or data.
US08145770B2
Devices, methods, and media for determining and assigning optimal media characteristics in communications sessions are provided.
US08145769B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for negotiating a version of Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) between a network entity and a SUPL enabled terminal. In a particular implementation, a SUPL initiation message is transmitted from a network entity to a SUPL entity, where the SUPL initiation message identifies a plurality of SUPL versions capable of supporting a desired service. A response is received from the SUPL entity that is based, at least in part, on an ability of the SUPL entity to support at least one of the plurality of versions.
US08145767B2
For the purpose of allowing a sensor device (10) to carry out wireless communication with a server node (11), the sensor device (10) makes an inquiry about the server node (11) connectable to the sensor device (10) (S12). The server node (11) responds to the sensor device (10) (S13). The sensor device (10) transmits a result of the inquiry as a candidate list (S15). The server node (11) transfers the candidate list to a top node (S16). The top node receives key information and selection information selected from the candidate list, and transmits the key information and the selection information to the server node (11) selected (S19). The server node (11) transfers to the sensor device (10) the selection information, the key information, and a building ID and a room ID of the server node (11). The sensor device (10) determines whether the key information received agrees with sensor device key information (S20). When the key information agrees with the sensor device key information, the sensor device (10) notifies, to the server node (11), the agreement and an individual ID of the sensor device (10), and stores the building ID and the room ID (S21). This makes it possible to provide a sensor network system in which a communication path is safely and reliably established even when a different network exists in a communication area and a method of establishing the communication path.
US08145766B2
A method for downloading an attachment to an attachment viewer of a portable electronic device includes: sending an initial data request from said attachment viewer to a server in response to receipt of an email message including said attachment by said portable electronic device; accessing a graph structure representing a map of said attachment from said server, said graph structure having been previously built on said server; reconstructing said graph structure in response to said initial request and encapsulating said graph structure in data having an attachment viewer readable format, said data being stored on said server; and i) downloading successive chunks of said data from said server to said attachment viewer responsive to successive user requests; ii) storing each of said successive chunks of said data on said portable electronic device prior to display thereof; iii) displaying said successive chunks of said data on said portable electronic device and automatically downloading respective next chunks of said data from said server; and iv) while said data chunks of said data remain to be downloaded from said server performing steps i) to iii).
US08145765B2
A method and mechanism for a distributed on-demand computing system. The system automatically provisions distributed computing servers with customer application programs. The parameters of each customer application program are taken into account when a server is selected for hosting the program. The system monitors the status and performance of each distributed computing server. The system provisions additional servers when traffic levels exceed a predetermined level for a customer's application program and, as traffic demand decreases to a predetermined level, servers can be un-provisioned and returned back to a server pool for later provisioning. The system tries to fill up one server at a time with customer application programs before dispatching new requests to another server. The customer is charged a fee based on the usage of the distributed computing servers.
US08145752B2
A system for drift visualization of change data of a datacenter is disclosed. The datacenter includes a plurality of configuration items. The system includes a management server in communication with the data center. The management server includes an agent configured to collect the change data from one or more of the plurality of configuration items. A change data store that is in communication with the management server is provided to store the change data. A data extractor in communication with the change data store is provided to retrieve the change data and providing a filtered subset of the change data to a display. A policy data store in communication with the data extractor is provided to enable the data extractor to filter the change data based on data center policy violations. The visualization depicts multiple dimensions of change-related data for the items in the datacenter in a unique and concise manner.
US08145750B2
According to one method for detecting a hidden shared dependency through covert channels, a pattern of bursts is transmitted to a first application hosted by a first server. The pattern of bursts may be designed to stress a potential hidden dependency shared by the first application and a second application hosted by a second server. Each of the bursts may include one or more concurrent requests. Probe requests are transmitted to the second application. Responses corresponding to the probe requests are received from the second application. Response times are determined by computing a difference between times that the probe requests are transmitted and times that the corresponding responses are received. A determination is made whether the potential hidden dependency exists based on the response times.
US08145747B2
Webpage domain monitoring is described. In an implementation, one or more web pages are obtained at a client, with each said web page including a plurality of content that is provided, respectively, via a plurality of domains. The plurality of domains that were used to provide the plurality of content is identified and a counter is incremented, respectively, for each identified domain. When the counter for a respective said domain exceeds a threshold, a notification is output by the client that indicates that the respective said domain has a likelihood of tracking the client.
US08145745B1
Method and apparatus for network-level anomaly inference in a network is described. In one example, link load measurements are obtained for multiple time intervals. Routing data for the network is obtained. Link level anomalies are extracted using temporal analysis on the link load measurements over the multiple time intervals. Network-level anomalies are inferred from the link-level anomalies.
US08145742B1
A method and apparatus is described for monitoring, notification, and reporting of the status of a business site's infrastructure. The monitoring captures pertinent health and status information of hosts using a satellite system located locally to the hosts. This information serves as a basis for reports that the business site may generate about the hosts. Thresholds may be set on monitored parameters of a host and feed into an acknowledgment based notification process based on a set of escalation parameters that triggers alerts to persons designated by the business site. Real-time and historical of the infrastructure data reports may be generated. An infrastructure's assets may also be tracked.
US08145741B2
A system and method for selecting a preferred design for a multi-tiered architecture of components based on a set of established criteria is provided. The system and method receive a model describing different design constructions and a set of performance and availability requirements and produces a design or set of designs that best meet these requirements. The system and method include a model for representing the infrastructure design space for multi-tier systems and their properties appropriate for judging performance and availability properties of services as well as associated cost. The method and system further include a method for searching the design space in an efficient manner.
US08145739B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for non-preemptive DRAM transactions. More specifically, the present invention relates to improvements in non-preemptive DRAM transactions in real-time unified memory architectures. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for determining access to non-preemptive DRAM devices. This method comprises determining real time need for access to the device and prioritizing access using a rate monotonic scheduling.
US08145722B2
A media transfer system includes a media transfer messaging application stored on a central server to be downloaded by a plurality of client devices and stored thereon. The plurality of client devices are communication with a network. The plurality of client devices having the media transfer messaging application stored thereon are enabled to transmit media between one another via the network and are defined as a receiving client device when receiving media and a sending client device when sending media. The sending client device is authenticated prior to sending media to be defined as an authenticated sending client device, and media sent from the sending client device is received by the receiving client device as a message. The receiving client device is adapted to accept, reject or delay delivery of the message, and is adapted to send a message received from a sending client device to at least one receiving client device. The media transfer messaging application may include a network traffic load awareness system to determine optimal delivery times of the message.
US08145721B2
A method for downloading a multimedia file from a server (101, 201, 300, 701) to a user device (100, 200, 400, 700), at least partly via a bandwidth limited connection (202, 702), a server and a user device adapted therefore. A user device, connected to a server selects a multimedia file to be downloaded via two bit streams. In the server the selected multimedia file is divided and coded into a first, low-quality part, and into a second, high-quality part (503). When certain conditions (505) set up for the first part are fulfilled, this part is streamed via a first bit stream (506), and when certain conditions set up for the second part are fulfilled, the second part is downloaded via a second bit stream (508). In the user device, the first part is received and reproduced (603b) as a limited version, available to be played-up in real time (604), while the second part is reproduced and combined with the first part (610, in order to yield the original multimedia file.
US08145711B2
A server to host a multi-player game is disclosed. The server includes a network interface coupled to an Internet Protocol (IP) network to send and receive data related to a multi-player game. The server includes a game play data module to receive multi-player game play data from a plurality of end user gaming devices via the network interface. The multi-player game play data is received via a plurality of unicast transmissions. The server includes an assembly module to assemble the multi-player game play data received from the plurality of end user gaming devices to generate aggregated game update data. The server also includes a transmission module to transmit the aggregated game update data as a single IP multicast transmission via the network interface.
US08145707B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for allowing an Email User to create a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Email Account and thereafter to digitally sign, send, verify and receive PKI encrypted emails over a computer network, such as the Internet. The systems and methods preferably include a Web-based Email System and a Certificate Authority that coordinate their actions to make the process of creating, maintaining and using the PKI Account as easy as possible for the Email User. In a preferred embodiment, a Keystore System may also be used to enhance the management and use of digital keypairs.
US08145702B2
A method for use with a computer simulation includes providing an ability to run a simulation in which a plurality of client devices communicate over a network to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to generate a first user interface on each of the plurality of client devices for allowing users associated with the client devices to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to provide information that includes a representation of at least a portion of an environment of the simulation on a subset of the plurality of client devices, and providing an ability to allow users associated with the subset of the plurality of client devices to interact with the information without allowing access thereto by the other client devices. A system for use in running a computer simulation and a storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system are also disclosed.
US08145699B2
A system and method for identifying network endpoints that provide a service of interest orders endpoints according to their network proximity to a requesting client. The requesting client may then contact the closest available providing endpoint, thus increasing the efficiency of usage of network resources while decreasing latency and enhancing reliability. In an embodiment of the invention, when a connection to the nearest providing endpoint cannot be established, a mechanism for locating a next-closest alternative endpoint is provided.
US08145697B2
This invention describes a method for evaluating a polynomial in an extension field Fqm, wherein the method comprises the steps of partitioning the polynomial into a plurality of parts, each part is comprised of smaller polynomials using a q-th power operation in a field of characteristic q; and computing for each part components of qth powers from components of smaller powers. A further embodiment of the invention provides for a method of converting a field element represented in terms of a first basis to its representation in a second basis, comprising the steps of partitioning a polynomial, being a polynomial in the second basis, into a plurality of parts, wherein each part is comprised of smaller polynomials using a qth power operation in a field of characteristic q; evaluating the polynomial at a root thereof by computing for each part components of qth powers from components of smaller powers; and evaluating the field element at the root of the polynomial.
US08145695B2
The present invention discloses a signal processing method and a data processing method and apparatus. A time-domain to frequency-domain signal processing method includes: pre-processing time-domain data; pre-rotating the pre-processed data by using a rotation factor a·WNn+0.5; performing a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of N/4 points on the pre-rotated data; and post-rotating the data transformed by the DFT by using a rotation factor b·WNk+0.5 to obtain frequency-domain data. A frequency-domain to time-domain signal processing method includes: twiddling frequency-domain data; pre-rotating the twiddled data by using a rotation factor c·WNk+0.5; performing a DFT of N/4 points on the pre-rotated data; and post-rotating the data transformed by the DFT by using a rotation factor d·WNn+0.5; and post-processing the post-rotated data to obtain time-domain data. The present invention increases the efficiency of signal processing.
US08145692B2
A method for generating an accelerated and/or decelerated chaotic sequence. The method involves selecting a plurality of polynomial equations constructed from an acc-dec variable v. The method also involves selecting a value for the acc-dec variable v for advancing or stepping back a chaotic sequence generation by at least one cycle at a given time. The method further involves using residue number system (RNS) arithmetic operations to respectively determine solutions for the polynomial equations using the acc-dec variable v. The solutions iteratively computed and expressed as RNS residue values. The method involves determining a series of digits in a weighted number system based on the RNS residue values.
US08145688B2
The present invention provides tools and techniques for distinguishing a file from any or all copies of the file that may exist. One method ascertains (204) the actual physical location of the file (512) and associates (214) that physical location with the file as the claimed physical location (516) of the file. The file's originality status may then be determined (104) by finding (304) the location claim, reading (306) from it the claimed physical location associated with the file, ascertaining (308) the actual physical location of the file, and comparing (310) the locations. If the claimed and actual locations are identical, then the file is the original file it claims to be. If there is disparity between the claimed physical location recited for or by the file and the actual physical location of the file, then it is not the original file it claims to be.
US08145678B2
Various embodiments can be configured to provide a social networking computing environment. In an embodiment, a networked computing system can be used to provide informational feeds and commenting functionality to users of a social computing environment. In one embodiment, an enterprise-based social computing system can be configured to provide informational feeds to social networking application users. An informational feed can be populated with events and other information associated with one or more users of interest of an application user, but is not so limited. In one embodiment, a social computing environment can be configured to allow user commenting to feed items or events that are associated with a user or group of users.
US08145676B2
Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for managing donations of shared inventory items in a virtual universe are disclosed. Embodiments of the method may include receiving a request to make available for donation a shared inventory item list that can be borrowed simultaneously by a plurality of users of a virtual universe where the request includes an indication of donation conditions for the donated shared inventory item. Embodiments may also include generating and storing metadata associated with the donated shared inventory item and receiving a request from a plurality of users to borrow the item. Embodiments may include lending the donated shared inventory item to the plurality of borrowing users such that multiple users are borrowing the item simultaneously. Embodiments may also include tracking usage of the donated shared inventory item by the plurality of borrowing users and optionally determining a donation amount resulting from the tracked usage.
US08145674B2
A method for storing data, comprises representing the data as a tree structure, calculating a structure ID for the tree structure, the structure ID being a representation of the tree structure and independent of node names and node values of the tree structure, and storing a mapping of the structure ID to the tree structure.
US08145670B2
An electronic file system includes an operating device for receiving an input for performance of an operation on an electronic file and an approval device used for approving of the operation on the electronic file. The electronic file includes an operation file on which an operation is to be performed and a restriction file indicating a restriction condition (policy) for restricting an operation performable on the operation file and a request destination for approval of the restricted operation. The operating device includes determination means for determining whether the operation to be performed on the operation file is permitted in accordance with the restriction condition described in the restriction file and means for, when it is determined that the operation corresponds to the restriction condition, transmitting to the approval device described as the request destination in the restriction file an approval request for requesting approval of the operation.
US08145665B2
Provided is a search method which is appropriate for handling a don't-care bit. A coupled node tree comprises a root node and a node pair, the node pair being a branch node and leaf node, or a pair of branch nodes, or a pair of leaf nodes located in adjacent storage areas. The branch node includes a discrimination bit position of a search key for the bit string search, which key is encoded so as to distinguish between don't-care bits and significant bits, and position information indicating a position of a primary node, which is one node of a node pair of a link target. A leaf node includes an index key which is a bit string in the status of either being or not being encoded. A search that takes in account the don't-care bit is performed by repeatedly linking in sequence to one of the nodes of a node pair that is the link target in accordance with the bit value of the search key at the discrimination bit position of a branch node until a leaf node is reached, and by tracing back up the path to the leaf node as necessary.
US08145653B2
Provided is a method, for using schemas to generate application specific business objects for use in an integration broker. A schema is accessed defining an application specific data structure for one application. A business object is generated including fields corresponding to elements and attributes indicated in the accessed schema. A determination is made of application specific information for the generated business object indicating a correspondence of the fields in the business object to the application specific data structure. The business object is written out with the determined application specific information in a format that is understandable to an integration broker that communicates business objects to a plurality of applications, wherein the business object is capable of being processed by an adapter enabling communication with the application for which the accessed schema is provided.
US08145641B2
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with registering a WFS feature type are described. One example method includes creating a feature instance table and a set of collection item tables to register the WFS feature type. Elements in the feature instance table and a collection item table may be related by a feature instance primary key value. The example method may also include producing an r-tree based spatial index for spatial content collection items stored in the set of collection item tables. The method may also include selectively processing a WFS request to manipulate (e.g., insert, delete, update) a WFS feature instance based, at least in part, on the feature instance table and the set of collection item tables. The method may also include selectively processing a WFS query associated with a WFS feature instance based, at least in part, on the r-tree based spatial index.
US08145636B1
Systems, methods and program products for classifying text. A system classifies text into first subject matter categories. The system identifies one or more second subject matter categories in a collection of second subject matter categories, each of the second categories is a hierarchical classification of a collection of confirmed valid search results for queries, in which at least one query for each identified second category includes a term in the text. The system filters the identified categories by excluding identified categories whose ancestors are not among the first categories. The system selects categories from the filtered categories based on one or more thresholds in which a threshold specifies a degree of relatedness between a selected category and the text. The selected categories are a sufficient basis for recommending content to a user, the content being associated with one or more of the selected categories.
US08145631B2
Downloading resources according to a priority is disclosed. A feed document is retrieved. A feed document represents time-variant chunks of published content. The feed document is parsed to extract one or more references to a downloadable resource. A downloadable resource is a type of content identified by a reference within the feed document. A priority level is assigned to each reference. Priority levels may be assigned in a variety of ways, such as through a size of a resource identified by a reference or a file type of a resource. Priority levels may also be assigned to nestable resources and one or more resources contained therein. Resources for each extracted reference are then downloaded according to the assigned priority levels. A resource for a reference with a higher assigned priority level is downloaded before a resource for a reference with a lower assigned priority level.
US08145626B2
In one embodiment the present invention includes a method comprising receiving a data filter for filtering a collection of data, wherein the collection of data is configured as a star schema including a fact table and dimension tables. The data filter is applied against the dimension tables to generate a modified dimension table. The modified dimension tables are applied against the fact table to produce a modified fact table. The data filter is then applied against the modified fact table to generate a second modified fact table, which is the output of the process.
US08145624B1
Method and apparatus for associating at least one query expression to an original database table is described. In one example, a metadata table is added to a database, wherein at least one portion of the metadata table comprises the at least one query expression. Afterwards, the at least one query expression is associated to at least one value from at least one tuple belonging to a data table of the database.
US08145621B2
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for generating a graphical representation of a query optimization process. The method comprises the steps of parsing a search space log, presenting one or more evaluated access plans on an axis of a timeline, identifying a best access plan on the timeline, and outputting a graphical representation of the timeline. An additional system, method, and computer program product are provided for recording a query optimization process of a query optimizer.
US08145618B1
A system and method for scoring documents is described. One or more documents are identified responsive to a search criteria. A text match score indicating a quality of match of the identified documents is determined. A category match score is determined over categories. A document-categories score is determined indicating a quality of match between an identified document and a plurality of categories. A search criteria-categories score is determined indicating a quality of match between the search criteria and the categories. An overall score is determined based on the text match score and the category match score.
US08145613B2
An application for a method of tracking and assessing rentals includes entering renter information regarding a renter and entering rental assessment data regarding at least one rental at a client computer and transferring the renter information and the rental assessment data from the client computer to a server computer system. In the server computer system, an overall assessment is created from the rental assessment data and the renter information, the rental assessment data and the overall assessment is stored in a database record associated with the renter.
US08145611B2
A system and method for managing SQL queries in a database system. The system and method allocates database sessions to database queries and manages the database sessions and queries to provide improved, near real-time access to a database system.
US08145596B2
System, computer implemented method and program for assessing value of a computer program installed in a computer of a company. Determinations are made as to (a) an order that the computer program is started in a startup sequence of the computer, (b) whether the computer is used for production purposes, (c) how frequently or at what interval the computer program or data generated by the computer program is backed up, (d) an order or time in which the computer program is scheduled for recovery in event of disaster, (e) a type of a library which contains the computer program, (f) an amount of usage of the computer program by the company, and (f) how recently the computer program or data generated by the computer program has been accessed. Respective weighting factors are applied to results of the three or more determinations and the weight factored results are combined.
US08145592B2
An importance system calculates the importance of pages using a conditional Markov random walk model rather than a conventional Markov random walk model. The importance system calculates the importance of pages factoring in the importance of sites that contain those pages. The importance system may factor in the importance of sites based on the strength of the correlation of the importance of a page to the importance of a site. The strength of the correlation may be based upon the depth of the page within the site. The importance system may iteratively calculate the importance of the pages using “conditional” transition probabilities. During each iteration, the importance system may recalculate the conditional transition probabilities based on the importance of sites that are derived from the recalculated importance of pages during the iteration.
US08145589B2
A computer network system for implementing a knowledge transfer process includes one or more local computers. The processors of the computers may access a knowledge database stored in local computer memory. The system also includes remote computers. The processors of the remote computers may access the knowledge database stored in local computer memory. The processors in at least one local and/or remote computer may automatically score individual and/or team performance, and may detect triggering events establishing that a predetermined milestone has been met. The processors in at least one local and/or remote computer may also determine that a knowledge transfer process should continue to a next phase, based at least on scoring of performances and completion of one or more predetermined milestones. The processors in at least one local and/or remote computer may automatically notify one or more process participants that the process should continue to the next phase.
US08145587B2
A computer implemented method and system for calculating changepoints in a rule-based environment. At least one time-based value is created from at least one date value, and combined with at least one changepoint value to calculate changepoints. The changepoints are then formatted, and a report is generated and output for display to the user in plain language. In another aspect, a value is assigned to a time-based parameter and combined with a changepoint value to calculate changepoints.
US08145586B2
A method and apparatus for digital forensics are provided. The apparatus for digital forensics includes a page file extractor for extracting a page file stored in a target storage medium, a stored-page feature extractor for extracting features of pages stored in the extracted page file, a page classifier for comparing the extracted features of the pages with at least one predetermined classification criterion and classifying the pages according to the comparison results, and a digital forensics unit for performing digital forensics according to the classified pages. According to the method and apparatus, it is possible to perform digital forensics using only information of a page file.
US08145577B2
The present invention involves systems and methods for tracking one or more shipped items that are shipped via a carrier. A set of expected occurrences are established for each item shipped. The items are then shipped and the shipment of the one or more shipped items is monitored for an occurrence of the set of expected occurrences, the occurrence of any non-expected event, and a non-occurrence of any of the set of expected occurrences. If there is the occurrence of any non-expected event or the non-occurrence of any of the set of expected occurrences, then such an event is made available to at least the shipper.
US08145574B1
A recall management system allows generating, tracking, and verifying product recalls. The system provides notifications of a product recall to affected and unaffected businesses in the supply chain, as well as notification of the public and government agencies that may be affected. Verification of received notifications and the quantity of product removed from supply in response to the recall allows for closure of recall activity. Recalls may be extended over time as additional products needing to be recalled from the particular supplier of the recalled product are identified. Product returns over time are added to the total product recovered and scorecards updated in real-time as the return information is tabulated. Affected businesses and government agencies have visibility to both recall message receipt and product recovered as a part of total product recalled.
US08145570B2
An Internet Box Office (IBO) system and technique vends digital content via a computer network, such as the Internet. The IBO system comprises a viewing system that cooperates with a Digital Rights Management system and various deployment enhancements within the Internet to provide an infrastructure that facilitates access to digital content in a manner that comports with copyright law and the control of intellectual property by the copyright owner. The IBO system enables a content copyright owner to retain control of its intellectual property while allowing a consumer to have transparent access to the copyright-protected content via the network. To that end, the IBO system operates to download and stage the copyrighted digital content on the viewing system of a consumer.
US08145563B2
An Interchange Party Computer System (“IPCS”) comprising: a plurality of units of allocated resources, configured for a lender party, broker party, transaction party and/or investor party, each unit of allocated resources including one or more administrator user interfaces that allow a participating party to manage its allocated resources and define which of its users and which other participating parties may access its allocated resources and use elements thereof, wherein at least one of the allocated resources include database allocated resources that are managed by the participating party assigned the resources, the allocated resources for the database being accessible and usable by a participating party on terms defined by the participating party responsible for managing the database allocated resources wherein at least one of the allocated resources include at one or more modules selected from the group of: a Rate and Loan Program Module that includes means to define loan programs or search defined loan programs in a database, an Automated Underwriting Module, a Mortgage Pools Module; a File Status and Transaction Party Module, which includes means to do two or more of: assign tasks, present task status, control viewing of task status, assign viewing privileges, monitor satisfaction of lender conditions, and upload loan documentation that are managed by the participating party assigned the resources; the allocated resources for the selected modules being accessible and usable by a participating party on terms defined by the participating party responsible for managing the selected modules allocated resources.
US08145559B2
Methods and investment instruments for investing in real estate are described wherein a portfolio of investment real estate is divided into a plurality of tenant-in-common deeds of predetermined denominations, and which are subject to a master agreement and master lease to form “deedshares.” Holders of the deedshares receive a guaranteed income stream from the master lease and yearly depreciation, without having to maintain or manage the real estate. The holders of deedshares are subject, under the master agreement, to a mechanism that enables the master tenant to purchase, or arrange for the purchase of the deedshares at fair market value (or some other calculable value) at the end of a specified term. Because the deedshares qualify as interests in investment real estate, they are eligible for tax-deferred treatment under §1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.
US08145553B2
System, method, and program products offer flexibility to the rather rigid way of trading in an electronic trading system. Orders for a tradeable object may typically get matched according to set terms and/or conditions at an electronic exchange. A trader may log onto the electronic exchange to trade the tradeable object, and may choose to display and trade the tradeable object according to a different set of terms and/or conditions. As such, the market data sent to the trader from the exchange is converted to a format according to the trader's selection, so that it may be presented to the trader in this format. Transaction messages sent to the exchange from the trader are converted to the format readable by the matching process, so that it can process the messages. Other features and advantages are described herein.
US08145544B2
Methods and systems allowing a consumer to use a graphical tool that summarizes, compares and browses multiple offers for products or services over a network or communications medium such as via the Internet. In specific embodiments, potential purchasers can make declarations to buy, which sellers can use to generate improved and customized offers.
US08145542B2
A system is disclosed that enables users to share product-related information across web pages. The system includes a client that executes on a user computer. The client interacts with a data server to provide user access to product-related information associated with products represented on web pages accessed by the user. The product-related information may include information submitted by other users via other instances of the client.
US08145537B2
A model for the next generation of software network agents for downloadable software is provided. The software network agent delivers a streamlined user experience that presents the user with options to try or buy. The agent may be co-branded for merchant and affiliate marketing. The agent may be integrated with a number of services, such as ecommerce systems, affiliate marketing network systems, site optimization, web analytics and email marketing systems that enable a merchant to enhance the user experience and improve marketing. A user's actions may be tracked in order to provide OEMs and retailers payout on purchase referrals to the merchant's online store. Code changes and bug fixes can be made at the server and in a timely manner with minimal impact to the various systems supporting the software activation user experience.
US08145525B2
A method for distribution of information includes displaying a sequence of promotional images at known, respective display times on a display terminal facing customers at a point of sale. Sales of different products at respective sale times are recorded on a sales terminal at the point of sale. A relationship between the sales times of at least one of the products and the display times of at least one of the promotional images is measured. Responsively to the relationship, a change is made in the sequence of the promotional images that are displayed on the display terminal.
US08145520B2
Verifying ballots that are cast in an election is provided. A mutual attestation procedure is executed between a plurality of devices communicating in a voting system via a network. A number of certificates are published. Each certificate corresponds to one of the plurality of devices and contains a public key and reference election configuration data defining a reference machine execution environment state of its corresponding device. A voter authorization token is generated for each voter. Voting results are generated in response to using a given voter authorization token to cast a given ballot using a specified voting device. Current election configuration data is generated that defines a current machine execution environment state of the specified voting device when the given ballot was cast. The current election configuration data is compared with the reference configuration data to verify a valid machine execution environment state of the specified voting device.
US08145515B2
A method is provided for rendering performance reports on a client device in a retail establishment. A request is received to render a summary performance report on the client device. Shift information for the user is retrieved. At least one summarized performance metric is obtained from one of a plurality of business data statistics providers using the shift information. Scoring rules are applied to the at least one obtained summarized performance metric. The at least one summarized performance metric and corresponding score associated with the at least one summarized performance metric are compiled into the summary performance report. The summary performance report is sent to the client device for rendering.
US08145514B2
Systems and methods are disclosed that allow an equipment vendor to monitor and detect overloads of IMS charging element equipment (e.g., the CCF or CDF) relative to certain vendor-specified thresholds and, responsive to detecting overloads, vendors may take action to exercise capacity control and/or collect revenue for the overload conditions.
US08145511B2
The present invention is directed to system and method for locating aircraft passengers. A data feed arrangement receives aircraft data points from at least one first data source and passenger information from a second data source. A data processing arrangement stores each aircraft data point in a flight record and generates a flight track for the aircraft using data stored in the flight record. The data processing arrangement also receives passenger information and matches passenger information with corresponding flight records. A data distribution arrangement organizes the flight track and passenger information into a displayable file, wherein the displayable file includes a mechanism to search for specific passenger information.
US08145503B2
Enhanced techniques for the extraction and use of metadata from medical images are disclosed herein. Based on the information in the metadata, specific processing may be performed within an image order management system, radiology information system (RIS), or like system involved with healthcare imaging. In one specific embodiment, a radiology read order may be created, pre-populated, and transmitted via a processing system (e.g., a teleradiology image order management system) based on the metadata within the radiology image. For example, this metadata may exist within the header of a DICOM-formatted image data file or a DICOM communication protocol transmission. The processing system may then provide the pre-populated read order back to the source of the medical images for verification and submission. Other processing actions may also occur based on information extracted from the image metadata, such as custom workflows and handling based on an originating facility, or transferring the images to a particular radiologist or location.
US08145500B2
A data processing system for accurately calculating a discount in a medical insurance plan comprises a premiums module adapted to access data regarding the amount of premiums paid by a policyholder of the medical insurance plan for a predetermined period. A claims module is adapted to access data regarding the amount of claims paid by the medical insurance plan to the policyholder for the predetermined period, the claims module being further adapted to access data to determine if there have been any claims submitted by a policyholder which have not yet been paid, and if so to apply a set of rules to each submitted claim which has not been paid to determine if it is likely to be paid, and if the claim is likely to be paid then adding the amount of the claim to the amount of claims already paid for the predetermined period. Finally, a discount module adapted to receive data from the premiums module and the claims module and to use the data to calculate a discount amount.
US08145496B2
A programmed “Stutter Edit” creates, stores and triggers combinations of effects to be used on a repeated short sample (“slice”) of recorded audio. The combination of effects (“gesture”) act on the sample over a specified duration (“gesture length”), with the change in parameters for each effect over the gesture length being dictated by user-defined curves. Such a system affords wide manipulation of audio recorded on-the-fly, perfectly suited for live performance. These effects preferably include not only stuttering but also imposing an amplitude envelope on the slice being triggered, sample rate and bit rate manipulation, panning (interpolation between pre-defined spatial positions), high- and low-pass filters and compression. Destructive edits, such as reversing, pitch shifting, and fading may also alter the way the Stutter Edit is heard. More advanced techniques, include using filters, FX processors, and other plug-ins, can increase the detail and uniqueness of a particular Stutter Edit effect.
US08145491B2
When pitch of a speech segment is being modified from a current pitch to a requested pitch, and the difference between these is relatively large, a pitch modification algorithm is used to modify the pitch of the speech segment. When the difference between current and requested pitches is relatively small, the pitch of the speech segment is not modified. After one or the other speech modification techniques are used, then the resultant modified speech segment is overlapped and added to previously modified speech segments. A modification ratio is determined in order to quantify the difference between the current and requested pitches for a speech segment. The modification ratio is a ratio between the requested and current pitches. Low and high ratio thresholds are used to determine when pitch is being modified to a predetermined high degree, and whether pitch of the speech segment will or will not be modified.
US08145489B2
A system and method for selecting and presenting advertisements based on natural language processing of voice-based inputs is provided. A user utterance may be received at an input device, and a conversational, natural language processor may identify a request from the utterance. At least one advertisement may be selected and presented to the user based on the identified request. The advertisement may be presented as a natural language response, thereby creating a conversational feel to the presentation of advertisements. The request and the user's subsequent interaction with the advertisement may be tracked to build user statistical profiles, thus enhancing subsequent selection and presentation of advertisements.
US08145488B2
A speech recognition system uses Gaussian mixture variable-parameter hidden Markov models (VPHMMs) to recognize speech. The VPHMMs include Gaussian parameters that vary as a function of at least one environmental conditioning parameter. The relationship of each Gaussian parameter to the environmental conditioning parameter(s) is modeled using a piecewise fitting approach, such as by using spline functions. In a training phase, the recognition system can use clustering to identify classes of spline functions, each class grouping together spline functions which are similar to each other based on some distance measure. The recognition system can then store sets of spline parameters that represent respective classes of spline functions. An instance of a spline function that belongs to a class can make reference to an associated shared set of spline parameters. The Gaussian parameters can be represented in an efficient form that accommodates the use of sharing in the above-summarized manner.
US08145484B2
The described implementations relate to speech spelling by a user. One method identifies one or more symbols that may match a user utterance and displays an individual symbol for confirmation by the user.
US08145479B2
A method of pre-processing an audio signal transmitted to a user terminal via a communication network and an apparatus using the method are provided. The method of pre-processing the audio signal may prevent deterioration of a sound quality of the audio signal transmitted to the user terminal by pre-processing the audio signal, and by enabling a codec module, encoding the audio signal, to determine the audio signal as a speech signal. The method of pre-processing may include encoding the audio signal using a speech codec and decoding the encoded audio signal using the speech codec. A codec module, transmitting the decoded audio signal to the user terminal via the communication network, may determine whether a speech interval or a speechless interval with respect to at least one frame is included in the audio signal and transmit at least one parameter with respect to the at least one frame as a result of the determination.
US08145478B2
An audio signal band expanding apparatus (100a) includes a harmonic generator (3) that receives an input audio signal having a predetermined band and generates, based on the input audio signal, harmonic signals, and an adder (2) that adds the harmonic signals generated by the harmonic generator (3) to the input audio signal. The harmonic generator (3) simulates the input-output characteristics of a predetermined amplifier or that of a device to generate the harmonic signals from the input audio signal.
US08145473B2
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for machine translation of a source document in an input language to a target document in an output language, comprising generating translation options corresponding to at least portions of each sentence in the input language; and selecting a translation option for the sentence based on statistics associated with the translation options.
US08145468B2
Development models of software applications may be annotated with additional information and transformed within a transformation chain into a resulting model that may be used to evaluate the development model, for example, for simulation and/or performance support of the development model. By relating elements of the development model through the transformation chain to elements of the resulting model, the evaluation may be performed with respect to the resulting/transformed model, but provided to a user in terms of the original development model. In this way, a user of the development model may work with the more-familiar development model, without having to alter the development model directly in order to obtain the evaluation.
US08145466B1
Approaches for preparing simulation models of an electronic circuit are disclosed. The design is partitioned into first and second clusters. The design includes a source module in the first cluster connected to a destination module in the second cluster. The first cluster is compiled into a first model for a software-based co-simulation platform for simulating behavior of the source module using the first model. The first cluster and the second cluster of the design are compiled into a second model for a hardware-based co-simulation platform that includes a programmable logic circuit configurable for emulating behavior of the design using the second model. An interconnection block is generated and stored in the second model. The interconnection block is switchable between coupling of the destination module in the second model to the source module of the first model or to a source module of the second model.
US08145463B2
A Gas Reservoir Evaluation and Assessment Tool utilizes an Analytical Engine to produce predictions of pressure values and other production data at any point in space and at any point in time in a reservoir. A computer system, such as a workstation, stores a Gas Reservoir Evaluation and Assessment software which includes the Analytical Engine and responds to input data (which includes a reservoir description and fluid properties) by generating an output record which represents a prediction of the pressure values and other data at ‘any point in space’ and at ‘any point in time’ in a reservoir. The Analytical Engine will first calculate a pressure value in 1D for a single layer of a reservoir at a single point in space and time; it will then calculate a pressure value in 1D for multiple layers in the reservoir at the single point in space and time; it will then calculate a pressure value in 2D for the multiple layers at the single point in space and time; it will then calculate a pressure value in 3D for the multiple layers at the single point in space and time; and it will then calculate a pressure values in 3D for multiple layers not only at a single point in space but also at any future point in time.
US08145462B2
A system and method for optimizing the performance of a drilling device utilizes well logs and drilling parameters from multiple offset wells located in proximity to the location of a desired wellbore. The well logs and drilling parameters data from the offset wells is synthesized to determine major drilling contexts including both geological trends, mechanical properties and the different well profiles. The performance of one or more drilling devices and or drilling parameters is then simulated within the selected drilling contexts of the offset wells. The simulation information is then used to select an optimized drilling device or parameter for drilling the selected wellbore.
US08145459B2
The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.
US08145453B2
In order to generate a broadband transfer function of complex characteristics of a linear time-invariant (LTI) system, data characterising properties of the system are acquired. A set of poles in the complex plane are defined to characterize the system, and then an iterative process is performed to: define a set of orthonormal rational basis functions incorporating the defined poles, use the orthonormal rational basis functions to estimate transfer function coefficients, and derive revised values for the complex poles, until a desired level of accuracy of the transfer function coefficients is attained. The revised complex poles are used to determine parameters of the broadband transfer function.
US08145452B1
A disk drive including a method for determining an amplitude for signal transmission over an interconnect is disclosed. The drive includes a processor that is coupled to a signal measurement circuit and is under the control of a program in conjunction with the signal measurement circuit to transmit a first signal to the host over a transmission medium at a first transmission frequency according to a first speed negotiation process, receive a second signal from the host at the first transmission frequency, determine a first voltage amplitude of the second signal, transmit a third signal to the host at a second transmission frequency according to a second speed negotiation process, receive a fourth signal from the host at the second transmission frequency, determine a second voltage amplitude of the fourth signal, and determine an approximate voltage loss in response to the first and second voltage amplitudes.
US08145445B2
A WSN-based context awareness engine applies spatial filtering to sensed data which is output from sensors included in a group to filter data in which an error does not occur, identifies a non-operated sensor, compares filtered data with at least one condition to determine a current state of a place corresponding to the group, and combines the determined current state and information regarding the group to generate a context-awareness result.
US08145438B2
A method for quantitating a substance to be measured including: storing a database with which a relative calibration curve is registered; measuring an internal standard substance having a known concentration; calculating the peak area or the height of an internal standard substance by preparing a chromatogram on the basis of a mass spectrum of the internal standard substance; gaining a mass spectrum of the substance to be measured by measuring the substance; calculating the peak area or the height of the substance by preparing a chromatogram on the basis of the mass spectrum of the substance to be measured; and of calculating the concentration of the substance on the basis of the relative calibration curve, the peak area or the height of the internal standard substance and the peak area or the height of the substance.
US08145431B2
An analyte testing device is provided for use with a mobile processing device having a camera with a lens, a processor for processing an image captured by the lens. The analyte testing device comprises a casing and a test strip positioner. The test strip positioner positions an analyte containing test strip adjacent to the camera lens to permit the camera to capture an image of the analyte containing test strip. A light source is disposed within the casing. The light source is positioned within the casing to illuminate the analyte containing test strip to facilitate the capture of the image of the test strip. Software is contained within the mobile processing device for performing a quantitative analysis of at least one analyte from the captured image, and providing an output of the results of the quantitative analysis.
US08145427B1
Determining a production gain index (PGI) for a petroleum reservoir provides a novel leading indicator and metric that is designed to quickly assess the potential for increases in production of petroleum from an operating petroleum reservoir when implementing a recovery plan. The PGI can be determined according to the following equation: P G I = ΣΔ q A Σ q Old where, ΣΔqA=net actual production gain of the reservoir; and ΣqOld=sum of current oil rates for existing producers. The PGI can also be determined according to the following equation: PGI=PR×(GPI−1) where, GPI=the global productivity index of the petroleum reservoir; and PR=the interference factor, which accounts for any losses in aggregate production gain due to well interference.
US08145422B2
A method for obtaining directions to fixed location such as a restaurant includes using a telephone to call the restaurant, and providing a prompt to the caller during the call to push a button on the telephone to download GPS location of the restaurant. The GPS information is transferred from the telephone to a navigation module in a vehicle which displays a map showing the route to the restaurant.
US08145420B2
A housing comprises at least first and second portions. The first and second portions mate with each other at respective joining regions. The first and second portions each comprise a respective tapered flange along the joining region. The first and second portions of the housing are connected to each other by placing a plurality of collars over the tapered flanges of the first and second portions of the housing. Each of the collars has a respective groove formed therein. The grooves of the plurality of collars are placed over the tapered flanges of the first and second portions of the housing. A plurality of fasteners causes the plurality of collars to press the first and second portions of the housing together. In one embodiment, the housing is used in a sensor block assembly that is part of an inertial measurement unit.
US08145416B2
Method and computer program product for presenting a set of address locations in a browser window of a user device via the Internet are disclosed. The method includes receiving a set of address locations in a given order, presenting the set of address locations as a list of directions, and presenting the set of address locations graphically on a map, where the map includes a route connecting the set of address locations according to the given order and a marker for each of the address locations. The method further includes creating a new order of the set of address locations from the given order by dragging an address location from the map to a different position in the list of directions, updating the list of directions according to the new order of the set of address locations, and updating the map according to the new order of the set of address locations.
US08145412B2
The internal combustion engine system makes detection on the occurrence or the non-occurrence of a misfire by comparing the 240-degree difference TD240 of the 30-degree rotation time T30 (CA) with the tentative detection reference value A1 and comparing the detection base difference ratios J1 and J5 with the ranges of the respective reference values B11, B12, B51 and B52 when the exhaust gas recirculation is performed, in addition to the methodology in the non-performance of the exhaust gas recirculation, that is, in addition to the methodology of comparing the 360-degree difference TD360 of the 30-degree rotation time T30 (CA) with the tentative detection reference value A1 and comparing the detection base difference ratios J0, J2 and J4 with the ranges of the respective reference values B01, B02, B21, B22, B41 and B42 (S410, S440). This arrangement enables to detect a misfire in any of cylinders of the engine 22 accurately even when the exhaust gas recirculation is performed or not performed.
US08145410B2
A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine operable with a first cylinder firing frequency and a second cylinder firing frequency to reduce or eliminate transmission of torsional vibrations associated with the second cylinder firing frequency to reduce or eliminate constraints on reduced displacement mode operation using a closely coupled drive train component rotating in an opposite direction relative to rotating components of the engine. A close coupling device allows the inertia of the counter-rotating elements to reduce or eliminate the torque reaction of the drivetrain associated with acceleration and deceleration of the engine crankshaft in response to the second cylinder firing frequency in the reduced displacement mode.
US08145403B2
A method and algorithm are provided to operate a gas turbine at baseload in an emission compliant capable mode to avoid combustion dynamics while operating with cold fuel and hot fuel combustion hardware. The method includes performing a gas turbine operational sequence such as a startup to an emission compliant capable mode. A gas fuel temperature is measured. The gas turbine is operated in the emissions compliant capable mode according to a designated fuel split for avoiding combustion dynamics when a temperature for a gas fuel is below a designated value. A determination is made whether a modified wobbe index for the gas fuel is below an emissions compliant value. An alarm is activated if the modified wobbe index is below the emissions compliant value to notify the operator of a potential emissions shift.
US08145395B2
A ground engaging work vehicle including a frame, a plurality of tractive elements, a movable extension, a hydraulic fluid using attachment, a hydraulic fluid pump and an accumulator. The plurality of tractive elements are coupled to the frame. The tractive elements engage the ground. The movable extension is connected to the frame. The hydraulic fluid using attachment is coupled to the movable extension. The hydraulic fluid pump is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment. The accumulator is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment dependent upon at least one fluid flow requirement of the attachment.
US08145394B2
An earthworking machine having a working tool at the end of an articulated arm is automatically calibrated. The calibration method includes collecting angular position data relating to different articulated components, after a series of movements of the end of the working tool between reference points located in accordance with a given geometrical configuration. These data are derived by imprecisely positioned detectors on each articulated component and then sent to a machine calibration system that executes a calculation module of the calibration system to determine, by use of known input data, unknown parameters which, once determined, control a luminous indicator display which guides the machine operator in the horizontal and/or vertical movements for the depth of the tool.
US08145388B2
An automatic driving position adjustment system and its method are disclosed in which a manual adjustment to a first adjustable component results in the automatic adjustment of a second adjustable component. When the position or angle of a seat or other first adjustable component is adjusted by the driver, a detector measures the relative change in position or angle of the first adjustable component. A controller computes the required change in position or angle of the second adjustable component by multiplying a prescribed coefficient by the relative change in position or angle of the first adjustable component.
US08145386B2
An activation apparatus for an occupant protection system includes acceleration sensors which are disposed on the respective right and left sides of a vehicle with respect to the center of the vehicle on the vehicle and each of which is provided for detecting the acceleration from the side opposite to the side where the sensor is disposed, and includes a determiner that determines whether or not an occupant protection system is to be activated by comparing the physical quantity computed based on the value detected and outputted by the acceleration sensor with a threshold for activating the occupant protection system.
US08145382B2
The entertainment system of one of the preferred embodiments includes a recreational vehicle, an event sensor attached to the recreational vehicle, an event element able to be detected by the event sensor, a processor connected to the event sensor, and a game program operated by the processor. The entertainment system functions to enable interactive game-like capabilities for a movable vehicle. The entertainment system is preferably used for children recreational vehicles (miniature cars), but may alternatively be used by other vehicles.
US08145375B2
A powertrain including an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and first and second electric machines to transmit power to an output member is disclosed. A method for controlling the electro-mechanical transmission includes determining minimum and maximum motor torque constraints for the first and second electric machines, and determining available battery power in terms of battery power constraints. One of a first, a second and a third case is determined based upon the motor torque constraints and the battery power constraints. A preferred output torque is determined for transmitting to the output member of the electro-mechanical transmission.
US08145371B2
A dynamic control system for a marine vessel having two or more waterjet units as the primary propulsion system of the vessel, for maintaining vessel position or velocity when in a dynamic control mode, comprises a position or velocity indicator to indicate vessel position or velocity or deviations in vessel position or velocity; such as a satellite-based positioning system indicator, or accelerometers as a relative position indicator, a heading indicator to indicate vessel heading from position heading or yaw rate or deviations in vessel heading or yaw rate, such as a compass as an absolute heading indicator or a yaw rate sensor as a relative heading indicator, and a controller to control the operation of the waterjet units to substantially maintain the vessel position or velocity, and vessel heading or yaw rate when the dynamic control mode is enabled.
US08145367B2
A system and a method alerts the occupant of an aircraft that the aircraft is in, or approaching, a zone of awareness associated with a closed surface at the airport.
US08145366B1
The present invention is an improved real-time, interactive sonic boom display for aircraft. By using physical properties obtained via various sensors and databases, the invention determines, in real-time, sonic boom impacts locations and intensities for aircraft traveling at supersonic speeds. The information is provided to a pilot via a display that lists a selectable set of maneuvers available to the pilot to mitigate sonic boom issues. Upon selection of a maneuver, the information as to the result of the maneuver is displayed and the pilot may proceed with making the maneuver, or provide new data to the system in order to calculate a different maneuver.
US08145362B2
As system is disclosed for providing power averaging for the utility grids and more specifically to utilizing a unique EESU unit with the capability to store electrical energy over 24 hour periods each day and provide power averaging to homes, commercial, and industrial sites to reduce the peak power requirements. Charging such power averaging units during the non-peak times and delivering the energy during the peak-demands times provides for more efficient utilization of utility-grid power-generating plants and the already existing power transmission lines. Such a unit may also have the capability of isolating the users from utility-grid power failures, transients, and AC noise.
US08145361B2
A control system and method to create an Internet Protocol (IP) enabled automatic gain control loop for encasing a desired cost value in a utility derived consumer controlled pricing envelope. A customer uses a web browser to view billing estimates for the current month as well as related months. The customer can set limits on the actual billing amount for the upcoming month and make adjustments to this amount if it seems unrealistic in the coming month. Control event actions are carried out to limit power usage within preferences set by the customer.
US08145357B2
Automatic adjustment of the control and operation of residential environmental management systems is made based upon a time of year, a geographic location, or both. A controller receives input of the time of year or the geographic location of the residential environmental management system, or both. The controller then automatically adjusts one or more functions of the residential environmental management system based upon operational information associated with the time of year and/or geographic location. A user interface connected with the controller may be also used to select a mode of operation, input time or geographic location information, and/or adjust various parameters affecting the automatic seasonal or geographic adjustment of the residential environmental management system.
US08145345B2
An automated system for generating large numbers of digitally-defined patterns suitable for printing on textiles wherein each pattern is individually different but shares one or more unifying design motifs with all other patterns. In the general case, each pattern is comprised of at least two components in the form of separately configurable pattern layers that are digitally superimposed to form a composite pattern that is unique but visually related to all other unique patterns that use pattern layers taken from the same pattern sources.
US08145343B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the registration of advancing substrates in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate registration feature detections and substrate speed control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate speed. As such, the controller may be programmed to track registration features on substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.
US08145342B2
Processing a wafer using a double side grinder having a pair of grinding wheels. Warp data is obtained by a warp measurement device for measuring warp of a wafer as ground by the double side grinder. The warp data is received and a nanotopography of the wafer is predicted based on the received warp data. A grinding parameter is determined based on the predicted nanotopography of the wafer. Operation of the double side grinder is adjusted based on the determined grinding parameter.
US08145337B2
A method to enable wafer result prediction from a batch processing tool, includes collecting manufacturing data from a batch of wafers processed in batch in the batch processing tool, to form a batch processing result; defining a degree of freedom of the batch processing result based on the manufacturing data; and performing an optimal curve fitting by trial and error for an optimal function model of the batch processing result based on the batch processing result.
US08145313B2
A feed-through assembly is presented. The feed-through assembly includes a first end and a second end with a body therebetween. The first end comprises a substantially L-shaped end and a block. The substantially L-shaped end includes a first contact surface. The block includes a second contact surface.
US08145304B2
Various aspects relate to a device which, in various embodiments, comprises a header, a neural stimulator, a detector and a controller. The header includes at least one port to connect to at least one lead, and includes first and second channels for use to provide neural stimulation to first and second neural stimulation sites for a heart. The controller is connected to the detector and the neural stimulator to selectively deliver a therapy based on the feedback signal. A first therapy signal is delivered to the first neural stimulation site to selectively control contractility and a second therapy signal is delivered to the second neural stimulation site to selectively control one of a sinus rate and an AV conduction. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US08145295B2
Apparatus, devices, methods, systems, computer programs and computing devices related to autofluorescent imaging and ablation are disclosed.
US08145294B2
Method of analysing at least one parameter of a body component is provided. The method includes illuminating the component or body with light of at least a first and second waveband, receiving light of at least said first and second wavebands remitted by the component at a photoreceptor or photoreceptors, and analysing the light received at the photoreceptor(s) to provide a ratio between the amount of light remitted of the first waveband and the amount of light remitted of the second waveband, and from this calculating the component parameter.
US08145291B2
A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric that exhibits a light reflection property and substantially no light transmission property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers. The amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into an aperture of acceptance defined with respect to an imaginary axis extending from the fabric relative to the amount of light lost to the aperture of acceptance detectably changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, with the detector disposed in the aperture of acceptance. The source and detector may be attached to the fabric in relative positions such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into the aperture of acceptance as the fabric stretches in response to motion.
US08145285B2
Gaskets and wireless terminals with gaskets for sealing a space between sliding members in wireless terminals. The wireless terminals include: (a) a first member; (b) a second member overlying the first member, wherein at least one of the first and second members is configured to slide between open and closed configurations; and (c) a gasket attached to the first and second members, the gasket having an elongate body portion with opposing first and second end portions affixed to a respective one of the first and second members. The gasket is configured to provide an electrical path between at least one component in the first member to at least one component in the second member. The elongate body portion is configured to snugly abut the first and second members to inhibit dust from entering a target interior space when the wireless terminal is in the open configuration.
US08145281B2
A portable electronic device includes a first housing, a keypad module, and a decorative bar assembled in the first housing and resisting the keypad module. The first housing includes a first sidewall having a protruding portion; and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and defining a receiving slot. The keypad module includes a first end defining at least one sliding slot, and a second end opposite to the first end, and having a rib positioned thereon. The protruding portion is slidably latched in the sliding slot, the rib is slidably assembled in the receiving slot.
US08145279B2
A method of supporting operation of sleep mode in a wideband radio access system is disclosed. More specifically, a mobile subscriber station (MSS) which determines a frame offset information for synchronizing listening windows of at least one MSS that is in sleep mode, and transmits the determined framed offset information to at least one MSS.
US08145270B2
Provided is a method of efficiently processing a Short-Term Key Message (STKM) in the mobile broadcast supporting the mobile terminal. A structure of a response message according to processing the STKM in the smart card is also provided. In particular, a variety of information necessary for reproducing in the player is included in the response message and delivered to the mobile terminal, thereby the mobile terminal can easily obtain the desired information through the response message. Therefore, when the STKM is processed in the mobile terminal, there is no need to process operations except for a resending check, and the information does not need to be stored separately.
US08145269B2
A mobile terminal configured to couple with a user-removable interface module includes a connector configured to couple or otherwise contact the removable interface module, a controller configured to determine whether a coupling exists between the mobile terminal and the removable interface module, and a touchscreen display configured to display the first group of icons responsive to the determining that the coupling does not exist and display the second group of icons responsive to the determining that the coupling exists, wherein each of the first group of icons relates to a function that is associated with the mobile terminal and which are each controllable responsive to user input to the touchscreen display, and wherein each of the second group of icons relates to a function of the mobile terminal that is associated with the removable interface module and which are each controllable responsive to user input to the touchscreen display.
US08145258B2
A radio communication apparatus includes housings that are connected via a hinge unit in an openable/closeable manner, and circuit boards in the housings. The circuit boards are connected via circuit connecting lines functioning as an inductor. One end of the hinge unit is connected to an end portion of the housing and the other end thereof is connected to a portion located farther inside than an end portion of the housing. When the housings are unfolded, a region extending from the portion to the end portion of the housing overlaps a region near the end portion of the housing in a projection domain. A high dielectric member is provided in this overlapped region, and a capacitor is constituted by the high dielectric member and ground areas.
US08145253B2
A method and apparatus for performing state transition of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) which supports enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) in the CELL_FACH state is disclosed. Uplink data is transmitted via an E-DCH while operating in a CELL_FACH state. A radio resource control (RRC) signal, which includes a reconfiguration message, is received while the WTRU is assigned an E-DCH resource. A reconfiguration of the physical channels is performed according to the RRC reconfiguration message. A transition to a CELL_DCH state is performed and uplink data is transmitted in the CELL_DCH state via the E-DCH. In-synch and out-of-synch parameters are reported.
US08145247B2
Clock synchronization for a wireless communication system is described. The communication system utilizes a server with a radio coupled to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and a clock interface to receive a reference clock signal. The server includes a network interface configured to receive, from a base station, a time that the RF signal was received at the base station. The server further includes a processing device configured to determine when the RF signal was transmitted and a location of the base station, and configured to calculate clock offset value representative of a time to delay a local clock signal at the base station to synchronize the local clock signal at the base station with the reference clock signal.
US08145243B2
Systems and techniques to manage location management and paging operations for idle mode mobile stations are described. An apparatus may comprise a first foreign agent having a foreign agent idle mode manager to store idle mode information for an idle mobile station in a first paging area of a wireless network. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08145236B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a secure localization infrastructure using transmitters that can transmit messages at multiple distinct power levels throughout a community of reference points. Transmitters send messages at different power levels in a manner that every location in the system corresponds to a unique set of messages. Received messages are reported back to the localization infrastructure, which then determines location by comparing the messages reported.
US08145230B2
A method (300) and cognitive radio (CR) wireless device (102) are provided for dynamically accessing spectrum in an opportunistic spectrum access wireless communication system (100). The method includes: transmitting, from a CR wireless device, a signal (216) having a first bandwidth within an unoccupied portion of spectrum (206), and after a time interval (T3) following the transmitting, and upon determining that an adjacent spectral quantum is occupied, transmitting from the CR wireless device a signal (216) having a second bandwidth, the second bandwidth being less than the first bandwidth. The method doubles a rate of growth of bandwidth of a transmitted signal when a spectral quantum adjacent to one side of the signal is unoccupied and a spectral quantum adjacent to the other side of the signal is occupied. The method utilizes knowledge of location of the CR wireless device and of band-edges to intelligently use spectral fence quanta.
US08145218B2
A device includes a first wireless transceiver initiating a communication session; and a second wireless transceiver. The device shifts the communication session to the second wireless transceiver if a signal strength of the first wireless transceiver is below a predetermined level and the signal strength is not expected to increase above the predetermined level.
US08145216B2
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to scan for available frequency bands, and a controller configured to assign a frequency band identification information to each available frequency band and to assign channel identification information to each channel included in a corresponding available frequency band.
US08145213B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for generating a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) list in a mobile communication terminal. The method includes: generating an available PLMN list by searching PLMNs through a Radio Frequency (RF) channel, and determining if Location Area Code (LAC) information is contained in the available PLMN list; generating a PLMN list from PLMN information matched with Mobile Country Code (MCC) information and Mobile Network Code (MNC) information and existing in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, when no LAC is contained in the available PLMN list; and deleting items duplicated in the generated PLMN list.
US08145211B2
The present invention relates to the field of mobile telephony networks and more particularly to a device, a system and an associated method for ensuring continuity of telephony services on the network. The invention is based on the use, as a temporary backup for faulty HLR equipment, of HLR equipment possibly initially empty of any user data and which, during location demands from non-referenced subscribers, on its own initiative actuates the CIS information system in order to recover a minimum of data allowing identification of the subscriber on the network and therefore his activation. No synchronization with the active HLRs is necessary since the data are recovered as necessary on the information system. In addition, the updating data traffic between active HLRs and backup HLR is avoided.
US08145206B2
A method for controlling uplink transmissions from a user device to an access point in a wireless telecommunications system is described. Each access point defines a communications cell, and the method comprises monitoring interference in an uplink channel at an access point, performing interference control actions at the access point when monitored interference exceeds a first predetermined level, monitoring occurrences of such control actions at the access point, and if a number of such occurrences exceeds a predetermined level, performing interference control actions with reference to a plurality of cells at a central controller of the telecommunications system, which central controller is operable to control a plurality of access points.
US08145197B2
A method and arrangement for providing information to a client from a client access network regarding a requested set of users, at least some of which are connected to other access networks. In response to a client subscription request, the client access network establishes a network subscription with the other access networks. Information updates regarding users in the set are then continuously received and stored in a database of the client access network, whenever the users change their state. In response to a subsequent request for user information from the client, corresponding stored user information is retrieved from the database and sent in a notification to the client.
US08145196B2
Methods, graphical user interfaces and devices for creation and management of voicemail greetings are disclosed. A user of a mobile communication device can create and manage multiple voicemail greetings. In one aspect, a user of a mobile communication device can create customized voicemails. The customized voicemails can be assigned to specific contacts (or groups of contacts) known to the mobile communication device. The customized voicemail greetings can also have controlled expiration dates. In another aspect, customized voicemails can be assigned to incoming calls in real-time.
US08145187B2
A communications base station is installed at a selected new location and the base station, prior to going “online” monitors the wireless traffic from other base stations within interference range of the new base station's coverage area. The new base station also monitors the wireless traffic between mobile devices within its coverage area and these other base stations. Based upon these monitored conditions, as well as other known conditions, the new base station then determines the transmitting parameter configuration it should imply in order to achieve a desired optimization between capacity and coverage area. After the new base station is online, a central control can monitor the entire network to determine if any additional changes are necessary and if so the new transceiver, or any other transceiver, can be instructed to monitor itself with respect to interference and to take corrective action to improve overall network coverage and capacity.
US08145181B2
An electric power transmission system for communications includes on/off switches; high-voltage power assemblies; groups of high-voltage devices each being powered by the high-voltage power assembly; a carrier waves communications network comprising a transformer and filter, a filter, and a carrier waves coupling device interconnecting the transformer and filter and the filter, wherein the transformer and filter includes a low-voltage power assembly for communications and the filter includes a high-voltage power assembly for communications; and low and high-voltage devices. Data can be communicated between the low-voltage devices, between the high-voltage devices, or between the low-voltage device and the high-voltage device by transmitting carrier waves over the AC power.
US08145180B2
A process device includes a controller and a wireless communications module. The wireless communications module is coupled to the controller. A power generation module is provided to generate electricity for the process device. The power generator module can be disposed within the process device or it can be a separate unit coupled to the process device.
US08145178B2
A baseband processing module for use within a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver includes a downlink/uplink interface, TX processing components, a processor, memory, RX processing components, and a turbo decoding module. The RX processing components receive a baseband RX signal from the RF front end, produce a set of IR samples from the baseband RX signal, and transfer the set of IR samples to the memory. The turbo decoding module receives a set of IR samples from the memory, forms a turbo code word from the set of IR samples, turbo decodes the turbo code word to produce inbound data, and outputs the inbound data to the downlink/uplink interface. The turbo decoding module performs metric normalization based upon a chosen metric, performs de-rate matching on the set of IR samples, performs error detection operations, and extracts information from a MAC packet that it produces.
US08145170B2
A receiver (400) includes a tracking bandpass filter (420), a tunable lowpass filter (434), a local oscillator (442), and a mixer (444). The tracking bandpass filter (420) has an input for receiving a radio frequency (RF) input signal, and an output. The tunable lowpass filter (434) has an input coupled to the output of the tracking bandpass filter (420), and an output. The local oscillator (422) has a first output for providing a local oscillator signal, which is characterized as being a square wave signal at the desired intermediate frequency (IF). The mixer (444) has a first input coupled to the output of the tunable lowpass filter (434), a second input coupled to the output of the local oscillator (442), and a first output for providing an IF signal at the desired IF. The tunable lowpass filter (434) is configured to substantially attenuate a third harmonic of the frequency of the local oscillator signal.
US08145169B2
Aspects of a method and system for LNA adjustment to compensate for dynamic impedance matching are provided. In this regard, an antenna matching network may be configured to maximize received signal strength for a determined frequency and an amplifier gain may be adjusted based on the maximized signal strength such that output levels of the amplifier are between specified limits. The antenna matching network may be programmatically controlled via one or more switching elements. The amplifier gain may be programmatically controlled via one or more bias points. The antenna matching network may be configured for a plurality of frequencies in a frequency band, such as an FM broadcast band, and a configuration for each frequency may be stored. Accordingly, when the receiver is tuned to a frequency, a corresponding configuration may be retrieved from memory.
US08145166B2
An enhanced programmable automatic level control loop comprising an input for receiving an input RF signal; a level modulator, wherein the level modulator receives the input RF signal and a control signal and wherein the level modulator produces a first signal; a mixer that receives the first signal and mixes it with an LO signal to produce a second signal; a programmable attenuator that receives the second signal and produces an output signal; a level detector that monitors RF power of the output signal and produces a DC voltage proportional to the RF power; and wherein the DC voltage is received at a loop amplifier which produces the control signal.
US08145165B1
A receiver for a wireless communication device comprising a mechanism for performing spur mitigation. An AGC unit of the receiver is operable to determine when an amplitude of an ADC output signal associated with a received RF signal is outside a predetermined amplitude range. The AGC unit is operable to modify a gain associated with a VGA such that the ADC output signal has an amplitude within the predetermined amplitude rage. The first spur mitigation unit is operable to determine an estimate of a spur signal of the ADC output signal and remove the spur signal from the ADC output signal based on the estimate of the spur signal. The first spur mitigation unit comprises a moving average filter operable to generate the estimate of the spur signal. The AGC unit is further operable to reset the moving average filter of the first spur mitigation unit when the AGC unit modifies the gain associated with the VGA.
US08145162B2
A tuner device includes tuner circuits, where each of the tuner circuits includes a radio frequency amplifier amplifying a radio frequency signal of a transmitted broadcast wave, a frequency mixing circuit performing frequency conversion for the transmitted radio frequency signal, and a local oscillation circuit transmitting a local oscillation signal to the frequency mixing circuit, wherein the local oscillation circuit includes, at least, a reference signal source, a first frequency divider, and a second frequency divider, oscillates a local oscillation signal having a local oscillation frequency, and makes a difference between local oscillation frequencies of the tuner circuits, the difference being generated when the tuner circuits receive the broadcast waves of the same frequency, greater than or equal to a predetermined value.
US08145141B2
A multi-band handheld communications device includes a transceiver including a transmitter having a transmit filter and a receiver having a receive filter, each of the transmit and receive filters having a bandpass region tunable across multiple bands, and a processor configured to select one of the multiple bands to operate the handheld communications device, and tune each of the transmit and receive filters based on the selected one of the multiple bands.
US08145136B1
A method of analyzing a wireless network, including the steps of coupling a diagnostic station to a wireless network, injecting encapsulated wireless frames into that wireless network, forwarding encapsulated wireless frames within that wireless network, and in response to recognizing encapsulated wireless frames within that wireless network, de-encapsulating those wireless frames and forwarding them to that diagnostic station. Also, a system and a diagnostic station that can implement the method.
US08145134B2
Disclosed is a method and system for a radio beacon to protect wireless microphones from interference. One embodiment involves providing each wireless microphone system with a signal detector that detects interfering signals and a ‘beacon’ transmitter that sends a multitone beacon signal. Users that transmit on a potentially interfering frequency employ a beacon detector that ‘listens’ for the beacon signal. The users inhibit transmission if such a signal is detected.
US08145114B2
In view of the above, this invention is directed to printing methods including electrographic printing wherein toner and/or laminates form one or more multi-channeled layers, with a particular pattern. The multi-channeled layers are printed, such as by electrographic techniques, using the steps of forming a desired image on a receiver member and incorporating channels of toner that form a microfluidic item. In the microfluidic items the channels act as interconnects to transfer fluids between incorporated micro-devices such as pumps, devices, and sensors. The channels can also be designed to act as splitters ports, reservoirs, filters, and separators to allow a variety of specialty micro-devices to be developed with the printer.
US08145113B2
A fixing device forms a fixing nip by pressing a first roller, which is inside a rotation path of a rotating belt, with a second roller via the belt, and thermally fixes an unfixed image formed on a sheet S by passing the sheet S through the fixing nip while heating the belt by electromagnetic induction. The fixing device comprises an excitation coil positioned outside said path, and a fixed plate that (i) is inside said path, substantially facing the excitation coil via the belt, (ii) contacts an inner surface of the belt, and (iii) keeps the belt on said path. A base member of the belt is a conductive heat generation layer containing no magnetic shunt alloy. The fixed plate includes a conductive layer and a magnetic shunt alloy layer that is closer to the belt than the conductive layer.
US08145106B2
The invention provides an annular body provided at an image forming apparatus, the annular body has at least an outermost periphery layer and an innermost periphery layer, each of which comprise carbon black, and a content of carbon black contained per unit of volume of the outermost periphery layer being smaller than a content of carbon black contained per unit of volume of the innermost periphery layer. The invention further provides an annular body stretching device, having at least the annular body and a plurality of annular body stretching units rotatably stretching the annular body at an inner surface of the annular body. The invention further provides an image forming apparatus having at least an image holder, a charging device, an exposing device, a developing device, a first transferring device, a second transferring device, and a fixing device, in which the intermediate transfer belt is the annular body.
US08145104B2
A metering skive for a developer roller which is adapted to shear and/or meter developer at a developer-skive interface while minimizing compression of the metered developer. The metering skive is adjustable to various shear angles and has a geometry which enables a portion of the developer flow to be sheared away toward a curved second surface of the metering skive while metering the developer flow in a manner which minimizes or reduces compression of the developer.
US08145097B2
A constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring having an annular space therein and an opening at one axial end thereof. The annular space is defined by a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall of the outer ring. At least one of the radially outer wall and the radially inner wall has three axially extending track grooves circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees. A cage is inserted in the annular space. The cage has pockets at positions corresponding to the track grooves, respectively. A ball is received in each of the pockets so as to roll along one of the track grooves. A pair of diametrically opposed protrusions is formed at radially inner and outer open ends of the pockets of the cage to prevent the balls from coming out of the pockets of the cage.
US08145093B2
A developing apparatus includes an organic photo conductor, an OPC frame part to support the organic photo conductor, a developing roller to develop a latent image formed on the organic photo conductor by supplying a developer, a developing roller frame part to support the developing roller, a developer storing part to store the developer and provided with a supplying opening through which the developer is supplied to the developing roller, a spacer removably interposed between the OPC frame part and the developing roller frame part and spacing the OPC frame part from the developing roller frame part such that the organic photo conductor and the developing roller do not contact each other, a leakage preventer removably attached to and sealing the supplying opening, and a connecting part to connect the spacer with the leakage preventer. Thus, the spacer and the leakage preventer are capable of being removed simultaneously.
US08145088B2
A print management apparatus includes a generation unit configured to generate, from a document including a clear toner page on which both colored toner and clear toner are used and an insert page on which the colored toner is used without the use of the clear toner, a clear toner page print job for printing the clear toner page by using the colored toner without using the clear toner, and an insert print job for applying the clear toner on the clear toner page printed by using the colored toner without using the clear toner and for printing the insert page by using the colored toner. The print management apparatus also includes a first instruction unit configured to instruct an execution of the clear toner page print job, and a second instruction unit configured to instruct an execution of the insert print job after a predetermined period of time elapses.
US08145087B2
This is a method for placing test patches along the surface of a photoconductive belt. A novel feature of this invention is locating optimum times and locations for placing the test patches by rotating the belt backwards after the first normal forward rotation of the belt.
US08145080B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a time detection unit, a humidity measurement unit and a controller. The image forming device includes a photoconductive body, a developing device and a transfer device. The time detection unit detects information concerning a stop time period of the developing device. The humidity measurement unit is provided in a casing in which the image forming device is provided and measures a humidity. The controller controls a developer supply member in the developing device based on the information concerning the stop time period detected by the time detection unit and information concerning the humidity measured by the humidity measurement unit, so as to rotate at a lower speed than a rotation speed at a normal time before the developing device starts a first developing operation after the developing device stopped.
US08145075B2
In an image-forming apparatus for forming an image using toner contained in a toner cartridge, genuineness of the toner cartridge with or without a memory device is verified. A counter counts a value concerning image formation. A cartridge detector determines the presence or absence of the toner cartridge. A reader is configured to retrieve data from a memory device if any provided in the toner cartridge. A controller is configured to exercise two types of control. If the cartridge detector determines that the toner cartridge is present, the value counted by the counter is greater than a predetermined value, and the reader has failed retrieval of predetermined data, then a first type of control conformable to a toner cartridge other than a genuine toner cartridge is exercised. Otherwise, a second type of control conformable to the genuine toner cartridge is exercised.
US08145074B2
A system and method are provided for controlling an image forming apparatus and include a supplies information storage unit, which is included in supplies of an image forming apparatus and which has a writable first storage area and a second storage area providing write protection, and which stores information regarding the supplies in the first storage area, a replacement time detecting unit, which detects a replacement time of the supplies and outputs the sensing result, and an information controller, which in response to the result output from the replacement time detecting unit, stores the information stored in the first storage area in the second storage area, sets the write protection, and deletes the information stored in the first storage area. Accordingly, illegally recycled supplies can be prevented from being installed or used. Thus, stability in the use of the image forming apparatus can be guaranteed, durability of the image forming apparatus can be lengthened, and printing quality deterioration can be prevented.
US08145072B2
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a DQPSK optical receiver, comprising: a first LPF connected to a line branching off from between a first optical-electrical converter and a first data recovery circuit; a second LPF connected to a line branching off from between a second optical-electrical converter and a second data recovery circuit; a first LIA for amplifying a signal output from the first LPF and also limiting an amplitude of an output signal thereof; a second LIA for amplifying a signal output from the second LPF and also limiting an amplitude of an output signal thereof; a first mixer for multiplying the output signal from the first LIA by a signal output from the second LPF; and a second mixer for multiplying the output signal from the second LIA by a signal output from the first LPF.
US08145060B2
A passive optical network transceiver includes an avalanche photodiode, a bias voltage generator for supplying a bias voltage to the avalanche photodiode, a temperature detector for measuring the operating temperature of the avalanche photodiode, a memory for storing one reference bias voltage and a processing circuitry to process the value of the measured operating temperature and the reference bias voltage to generate a control signal for controlling the bias voltage generator to adjust the bias voltage supplied by the said bias voltage generator.
US08145059B2
A topology for optical transceiver components comprises an electrical signal interface stage, a data timing and signal reformatting stage, and an optical fiber interface stage. Unlike transceiver components known in the art, functions having signals with the most jitter are partitioned into the electrical signal interface stage. Data timing functions, for example retiming or clock and data recovery, are included in the data timing and reformatting stage. Output jitter from the data timing and signal reformatting stage is approximately equal to jitter in a clock signal, enabling use of semiconductor components having jitter greater than SONET limits and thereby increasing a value of production yield. Embodiments of the invention are well suited for 40 G transmitters and receivers in nonconnectorized surface mount packages. 40 G transceivers built in accord with the invention are expected to have lower cost, smaller size, and higher production yield than 40 G transceivers known in the art.
US08145058B2
Systems and method for using a direct connect RF pin configuration for an ONU transceiver module to connect directly to an external component. The ONU module communicates with an optical network. The ONU module further includes an RF interface and a direct connect RF pin configuration to communicate using RF signals. In one embodiment, the direct connect RF pin configuration includes two ground pins and a data pin which are spaced apart and directly connected to a PCB of the ONU. The opposing ends of the pins are directly connected to a PCB of an external component, such as an ONU host box. The pins are thus spaced apart such that they do not impede each others' function and available for direct connection to the external component.
US08145051B2
An image pickup apparatus which is capable of reducing possibility of missing a good moment to take a photo and reducing electric power wasted for strobe shooting. The image pickup apparatus is capable of shooting using a strobe. A motion detector detects an amount of motion of an object of which an image is to be picked up. A camera controller sets a target charge voltage level of a main capacitor based on the detected amount of motion of the object.
US08145036B2
A recording medium capable of executing menu calls based on the particular characteristics of different versions of the same movie work when these different versions are recorded on a single recording medium. An AV clip and a dynamic scenario are recorded on a BD-ROM 100 (recording medium). The dynamic scenario is a command string showing a playback control procedure relating to video data, and has attribute information attached thereto. Attribute information is information showing a control procedure for when a user requests a menu call during AV clip playback, and includes a resume_intension_flag. The resume_intension_flag shows whether playback resumption of video data after the menu call ends is intended.
US08145035B2
When reading an AV Clip which is formed by multiplexing a plurality of elementary streams from a BD-ROM and playing back the AV Clip, an STN_table that lists an entry of each elementary stream is acquired from PlayList information on the BD-ROM. For each elementary stream shown in the STN_table, a judgment is made as to whether the elementary stream satisfies a predetermined condition. Of all elementary streams judged as satisfying the predetermined condition, an elementary stream having a highest entry in the STN_table is selected and played back.
US08145034B2
To enable a lot of audio data and image data such as a still image and a moving image to be effectively and efficiently used. When audio data accumulated in a material database 21 is replayed, a controller 10 acquires the metadata added to the audio data to be replayed from the material database, refer to the metadata of image data based on the above metadata to thereby search image data intimately related to the audio data, controls a voice replay system such as an audio decoder 32 and the like and an image replay system such as an image decoder 31 and the like, and replay the audio data to be replayed and the searched image data in relation with each other.
US08145033B2
The data structure includes a playlist area storing at least one playlist. The playlist includes at least one playitem and at least one sub-playitem. The playitem provides navigation information indicating at least one still picture from a first file to reproduce and provides duration information for display of the still picture, and the sub-playitem provides navigation information for reproducing audio data from a second file.
US08145019B1
The present invention provides a method for adjusting a diffraction grating to changes in ambient conditions. The method includes writing a diffraction grating in the photorefractive waveguide with a laser, measuring spectral characteristics of the diffraction grating, and allowing the diffraction grating to self-write from interference between a forward beam and a Fresnel reflection, such that the diffraction grating is adjusted for changes in ambient conditions.
US08145015B2
A method, apparatus and system for, for each of a plurality of image frames, assigning a pattern number to each of a set of pixel neighborhoods within the frame and assigning a relationship number to each of a plurality of sets of pattern numbers based on a probability of transitioning between different pattern numbers in the set of pattern numbers when transitioning between different pixel neighborhoods. For a subset of the plurality of frames, the subset of frames may be determined to be similar, for example, based on the similarity of the relationship numbers of the subset of the plurality of frames. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08145011B2
This invention relates to a pattern recognition correlator in which a serial input data signal is converted into a parallel data signal for correlation with one or more reference data signals. The invention relates to use of a demultiplexer in such a correlation apparatus to reduce the data update rate for the subsequent components. The invention also relates to the use of a series of latch circuits to provide serial to parallel conversion of the input data signal in the electrical domain.
US08145007B2
A system and method for providing privacy regions in a picture or video. In one example embodiment, a camera is provided which has a lens system and detector, image processing circuitry, compression and formatting circuitry, and control circuitry. Images or video taken from the camera are preferably corrected for distortion (such as that introduced by an anamorphic lens system) and sent to an operator's workstation, where a privacy region is defined. The privacy region is merged with the rest of the image, whether constant or dynamic, and displayed. Other processing, such as object tracking and alarms, can also be implemented at varying points in the process.
US08144999B2
An image capturing apparatus determines an image frame to extract as a reference image frame from a plurality of image frames constituting a moving image, using a histogram, for example, and generates a reference image data file. An encoder unit encodes the plurality of image frames after reducing the resolution thereof, and generates an encoded moving image data file. A list associating the reference image frame with information specifying the corresponding reference image data file is generated with a content information list generating unit. The reference image data file, the encoded moving image data file and the list are then recorded.
US08144977B2
A method calculates statistical parameters in function of stochastic momentums of the pixel intensities of a same primary color or complementary hue of a first working window (2k+1)×(2k+1), and of at least a second working window of smaller size, both centered on the pixel to be filtered and in choosing, as a function of the values of these statistical parameters, for each pixel of the color image to be filtered, the most appropriate filtering algorithm for enhancing as much as possible the contour sharpness and reducing noise and artifacts.
US08144974B2
Corresponding points corresponding to each other between each of a plurality of images photographed from different positions are searched for. When a plurality of corresponding points is searched out in a second image of the plurality of images for one target pixel in a first image of the plurality of images, at least partial subject shape around the target pixel is calculated based on distance values of a plurality of pixels around the target pixel, then a target distance value, which is a distance value of the target pixel, is calculated with respect to each of the plurality of corresponding points based on the target pixel and each of the plurality of corresponding points, and a valid corresponding point is determined from the plurality of corresponding points having a smallest difference from the subject shape.
US08144973B2
A method for scanning a surface with a number of different illumination configurations, the method comprises capturing a plurality of images in a sequential manner during a single sweep, each image including one or more lines of pixels, sequentially altering an illumination configuration used to capture the plurality of images according to a predefined sequence of illumination configurations and shifts of the relative position of the imaging unit for capturing each of the plurality of images, and repeating the sequence of illumination configurations settings and associated image capture positions until a desired area of the surface is scanned, wherein said predefined shift is between 10 pixels and less then one pixel.
US08144960B2
A method and system for non-invasively measuring the concentration of an optically-active substance in a subject are provided. The system includes a light source adapted to transmit light towards a subject or object having a concentration of an optically-active substance, a polarizer positioned between the light source and the subject, an image capturing device, and a processor. The image capturing device is positioned to receive light reflected from the subject and create a measured image therefrom. The measured image defines measured light intensity data. The processor is configured to calculate a concentration of the optically-active substance based on a selected portion of the measured light intensity data.
US08144957B2
An anatomical feature boundary identification system for use in processing medical images including X-ray images having a substantial noise content, employs at least one repository. The at least one repository stores data representing multiple different candidate template boundary shapes for individual particular anatomical features of multiple different types of anatomical features. A computation processor coupled to the at least one repository, determines a converged boundary shape of a particular anatomical feature by iteratively substantially minimizing a first difference between, data representing a weighted combination of multiple different candidate template boundary shapes of a particular anatomical feature and data representing a boundary shape of the particular anatomical feature derived from image data of the particular anatomical feature. The computation processor iteratively substantially maximizes a second difference between, data representing the weighted combination and data representing background non-anatomical features in an image. An output processor coupled to the computation processor, provides data representing the converged boundary shape of the particular anatomical feature for presentation in a display image of the particular anatomical feature.
US08144955B2
A function generator (MFG) formulates a query to a mapping database (DBM) based on a received planning geometry type (PGT) and receives corresponding function data (MFD) which is processed to create a function (MF). An evaluator (ELV) receives the function (MF) and an anatomical landmark set (LMS) and determines a computed planning geometry (CPG). A user interface (UI) displays a survey image (IMG), the landmark set (LMS), and the computer planning geometry (CPG) and allows the user to adjust the landmark set and/or the computer program geometry. A record generator (RG) creates a new record from the user adjusted landmarks (ULMS) and the user adjusted computer planning geometries (UPG) and loads the new records (NR) into the mapping database (DBM).
US08144948B2
A portable image transport device and corresponding techniques for image transport are disclosed. The portable image transport device accommodates an automatic initiation of image transport when the device is in a designated location by automatically recognizing the location condition and then engaging in communication with a medical device having an image capture capability. A variety of image transport may be performed, such as sending the received image to a printer for printing a hard copy. The portable image transport device also manages restrictions on image transport. Various restrictions may apply including but not limited to the type of devices to which the transport may be made, or certain registered devices to ensure transport only within a defined set of recipient classes or particularly identified recipients.
US08144947B2
An image management method and system provides for storing, indexing, searching and/or retrieving image data. The content of an image collection is pre-processed to identify stable and repeatable keypoints for each image in the collection. Fingerprint information is computed from local groups of keypoints, and the resulting fingerprint information is stored in a compact fingerprint database. The computing of the fingerprint information is based on combinations of a subgroup of the strongest keypoints in an image, called anchor keypoints, in addition to a number of non-anchor keypoints. For each fingerprint in the compact fingerprint database, a sequence of candidate fingerprint combinations is generated and stored in a Fan Tree and/or hashtable and a corresponding fingerprint data structure. The sequence of fingerprint combinations allows several non-anchor keypoints to be missing, while still allowing the system and method to correctly detect fingerprints with high accuracy. A realtime image query is performed by identifying keypoints and computing fingerprints from the query image and matching the query fingerprints to the existing Fan Tree and/or hashtable fingerprint data to determine the best matching image or set of images within the collection. At least one target image is retrieved based on the determining operation, and the retrieved target image is displayed, printed, stored and/or transmitted.
US08144944B2
An image capture device, includes a body; an image sensor in the body; a lens configured to focus a scene onto the image sensor; a communications interface in the body; an image processor coupled to receive an image from or to send an image to the communications interface; executable program code embodied in a computer readable medium and configured to cause the image processor to: process image data associated with a first facial area in a first image to determine a first data set of parameters associated with the first facial area; scan one or more subsequent images stored in memory accessible by the image processor; identify facial areas in the subsequent images and process image data associated with identified facial areas in the subsequent images to determine subsequent data sets of parameters associated with identified facial areas; and compare the first and subsequent data sets to determine whether the one or more subsequent images includes a same face as the face highlighted in the first image.
US08144943B2
A plurality of collation patterns having different resolutions are generated from an original collation pattern which includes a plurality of local regions. Subject reliabilities for individual local regions are calculated based on local features of the local regions in the collation patterns having different resolutions. In accordance with the subject reliabilities for individual local regions, it is determined that the original collation pattern includes a specific image of a subject.
US08144939B2
A method includes storing a picture or video that includes a first person. The method also includes automatically identifying the first person using speaker recognition or image recognition and tagging the picture or video with information indicating that the first person is in the picture or video.
US08144934B2
A photographic subject tracking method comprises calculating similarity levels of images input sequentially to a template image, determining a photographic subject position in each of the input images based upon the similarity levels, tracking the photographic subject position through the input images, judging whether reliability of the similarity level calculated for the photographic subject position is high or low, and changing ways of at least one of calculating the similarity levels, determining the photographic subject position and tracking the photographic subject position, if the reliability of the similarity level is judged to be low.
US08144930B2
Image tracking as described herein can include: segmenting a first image into regions; determining an overlap of intensity distributions in the regions of the first image; and segmenting a second image into regions such that an overlap of intensity distributions in the regions of the second image is substantially similar to the overlap of intensity distributions in the regions of the first image. In certain embodiments, images can depict a heart at different points in time and the tracked regions can be the left ventricle cavity and the myocardium. In such embodiments, segmenting the second image can include generating first and second curves that track the endocardium and epicardium boundaries, and the curves can be generated by minimizing functions containing a coefficient based on the determined overlap of intensity distributions in the regions of the first image.
US08144921B2
The present invention uses invisible junctions which are a set of local features unique to every page of the electronic document to match the captured image to a part of an electronic document. The present invention includes: an image capture device, a feature extraction and recognition system and database. When an electronic document is printed, the feature extraction and recognition system captures an image of the document page. The features in the captured image are then extracted, indexed and stored in the database. Given a query image, usually a small patch of some document page captured by a low resolution image capture device, the features in the query image are extracted and compared against those stored in the database to identify the query image. The present invention advantageously uses geometric estimation to reduce the query results to a single one or a few candidate matches. In one embodiment, the two separate geometric estimations are used to rank and verify matching candidates.
US08144910B2
The compliance of a receiver tube for a hearing instrument may be enhanced by fabricating it as a composite assembly of a tube and a compliant insulator positioned between the tube and the receiver. The material of the insulator is selected such that it has a greater compliance than that of the tube.
US08144906B2
Disclosed is an acoustic device comprising an enclosed housing defining an inner volume and having a front and a back; an acoustic port penetrating the front of the enclosed housing; a first and second sense structure attached to the inside of the housing and defining a gap between the first and second sense structures; a front volume defined by the portion of the inner volume between the first sense structure and the front of the housing; a back volume defined by the portion of the inner volume between the second sense structure and the back of the housing; and at least one vent in the first sense structure operatively connecting the front volume and the gap, wherein the acoustic device has a cutoff frequency above approximately 100 Hz.
US08144904B2
Sound quality and speech comprehensibility are to be improved for hearing device wearers when watching television. Provision is made for this purpose to record acoustic signals at a recording site on a data medium. The acoustic signals are recorded simultaneously with a first microphone as a first recording. The data medium is played back on an individual playback device in an individual environment. Here the signal played back from the data medium is re-recorded as a second recording with a second microphone. The two recordings are connected to each other, subtracted in particular, and the result is used to adjust a hearing device program. It is thus possible to take into account individual acoustic environmental conditions in the hearing device program.
US08144900B2
A speaker system which includes a housing and a linear array of a plurality of sound-generating transducers. A housing is in the form of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis and substantially circular cross-section. The linear array of sound-generating transducers are mounted upon a substantially planar chord configured within a sidewall of the cylinder.
US08144895B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a howling suppressing apparatus and an acoustic apparatus which can suppress the howling component effectively without suppressing a periodic component other than the howling component. The howling control apparatus comprises a signal separating unit 23 operable to separate an input signal into two components including a periodic component and a nonperiodic component, a howling detecting unit 24 operable to detect a howling component from the input signal on the basis of signals selected from among the input signal and periodic and nonperiodic component signals from the signal separating unit 23, a howling suppressing unit 25 operable to suppress the howling component of the input signal on the basis of detection information from the howling detecting unit 24, and a signal synthesizing unit 26 operable to synthesize a signal from signals from the howling suppressing unit 25.
US08144894B2
A sound reproduction system in a vehicle includes an acoustic package including an electroacoustic transducer and a sound duct that carries the sound from the electroacoustic transducer. The sound duct carries the sound to an outlet at a location in the vehicle at which radiated sound efficiently drives selected audio modes of the vehicle.
US08144879B2
A method and a device are described for processing a stereo signal obtained from an encoder, which encodes an N-channel audio signal into spatial parameters (P) and a stereo down-mix comprising first and second stereo signals (LO, RO). A first signal and a third signal are added in order to obtain a first output signal (L0w), wherein the first signal (L0wL) comprises the first stereo signal (LO) modified by a first complex function (g1), and the third signal (L0wR) comprises the second stereo signal (RO) modified by a third complex function (g3). A second signal and a fourth signal are added to obtain a second output signal (R0w). The fourth signal (R0wR) comprises the second stereo signal (RO) modified by a fourth complex function (g4), and the second signal (R0wL) comprises the first stereo signal (LO) modified by a second complex function (g2). The complex functions (g1, g2, g3, g4) are functions of the spatial parameters (P) and are chosen to be such that an energy value of the difference (L0wL,R0wL) between the first signal and the second signal is larger than or equal to the energy value of the sum (L0wL+R0wL) of the first and the second signal, and the energy value of the difference (R0wR−L0wR) between the fourth signal and the third signal is larger than or equal to the energy value of the sum (R0wR+L0wR) of the fourth signal and the third signal.
US08144877B2
A method for updating a key in an active state is disclosed according to the embodiments of the present invention. The method includes steps of: initiating a key update by a user equipment in the active state or a network side when a pre-defined condition is met; updating the key by the network side and the user equipment, and negotiating an activation time of the new keys. An apparatus for updating a key in an active state is also disclosed according to the present invention. With the present invention, the user equipment in an active state and the network side may actively initiate the key update procedure in different cases, thereby solving the problem concerning the key update for a session in an active state.
US08144875B2
A system and method comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for authenticating and encrypting and decrypting information transferred over a public network between a client application program running in a client computer and a server application program running in a server computer and a directory service application program running in a server computer. A method for secure communication by a processor with a server includes generating a message to the server by employing a one pass key generation probabilistic authentication process using a predetermined session master key and sending the message to the server. A method for secure communication between an application executable on a computer and a web server coupled to the computer includes participating by the application in an initial authentication process with the server and wrapping every GET and POST request message to the server in an SSLX-EA exchange after the initial authentication process.
US08144870B2
An encoding data processing apparatus generates a video material item marked copy by embedding a payload data word into the video material item. The video material item includes plural video frames. A code word generator generates a water mark code word from the payload data word and reads data representing the water mark code word into a shuffle data store. A shuffle processor generates pseudo randomly at least one address within an address space of the shuffle data store for each video frame and reads data representing part or parts of the water mark code word out from the data store at locations identified by the pseudo randomly generated address. A data embedding processor receives the video material item and embeds the data representing the part or parts of the water mark code word read out from the shuffle data store for each frame into a corresponding frame of the video material item.
US08144867B2
Example embodiments are directed to a duration computing method in a security module inserted into an apparatus including an internal clock. The apparatus may receive a digital data stream encrypted via control words contained in a control message ECM. The method may include receiving data coming from the internal clock of the apparatus including a current temporal information, storing the data representing the current temporal information in the security module, receiving the control message ECM to decrypt at least one control word, reading previous data representing a previous temporal information at a moment of processing the previous control message ECM, and processing the control message ECM when the current temporal information is temporally ahead of the previous temporal information.
US08144864B2
In some embodiments, an apparatus and method for speeding up the computations for characteristic 2 elliptic curve cryptographic systems are described. In one embodiment, a multiplication routine may be pre-computed using a one iteration graph-based multiplication according to an input operand length. Once pre-computed, the multiplication routine may be followed to compute the products of the coefficients of the polynomials representing a carry-less product of two input operands using a carry-less multiplication instruction. In one embodiment, the pre-computed multiplication routines may be used to extend a carry-less multiplication instruction available from an architecture according to an input operand length of the two input operands. Once computed, the carry-less product polynomial produces a remainder when the product is computed modulo a programmable polynomial that defines the elliptic cryptographic system to form a cryptographic key. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08144863B2
A technique of echo cancellation in a communication system. A method and/or apparatus of echo cancellation that may be suitable for performing echo cancellation under single talk and double talk conditions. A method and/or apparatus of echo cancellation that may significantly reduce a residual echo in a single talk environment (e.g. present in many telecommunications systems) without distorting a near end signal in a double talk environment. A method and/or apparatus of echo cancellation that may reduce a residual echo in single talk and double talk environments by applying a post-processing technique to an ECLMS algorithm.
US08144860B1
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing remote end input validation is presented. A communication is sent to an IVR from a remote end device. The IVR responds by sending a Request Voice Data Capsule (request VDC) to the remote end device. The remote end device receives the Request Voice Data Capsule (request VDC) from the IVR and executes a contained in the remote VDC. The remote end communications device validates user inputs utilizing a resource associated with said remote end communications device and sends a Response Voice Data Capsule (response VDC) including at least one validated communication to the IVR. The IVR processes the response VDC.
US08144853B1
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, comprising storing, within a telecommunications network, contact information for each of a plurality of contacts, the contact information for at least one of the plurality of contacts comprising a telephone availability status; and updating the telephone availability status for said at least one of the plurality of contacts.
US08144849B2
Establishing a connection from a caller to a user using a pre-authorized credit from the user is described. A processor identifies one or more source identifications (IDs) for receiving pre-authorized credit for the incoming call. One or more destinations are specified to receive the incoming call. The processor defines a rule associated with the one or more destinations and the one or more source IDs. An interface receives the incoming call directed to one of the destinations from the caller. A storage area stores the defined rule. The incoming call and the caller are determined as a function of the one of the destinations, one or more identified source IDs and the defined rule. The pre-authorized credit is issued for the incoming call from the caller if it is determined that the incoming call to the destination satisfies the defined rule. The processor routes the incoming call to the user.
US08144846B2
A system and method for interrupting a transmitting communication unit in a communication system. When a call is first initiated, the call is assigned to a communication channel and broadcast from a base site using the assigned communication channel. If it is determined that a transmitting communication unit should be interrupted, a zone controller signals a base site to generate an interrupt message. The base site generates an interrupt message containing an identification code for the transmitting communication unit and broadcasts the interrupt message on an outbound link of the communication channel. The transmitting communication unit, while transmitting on an inbound link of the communication channel, continuously monitors the outbound link. If the transmitting communication unit receives, on the outbound link, an interrupt message containing an identification code matching its own identification code, the transmitting communication unit stops transmitting.
US08144845B2
A communication apparatus 100 is equipped with, as plural communication sections capable of communicating with another communication apparatus over different transmission lines, a powerline communication section which performs a wired transmission using a powerline PL and a wireless communication section which performs a wireless transmission. The communication apparatus 100 causes at least one of the powerline communication section and the wireless communication section to perform a communication. If at least one of the powerline communication section and the wireless communication section is not to perform a communication, operation of that communication section is suspended.
US08144844B1
A method for delivering audio announcements, includes: receiving an announcement package, the announcement package including a package identity, a package update time, and one or more announcement items; and presenting the announcement package to an audio player. Each announcement item includes an item identity, and a summary part, where the summary part includes audio information. The audio information includes an audio data type and audio data. Updates for the announcement package can be received, where the announcement package is modified according to the update. A content of the announcement package can be replaced, deleted, or added. The announcement item can be presented to the audio player once, repeatedly, or periodically. In this manner, audio announcements are delivered in an effective and timely manner.
US08144836B2
A method is disclosed for remote monitoring of a premises, comprising the steps of operatively coupling a geographically remote client to a security system server which is capable of authenticating a user of the remote client, operatively coupling the remote client to a security gateway which is capable of managing the monitoring of the premises, activating a signal at the premises for notifying an occupant at the premises that remote monitoring is occurring, and transferring information between the security gateway and the remote client. The transfer of information between the security gateway and the remote client is controlled by the user of the remote client. The security gateway may be operably coupled to at least one camera at the premises and to at least one audio station at the premises.
US08144828B2
A counter module may include a first set of registers configured to store respective sets of first control data, a second set of registers configured to store respective sets of second control data, a first counter and a second counter. The first counter may be coupled to the first set of registers and may receive counter input signals and an internal control signal, and generate a first count output and a first terminal count output according to one of the respective sets of the first control data, the internal control signal, and the counter input signals. The second counter may be coupled to the first counter and to the second set of registers, and may receive the counter input signals, generate the internal control signal, and generate a second count output and a second terminal count output according to one of the respective sets of the second control data and the counter input signals. The counter module may also include output control logic configured to generate a timer output based on the first terminal count output and the second terminal count output.
US08144823B2
The present invention discloses a signal processing device and a signal processing method. The signal processing device includes a plurality of receiving devices, a storage module, a weighting module, and a processing module. Each of the receiving devices is capable of receiving an original signal stream, thus the plurality of receiving devices can generate a set of signal streams. The storage module is used for storing a plurality set of signal streams generated by the plurality of receiving devices. The weighting module can generate plurality sets of rotated signal streams according to a reference phase and the plurality sets of signal streams, and further generate a set of weighting signal according to the rotated signal streams. And, the processing module can generate a set of weighting signal streams according to the set of weighting signal and the plurality set of signal streams.
US08144819B2
Methods and apparatus for identifying correct peaks in outputs of matched filters in user equipment for communication systems are provided. A received signal is correlated with a replica of a synchronization signal, thereby producing a correlation output signal. Peaks are detected in the correlation output signal. The peak is tested at a plurality of predetermined locations that are based on properties of the synchronization signal, thereby producing a plurality of peak test signals. The maximum of the peak test signals is determined.
US08144814B2
Techniques for estimating signal quality in a communication system are described. Scaled errors are obtained for inphase (I) and quadrature (Q) components of detected symbols. The scaled errors are determined based on a first function having higher resolution for small errors than large errors between the detected symbols and nearest modulation symbols. The first function may be a square root function or some other function that can provide good resolution for both low and high SNRs. The scaled errors for the I and Q components are combined to obtain combined scaled errors, which are averaged to obtain an average scaled error. A signal quality estimate is then determined based on the average scaled error and in accordance with a second function having non-linearity to compensate for the first function.
US08144811B2
An apparatus for processing a Bluetooth signal advantageously mixes down a received RF signal to an IF signal wherein one band-edge of the spectrum of the IF signal may be approximately 0 Hz. In one embodiment, the IF signal may be digitized, decimated and filtered before being processed into a baseband signal. The baseband signal may be processed by a cordic (COordinate Rotation DIgital Computer) processor to transform the baseband signal from rectangular to polar coordinates. A phase signal from the cordic processor may be used to determine transmitted Bluetooth data symbols. The apparatus may advantageously use less area than traditional Bluetooth receivers.
US08144809B2
An encoder encodes audio data and the like to generate a binary signal. A mapper converts the binary signal into a four-level symbol and outputs the four-level symbol. A base band filter includes a root raised cosine filter and a sinc filter. The base band filter blocks a predetermined frequency component of a symbol to shape the symbol into a waveform signal and outputs the waveform signal shape. An FM modulator transmits a signal subjected to FM modulation according to a magnitude of an amplitude of a waveform signal to a receiving unit. When a symbol of ±3 is outputted from the mapper, a frequency shift of a signal transmitted from the FM modulator has a predetermined value in a range of ±0.822 [kHz] to ±0.952 [kHz]. This makes it possible to provide a modulating apparatus, a mobile communication system, a modulating method, and a communication method that use a modulating method that can conform to the FCC rule to be enforced in 2005 without using a linear power amplifier.
US08144796B2
An apparatus and a method for selecting an operation mode to improve a throughput in a mobile communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a Carrier to Interference and Noise Ratio (CINR) predictor for predicting a probable average and dispersion for a CINR measured using a preamble of a received pilot signal or radio signal, a metric calculator for calculating a throughput for each Modulation and Coding Scheme Level (MCS_Level) by using the probable average and dispersion for the predicted CINR and for selecting an MCS_Level having a maximum throughput, and an operation mode selector for selecting an operation mode of the selected MCS_Level having the maximum throughput.
US08144789B2
In order to improve the accuracy of a code amount estimated by using a predictive residual when coding at a low data rate, an encoder is utilized to perform picture coding processing on a picture to be coded which is an input signal, by using a technique such as H.264. Specifically, a code amount predictor predicts the code amount on the basis of an evaluation value obtained by predictive-residual code amount evaluation value generating unit, a coding-condition code amount evaluation value generating unit, and a motion-vector-information code amount evaluation value generating unit. The predicted code amount is used for controlling coding in the encoder.
US08144772B2
A moving picture processor including an evaluator configured to evaluate whether terminal points of motion vectors consecutively detected in a current picture and a reference picture different from the current picture in terms of time are in a determination area having a center at a terminal point of a reference vector. A unifier is configured to unify a group of motion vectors consecutively evaluated to be in the determination area, and to reset the motion vector evaluated to be outside the determination area as the reference vector.
US08144770B2
Provided are moving picture encoding apparatus and method skipping intra prediction in encoding mode determination using rate-distortion (RD) costs and determining an encoding mode at high speed. The moving picture encoding method includes the steps of: setting the lowest one of rate-distortion costs of macroblocks adjacent to a macroblock to be encoded as a threshold value; setting the lowest one of mode-specific distortion costs obtained by inter prediction for the macroblock to be encoded as an optimum inter mode distortion cost; comparing the threshold value with the optimum inter mode distortion cost; and when the threshold value is larger than the optimum inter mode distortion cost, as a result of the comparison, skipping intra prediction and setting a mode having the optimum inter mode distortion cost as a final encoding mode.
US08144767B2
An image information decoding method for decoding compressed image information which has been coded via a process including dividing an input image signal into blocks, performing an orthogonal transform on the blocks on a block-by-block basis, and quantizing resultant orthogonal transform coefficients. The decoding process includes performing dequantization such that a quantization parameter is weighted by an addition operation, and the dequantization is performed on each chroma components of the quantized coefficients using said weighted quantization parameter, and performing an inverse orthogonal transform.
US08144760B2
Noise reducing circuitry may be included in a pulse width modulation circuit. The pulse width modulation circuit may include a comparator adapted to receive an analog signal and a sawtooth signal and to compare such signals to generate a pulse width output. In general, the noise reducing circuitry may include a sawtooth signal generating circuit configured to generate a sawtooth signal including an up ramp and a sawtooth signal including a down ramp. A control circuit may be coupled to the sawtooth signal generating circuit for controlling the sawtooth signal generating circuit based on whether a relatively narrow or relatively wide pulse width is to be output by the pulse width modulation circuit. Methods for reducing noise in a pulse width modulation circuit may generally involve dynamically controlling a direction of ramp of a sawtooth signal that is to be input to the comparator of the pulse width modulation circuit.
US08144758B2
A receiver implementing a single carrier single burst equalization (SC-SBE) method is capable of achieving near optimal reception of individual single carrier RF bursts by making an accurate estimate of the burst's propagation channel impulse response (CIR). The SC-SBE method uses a CIR based coefficient computation process to obtain filter coefficients for a minimum mean square error decision feedback equalizer (MMSE-DFE). The MMSE-DFE filter computation process computes a sufficiently large number of coefficients for the DFE filters, i.e., the feed forward filter (FFF) and feedback filter (FBF), so that each filter spans the maximum anticipated length of the CIR. In order to implement the filters efficiently, a coefficient selection process eliminates less significant computed FFF and FBF coefficients. The resulting FFF and FBF are sparse filters in that most of the taps in the filter delay lines do not have a filter coefficient. Such filters may be efficiently implemented in the time domain.
US08144751B2
A satellite signal receiver apparatus by which the hardware scale can be suppressed while high speed synchronization is assured. A carrier frequency component is removed from a satellite signal. Then, adding those of signals obtained after every period interval of spread spectrum codes and signals stored in a memory which have a same phase at the period intervals and writing an addition result back into the memory are repeated by a number of times corresponding to plural periods thereby to accumulate signals corresponding to sums of the signals added over the plural periods at the period intervals into the memory. Then, correlation calculation is performed between the signals for the one period of the spread spectrum codes corresponding to the plural periods and a spread spectrum code of the receiver side to detect a correlation point between the satellite signal and the receiver side spread spectrum code.
US08144749B2
With a nonparametric G-Rake receiver, combining weights may be determined using a nonparametric mechanism in multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scenarios. In an example embodiment, a method for a receiving device having a nonparametric G-Rake receiver entails calculating an impairment covariance matrix and determining combining weights. More specifically, the impairment covariance matrix is calculated based on a pilot channel using a nonparametric mechanism in a MIMO scenario in which a code-reuse interference term exists. The combining weights are determined for the nonparametric G-Rake receiver responsive to the impairment covariance matrix and by accounting for the code-reuse interference term.
US08144746B2
A wireless communication apparatus wherein the performance can be prevented from degrading due to the affection of a frequency offset, while the sequence length of Zadoff-Chu sequence (ZC sequence) being kept long. In this wireless communication apparatus, a ZC sequence generating part (11) generates a ZC sequence corresponding to a preamble number that is selected at random and then inputted; a randomizing part (12) randomizes the ZC sequence; a preamble generating part (13) generates a preamble from the randomized ZC sequence; and a radio transmitting part (14) transmits, via an antenna (15), the preamble after subjecting it to predetermined radio transmission processes, such as a D/A conversion, an up-conversion and so on. For example, the randomizing part (12) multiplies the ZC sequence by a PN sequence so as to randomize the ZC sequence.
US08144733B2
A novel implementation of a partitioned Medium Access Control (MAC) is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment employs a shared bus that typically is already present in a wireless terminal for communication between an Upper MAC and a Lower MAC. The partitioned MAC implementation therefore does not require any additional communication means between the Upper MAC and Lower MAC, resulting in a lower-cost system. In addition, the Upper MAC and Lower MAC pass native data structures by reference over the shared bus, thereby eliminating the need for drivers to coordinate communication via interrupts, handshaking, etc. The partitioned MAC implementation results in a cost-effective distributed architecture in which the Upper MAC resides in the terminal's host processor and the Lower MAC resides in the terminal's wireless station.
US08144731B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate multiplexing control data values over a single physical control channel at least in part by dividing the control channel into one or more logical channels. The physical control channel can have a corresponding Walsh space for transmitting a number of bits, or representations thereof, and the Walsh space can be divided among the logical control channels. Additionally, the logical control channels and/or physical channel can be scrambled according to an identifier of a mobile device (such as MAC ID) to differentiate the data on the channel. Furthermore, a sector identifier can be used to scramble the data where the sector is ascertainable.
US08144723B2
In one embodiment, a cognitive radio system includes a first transmitter in communication with a first receiver via a wireless channel. The first transmitter receives a plurality of first packets, and transmits the first packets to the first receiver via the channel. A second transmitter in communication with a second receiver and the first receiver via the channel receives a plurality of second packets, receives the plurality of first packets from the first transmitter, and transmits the second packets to the second receiver via the channel. The second transmitter is configured to detect an idle state of the channel. Upon detecting the idle state of the channel, the second transmitter is configured selectively to transmit at least one of the second packets to the second receiver or to relay at least one of the first packets to the first receiver.
US08144721B2
A system includes a broadcast overlay network including a ring topology. The ring topology includes a first network ring and a second network ring that is coupled to the first network ring via at least one cross-connect element. The ring topology is adapted to carry broadcast traffic from a network. The system also includes a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) having a line interface and a network interface. The network interface is in communication with the broadcast overlay network via the second network ring. The DSLAM is adapted to receive a request for a particular video channel from a customer premise via the line interface and to deliver the particular video channel from the network interface to the line interface.
US08144718B2
In a method for transmitting data in a control system, a first station generates a data frame having a plurality of data fields. At least one data field to be filled with transmission data is clearly assigned to each further station. The data frame is transmitted as an outgoing data frame from one station to the next, with every further station filling the respectively assigned data field with transmission data. The last station returns the data frame as a returning data frame to the series of stations. The stations read extraneous transmission data from the data fields in the returning data frame. Preferably, the respective data fields are individually assigned to the stations.
US08144711B1
Described are a system and method for providing protection switching and bandwidth sharing in a network. A first endpoint device adds a sequence number to each packet to produce a stream of numbered packets and provides a plurality of packet streams from the stream of numbered packets. The first endpoint device forwards a first packet stream over a first path and a second packet stream over a second path separate from the first path. In one embodiment, the packet streams are identical. In another embodiment, the packet streams are different. A second endpoint device receives the first packet stream over the first path and the second packet stream over the second path. From the packet streams, the second endpoint device determines whether each packet in the packet streams is to be included in an output packet stream based on that packet's sequence number.
US08144707B2
A method and a system for determining the existence of broadcast/multicast frames buffered in an access point (AP) are used to avoid wakening a station (STA) unnecessarily. The method includes: when receiving broadcast/multicast frames sent from a service network and/or multicast group, an AP sets a broadcast/multicast indication bit that associates the service network and/or multicast group to the valid state and sends frames that carry the broadcast/multicast indication bit to a STA; the STA determines whether there are broadcast/multicast frames buffered in the AP according to the associated service network and/or multicast group and the received broadcast/multicast indication bit. Embodiments of the present disclosure also disclose an AP and a STA. The AP can identify whether there are broadcast/multicast frames buffered in an AP.
US08144703B2
A transmitting peer transmits radio blocks over a radio interface from within a transmit window. A receiving peer receives the radio blocks within a receive window, and in case of a not correctly received radio block, sending back a NACK (Not Acknowledged) signaling message to inform the transmitting peer of reception failure. Upon reception of the NACK signaling message, the transmitting peer retransmits, until expiration of the transmit window, the not correctly received RLC/MAC radio block. The radio blocks are re-assembling in sequence at the receiving peer. Each radio block is considered as being permanently lost if not correctly received within the receive window. All correctly received radio blocks are delivered to a higher protocol layer. The network transmits a notification message to both the transmitting peer and the receiving peer to select a size of the transmit and receive windows inside a range of predetermined values including values less than 64 radio blocks.
US08144702B1
Generating a pipeline for processing a type of network packets. A specification is input of the processing of the type of network packets. The specification specifies actions for inspecting and modifying one or more of the fields of the type of network packets. Assignments are generated that assign each of the actions to a corresponding stage of the pipeline. One or more of the actions is assigned to each stage of the pipeline. One or more quality metrics is evaluated for each of the assignments. A specific one of the assignments is selected in response to the quality metric or quality metrics. The pipeline is generated for the specific assignment. Each stage of the pipeline implements each action assigned to the stage.
US08144698B2
Scalable data forwarding techniques in a switched network are described herein. In one embodiment, an example of a process for forwarding data includes, in response to a first packet received from a first local node over a local area network (LAN) and destined to a first remote node over a provider network, a provider edge (PE) device of the provider network substituting a source MAC (media access control) address of the first packet with a virtual MAC address associated with the PE device, and the PE device transmitting the first packet having the virtual MAC address as the source MAC address to the first remote node over the provider network. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08144692B2
Approaches for provisioning phones in packet voice networks are disclosed. One approach includes determining that an Internet Protocol (IP) phone has registered in a network; receiving a unique identifier of the IP phone; receiving identifying information about a user to be associated with the IP phone; determining, based on the information provided, a user identifier; generating a configuration for the IP phone based on the user identifier that includes information such as phone number, feature sets, and other configuration parameters; and providing the configuration to the IP phone. Various approaches for determining a user identifier based on information provided by the user are disclosed.
US08144691B2
A query message-based call routing mechanism for a limited access cooperative telecommunication network initially determines whether the called party is commonly located at the same node as the calling party. If not, the calling party node broadcasts a query message to all other nodes in the network to locate the called party. Only the node having local knowledge of the called extension will reply to the query message. Once the node sourcing the query message has received this reply message, it will place a call to the node servicing the called extension.
US08144686B2
A connection-oriented network includes a control server. The control server receives requests to establish and utilize dedicated channels in the network. The control server utilizes various scheduling methods and algorithms to determine channels based on the request's requirements and resources of the network. For example, the control server may determine a channel based on: (i) a specified bandwidth in a specified time slot, (ii) highest available bandwidth in a specified time slot, (iii) earliest available time with a specified bandwidth and duration, and (iv) all available time slots with a specified bandwidth and duration.
US08144677B2
An object of the present invention is to realize a distributed autonomous transmission scheduling by using a terminal without the need to observe packets in relation to communication of other wireless terminals in a cell, such as VoIP, in which a plurality of wireless terminals that periodically transmit packets exist, thereby allowing intermittent reception during the packet observation and enabling to control power consumption of the wireless terminal as well as to reduce the load to thereby improve the communication quality. To attain the object, a VoIP terminal 100 recognizes and retains a scheduling table received by a wireless terminal that is connected to a wireless base station and that is not communicating with other wireless terminals, additionally writes terminal information of the terminal in the scheduling table at the start of communication of the terminal, and broadcasts the scheduling table.
US08144675B1
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for a wireless local-area network comprises a transmit circuit to transmit first data; a transmit counter to count an amount of the first data transmitted by the transmit circuit during a predetermined monitoring interval; a receive circuit to receive second data; a receive counter to count an amount of the second data received by the receive circuit during the predetermined monitoring interval; and an adaptive access control circuit to generate an access trigger signal at a time determined by the amount of the first data counted by the transmit counter during the predetermined monitoring interval and the amount of the second data counted by the receive counter during the predetermined monitoring interval; and wherein the transmit circuit transmits third data according to the access trigger signal.
US08144667B2
One embodiment includes determining a channel quality prediction error indicative a channel quality for a first time interval. The first time interval includes of a plurality of subframes, and the channel quality prediction error is calculated based on a first channel quality indicator associated with a first sub-frame and a second channel quality indicator associated with a second sub-frame. The first subframe and the second sub-frame are temporally spaced from one another. For example, the first subframe and the second subframe are temporally spaced apart by at least the length of the first time interval. More specifically, the second subframe may be received the first time interval after the first subframe.
US08144657B2
A method allocates resource in an Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, including a set of Base Stations (BSs) and a set of Mobile Stations (MSs) for each BS. OFDMA frame are constructed as multiple resource blocks, and each resource block contains symbols transmitted on different subcarriers. A cluster is formed from adjacent sectors of different neighboring cells to jointly optimize the resource allocation in multiple frames, and three non-overlap zones are sequentially identified in cluster: cell center zone, cell edge zone, and cluster corner zone. Resource allocation includes intra-cluster proportional fair scheduling and inter-cluster interference mitigation. Intra-cluster scheduling further includes resource allocation for cell center zone and resource allocation for cell edge zone.
US08144645B2
A method and apparatus for controlling the routing of a data packet sent from a first node towards a second node of a telecommunication network. The first node is a mobile node having an associated home network. An access router intercepts the data packet and determines whether the packet relates to a first mode of communication between the first and second nodes in which data packets generally bypass a home agent associated with the first node's home network. In a second mode of communication, home agent packets generally passed through the home agent. The access router drops the packet if the packet relates to the first mode of communication and if dropping the packet is determined to be in accordance with a pre-determined routing policy.
US08144622B2
A wireless communication system for use in a process environment uses mesh and possibly a combination of mesh and point-to-point communications to produce a wireless communication network that can be easily set up, configured, changed and monitored, thereby making a wireless communication network that is less expensive, and more robust and reliable. The wireless communication system allows virtual communication paths to be established and used within the process control system in a manner that is independent of the manner in which the wireless signals are sent between different wireless transmitting and receiving devices within the process plant, to thereby operate in a manner that is independent of the specific messages or virtual communication paths within the process plant. Still further, communication analysis tools are provided to enable a user or operator to view the operation of the wireless communication network to thereby analyze the ongoing operation of the wireless communications within the wireless communication network.
US08144617B2
A router stands by in a power saving state when there is no multicast joining message received. The router increases transfer performance with granularity such as the bandwidth of each multicast channel or the maximum bandwidth of each receiving line when a multicast joining message is received. On the other hand, the router decreases transfer performance with granularity such as the bandwidth of each multicast channel or the maximum bandwidth of each receiving line when a multicast disjoining message is received. The aforementioned processing permits achievement of power saving in the router connected to a multicast network.
US08144613B2
Examples of achieving quality of service in a wireless local area network via meeting communication channel performance criteria to include a minimum signal-to-noise plus interference ratio and a proportional fairness limit are disclosed.
US08144601B2
A fault detection method, a communication system, and an LSR are provided herein to overcome the inability of performing BFD packet resolution fault detection for multiple nodes in the conventional art. The method includes: determining a hop count between a first node and a second node on an LSP, where the second node is located downstream of the first node; encapsulating a BFD packet into an MPLS packet that carries information about the hop count between the first node and the second node; sending the MPLS packet from the first node along the active LSP; and judging, by the node that receives the MPLS packet, whether this node is the second node according to the hop count. If this node is the second node, extract the BFD packet for detect, and obtaining a fault detection result. Otherwise, forward the MPLS packet. Through the technical solution provided by the invention, the fault detection is more flexible in the MPLS.
US08144596B2
A method and system facilitate communications between an unassociated device and a server via a mesh network and a wide area network. The method may include receiving transmissions from candidate proxy devices, wherein each candidate proxy device is associated with a mesh network. The method may include selecting a proxy device from the candidate proxy devices. The method may include communicating with a server via the proxy device and the associated mesh network.
US08144589B2
Systems and methods are provided for a learning-based determination of semi-persistent scheduling of data-packet flow wireless communication. A packetized data flow served to a wireless terminal is fully scheduled for an initial period of time in order to collect statistics associated with scheduled packet sizes (Ss) and inter-packet times (Ts). Analysis of a cumulative distribution of {S, T} pairs indicate whether a characteristic packet size (S0) and size dispersion (D0) are associated with the cumulative distribution. Inter-time intervals associated with the characteristic size and dispersion complete a transport format. Semi-persistent scheduling is utilized for a packetized flow when a characteristic transport format can be extracted, or learned, from the accumulated statistics. Extracted transport formats can be employed to optimize scheduling efficiency upon handover.
US08144580B2
A management device for automatically provisioning a Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS) for use in connecting Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to an Internet Protocol (IP) network via a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and the BRAS, the management device comprising: a first interface for receiving from time to time data readings from the DSLAM indicative of the current or recent line rate of the DSL; a processor unit for calculating from the received data readings a consistent rate indicative of a consistent line rate of the DSL based on a plurality of data readings for the DSL from the DSLAM; and a second interface for transmitting provisioning messages to the BRAS for provisioning the BRAS to restrict data flowing to the DSL to a maximum rate selected by the management device in accordance with the calculated consistent rate.
US08144574B1
Packet switch operating methods and packet switches, using first processing circuitry of the packet switch, specify a configuration for a control packet processing procedure implemented by different second processing circuitry of the packet switch, communicate the configuration to the second processing circuitry, and using the second processing circuitry, receive a control packet, examine contents of the control packet, and process the control packet according to the control packet processing procedure, the control packet processing procedure being configured according to the configuration.
US08144567B2
A multilayer optical disc has dimples and/or bumps on a surface of at least one of the layers. Dimensions of the dimples and/or bumps, such as size, frequency and pitch, are selected to generate frequency components in light reflected from the surface that are different from frequency of servo and/or information signals. A disc drive can then use an appropriate filter to remove signals produced by light reflections of an unintended layer.
US08144564B2
An optical head according to the present invention includes: a first light source that emits light with a first wavelength; a beam splitter that splits the light emitted from the first light source into a first light beam traveling in a first direction and a second light beam traveling in a second direction different from the first direction; a first collimator lens for changing degrees of divergence of the first light beam; a first mirror that changes the traveling directions of the first light beam, of which the degrees of divergence have been changed; a first objective lens for converging the first light beam, which has had its traveling directions changed, toward a storage layer of a first optical disk; a mover that holds the first objective lens; a first photodetector that receives the first light beam reflected from the storage layer of the first optical disk and converts it into an electrical signal; a condenser lens for condensing the second light beam; and a second photodetector that receives the second light beam condensed by the condenser lens and converts it into an electrical signal.
US08144563B2
An information recording medium according to the present invention includes at least three information recording layers. If the readout power of a laser beam in reading information from an information recording layer L(n) is identified by Pw(n), and if the readout power of the laser beam in reading information from an information recording layer L(n+a) is identified by Pw(n+a), then a base thickness between the information recording layers is determined so that the intensity of the light when the information recording layer L(n+a) is irradiated with a laser beam having the readout power Pw(n) becomes equal to or lower than that of the light when the information recording layer L(n+a) is irradiated with a laser beam having the readout power Pw(n+a).
US08144560B2
The invention relates to a method for preventing interchange of a first optical information carrier (1) with a second optical information carrier in an optical drive. Initially, the light (5) is focused at the first optical information carrier (1) in the optical apparatus followed by the steps of detecting reflected light (8) from the first optical information carrier (1) and generating a plurality of signals (CA, RF, FE) from the detected light (8), such as a focus error signal (FE). Upon obtaining an indication of a signal, e.g. the focus error signal (FE), is absent or reduced below a certain level, there is a step of assessing if the first optical information carrier (1) has been removed from the optical drive. If removed, reproduction of information by the optical drive is made impossible until some pre-determined measures have been taken, e.g. restart of the optical drive or other measures.
US08144557B2
An optical information recording/reproducing apparatus includes an optical source unit that emits an optical beam toward an optical information recording medium mounted on the apparatus, an optical receiving unit that receives a reflected beam of the optical beam reflected from the optical information recording medium or a transmitted beam of the optical beam transmitted through the optical information recording medium to output an output signal in response to the reflected beam or transmitted beam, and a distinction unit that discriminates whether the optical information recording medium is a hologram disk for recording information by using a holography or a reflection-type optical disk for reproducing information by virtue of the reflected beam, in accordance with the output signal output.
US08144556B2
An information recording apparatus (1) is provided with: a recording device (102) for recording information onto an information recording medium (100) by irradiating the information recording medium with a recording laser beam (L); a controlling device (103) for recording calibration data onto the information recording medium by using the recording laser beam in which the power is adjusted gradually; and a detecting device (107) for detecting degree of modulation of a reproduction signal after the recording of the calibration data, the recording of the calibration data being ended if the degree of modulation exceeds a predetermined range, an optimum power of the recording laser beam being determined from a jitter amount included in a reproduction signal.
US08144555B2
Compatibility information embedded in an optical medium modifies actions allowed by predetermined non-compatible optical disc drives on the optical medium, such as optical disc drives that may suffer damage if certain actions are performed on the optical medium. For instance, a compatibility engine of the optical disc drive applies compatibility information read from an optical medium to determine restrictions to impose on the use of the optical medium, such as restricting the optical disc drive from writing to the optical medium, reading from the optical medium or performing any operations until an update to the optical disc drive firmware is performed either automatically or by display of a compatibility user interface at an information handling system associated with the optical disc drive. In one embodiment, the compatibility information identifies incompatible optical disc drives and firmware versions by unique identifiers.
US08144545B2
A navigation device for navigating a user interface of a processor-controlled device includes an acoustic transmitter adapted to transmit an acoustic signal, an acoustic receiver adapted to receive the acoustic signal and located at a fixed position with respect to the acoustic transmitter, and a measurement circuit coupled to an output of the acoustic receiver and adapted to determine a distance traversed by the navigation device as a function of time.
US08144536B2
A word driver supplies a high level voltage to a word line when a memory cell is accessed and supplies low level voltage which is a negative voltage to the word line when the memory cell isn't accessed. A precharge circuit lowers a precharge voltage-supplying capacity to a bit line at least during a standby period when the memory cell is not accessed. A substrate voltage of an nMOS transistor with source or drain connected to the bit line is set to the low level voltage or lower of the word line. Therefore, when the word line and the bit line fails short and the voltage of the bit line changes to the low level voltage of the word line during the standby period, a substrate current can be prevented from flowing between the source of the nMOS transistor and a substrate or the drain and the substrate.
US08144516B2
Methods for sensing and memory devices are disclosed. One such method for sensing uses a dynamic pass voltage on at least one adjacent memory cell that is adjacent to a selected memory cell for programming. If the adjacent memory cell is not programmed, the pass voltage is reduced on the adjacent memory cell. The adjacent memory cell can be on the drain side, the source side, or both drain and source sides of the selected memory cell.
US08144503B2
An information storage device includes a memory region having a magnetic track and a write/read unit, and a control circuit connected to the memory region. First and second switching devices are connected to both ends of the magnetic track, and a third switching device is connected to the write/read unit. The control circuit controls the first to third switching devices, and supplies operating current to at least one of the magnetic track and the write/read unit.
US08144498B2
Nonvolatile memory elements are provided that have resistive switching metal oxides. The nonvolatile memory elements may be formed in one or more layers on an integrated circuit. Each memory element may have a first conductive layer, a metal oxide layer, and a second conductive layer. Electrical devices such as diodes may be coupled in series with the memory elements. The first conductive layer may be formed from a metal nitride. The metal oxide layer may contain the same metal as the first conductive layer. The metal oxide may form an ohmic contact or a Schottky contact with the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer may form an ohmic contact or a Schottky contact with the metal oxide layer. The first conductive layer, the metal oxide layer, and the second conductive layer may include sublayers. The second conductive layer may include an adhesion or barrier layer and a workfunction control layer.
US08144493B2
A code address memory (CAM) cell memory device comprises a first storage unit comprising a first nonvolatile memory cell configured to output a power source voltage in response to a read voltage, and a second storage unit comprising a second nonvolatile memory cell configured to output a ground voltage in response to the read voltage.
US08144492B2
A current controlled power converter includes a converting part configured to convert a three-phase ac voltage into a dc voltage or converts a dc voltage into a three-phase ac voltage, ac side current detection portions configured to detect an ac side current of the converting part, dc side current detection portions configured to detect a dc side current of the converting part, and a control section configured to control the converting part by pulse-width modulation using a spatial vector modulation method based on the ac side current detected by the ac side current detection portions and the dc side current detected by the dc side current detection portions. The control section corrects an amplitude error of the ac side current detected by the ac side current detection portions, and an offset error of the ac side current detected by the ac side current detection portions.
US08144491B2
A high voltage inverter is provided which includes a plurality of k-level flying capacitor H bridge modules, k being greater than 2, each having a positive dc terminal, a negative dc terminal, and two ac terminals, a connecting unit for connecting said ac terminals of said plurality of k-level flying capacitor H bridge modules in series to form a cascading set of modules, and a dc source connected to an ac source and having a transformer, a rectifier rectifying an output voltage of said transformer, and a capacitor connected between the positive and negative dc terminals.
US08144476B2
A box-shaped housing of an in-vehicle electronic control unit that controls an occupant crash protection system is installed to an installation surface of a vehicle and includes an opening end that defines an opening in an imaginary plane, a ceiling wall, and a peripheral wall. The housing receives a planar control circuit board of the control unit through the opening end toward the ceiling wall and securely holds the circuit board at the peripheral wall such that a plane of the circuit board is parallel to the imaginary plane. The peripheral wall includes an opening side wall section located adjacent to the opening end, and a ceiling side wall section having a thickness larger than a thickness of the opening side wall section.
US08144467B2
Dehumidifying and re-humidifying cooling apparatus and method are provided for an electronics rack. The apparatus includes a dehumidifying air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed at an air inlet side of the rack and a re-humidifying structure disposed at an air outlet side of the rack. The dehumidifying air-to-liquid heat exchanger is in fluid communication with a coolant loop for passing chilled coolant through the heat exchanger, and the dehumidifying heat exchanger dehumidifies ingressing air to the electronics rack to reduce a dew point of air flowing through the rack. A condensate collector disposed at the air inlet side collects liquid condensate from the dehumidifying of ingressing air, and a condensate delivery mechanism delivers the condensate to the re-humidifying structure to humidify air egressing from the electronics rack.
US08144462B2
A lock is applied in an electronic device including a main body and a display. The display includes a first hook able to pass through the main body. The lock includes a base, a rack, a shaft and a gear. The rack is slidably connected to the base and includes a second hook. The shaft is secured to the base. The gear is rotatably connected to the shaft and engages the rack. The gear defines a latching slot to receive a portion of a key, which allows the gear to rotate together with the key to cause the rack to slide. The second hook is moveable together with the rack to a position where the second hook engages the first hook to lock the display to the main body. An electronic device using the lock is also provided.
US08144461B2
A leather coating structure for a case includes a supporting plate with a top surface and a bottom surface assembled onto a upper cover of a portable electronic apparatus, and a leather coating layer with a top portion which covers the top surface and a extended portion which extends from the top portion to cover a portion of the bottom surface. The manufacturing method for the leather coating structure is also disclosed. A leather coating layer is attached onto a supporting plate to form a leather coating structure, the leather coating layer is bent at the edge of the supporting plate to cover a portion of the bottom surface, and then the leather coating structure is assembled onto an upper cover of a portable electronic apparatus.
US08144445B2
A current control device is disclosed. The current control device includes control circuitry and a current path integrally arranged with the control circuitry. The current path includes a set of conduction interfaces and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed between the set of conduction interfaces. The set of conduction interfaces have geometry of a defined fuse terminal geometry and include a first interface disposed at one end of the current path and a second interface disposed at an opposite end of the current path. The MEMS switch is responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path.
US08144444B2
A protection circuit for protecting an electronic circuit against EMC disturbances and/or negative transient overvoltage pulses comprises a switch in series between a power supply and the electronic circuit to be protected; a comparator for comparing a first operating parameter with a second operating parameter and producing a comparison signal, the comparison signal being used as a control signal for controlling opening and closing of the switch; and a delay circuit adapted for delaying closing of the switch. A corresponding method is also provided.
US08144439B2
A method and a circuit are provided for the commutation of brushless direct-current motors (BLDC motors), without using sensors, and especially to a method and a circuit for producing rotor position signals, without using sensors, for the commutation of brushless direct-current motors. In the method and the circuit Hall sensor signals are emulated without sensors and rotor position signals free of disturbing pulses and with a correct phase position are generated from said signals. The rotor position signals can be used to carry out a reliable, sensor-free commutation.
US08144438B2
A motor control center communication system configured to interface with a communication network. The system includes a plurality of motor control units (MCUs), and a MCU controller configured to transmit and receive data signals via the communication network to and from, the plurality of MCUs. Each of the plurality of MCUs includes a magnetic contactor having electrical contacts operable between open and closed positions, and a local control module operatively connected to the associated magnetic contactor and to the MCU controller, and configured to monitor a status of the electrical contacts, transmit the monitored status information to the MCU controller, and actuate the associated magnetic contactor based on data signals received from the MCU controller.
US08144434B1
An integrated pivot-carriage for a hard disk drive for improving a pivot bonding process. Embodiments include a pivot-bearing assembly comprising an upper bearing, a lower bearing and a pivot-bearing spacer there between; a carriage comprising: a center-bore within which a pivot-shaft coupled with the pivot-bearing assembly is disposed; and a plurality of pivot-bonding glue dispensers, each of the pivot-bonding glue dispensers comprising: a glue inlet; a glue outlet; and an enclosing wall defining an interior flow passage between the glue inlet and the glue outlet, the interior flow passage configured for conveying bonding glue there through; and a glue receiving region coupling the glue outlet with a bearing of the upper and the lower bearing, the glue receiving region configured for receiving bonding glue dispensed thereto, thereby bonding the pivot-bearing assembly with the carriage.
US08144431B2
A hard disk drive flex cable assembly conveys data between a connector to a host system and a head stack assembly. It comprises a flex cable which in part has a first end for coupling to the connector, and a second end for coupling to the head stack assembly; and a stiffener coupled to the second end. The stiffener comprises an end formed to approximate a J-shape. A filling material is applied to the concave surface of the J-shape, whereby a dynamic response frequency of the flex cable assembly is moved away from a dynamic response frequency of the head stack assembly upon which the flex cable assembly is coupled.
US08144422B2
A slider including air bearing surface with Flying height On-Demand (FOD) protrusion with method of controlling airflow to maximize FOD efficiency as ratio of change in vertical position to protrusion height. Slider including components controlling the air flow to maximize FOD efficiency and/or including specific components minimizing an air bearing pressure under a Flying height On Demand (FOD) operation away from a maximum air bearing pressure, placing a peak pressure off of an FOD area create by a FOD protrusion, and shrinking a high peak pressure area of the air bearing surface. Hard disk drive includes head stack assembly, which includes head gimbal assembly, which includes the slider. Manufacturing method for slider, head gimbal assembly, head stack assembly and hard disk drive, and these items as products of these processes.
US08144415B2
To effectively suppress a signal in a low frequency region in which the medium noise and the signal distortion are concentrated, and in order to effectively utilize a detected component of the reproduced signal in the low frequency region, a target of partial response equalization to the perpendicularly recorded/reproduced signal is set so that the low-frequency component around the direct current is suppressed to a regulated quantity for both the effective suppression and the effective utilization. Accordingly, a maximum-likelihood decoding process is carried out through the target of partial response equalization. Reliability of data detection is made higher and a signal-to-noise ratio is improved, so that the noise from the recording medium can be reduced more and it is possible to provide a high-density magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus.
US08144410B2
Multimodal optical imaging is disclosed. Possible devices include a filter assembly that is capable of rotary action during real time image acquisition. Systems are disclosed that include such filter assemblies, which are detachable or integrated in the systems. Various techniques for capturing image targets using multiple light sources such as white light and fluorescent light are also disclosed.
US08144404B2
Distance information is displayed at the time of manual focusing but is not displayed at the time of automatic focusing. By rotating a focus switching ring around an optical axis for automatic focusing, an intermediate ring coupled thereto by a cam and a distance display ring rotatably coupled to the intermediate ring are moved along the optical axis to an image side. At this time, the distance display ring and the manual focus ring are uncoupled from each other. With this switching, the distance information written on the distance display ring is also moved to the image side. Therefore, the distance information, which is visible through an information display window of the focus switching ring at the time of manual focusing, becomes invisible.
US08144389B2
An object of the present invention is to increase the resistance of electronic paper to external stress. The resistance to external stress is increased by providing an element formation layer, which includes an integrated circuit portion, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a charged particle-containing layer, between a first insulating film including a first structure body in which a first fibrous body is impregnated with a first organic resin, and a second insulating film including a second structure body in which a second fibrous body is impregnated with a second organic resin.
US08144387B2
An electrophoretic display includes a lower substrate, an upper substrate, a color display layer on the lower substrate, a pixel electrode on the lower substrate, and a common electrode on the lower substrate or the upper substrate. The common electrode does not overlap the pixel electrode, and an electrophoretic active layer having a dispersion medium and electrophoretic particles is arranged between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. The electrophoretic active layer is a single-polarity electrophoretic particle system, and grayscales are generated depending on the number of electrophoretic particles arranged in a portion of the electrophoretic active layer corresponding to the pixel electrode. The position of the electrophoretic particles is controlled by the magnitude of the electric field applied between the pixel electrode and the common electrode.
US08144379B2
Disclosed herein is a recording and reproducing device including: a light source; an intensity modulating section; a polarization beam splitter; a selective polarization direction controlling section; a linearly polarized light/circularly polarized light converting section; and a driving controlling section.
US08144377B2
The present invention relates to a duplex scanning apparatus. The duplex scanning apparatus includes a sheet input tray for placing a stack of documents thereon. For performing duplex scanning operations on the stack of paper sheets, the documents are successively scanned from the bottommost one to the uppermost one. As a consequence, the scanned documents are stacked in the sheet ejecting tray in the same order as that of the original stack.
US08144372B2
An image scanning apparatus comprises a platen surface which is provided at an upper part of a main body of the image scanning apparatus so that an original sheet to be scanned is placed thereon; and an original sheet support portion which is provided to support an original sheet having a larger size than the platen surface. The original sheet support portion is provided to protrude laterally from the main body in a position under the platen surface to be able to support an end portion of a protruding portion of the original sheet protruding outside from the platen surface.
US08144368B2
This disclosure describes methods for using embedded auxiliary signals in documents for copy detection and other applications. In on application, the auxiliary signal is formed as an array of elements selected from a set of print structures with properties that change differently in response to copy operations. These changes in properties of the print structures that carry the embedded auxiliary signal are automatically detectable. For example, the changes make the embedded auxiliary signal more or less detectable. The extent to which the auxiliary data is detected forms a detection metric used in combination with one or more other metrics to differentiate copies from originals. Examples of sets of properties of the print structures that change differently in response to copy operations include sets of colors (including different types of inks), sets of screens or dot structures that have varying dot gain, sets of structures with different aliasing effects, etc. Robust and fragile watermarks are used in Image Replacement Documents for a variety of applications. Digital watermarks act as on-board mediators in authentication of a variety of printed documents. Finally, digital watermarks are used to help manage quality of the scanners used in imaging systems.
US08144360B2
System and method for creating and processing documents with variable data is disclosed. The system provides a base set of document image data residing at a first location. The base set of document image data, such as rasterized image data or image data organized in a mixed raster content (“MRC”) layer format, represents a first portion of information for a document that may not change. Further, the system obtains another set of document image data residing at a second location. The other set of document image data, which may again be rasterized image data or image data organized in an MRC layer format, represents a second portion of information for the document that may change. The system combines the base set of document image data with the other set of document image data to form a combined set of document image data for the document.
US08144357B2
An imaging device receives from a host device image data and commands including a normal command and a real-time command to be processed prior to the normal command. A receiver receives a real-time processing disable command from the host device, and a processor processes the image data without processing the real-time command, even if the real-time command is included in the image data, after processing the real-time processing disable command. A method for so controlling an imaging device is also provided. The host controls transmission of image data and commands including normal and real-time commands as noted above to an imaging device. The host device comprises a detector that determines if data to be transmitted includes image data, and a processor that transmits the image data after transmitting a real-time processing disable command, if the detector determines that the data includes the image data.
US08144356B2
A method and apparatus for a vending promotional printer for use within a vending machine are disclosed. A vending promotional printer includes a coupon database describing a stack of coupons that are specified using a template based couponing printer language. A coupon is selected for creation and issued to the customer based on a matrix of event-based triggers involving factors or parameters known to the vending promotional printer directly or supplied by master promotional controller. Triggers may include the time of day, the date or amount of a cash-out voucher to be issued to a customer, the duration of play on a vending machine, a customer classification, the amount of money or credits added to a game, or a random frequency of coupon issuance having satisfied any or all of the aforementioned factors. The vending promotional printer may further include the ability to store all of the coupons, trigger conditions, and related information resident in the vending promotional printer in a non-volatile fashion thus enabling a host system to download a promotional environment into the vending promotional printer which will run promotional campaigns on behalf of the hosting system.
US08144355B2
A method receives, at a processor of a printing apparatus, a variable information print job. The variable information print job is processed into upper planes of the record-specific objects, upper planes of the reusable objects, lower planes of the record-specific objects, and lower planes of the reusable objects. The method stores such objects within a storage medium of the printing apparatus. The method combines ones of the compressed upper planes of the record-specific objects and the compressed upper planes of the reusable objects corresponding to the record of the variable information print job using the processor to create a single compressed upper plane for the record within an output buffer of the printing apparatus and creates an ordered list (corresponding to the record) of lower plane tiles by assembling the compressed lower planes of the record-specific objects and the compressed lower plane reusable objects. The method performs a printing operation for the record of the variable information print job by decompressing multiple ones of the lower plane tiles in a predetermined order to form a lower plane of the record into an output raster page, decompressing the single compressed upper plane of the record into the output raster page, and outputting the output raster page to a printing engine of the printing apparatus to print the record of the variable information print job on print media.
US08144354B2
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided. The method, for example, can—in certain embodiments—include transforming printer data into an extensible markup language (XML). The method can also include encapsulating the transformed printer data. The method can further include transmitting the encapsulated printer data. The transforming the printer data and the encapsulating the printer data can be designed so as to maintain security, reliability, and privacy of the printer data. The method can also, in some embodiments, include capturing complete printer data by reading the encapsulated printer data. The method can further include scanning a network to obtain the printer data, before transforming the printer data into the XML. The scanning can include at least one of the following scans: a simple network management protocol scan, a non shared desktop printers scan, or a jet direct scan. The method can be implemented by a printer service provider configured to monitor printer usage within an enterprise.
US08144351B2
It is the object of the present invention to realize a print system capable of storing content of print processing as log information using a simple method. To realize this object, a user-client terminal 101 of the present invention is communicably connected to a printer 102 and a tracking information recording printer 103, and includes a first log information generating unit 306 for generating log information based on a print job generated by a printer 102-use driver 303, and a print job transmitting unit 307. The print job transmitting unit 307 transmits the print job generated by the printer 102-use driver 303 to the printer 102, appends the log information and identification information to the print job, and transmits the appended print job to the tracking information recording printer 103.
US08144344B2
An image reading device generates first capability information indicative of an image processing operation that can be performed by an image processing section. An image printing device generates second capability information indicative of an image processing operation that can be performed by an image processing section. An image processing operation arbitrating section decides a combination of image processing operations to be performed by the image reading device and the image printing device and a sequence of the image processing operations based on the first and second capability information. The image processing operation arbitrating section transmits information on the decided combination and sequence to the image reading device and the image printing device.
US08144339B2
A method and system for positioning by using optical speckle are disclosed in this invention. A highly coherent laser light irradiates a positioning template in advance to record optical speckles caused by interference by scattered light beams from the positioning template for establishing a speckle database. Furthermore, a reference point is defined to position each recorded speckle. Therefore, a coordinate with respect to the reference point corresponding to a specified speckle can be used to position a target or applied to distance measurement by the speckle database. The precision of the speckles according to the present invention is within several micrometers. Hence, it can provide high precision positioning.
US08144332B2
A temperature measurement apparatus includes a light source; a first splitter that splits a light beam into a measurement beam and a reference beam; a reference beam reflector that reflects the reference beam; an optical path length adjustor; a second splitter that splits the reflected reference beam into a first reflected reference beam and a second reflected reference beam; a first photodetector that measures an interference between the first reflected reference beam and a reflected measurement beam obtained by the measurement beam reflected from a target object; a second photodetector that measures an intensity of the second reflected reference beam; and a temperature calculation unit. The temperature calculation unit calculates a location of the interference by subtracting an output signal of the second photodetector from an output signal of the first photodetector, and calculates a temperature of the target object from the calculated location of the interference.
US08144326B2
A fabric whiteness guide comprising at least one visual scale of whiteness.
US08144318B2
The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating sensitivity gain. In a preview mode, an imaging device is calibrated by a standard light source, therefore obtaining standard sensitivity gain of the preview mode. In a capture mode, the imaging device is calibrated by the standard light source, therefore obtaining standard sensitivity gain of the capture mode. A gain ratio of the standard sensitivity gain of the capture mode to the standard sensitivity gain of the preview mode is determined, and is then used to deduce the exposure parameters of the capture mode according to the exposure parameters of the preview mode.
US08144295B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide for a FFS TFT LCD with a high refresh rate without limiting the aperture of individual pixels. More specifically, embodiments of the invention provide for the use of common bus lines to reduce the effective resistance of the common electrode and to therefore allow for higher refresh rates of the display. Furthermore, the common bus lines can be positioned in such a manner so that they do not further reduce the aperture of the display. More specifically, the common bus lines can be positioned above or below existing elements of the display that are already opaque. Thus, adding the common bus lines need not reduce the aperture. The above can be achieved by, for example, placing the common bus lines above or below existing non-transparent lines, such as gate lines or data lines.
US08144293B2
A liquid crystal display apparatus has a liquid crystal display device, a surface light source, and a view angle limiting device arranged between the surface light source and the liquid crystal display device. The view angle limiting device includes first and second transparent plates facing each other with a gap therebetween, a plurality of first ½ retardation layers having a predetermined shape formed to be spaced apart from each other on one of the facing inner surfaces of the first and second transparent plates, a plurality of second ½ retardation layers formed on the other inner surface at regions corresponding to the regions between the first ½ retardation layers, and a polarizing film provided at the outer surface of one of the first and second transparent plates that faces the surface light source.
US08144291B2
A display device includes an active matrix substrate and a color filter substrate facing each other, wherein the active matrix substrate includes a scanning line, a signal line, and a switching element, and has a pixel, the switching element being arranged at an intersection of the scanning line and the signal line, the pixel including two sub-pixels, the two sub-pixels being arranged with the scanning line or the signal line therebetween, the color filter substrate includes a bank and a plurality of colored layers surrounded by the bank, the bank being arranged in regions overlapping with the signal line, and the switching element, and the plurality of colored layers include the first colored layer and the second colored layer, the first colored layer overlapping with one sub-pixel positioned at an end and a region outside a sub-pixel-arranged region, and the second colored layer overlapping with two sub-pixels.
US08144290B2
One embodiment of the invention includes an LCD which comprises a back light module, a first polarizer, a second polarizer, an LCD panel, a first viewing angle controller and a third polarizer. The first polarizer and the second polarizer are disposed on the back light module and respectively have a first transparent axis and a second transparent axis which are perpendicular to each other. The LCD panel is disposed between the first polarizer and the second polarizer. The first viewing angle controller is disposed between the LCD panel and the second polarizer and has a first horizontal alignment liquid crystal layer. The third polarizer is disposed between the LCD panel and the first viewing angle controller and has a third transparent axis parallel to the second transparent axis.
US08144275B2
Disclosed are thermal tuning glazing structures for selectively reflecting electromagnetic radiation for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in various applications such as intelligent energy saving windows. The thermal tuning glazing structure comprises one or more cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) panels, each CLC panel comprising a CLC material, the CLC material being in a planar texture at least at one temperature, having a pitch that changes with temperature, and having a broad reflection band.
US08144273B2
A switchable two and three dimensional display (2D/3D display) suitable for being viewed by a user is provided. The 2D/3D display includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and a switchable barrier. The LCD panel has a display area, a non-display area surrounding the display area, and a first black matrix extending from the display area to the non-display area. The first black matrix has a number of openings arranged in array and merely distributed within the display area. The switchable barrier has a 3D image control area, a non-display area surrounding the 3D image control area, and a second black matrix merely disposed within the non-display area. The second black matrix surrounds the 3D image control area. An area occupied by the 3D image control area is different from an area occupied by the display area.
US08144272B2
A display device includes: a display panel having a display region for displaying an image; a functional panel positioned so as to face the display panel; and an interposed member provided outside the display region so as to be interposed between the display panel and the functional panel, wherein an optical sheet having predetermined optical characteristics is provided on at least one surface between the display panel and the functional panel so as to overlap the display region, and the interposed member is provided along a sidewall of the optical sheet.
US08144266B2
In a TV system with a modular configuration that permits licensed primary modules such as disk players and personal video recorders to be removably slid into engagement with receptacles in the TV housing, an adapter primary module is provided that is formed with secondary receptacles for receiving secondary modules. The secondary modules have USB ports, Ethernet ports, and memory card slots in a configuration that can be designed by entities other than the TV manufacturer, with the secondary modules having to conform to proprietary licensed interfaces in the adaptor module to ensure a degree of control by the TV manufacturer.
US08144265B2
The liquid crystal television receiver comprises an inverter circuit 28, transistors Q14, Q13, and a microcomputer 22. The inverter circuit 28 includes resistors R5, R6, R7, R8 determining the value of a tube current that is supplied to cold cathode fluorescent tubes of a backlight 26, and supplies to the cold cathode fluorescent tubes an alternating voltage. An emitter and a collector of the transistor Q14 are connected to two opposite ends of the resistor R6, and an emitter and a collector of the transistor Q13 are connected to two opposite ends of the resistor R7. The microcomputer 22 has a control terminal connected to bases of the transistors Q13, Q14, and detects a synchronizing signal in an image signal inputted to an image signal processing portion 12.
US08144254B2
An image enhancement unit and method for enhancing the image quality of a video stream is presented. The image enhancement unit combines a contour enhancement unit, a luminance contrast stretching unit, a color transient improvement unit, and a color saturation control unit to enhance both the luminance and chrominance values in the video stream. Specifically, the contour enhancement unit processes the luminance values to improve the contours of the images in the video steam. The luminance contrast stretching unit further improves the luminance by enhancing the contrast in the images. The color transient improvement unit processes the chrominance values to remove blurring around along the edges of color transitions and the color saturation control unit increases the color saturation to improve the appearance of the images.
US08144252B2
According to one embodiment, an input image signal is passed through a plurality of first high pass filters having different passing frequency band to generate level histograms. High frequency component noise reduction processing is applied to the output of one of the first high pass filters selected based on one of the generated histograms that satisfies a predetermined threshold, low frequency component noise reduction processing is applied to a result obtained by subtracting the output of the selected first high pass filter from the input image signal, and outputs obtained by both the noise reduction processing are added.
US08144247B2
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for detecting and interpolating still pixels. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods establish a still pixel level for each still pixel, and using that still pixel level, provide an interpolation procedure for determining the pixel value of a selected pixel at a frame a distance α from frame F(t−1). Disclosed embodiments are capable of providing motion compensated interpolation results for a wide variety of circumstances, including cases where the endpoints of the motion vector of a selected pixel to be interpolated vary between substantially still and not still, as well as cases where mixtures of temporal and motion compensation interpolations are necessary.Still pixel candidates may be refined in a process where pixels that may be properly handled by standard motion compensation interpolation techniques are eliminated. Further, still pixel candidates may be flagged as high or low likelihood to further enhance confidence in the detected still pixels.
US08144238B2
In position and orientation measurement based on natural features, erroneous detection of the natural features is prevented when an observation target object is occluded by another object, and registration stability is improved. To this end, an occluding object that can occlude the observation target object is defined, and an occluding region where the occluding object occludes the observation target object is detected in an input captured image. Image features of the observation target object are detected in a region of the captured image other than the detected occluding region. Therefore, the position or orientation of an image pickup apparatus that captured the captured image, or the position or orientation of the observation target object in the captured image are calculated.
US08144237B2
An image pickup optical system including: a first prism including: a first incident surface where subject beam enters; a division surface for dividing the beam from the first incident surface into image-pickup beam and focus-detection beam; and a first exit surface from which reflection beam reflected on the division surface, the image-pickup beam or the focus-detection beam, exits; and a second prism including: a second incident surface on which transmission beam passing through the division surface, the image-pickup beam or focus-detection beam, enters; and a second exit surface from which the transmission beam exits, wherein the reflection beam is reflected on the division surface, reflected on the first incident surface, and reflected on the division surface to reach the first exit surface, and satisfying 0.1
US08144232B2
A system and method provide interactive techniques for sharing digital photos, in which a user of a portable electronic device may seek out a location at which another electronic device was used to capture a photo. The captured image may then be displayed on a display of the user's electronic device by superimposing the photo on the display while the display functions as an electronic viewfinder for a camera assembly of the electronic device. The viewing of another person's photos is made to be an interactive and entertaining experience. The disclosed techniques combine the user's “real world” presence (e.g., location and viewing perspective) with the previously captured photo to create a fun and exciting experience that also may serve as a trigger for communication between the user and the person who took the photo.
US08144229B2
A solid-state image pickup device including a driver-control unit configured to control the operation timing of a pulse-driven actuator driver based on the read timing of the sensor of a solid-state image pickup element is provided.
US08144220B2
Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.
US08144212B2
A white balance adjustment apparatus which is input image data acquired by an imager element to adjust a balance among color signals of the image data of a present frame includes an evaluation acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of groups of color signal data at each pixel position, as evaluation values, from the image data of the present frame and image data of at least one previous frame which is acquired before the present frame. The evaluation value acquisition unit includes an overlap area detection unit configured to detect image areas overlapping with each other between the image data of the at least one previous frame and the image data of the present frame. The evaluation values to be acquired from the image data of the at least one previous frame are selectively acquired in response to a detection result from the overlap area detection unit.
US08144199B2
Disclosed is a moving object automatic tracking apparatus that includes a movement detector for detecting movement of a moving object from an image obtained in time series from an image input portion. A tracker tracks the moving object by controlling a platform of the image input portion in a direction of movement of the moving object based on a movement detection result of the movement detector. An area manager manages a registered preset position and new registration of a preset position indicating an area for executing tracking by the tracker and movement detection by the movement detector. A patrol monitor conducts monitoring while patrolling plural preset positions set and managed by the area manager, and when a position in which the moving object is tracked and lost differs from the initialized preset position, the lost position is newly added and registered as an adaptive preset position.
US08144195B2
A vehicle zone monitoring apparatus that detects physical bodies present in the vicinity of the vehicle from infrared images photographed by infrared cameras provided on the vehicle includes an object extracting device that extracts object images that emit infrared radiation from the infrared image and an artificial structure identifying device that identifies whether or not an object is an artificial structure by comparing an image of a search zone in proximity to the object extracted by the object extraction device, to a reference image of a pre-registered artificial structure which serves as an element that defines an artificial structure, and that identifies the object as an artificial structure if: within the search zone in proximity to the object, a section having a high correlation with the reference image exists; and a distance between the vehicle and the object is equal to a distance between the vehicle and the section having the high correlation with said reference image.
US08144188B2
A projector arrangement includes a first image generation and projection unit and a second image generation and projection unit. A first or two-dimensional projection/display mode and a second stereoscopic or projection/display mode can be realized by the cooperating first and second image generation and projection units. The second image generation and projection unit is configured to receive waste light from the first image generation and projection unit and to base the generation of its respective second image on the waste light.
US08144168B2
An image display apparatus that displays an image on the basis of input image signals corresponding to sub-pixels forming one pixel includes a shift-amount storing unit that stores shift amounts of display positions of the sub-pixels relative to given reference positions in a display image, an image-signal correcting unit that corrects the input image signals according to the shift amounts, and an image display unit that displays an image on the basis of the image signals corrected by the image-signal correcting unit.
US08144157B2
A method for processing font data is used in an embedded system exhibiting a display function. The embedded system includes a first processor, a second processor, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The method for processing font data includes steps of: issuing a request by the first processor; converting vector-based font data stored in the non-volatile memory into bit-based font data by the second processor wherein the bit-based font data are stored in the volatile memory, and generating a finish notice by the second processor after the vector-based font data are converted into the bit-based font data; and activating the on screen display function of the embedded system responding to the finish notice by the first processor.
US08144156B1
A 3D graphics architecture in which a buffer is placed between the sequencer and the processing element (PE) array. The sequencer and PE array are not designed to run in lock step: instead the sequencer and PE array are decoupled to allow the PEs to run at 100% efficiency even when the sequencer is switching between threads and performing other flow control operations. Thus, the rate of instruction processing in the PE array is not coupled to the rate of instruction processing in the sequencer.
US08144155B2
An approach to enrich skeleton-driven animations with physically-based secondary deformation in real time is described. To achieve this goal, the technique described employs a surface-based deformable model that can interactively emulate the dynamics of both low- and high-frequency volumetric effects. Given a surface mesh and a few sample sequences of its physical behavior, a set of motion parameters of the material are learned during an off-line preprocessing step. The deformable model is then applicable to any given skeleton-driven animation of the surface mesh. Additionally, the described dynamic skinning technique can be entirely implemented on GPUs and executed with great efficiency. Thus, with minimal changes to the conventional graphics pipeline, the technique can drastically enhance the visual experience of skeleton-driven animations by adding secondary deformation in real time.
US08144142B2
A first impedance control circuit includes a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel with a first transistor, and a second impedance control circuit includes a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel with a second transistor. Capacitors in the first impedance control circuit respectively have different capacitance values, and capacitors in the second impedance control circuit respectively have different capacitance values. The respective self-resonance frequencies of the capacitors in the first impedance control circuit differ, and the respective self-resonance frequencies of the capacitors in the second impedance control circuit differ. Switching noises each having a plurality of frequencies generated from first and second transistors are respectively absorbed in a power supply terminal and a ground terminal through the first and second impedance control circuits.
US08144120B2
The present invention provides a method and system for providing a user with feedback as to the status of the command they have initiated by depressing a button, series of buttons or sequence of buttons on a human interface device (“HID”) for a time period beyond a fraction of a second to activate a function. In one embodiment, feedback provided for a press and hold (“P+H”) operation informs the user that their button press action has been detected by a multi-function device (“MFD”) and a visual and/or audible indication is provided, informing him or her to continue pressing the button or buttons on the HID to activate one or more functions. A graphical display with a periodically updated progress bar displays how much longer the user should continue pressing the button or buttons to successfully transmit a command to the MFD with an animation showing which command will be activated.
US08144113B2
Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal display capable of reducing a side effect during local LED dimming to reduce power consumption and improve display quality. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel having a plurality of liquid crystal cells formed respectively in a plurality of pixel areas defined by intersections of a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines, a data driver for supplying data voltages to the data lines, a gate driver for supplying scan signals to the gate lines, a timing controller for controlling the data driver and gate driver and outputting a plurality of dimming signals based on an average picture level (APL) detected based on video data supplied to the liquid crystal panel, and a light emitting diode (LED) backlight unit for partitioning the liquid crystal panel into a plurality of areas and supplying appropriate pulse width modulation (PWM) control signals based on the dimming signals to a plurality of LED arrays installed to correspond respectively to the partitioned areas, to supply light to the liquid crystal panel.
US08144110B2
An exemplary backlight system includes a power input circuit (21), a detection circuit (27), a control circuit (28), a light emitting diode driving circuit (25), and a light emitting diode array (26). The detection circuit is configured to detect a connection state of the power input circuit with respect to an external power source, and send a corresponding connection states signal to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to output a control signal to the light emitting diode driving circuit according to the connection state signal. The light emitting diode driving circuit is configured to drive or shut down the light emitting diode array according to the control signal.
US08144107B2
The invention relates to a method and/or apparatus to improve the visual perception of an image displayed on a liquid crystal (LCD) panel, said method comprising steps for generating an adjusting signal (PE,i+1) of a rear-lighting lamp of said panel depending on an target power value (PT) and for generating a control signal (CE,i+1) of the image contrast depending on said adjusting signal (PE,i+1) of the rear-lighting lamp so as to increase/decrease the contrast of the displayed image when said adjusting signal (PE,i+1) of the rear-lighting lamp decreases/increases.
US08144097B2
A display device displays images with a plurality of signal lines and includes spare lines, each being arranged to be connectable to the signal lines so as to be used for recovery of the signal lines from disconnection. Each of the spare lines has constricted sections for cutting. With this arrangement, it is possible to easily and properly recover the signal lines from disconnection.
US08144089B2
A liquid crystal display device is divided into a display region and a non-display region. A first thin film transistor is formed in each pixel region of the display region, and a second thin film transistor is formed in the non-display region. The first thin film transistor is a switch for controlling the supply of a data voltage to the pixel region, and the second thin film transistor is a switch for controlling the supply of a common voltage to the pixel region. The first thin film transistor has the same parasitic capacitance as that of the second thin film transistor. Accordingly, the flicker or image-sticking can be prevented. Also, the aperture ratio of each pixel region can be improved.
US08144084B2
An electro-luminescent display includes a first array of light-emitting elements. Each of these light-emitting elements has an optical element. A second array of light-emitting elements also includes a second optical element different from the first. One or more row lines are electrically connected to either light-emitting elements in the first array of light-emitting elements or light-emitting elements in the second array of light-emitting elements. One or more column lines provide a data signal to the first and second array of light-emitting elements. A driver circuit delivers common information to the light-emitting elements in both the first and second arrays in response to a select signal for activating light-emitting elements in the first or second arrays.
US08144083B2
A method for driving a light-emitting device in which a plurality of pixel circuits are arranged in correspondence with the intersection of a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality data lines, the pixel circuit having a light-emitting element and a driving transistor that controls the current amount of a driving current flowing the light-emitting device, comprises repeating the process within unit period including a first period and a second period following the first period, wherein the second period process includes selecting one scanning line of the plurality of scanning lines, and supplying and holding a data voltage corresponding to the luminance of the light-emitting element to a gate of the driving transistor via the data lines with respect to the plurality pixel circuits connected the selected scanning lines, and wherein the first period process includes selecting two or more scanning lines of the plurality of scanning lines, and correcting the unbalance of the driving current output from the driving transistor in the plurality of pixel circuits connected to the selected scanning lines.
US08144080B2
A face panel for a color image display apparatus includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of phosphor layers disposed on the transparent substrate for emitting different color lights, and a plurality of transmittance adjustment layers interposed between the transparent substrate and the plurality of phosphor layers in correspondence to the plurality of phosphor layers, respectively, for adjusting the transmittances of the lights emitted from the plurality of phosphor layers. The transmittance adjustment layer has a filtering function having an approximately constant transmittance in the visible light wavelength region, and the transmittances of the plurality of transmittance adjustment layers are set to different values to the respective colors of the phosphor layers corresponding thereto.
US08144077B2
Methods and apparatuses for a visual display structure having a fade resistant surface finish. The visual display structure is three-dimensional and may be used to recreate a naturally occurring structure, such as rocks, coral or vegetation. The visual display structure may also be used to produce a scenic element, such as an underwater castle, sunken ship or ruins. The visual display structure is created by providing a base, a binder over the base, and crushed glass particles to the binder. The crushed glass particles may be selected from a plurality of colors and are arranged so as to imitate the naturally occurring structure and its surface features. Once the crushed glass particles are applied to the base, thereby assuming the shape of the base, the visual display structure is ready for use. The visual display structure may be exposed in part to an underwater environment as, for example, a component in a theme park attraction.
US08144068B2
To planar antennas comprising at least one radiating element of the longitudinal radiation slot type
The present invention relates to a planar antenna structure comprising at least one radiating element constituted by a longitudinal radiation slot etched onto a substrate. This structure comprises at least one modification element of the radiation pattern positioned in the radiation zone of the radiating element.
US08144066B2
The wireless communication system includes a first device, e.g. a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, having a wireless power transmitter, a first wireless data communications unit, and a first dual polarized loop antenna having isolated signal feedpoints along a first loop electrical conductor. The wireless power transmitter transmits a power signal having a first polarization, and the first wireless data communications unit communicates using a data signal having a second polarization. A second device, e.g. an RFID tag, includes a second dual polarized loop antenna. A second wireless data communications unit communicates with the first wireless data communications unit of the first device using the data signal having the second polarization. A wireless power receiver receives the power signal having the first polarization from the wireless power transmitter of the first device, and provides power for the second device.
US08144058B2
A system and method for generating a geographical data transaction including information about a topography of a region and utilities within the region. The method and system include providing information about the topography of the region; receiving information from a user collecting data related to one or more utilities in the region; receiving information about time and date of the collected data; receiving information about each of the utilities; and receiving information about location of each of the utilities. The system and method further include receiving information about revisions made to the information about the map; and integrating the received information with the information about the topography of the region into a geographical data transaction.
US08144057B1
A technique for determining the angles of arrival of signals incident on an antenna array from directions within an angular region of interest involves supplying outputs of antenna elements of the antenna array to a number of different weight generators. Each of the weight generators produces a set of beam-forming weights that maximizes a signal-to-interference ratio of a locally generated signal corresponding to a look angle that is outside the region of interest, with signals at different look angles being supplied to the different weight generators. An annihilation operator is determined from the sets of beam-forming weights generated by the weight generators and from beam-forming vectors representing the look angles of the locally generated signals used in the weight generators. The annihilation operator is applied to a group of beam-forming vectors representing angles within the region of interest to determine angles of arrival of signals within the region of interest.
US08144040B2
A technique that randomizes a sample window over which one or more interleave mismatch corrections are made to a time interleaved analog to digital converter (TIADC).
US08144034B2
This application discloses using multiple wireless vehicular sensor nodes to wirelessly receive multiple, time-synchronized vehicular waveform reports from the nodes to create a time synchronized system report, and preferably a time synchronized vehicular report. Each vehicular waveform report approximates a raw vehicular sensor waveform observed by a magnetic sensor at the node based upon the presence of a vehicle. The vehicular waveform reports, the time-synchronized system report, and the time synchronized vehicular report are products of this wirelessly receiving process. Also disclosed are apparatus supporting the above outlined process. Reception of the vehicular waveform reports may be time interleaved.
US08144027B2
A system and method is provided for automatically reading meters, such as utility meters. A camera unit is attached to or otherwise associated with an existing meter. From time to time, either automatically, or upon wireless command, the camera unit takes an image of the meter's readings, and communicates wirelessly the image or image data, to a local area receiver. The images can be transmitted immediately, or stored for later transmission, depending on the network protocol. The camera unit is battery powered, and operates communication protocols that enable extended operational life. These protocols allow for the camera's radio and processor to be turned on only when necessary, and then for only brief periods of time. At most times, the camera is in a power-conserving sleep mode. Multiple camera units may be arranged to communicate meter image data to the local area receiver, either using asynchronous or synchronous processes. In this way, star, point-to-point, MESH and ring networking topologies are enabled. The meter image data is communicated from the receiver to a central office using a wide area connection, where the image data is used for determining the meter reading. In one example, the image may be included with a utility bill as confirmed evidence of the current meter reading.
US08144026B2
An exemplary electrostatic discharge protection device includes: an electrostatic discharge part configured for discharging electrostatic when the electrostatic is larger than a threshold value; and a light emitting part configured for emitting light when electrostatic discharge happens.
US08144021B2
A device for detecting the presence of bodily fluid, the device including a detector (1) means having two spaced apart electrodes (2, 3), each electrode is connected to a signal generating means via a lead (6, 7). The electrodes are encased in a flexible non-conductive material with each including at least one protruding conductive element (4). The protruding elements are separated by the same distance as the spacing between the two electrodes. The device also includes a signal processing means that detects a change of state across the electrodes produced by the introduction of a fluid and an alarm actuated by the change of state.
US08144020B2
A water alarm device for releaseable attachment to a user in a body of water includes a buoyant alarm unit having a water sensor. The water sensor is configured to sense if a sensing portion of the alarm unit is in contact with water. A timer is in communication with the water sensor and is configured to determine a duration of water contact with the sensing portion of the alarm unit. The alarm unit is configured to travel to a surface of the body of water and activate an alarm when the duration of water contact is greater than a predetermined time.
US08144016B2
A structure for use in fabricating a security document or a document of value is provided. The structure includes an electronic device, an inset layer made at least in part out of fiber, a window within which the electronic device extends, at least in part, and an adhesive layer in contact with the inset layer.
US08144010B2
An intrusion detector for a security system that detects the breaking of a glass in a window or a door and motion within a protected area is provided. The intrusion detector includes a single sensing section, a first filter, a second filter, a microprocessor, and an alarm generating. The microprocessor includes a motion detection section, an activation section for activating the motion detection section for a preset period of time only when a detected acoustic signal is consistent with that required to break glass, and a timing section for timing the preset period. The sensing section is capable of sensing motion induced signals during both activation and non-activation of the motion detection section, but the motion detection section ignores motion-induced signals during non-activation of the motion detection section.
US08144007B2
A Relationship Prediction System Using External Databases for providing a relationship prediction based on the correlation of personal characteristics and the analysis of genetic characteristics is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first person supplies descriptions of their own personal characteristics, as well as descriptions of the personal characteristics of their ideal match, to a website. The first person also furnishes an odor, tissue or fluid sample to a test facility, where genetic characteristics are analyzed and determined. A relationship match is then generated based on both a combination of both a positive correlation of the personal characteristics of the first person and second person, and a measured dissimilarity between the sequence of genetic characteristics of the first person and second person. In one embodiment, personal characteristics are obtained from one or more external webpages.
US08144004B2
The embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and apparatus to generate pulsing lights where parameters such as frequency, degree of brightness, and the number of pulses vary depending on the duration of the brake pedal application, the time interval between consecutive brake applications, and the deceleration rate of the vehicle, as well as optionally its distance from other vehicles. The brake light control system incorporates a microprocessor having multiple inputs, including a brake pedal sensor, and its output connected via an amplifying circuit to the lights. Other inputs of the microprocessor include a deceleration sensor, a distance sensor, and an optional manual pushbutton or switch located within the driver's reach. The lights controlled by the system may include brake lights, emergency lights, or additional lights shaped into a warning triangle.
US08143996B2
A decentralized RFID system and method provides a decentralized power control scheme for adaptively adjusting the power of a RFID reader in a network of readers communicating with an RFID tag. The transmission power of each reader in a dense network environment is controlled as a function of interference sensed from other readers in the network and a current SNR (SNR) of a backscatter signal received from the tag. If the current SNR is above a required SNR, transmission power of the reader is reduced, which results in lower interference for other RFID readers. Similarly, if the expected SNR is below the required threshold, power is increased sufficiently to ensure that the target or required SNR is achieved.
US08143995B2
A control device, method and system for controlling data exchange between entities and item identification devices associated with said control device; said entities having an associated data exchange means for exchanging data with item identification devices; said data exchange means being arranged to provide authentication data indicative of the entity with which they are associated; and said control device comprising means for enabling exchange of data between said item identification devices and the entity with which said data exchange means is associated in accordance with an applicable access policy for that entity.
US08143990B2
A microfluidic bubble fuse is formed from a hermetically sealed reservoir containing an electrically conductive liquid. The reservoir is interposed between a pair of electrodes such that each electrode is in electrical contact with the fluid within the reservoir, and such that the fluid within the reservoir provides electrical interconnectivity between the electrodes. The reservoir may be implemented on a substrate, in a tube, or in another manner. When the current or voltage across the electrodes increases beyond a threshold, the excess current or voltage will cause a bubble to be created within the fluid to reduce or inhibit the flow of electricity between the electrodes. When the current/voltage is reduced, the bubble will collapse to restore the flow of electricity between the electrodes.
US08143987B2
The dual inductor structure can include a first inductor including a first plurality of coils. Each coil of the first plurality of coils can be disposed within a different one of a plurality of conductive layers. The coils of the first plurality of coils can be vertically stacked and concentric to a vertical axis. The dual inductor structure further can include a second inductor including a second plurality of coils. Each of the second plurality of coils can be disposed within a different one of the plurality of conductive layers. The coils of the second plurality of coils can be vertically stacked and concentric to the vertical axis. Within each conductive layer, a coil of the second plurality of coils can be disposed within an inner perimeter of a coil of the first plurality of coils.
US08143983B1
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
US08143980B2
A switching device, for example a circuit breaker, has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. For triggering the disconnect device, an overcurrent trigger device and/or a short-circuit trigger device are in mechanical operative connection with the disconnect device by way of a reversing lever. The reversing lever includes a first lever arm with a trigger extension that can be actuated by the overcurrent trigger device and/or by the short-circuit trigger device, and a second lever arm with an actuating extension for triggering the disconnect device. To ensure safe operation, the actuating extension is configured to be resiliently compliant.
US08143979B2
Terminal-bolts and a fixed contact are formed with different kinds of metals, and fixed to a fixing hole formed in the fixed contact by press fitting one end of the terminal-bolts. A plurality of concavo-convex parts is provided on a surface of the fixed contact that faces the movable contact. A plurality of concavo-convex portions is provided on another surface of the fixed contact that faces an anti movable-contact side. The concavo-convex portions are arranged so that positions of concave parts of the concavo-convex portions match positions of convex parts of the concavo-convex portions provided in the opposite surface of the fixed contact. The concavo-convex parts are at least partly curved, and have the same height and project in a height direction from the fixed contact.
US08143976B2
Vias for differential signals are typically of a lower impedance than the signal lines connected to them. The noise and reflected signals resulting in impedance mismatch may require circuits to be operated at a frequency far lower than desired. One or more embodiments of the present invention avoid impedance mismatch in circuits and achieve an advance in the art by providing a via with higher impedance through the addition of split ring resonators (SSRs) to each end of the via.
US08143965B2
Enhanced polar modulator for transmitter. Within a phase locked loop (PLL), a two point modulation topology is employed in which phase information passes through a limiter (e.g., a ±90° or ±π/2) in which the phase information dynamic range is divide by a factor (e.g., by 2) and a maximum frequency deviation is also divided by a factor (e.g., by 2). Then, a double balanced up-converter mixer/modulator is implemented to perform gain adjustment (e.g., magnitude and/or amplitude adjustment) and phase changes of 0° and +180° or 0 and +π (e.g., negative gains values may be employed). Phase adjustment in such an architecture is split and provided to both the PLL and to the mixer/modulator of such a polar modulator within a transmitter module such as may be implemented within a communication device (e.g., which may be a wireless communication device). This architecture that includes a PLL with a double balanced up-converter mixer/modulator suppresses even harmonics.
US08143958B2
Methods and apparatus for self testing a multiband voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) are disclosed. A tuning voltage of the VCO is adjusted where the output of the VCO does not affect the input to the VCO. Frequency bands in the VCO are selected. Output frequencies of the VCO are measured.
US08143957B2
Techniques to effectively handle large voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) gain are described. The techniques utilize (1) a slow high-gain path to provide an average control current that adjusts the center frequency of a VCO and (2) a fast low-gain path to provide an instantaneous control current that adjusts the VCO frequency during normal operation. In one design, the VCO includes a voltage-to-current converter, a current amplifier, a summer, and a current-controlled oscillator (ICO). The voltage-to-current converter receives a control voltage and generates a first current and a second current. The current amplifier amplifies and filters the first current and generates a third current. The summer sums the second current and the third current and generates a control current. The ICO receives the control current and generates an oscillator signal having a frequency determined by the control current.
US08143945B2
A switched mode amplifier includes a voltage source, a switched amplifier, a controller and a feedback unit. The switched amplifier sources or sinks a current to or from a load. The load and the current define a voltage over the load. The controller generates control signals for the switched amplifier in response to an input signal and a feedback signal. The feedback unit is connected to the controller and the load, and generates the feedback signal from the voltage over the load.
US08143941B2
An active analog filter (700, 1000) having a MOS capacitor device (730, 1030) with improved linearity is proposed. In an exemplary embodiment, dc bias voltage sources (755, 745) alter the capacitance of MOS varactors (740, 750) connected in anti parallel so that the total capacitance of the MOS capacitor device remains constant or within a range over the voltage range of the filter and the filter linearity is set. In a further exemplary embodiment the output stage (1070) of the operational amplifier circuit (1020) of the active analog filter (1000) is modified so that the dc bias voltage is provided by resistors (1055, 1045) connected to a current source (1060) already existing in the filter. Thus the linearity is set and the die area is significantly reduced.
US08143936B2
The present disclosure relates to constructing and operating a transistor or other active device with significantly reduced flicker noise.
US08143934B1
A system includes a voltage pump to generate a first pump voltage from an analog voltage signal. The system further includes switching pad to receive an analog signal from an external source and route the analog signal to analog processing circuitry over one or more analog signal busses based on the first pump voltage and the analog voltage signal.
US08143933B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a mixer circuit unit having a first single gate mixer configured to receive a first input signal having a first frequency and a second input signal having a second frequency as inputs, a second single gate mixer configured to receive the first input signal and a third input signal of a phase inverted from a phase of the second input signal as inputs, a third single gate mixer configured to receive a fourth input signal of a phase inverted from the phase of the first input signal and the second input signal as inputs, and a fourth single gate mixer configured to receive the third and the fourth input signals as inputs; and a ½-frequency divider unit configured to receive output signals from the first to the fourth single gate mixers as inputs and output a desired signal.
US08143929B2
A method of operating a circuit includes receiving a first data signal at a first node. The first node is coupled to a second node to couple the first data signal to the second node. After coupling the first node to the second node, the second node is coupled to a third node to couple the first data signal to the third node. The first node is decoupled from the second node and a first step of latching the first data signal at the third node is performed, wherein the first step of latching is through the second node while the second node is coupled to the third node. The second node is decoupled from the third node and a second step of latching is performed wherein the first data signal latched at the third node while the second node is decoupled from the third node.
US08143922B2
A sampling circuit for sequential sampling of a broadband periodic input signal having a field effect transistor as a nonlinear component to which a pulsed-shaped sampling signal is supplied, by which sampling is activated so that an output signal is produced. In this way, a sampling circuit is attained which is economical, technically durable and which can be used in a versatile and simple manner.
US08143913B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit judges whether a power unit is performing a discharge operation or a charge operation. To reduce clock skew between a plurality of logic blocks in the semiconductor integrated circuit, when the power unit is performing the charge operation, the semiconductor integrated circuit determines a logic block that needs to be operated for the execution of a target process, as an operation block whose operation is to be started, and, determines, in the rest of the logic blocks, a logic block having a termination rate whose value is larger than a value of the minimum termination rate, as the operation block whose operation is to be started, the value of the termination rate being larger by more than a predetermined value.
US08143906B2
Methods for making and systems employing pressure and temperature sensors are described. Embodiments include a capacitive element including a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate. Each plate includes a conductor layer formed on a substrate. In a pressure sensor embodiment, seal is positioned at or near the edges of the conductor plates, and a gas retained in a gap defined between the plates. In a temperature sensor embodiment, the gap defined between the plates is in fluid communication with the external environment.
US08143905B2
An in-mold molding touch module includes a plastic film, a touch circuit and a molding rind. The plastic film includes an inner surface and an outer surface for handling and touching. At least one region of the inner surface and a corresponding region of the outer surface define a touch area. The touch circuit is arranged on the inner surface in the touch area. The molding rind is integrated on the inner surface by an in-mold injecting mode to contain the touch circuit for forming a one-piece body. In addition, the invention also provides a method for manufacturing an in-mold molding touch module.
US08143901B2
A test apparatus includes an up counter, a down counter, a selector that selects either an up counter output from the up counter or a down counter output from the down counter, an inversion circuit that inverts either the counter output selected by the selector or the counter output nonselected by the selector, and a comparison circuit that compares the counter output inverted by the inversion circuit and the other counter output.
US08143894B2
A method for operating a resonance measuring system, in particular a Coriolis mass flowmeter, an oscillation element is excited to oscillation and the oscillations of the oscillation element are detected by an oscillation sensor and are formed as at least one response signal of a respective eigenform. Orthogonal projection components of the response signal are created, at least a first value corresponding to an eigenfrequency of the resonance measuring system is determined with at least a part of the alternating components of the projection components, at least a second value corresponding to the eigenfrequency of the resonance measuring system is determined with at least a part of the constant components of the projection components and the first and the second value correspondents are used for exciting the resonance measuring system with at least one control in at least one control loop in the eigenform corresponding to the eigenfrequency.
US08143893B2
Systems and methods for reducing an amount of space occupied by a radio frequency coil assembly in a magnetic resonance imaging system are provided. In one embodiment, a radio frequency coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a radio frequency coil disposed cylindrically around a patient space and a radio frequency shield disposed cylindrically around the patient space and electrically coupled to the axial ends of the radio frequency coil. The radio frequency shield may be configured to extend behind the radio frequency coil, and the axial length of the radio frequency shield may be at least two times the axial length of the radio frequency coil.
US08143892B2
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for suppression of venous artifacts from superior tagging in flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery. The systems may include an image capture device and a controller. The controller may be configured to cause the image capture device to perform a labeling experiment, capture a first image of a slice of body tissue, perform a control experiment, and capture a second image of the slice of body tissue. The systems may be configured to perform a ninety (90) degree RF saturation pulse directed to a portion of body tissue that is superior to the first slice of body tissue imaged during at least one of the labeling experiment and/or the control experiment, and to apply a spoiler gradient subsequent to the saturation pulse during at least one of the labeling experiment and/or the control experiment.
US08143891B2
A system uses a three-dimensional spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence for fat suppression with reduced total acquisition time suitable for acquiring image data under breath-hold conditions using a reversed asymmetry during data acquisition on an opposed phase echo. A system reduces RF pulse repetition time in an MR imaging pulse sequence in an MR imaging device. The system includes an RF pulse generator for generating an RF excitation pulse sequence having a pulse repetition interval. A read-out gradient magnetic field generator generates an asymmetric read-out gradient magnetic field having a readout gradient mid-point occurring prior to an RF echo pulse peak. The RF echo pulse peak is received in response to a generated RF excitation pulse.
US08143889B2
The disclosure provides echo planar imaging (EPI) based single-shot imaging techniques for acquiring spin-EPI (SEPI) and stimulated-EPI after a single RF excitation. In certain embodiments, the SEPI and STEPI acquired in a singleshot are used to compute a T1 map in realtime, which can be used for realtime monitoring of concentrations of paramagnetic-ion based contrast agent in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. In certain embodiments, B1 field inhomogeneity correction is provided for the STEPI. In certain embodiments, a gradient-EPI (GEPI) is also acquired after the single RF excitation providing singleshot SEPI, GEPI and STEPI acquisition. In certain embodiments, the phase difference between the SEPI and GEPI is used to compute temperature-dependent chemical shift in a subject in realtime. The temperature-dependent chemical shift can be used to monitor temperature changes in the subject in realtime, for example, during a heat treatment to control the dosage of heat energy.
US08143885B2
An inspection system for detecting flaws on a moving metal (e.g., steel) bar coordinates the operation of an eddy current testing (ECT)-based flaw detection apparatus and an imaging-based flaw detection apparatus. The ECT-based flaw detection apparatus and the imaging-based flaw detection apparatus are disposed along a movement path in a predetermined relationship with each other, for example, as a predetermined fixed offset distance therebetween. A synchronizing mechanism synchronizes the output data streams from the two flaw detection apparatuses based on the predetermined relationship, so as to align the data streams as function of the axial position on the metal bar. A processing unit is configured to process the synchronized data streams for the detection of flaws, which are then also synchronized (axial position). The synchronization permits a variety of cross-referencing operations, such a flaw verification as to the existence of flaws, as well augmenting imaging-based flaws with flaw depth information from the ECT-based apparatus.
US08143883B2
A magnetic angular-position sensor is mounted between two carrier elements that are movable in rotation relative to each other about an axis of rotation. The sensor has firstly a magnetic body defining a working zone in which there extends a magnetic field having field lines perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and secondly a detector member having at least one probe extending in the working zone of the magnetic member in order to provide a signal as a function of the angular orientation of the probe relative to the field lines in the working zone. The magnetic member has two parallel magnet segments and two elongate pole pieces of ferromagnetic material extending perpendicularly to the magnet segments and covering the ends thereof.
US08143878B2
A bandgap circuit, a starter circuit, and a monitoring circuit for a bandgap circuit including a bandgap reference circuit having a first branch and a second branch, the first branch having a first node, the second branch having a second node, such that a potential at the first node is equal to a potential at the second node in an equilibrium of the bandgap reference circuit. The bandgap reference circuit further having a feedback node for a feedback signal and a feedback circuit coupled to the first and second nodes and adapted to provide a feedback signal to the feedback node based upon a comparison of the potentials at the first and second nodes.
US08143856B2
A bi-directional inverter-charger including a bridge rectifier and DC-to-DC conversion components. The inverter-charger may be connected between an alternating current source, e.g., an AC line, and a direct current source, e.g., a battery pack. The DC-to-DC conversion components may include boost and buck circuits that are switchably configured between a charge mode and an inverter mode such that common components are used in both charge and inverter configurations. In the charge configuration, a full wave rectified signal from the H-bridge is up converted by the boost circuit, and the buck circuit controls charge current to the direct current source. In the inverter configuration, the boost circuit up converts the direct current voltage source, and the buck circuit controls the current and its form to the bridge circuit so that the bridge circuit may be connected directly with the AC source.
US08143844B2
The charging circuit includes an antenna circuit receiving radio waves, a rectifier circuit rectifying AC voltage generated in the antenna circuit to generate DC voltage, and a power supply circuit adjusting the magnitude of the DC voltage and charging a rechargeable battery using the adjusted DC voltage. The charging device may further include a charge control circuit controlling the power supply circuit so as to prevent overcharge of the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be charged by application of DC voltage to a pair of terminals, or it may be charged wirelessly in such a manner that an oscillation circuit and an output antenna circuit are additionally provided.
US08143842B2
The E-Grid Sub-Network Load Manager operates to regulate the demands presented by the vehicles to the associated Sub-Network thereby to spread the load presented to the service disconnect over time to enable the controllable charging of a large number of vehicles. The load management can be implemented by a number of methodologies, including: queuing requests and serving each request in sequence until satisfaction; queuing requests and cycling through them, partially serving each request, then proceeding to the next until the cyclic partial charging service has satisfied all requests; ordering requests pursuant to a percentage of recharge required measurement; ordering requests on an estimated connection time metric; ordering requests on a predetermined level of service basis; and the like. It is evident that a number of these methods can be concurrently employed thereby to serve all of the vehicles in the most efficient manner that can be determined.
US08143841B2
A solar powered charging shelter and system and method thereof. The shelter includes a metal standing seam roof and a flush mounted metal frame. The top of the roof has a plurality of solar units that provide power to at least a plurality of retractable electrical outlets or receptacles coupled to either the bottom of the roof or the metal frame. The retractable electrical outlets or receptacles are to provide power to or charge various electrical systems.
US08143840B2
A device for controlling an induction motor includes a voltage/frequency controller, a pulse width modulation controller, and a converter. The voltage/frequency controller receives a controlling frequency, and outputs a controlling voltage corresponding to the controlling frequency. The pulse width modulation controller receives the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency, and generates PWM signals according to the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency. The converter receives the PWM signals, and controls the induction motor according to the PWM signals. There is a predetermined relationship between the controlling voltage and the controlling frequency stored in the voltage/frequency controller. The controlling voltage is greater than zero in response to the controlling frequency being zero, and increasing the controlling frequency increases the controlling voltage as in the predetermined relationship.
US08143838B2
A phase current estimation apparatus for a motor capable of suitably improving estimation accuracy of phase currents is provided. The phase current estimation apparatus 10 of the motor includes a control unit 24 that decomposes a command voltage vector Vdq into two vector components V′dq in the case where a magnitude of the command voltage vector Vdq is less than a predetermined lower limit voltage Vlow, so that the command voltage vector Vdq is allowed to have the magnitude equal to or more than the predetermined lower limit voltage Vlow for every two adjacent periods in units of a period of a carrier signal and to have the phase outside a predetermined phase range including phases of reference voltage vectors. Accordingly, the control unit 24 can quantitatively analyze harmonic components, which are generated by decomposing the command voltage vector Vdq into the two vector components V′dq, by using mathematical equations.
US08143834B2
A method and a circuit for controlling an ac machine comprises controlling a full bridge network of commutation switches which are connected between a multiphase voltage source and the phase windings to switch the phase windings between a parallel connection and a series connection while providing commutation discharge paths for electrical current resulting from inductance in the phase windings. This provides extra torque for starting a vehicle from lower battery current.
US08143831B2
The invention to an electronic control system, controlled by a pulse width-modulated signal (SG) related to earth, for regulating the voltage (Umot) across a high-side load (M), in particular a fan control unit for motor vehicles. The circuit part that converts the pulse width-modulated signal (SG) into the reference input variable (U−) needed for the regulation uses the positive potential of the supply voltage (V2) as reference potential, so that the reference input variable (U−) is likewise related to the positive potential of the supply voltage and the control signal (SG) is converted by means of a Zener diode (D1) and by means of a resistor (R5) connected parallel to the Zener diode (D1) into a control signal related to the positive supply potential and is further converted with a low pass filter (R7, C1) into a linear control signal, which serves as input reference variable (U−).
US08143828B2
A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat.
US08143826B2
A drive control circuit includes: an original drive signal generator generating an original drive signal based on a positional signal indicating a relative position of a first member and a second member of an electric motor; an excitation ratio signal generator generating an excitation ratio signal indicating a ratio of excitation interval to non-excitation interval of coils of the electric motor based on a speed signal indicating a relative speed of the first member and the second member of the electric motor; an excitation interval signal generator generating a binary excitation interval signal specifying the excitation interval and the non-excitation interval of the coils of the electric motor based on the positional signal and the excitation ratio signal; and a mask circuit generating a drive signal for driving the electric motor by masking part of the original drive signal based on the excitation interval signal.
US08143825B2
A control system includes a position control module, a power control module, and a diagnostic module. The position control module applies a driving current for positioning a rotor of a motor at one of first and second positions. The power control module applies a first voltage to one of first and second phases of the motor to generate a first current after the position control module applies the driving current to position the rotor at the first position. The power control module applies a second voltage to one of the first and second phases to generate a second current after the position control module applies the driving current to position the rotor at the second position. The diagnostic module determines when the rotor is restricted from rotating based on the first and second currents.
US08143823B2
The present invention discloses that the output end of the electric motor capable of being operated in bidirectional rotation is transmitted to the input end of different rotating speed ratio and direction output transmission device, and it is through the output end of the different rotating speed ratio and direction output transmission device to further provide different directional rotating output for driving the rotating load, wherein the user can operatively control the driving input direction to provide different rotating directional different speed change ratio output in different driving input direction.
US08143820B2
A motor control device operable to rotate a motor based on an actuated direction of an operation knob of an operation switch in a direction corresponding to the actuated direction has direction selector switches provided corresponding to respective actuated directions of the operation knob, and open/close elements provided between the direction selector switches and a power supply. Each of the open/close elements is turned on when a control current is supplied thereto. When the operation knob is actuated, the direction selector switch corresponding to the actuated direction is turned on, a control current is supplied from the power supply to the open/close element connected to the relevant switch, and the predetermined open/close element is turned on. A drive current that flows from the power supply into the motor through a current carrying path of the open/close element is controlled according to a ON/OFF status of each of the open/close elements.
US08143816B2
An apparatus for use in a process to regulate power for a particle accelerator includes a first circulator, a second circulator, a tee coupled between the first and the second circulator, and a tuner coupled to the tee. An apparatus for use in a process to regulate power for a particle accelerator includes a first circulator, a second circulator, a 3-dB coupler coupled between the first and the second circulator, and a tuner coupled to the 3-dB coupler.
US08143813B2
In controlling an ambient lighting element, a category of data being rendered by a host is identified, ambient lighting data associated with the identified category is retrieved, and the retrieved ambient lighting data is rendered in correspondence with the rendered data. The retrieved ambient lighting data may be an ambient light script arranged to determine temporal portions of ambient lighting data. The ambient lighting data may be associated with the category based on user input. A sub-category of the data may be identified and the retrieved ambient lighting data may be modified with additional ambient lighting data associated with the sub-category. An association of a category with ambient lighting data may be edited by a user. A default association of a category to ambient lighting data may be provided.
US08143811B2
Lighting devices are configured to communicate with one another and with external systems. Sensors located at such lighting devices communicate with the external systems and with others of the lighting devices. Lighting is controlled to maintain safety, to drive customer traffic within a retail facility, or to conserve energy. An application programming interface provides a common mechanism for control of various lighting device types.
US08143810B2
A LED driver arrangement including a switching-mode stage to produce a drive current for feeding a LED from a DC input; a current sensor for the current fed to the LED for producing a feedback signal; error amplifier circuitry for generating a control signal from the feedback signal; and control circuitry sensitive to the control signal to control the switching-mode stage so that the drive current fed by the switching-mode stage to the LED corresponds to the LED current. An opto-coupler feeds the control signal to the control circuitry, and the opto-coupler having associated biasing circuitry to increase current on the opto-coupler when the LED current decreases. The opto-coupler is configured to saturate when the drive current reaches a minimum level. There is also an auxiliary supply voltage for the control circuitry to keep the auxiliary supply voltage above a minimum level when the opto-coupler is saturated.
US08143809B2
A LED illuminating device includes: a power source device, a controller, an LED lighting device, and an LED unit 4 incorporating LEDs of a plurality of emission colors. The device is configured to mix the lights of the LEDs at an arbitrary proportion and set the lights in an arbitrary color mixture proportion on the basis of a dimming signal from the controller. The device is further configured so that: a coefficient specific to the LED unit at which an emission color of the LED unit becomes a desired color can be set to a signal value of the controller preliminarily set as a standard. The LED lighting device can control an emission amount of the LEDs having the respective emission colors by using a value calculated by a calculation expression employing the specific coefficient.
US08143805B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an LED ballast circuit for dimming one or more LEDs using a phase controlled dimmer switch. The LED ballast circuit has a power conditioning unit which includes a substantially fixed duty cycle clock for outputting a clock cycle and a transformer configured to store energy and discharge a substantial portion of the stored energy once per clock cycle in order to power one or more LEDs. The LED ballast circuit and load collectively behave like a resistor.
US08143801B2
An electrodeless plasma lamp and method of generating light are described. The lamp may comprise a lamp body, a source of radio frequency (RF) power and a bulb. The lamp body may comprise a solid dielectric material and at least one conductive element within the solid dielectric material. The source of RF power is configured to provide RF power and an RF feed configured to radiate the RF power from the RF source into the lamp body. The bulb is positioned proximate the lamp body and contains a fill that forms a plasma when the RF power is coupled to the fill from the lamp body. The at least one conductive element is configured to concentrate an electric field proximate the bulb.
US08143800B2
A circuit for driving a load includes a power line, converter circuitry, and a controller. The power line is operable for providing an input current and an input voltage. The converter circuitry coupled to the power line is operable for converting the input voltage to a regulated voltage to drive the load, and for providing a current detection signal indicating whether a converter current flowing through the converter circuitry drops to a predetermined level. The controller coupled to the converter circuitry is operable for correcting a power factor of the circuit based on the current detection signal and the input voltage such that a waveform of the input current follows a waveform of the input voltage.
US08143789B2
An illumination system includes an LED lamp, a timer, a controlling circuit, a driving circuit and a power source electrically connected together. The timer produces different signals to the controlling circuit at different periods, thereby driving the LED lamp to lighten with different brightness. A light or movement sensor is further electrically connected to the LED lamp to work together with the timer. The sensor cooperating with the timer, detects light or movement of an object to drive the LED lamp to lighten for a while with a corresponding brightness.
US08143784B2
A display device includes a transparent plate having a first area and a second area, a first conductive line on the second area of the transparent plate, a substrate having a third area and a fourth area on the first area of the transparent plate, a display element on the third area of the substrate, and a second conductive line on the fourth area of the substrate. The second conductive line is electrically coupled between the display element and the first conductive line, and the first and second conductive lines are on different planes.
US08143783B2
A display apparatus for displaying indications using liquid crystal or Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that includes a 12-segment display, including a first segment horizontally disposed with an inverted trapezoidal shape, a second segment disposed under the right end of the first segment with a parallelogram shape, a third segment disposed under the second segment with an isosceles triangle shape, a fourth segment disposed under the third segment with a parallelogram shape, a fifth segment horizontally disposed beside the bottom end of the fourth segment with a trapezoidal shape, a sixth segment disposed over the left end of the fifth segment with a parallelogram shape, a seventh segment disposed over the sixth segment with an isosceles triangle shape, an eighth segment with a parallelogram shape, ninth and tenth segments horizontally disposed between the triangular segments with a square shape, and eleventh and twelfth segments respectively disposed over and under the ninth segment with a square shape.
US08143781B2
The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent compound containing fluorenyl group and a display device using the same, more precisely the organic electroluminescent compound. The organic electroluminescent compound of the present invention is characterized by upgraded excellent EL property compared with the conventional host materials.
US08143780B2
An organic electroluminescent structure has a first electrode, a first primary color luminescent patterned layer disposed on the first electrode, a second primary color luminescent patterned layer disposed on the first electrode, a third primary color luminescent and electron transport layer disposed on the first electrode, the first primary color luminescent patterned layer and the second primary color luminescent patterned layer, and a second electrode disposed on the third primary color luminescent and electron transport layer.
US08143776B2
An image display apparatus includes a rear plate including an electron-emitting device; and a luminescent screen including a plurality of light-emitting members, a plurality of anode electrodes positioned so as to overlap the light-emitting members, a partition wall member positioned between the light-emitting members adjacent to each other, a stripe-shaped resistance member electrically connecting the anode electrodes adjacent to each other and being positioned on the partition wall member, and a feeding electrode electrically connecting the resistance member to a power supply, wherein the feeding electrode is, on a mesh-shaped base adjacent to the partition wall member, in contact with the resistance member and a terminal of the power supply circuit.
US08143775B2
In one embodiment of the present invention, an electron/photon source is disclosed based on field emission, cathodoluminescent and photo-enhanced field emission, including an evacuated chamber inside a housing, further including an anode and a cathode arranged inside the evacuated chamber. Furthermore, the cathode is arranged to emit electrons when a voltage is applied between the anode and cathode, the anode being arranged to emit light at a first wavelength range when receiving electrons emitted from the cathode, and a wavelength range converting material arranged to receive the emitted light of the first wavelength range and emit light at a second wavelength range. In a novel way, an embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to, in two steps, convert the electrons emitted from the cathode to visible light. The invention has shown to be advantageous, and makes it possible to select new emission materials, manufactured at a fraction of the cost associated with the earlier used materials where the electron to visible light conversion was done in one step.
US08143774B2
According to example embodiments, a method for manufacturing a field emission cathode includes providing a liquid compound comprising a liquid phenolic resin and at least one of a metal salt and a metal oxide arranging a conductive cathode support in a vicinity of the liquid compound, and heating the liquid compound. Heating the liquid compound transforms the liquid compound into a solid compound foam.
US08143770B2
An LED bulb structure having an insertion end includes a first electrically conducting pin, a second electrically conducting pin having a die pad at an end thereof, and an LED unit electrically connected to the first electrically conducting pin and the second electrically conducting pin through a first leading wire and a second leading wire, respectively, and a cap enclosing the above-mentioned components and leaving part of the first electrically conducting pin and the second electrically conducting pin exposed thereoutside. The first and second electrically conducting pins are adapted to form bayonet connections. An LED bulb structure having a heat dissipation element has the heat dissipation element attached to the pin portions of the electrically conducting pins. An LED bulb structure having a heat-and-electricity separated element further has a thermally conducting pin.
US08143765B1
In one aspect, the invention relates to a headset that includes an element that generates energy in response to forces. The headset includes at least one vibratable piezoelectric element; a first circuit element in electrical communication with the at least one vibratable piezoelectric element; and a signal processing element, the signal processing element disposed within the headset and at least partially energized by mechanical changes in the vibratable piezoelectric element.
US08143764B2
A first conductive polymer film, a plate-shaped first porous member, a second conductive polymer film, and a plate-shaped second porous member are stacked on one another, and the adjacent members are connected with each other on first end portions so as to form a zigzag pattern. The first and second porous members each have an ionic solution injected thereinto so as to function as an electrolyte retention layer, so that operations can be carried out with tensions being always maintained upon both of the expansion and the contraction, and rigidity and a driving force can be exerted in both of the contracting and expanding directions.
US08143757B2
The present invention achieves reductions in the weight and size of a general purpose engine provided for a power generation application. An optional external apparatus can be attached to one shaft part of a rotary shaft, and an axial gap type motor/generator constituted by a power generating rotor (inner rotor) and a stator is attached integrally to another shaft part of the rotary shaft.
US08143751B2
A rotor unit includes a substantially circular plate shaped cover portion, a rotor hub including a lower cylinder portion, and a magnetic field generating member attached on the lower cylinder portion. An annular salient portion is provided on the lower surface of the cover portion 31. The annular salient portion lies radial inwards of the lower opening of the through-hole of the cover portion and protrudes downwards in the shape of a ring whose center coincides with the central axis. The magnetic field generating member includes a rotor magnet and a back iron covering the outer surface and upper surface of the rotor magnet. When the magnetic field generating member is mounted to the rotor hub, the upper portion of the back iron comes in contact with the annular salient portion, which determines the axial position of the magnetic field generating member.
US08143743B2
A method of controlling an uninterruptible power supply apparatus (UPS) is provided. The UPS apparatus includes at least an AC input voltage, a DC input voltage and a single-phase AC/AC converter. The single-phase AC/AC converter includes an AC inductor, a bus capacitor, a boost arm, a common arm and a buck arm. The method includes steps of: controlling the bus voltage to have a DC component and full-wave rectifying component, and setting a bus voltage parameter K so that the bus voltage approaches to a full-wave rectifying voltage when K approaches to 1, wherein 0≦K≦1.
US08143737B2
A tubular housing includes at least one fixed helical vane formed onto the inner surfaces of the tubular housing in a spiral and adapted to direct fluid into a spiraled flow and focus fluid onto a fan blade assembly associated with an alternator system and located within the tubular housing before a system exhaust. A generator cone can be mounted near the center and front of the fan blade assembly facing fluid passing through the tubular housing. As fluid passes over the generator cone it experiences compression between the generator cone and housing resulting in increased pressure and velocity of the fluid, thereby increasing rotational speed of the generator blades and generator as the compressed, spiraled fluid passes through the blades and exits the tubular housing. The system can be used for fixed or mobile applications in water, wind and manually induced fluid flow.
US08143728B2
An electronic board includes: a substrate; and a wiring pattern provided on the substrate and having a part that forms a resistance element, the part having wiring specifications that are different from those of other parts.
US08143725B2
A semiconductor device includes a first interconnect 31; a second interconnect 32 which is formed in a different interconnect layer from that of the first interconnect 31, and which has a wider line width than that of the first interconnect 31; and first and second plugs 51 and 52 which are formed in a region where the first and second interconnects 31 and 32 extend in the same direction so as to overlap one above the other, and which electrically connect the first and second interconnects 31 and 32. The first plug 51 has a larger base area than that of the second plug 52, and is formed on an end side of the first interconnect 31 with respect to the second plug 52.
US08143724B2
This invention prevents a break in a signal wire disposed between wire ends due to attenuation and improves production yields of devices. In a standard cell, a first signal wire extends in a first direction. Second and third signal wires extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and are facing each other across the first signal wire. The second and third signal wires have the widths larger than the width of the first signal wire.
US08143721B2
Devices and methods for their formation, including electronic assemblies having a shape memory material structure, are described. In one embodiment, a device includes a package substrate and an electronic component coupled to the package substrate. The device also includes a shape memory material structure coupled to the package substrate. In one aspect of certain embodiments, the shape memory material structure is formed from a material selected to have a martensite to austenite transition temperature in the range of 50-300 degrees Celsius. In another aspect of certain embodiments, the shape memory material structure is positioned to extend around a periphery of the electronic component. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08143712B2
A die package structure, which comprises: a first die; a second die; a core material layer, provided between the first die and the second die; at least one via, penetrating through the first die, the second die and the core material layer; a metal material, stuffing into the via, such that the first die the second die, and the core material layer can be electrically contacted with each other; at least a signal contacting unit, contacting the metal material; and a dielectric layer, enclosing the first die, including at least one breach exposing the signal contacting unit.
US08143711B2
An integrated circuit package system includes: a carrier; a device structure in an offset location over the carrier with the device structure having a bond pad and a contact pad; an electrical interconnect between the bond pad and the carrier; an anti-flash structure over the device structure with the anti-flash structure exposing the contact pad; and a package encapsulation adjacent to the anti-flash structure and over the carrier.
US08143706B2
Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices, and/or systems for forming a component having dielectric sub-layers are described.
US08143704B2
An electronic assembly includes an IC die including a semiconductor top surface having active circuitry thereon and a bottom surface, and at least one protruding bonding feature having sidewall surfaces and a leading edge surface extending outward from the IC die. A workpiece has a workpiece surface including at least one electrical connector and at least one framed hollow receptacle coupled to the electrical connector. The receptacle is formed from metal and includes sidewall portions and a bent top that defines a cavity. The bent top includes bent peripheral shelf regions that point downward into the cavity and towards the sidewall portions. The protruding bonding feature is inserted within the cavity of the receptacle and contacts the bent peripheral shelf regions along a contact area to form a metallic joint, wherein the contact area is at least primarily along the sidewall surfaces.
US08143692B2
A capacitance trimming circuit of a semiconductor device may include a plurality of capacitor layers and/or a plurality of fuses. The plurality of capacitor layers may be vertically stacked. The plurality of fuses may be arranged to correspond to the plurality of capacitor layers, and/or the plurality of fuses may be configured to select corresponding ones of the plurality of capacitor layers for controlling a capacitance of the plurality of capacitor layers.
US08143691B2
To provide a semiconductor device and a method of making the same, the device being capable of preventing decrease in the withstanding voltage along the direction perpendicular to the source-drain direction and thereby improving the resistance to an overvoltage (overcurrent), the device includes: a p-type semiconductor substrate 201; an n-type diffusion region 202; a p-type body region 206, a p-type buried diffusion region 204, and an n-type drift region 207 within the n-type diffusion region 202; an n-type source region 208 and a p-type body contact region 209 within the p-type body region 206; an n-type drain region 210 within the n-type drift region 207; a gate insulating film above the p-type body region 206; and a gate electrode 211 above the gate insulating film, where the region 204 extends away from the region 206 farther than the farther edge of the gate electrode 211 is along a cross section perpendicular to the source-drain direction.
US08143688B2
A device with increased photo-sensitivity using laser treated semiconductor as detection material is disclosed. In some embodiments, the laser treated semiconductor may be placed between and an n-type and a p-type contact or two Schottky metals. The field within the p-n junction or the Schottky metal junction may aid in depleting the laser treated semiconductor section and may be capable of separating electron hole pairs. Multiple device configurations are presented, including lateral and vertical configurations.
US08143682B2
Various method and system embodiments of the present invention are directed to implementing serial logic gates using nanowire-crossbar arrays with spintronic devices located at nanowire-crossbar junctions. In one embodiment of the present invention, a nanowire-crossbar array comprises a first nanowire and a number of substantially parallel control nanowires positioned so that each control nanowire overlaps the first nanowire. The nanowire-crossbar array includes a number of spintronic devices. Each spintronic device is configured to connect one of the control nanowires to the first nanowire and operate as a latch for controlling signal transmissions between the control nanowire and the first nanowire.
US08143680B2
A gated-diode semiconductor device or similar component and a method of fabricating the device. The device features a gate structure disposed on a substrate over a channel and adjacent a source and a drain. The top of the source or drain region, or both, are formed so as to be at a higher elevation, in whole or in part, than the bottom of the gate structure. This configuration may be achieved by overlaying the gate structure and substrate with a profile layer that guides a subsequent etch process to create a sloped profile. The source and drain, if both are present, may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. This configuration significantly reduces dopant encroachment and, as a consequence, reduces junction leakage.
US08143671B2
A semiconductor structure and associated method of formation. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a first doped transistor region of a first transistor and a first doped Source/Drain portion of a second transistor on the semiconductor substrate, a second gate dielectric layer and a second gate electrode region of the second transistor on the semiconductor substrate, a first gate dielectric layer and a first gate electrode region of the first transistor on the semiconductor substrate, and a second doped transistor region of the first transistor and a second doped Source/Drain portion of the second transistor on the semiconductor substrate. The first and second gate dielectric layers are sandwiched between and electrically insulate the semiconductor substrate from the first and second gate electrode regions, respectively. The first and second gate electrode regions are totally above and totally below, respectively, the top substrate surface.
US08143668B2
Performance of a semiconductor device having a MIS transistor is improved. A semiconductor device includes: a pair of source/drain regions each formed by stacking a semiconductor layer on a main surface of a silicon substrate; a sidewall insulating film covering each sidewall of the source/drain regions; a gate electrode arranged so as to interpose a gate insulating film on the main surface of the silicon substrate at a position sandwiched by the sidewall insulating films in a plane; and extension regions formed to extend from a portion below and lateral to the gate electrode to a portion below and lateral to each of the source/drain regions, wherein a sidewall of the sidewall insulating film being adjacent to the gate insulating film and the gate electrode has an inclination of a forward tapered shape.
US08143667B2
A memory cell of a non-volatile memory device, comprises: a select transistor gate of a select transistor on a substrate, the select transistor gate comprising: a gate dielectric pattern; and a select gate on the gate dielectric pattern; first and second memory cell transistor gates of first and second memory cell transistors on the substrate at opposite sides of the select transistor, each of the first and second memory cell transistor gates comprising: a tunnel insulating layer pattern; a charge storage layer pattern on the tunnel insulating layer pattern; a blocking insulating layer pattern on the charge storage layer pattern; and a control gate on the blocking insulating layer pattern; first and second floating junction regions in the substrate between the select transistor gate and the first and second memory cell transistor gates respectively; and first and second drain regions in the substrate at sides of the first and second memory cell transistor gates respectively opposite the first and second floating junction regions respectively. Methods of formation thereof are also provided.
US08143666B2
A semiconductor device with an amorphous silicon (a-Si) metal-oxide-nitride-oxide-semiconductor (MONOS) memory cell structure. The device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer overlying the substrate, and one or more source or drain regions embedded in the dielectric layer with a co-planar surface of n-type a-Si and the dielectric layer. Additionally, the device includes a p-i-n a-Si diode junction. The device further includes an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) charge trapping layer overlying the a-Si p-i-n diode junction and a metal control gate overlying the ONO layer. A method for making the a-Si MONOS memory cell structure is provided and can be repeated to expand the structure three-dimensionally.
US08143659B2
A capacitor is described which includes a substrate with a doped area of the substrate forming a first electrode of the capacitor. A plurality of trenches is arranged in the doped area of the substrate, the plurality of trenches forming a second electrode of the capacitor. An electrically insulating layer is arranged between each of the plurality of trenches and the doped area for electrically insulating the trenches from the doped area. The doped area includes first open areas and at least one second open area arranged between neighboring trenches of the plurality of trenches, wherein the at least one open area is arranged below the at least one substrate contact. A shortest first distance between neighboring trenches is separated by the first open areas and is shorter than a shortest second distance between neighboring trenches separated by the at least one second open area.
US08143658B2
The present invention relates to a nanostructured device for charge storage. In particular the invention relates to a charge storage device that can be used for memory applications. According to the invention the device comprise a first nanowire with a first wrap gate arranged around a portion of its length, and a charge storing terminal connected to one end, and a second nanowire with a second wrap gate arranged around a portion of its length. The charge storing terminal is connected to the second wrap gate, whereby a charge stored on the charge storing terminal can affect a current in the second nanowire. The current can be related to written (charged) or unwritten (no charge) state, and hence a memory function is established.
US08143656B2
Provided are a high-performance one-transistor floating-body DRAM cell device and a manufacturing method thereof. The one-transistor floating-body DRAM cell device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a gate stack which is formed on the semiconductor substrate; a control electrode which is formed on the semiconductor substrate and surrounded by the gate stack; a floating body which is formed on the control electrode that is surrounded by the gate stack; source/drain which are formed at left and right sides of the floating body; an insulating layer which insulates the source/drain from the semiconductor substrate and the control electrode; a gate insulating layer which is formed on the floating body and the source/drain; and a gate electrode which is formed on the gate insulating layer. In the cell device having a double-gate structure, charges can be stored in a non-volatile manner by the control electrodes, so that it is possible to improve a degree of integration of devices, a uniformity of characteristic, and a sensing margin.
US08143655B2
A fabrication process for a trench Schottky diode with differential oxide thickness within the trenches includes forming a first nitride layer on a substrate surface and subsequently forming a plurality of trenches in the substrate including, possibly, a termination trench. Following a sacrificial oxide layer formation and removal, sidewall and bottom surfaces of the trenches are oxidized. A second nitride layer is then applied to the substrate and etched such that the second nitride layer covers the oxide layer on the trench sidewalls but exposes the oxide layer on the trench bottom surfaces. The trench bottom surfaces are then re-oxidized and the remaining second nitride layer then removed from the sidewalls, resulting in an oxide layer of varying thickness being formed on the sidewall and bottom surfaces of each trench. The trenches are then filled with a P type polysilicon, the first nitride layer removed, and a Schottky barrier metal applied to the substrate surface.
US08143653B2
A phase-change random access memory device is provided. The phase-change random access memory device includes a global bit line connected to a write circuit and a read circuit, multiple local bit lines, each being connected to multiple phase-change memory cells, and multiple column select transistors selectively connecting the global bit line with each of the multiple local bit lines, each column select transistor having a resistance that varies depending on its distance from the write circuit and the read circuit.
