Abstract: Techniques for header encoding include encoding a plurality of bits using a forward error correction code, generating an FEC codeword comprising a plurality of encoded bits, and concatenating a first copy of the FEC codeword with a second copy of the FEC codeword, wherein the concatenating comprises cyclically shifting by two bits the second concatenated copy of the FEC codeword relative to the first concatenated copy of the FEC codeword, wherein the encoded bits of the first and second copies of the FEC codewords are modulated on at least one OFDM symbol. techniques for header decoding include receiving a plurality of encoded bits comprising at least two concatenated copies of an FEC codeword, decoding a first copy of the FEC codeword to generate a first plurality of decoded bits, and decoding a second copy of the FEC codeword to generate a second plurality of decoded bits.

Abstract: A technique for controlling the quality of one or more compressed images. The technique allows, for example, the selection of a target quality metric(s) and the compression of the image(s) such the compressed image(s) meets the metric(s). Alternatively, a target quality metric can be specified, and the image(s) compressed using parameters estimated to achieve the target quality. Optionally, the quality metric can also be made available to, for example, a user on an image processing system. The quality metrics can be, for example, for one or more layers, one or more images and/or one or more image sequences.

Abstract: A system and method for correlating events between protocol layers of a protocol stack of a network device includes detecting, at a first protocol layer, an occurrence of a first event associated with one or more data units received by the network device over physical media. A first times-tamp is associated with the first event. At a second protocol layer, an occurrence of a second event associated with the one or more data units is detected The second protocol layer is at a higher protocol layer of a protocol stack than the first protocol layer. A second timestamp is associated with the second event. A determination is made whether there is a correlation between the first and second events based on the first and second timestamps. Causation of the second event at the second protocol layer may be attributable to the first event at the first protocol layer.

Abstract: A method to achieve an accurate, extremely low power state classification implementation is disclosed. Embodiments include a sequence that matches the data flow from the sensor transducer, through analog filtering, to digital sampling, feature computation, and classification.

Abstract: Through the use of a least squares minimization concept, the loop length, the number of bridged taps and length of the bridged taps on a transmission line can be determined from readily available modem data. In particular, the loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of bridged taps can be estimated by comparing a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a loop that is comprised of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps.

Abstract: A ridge flow based fingerprint image quality determination can be achieved independent of image resolution, can be processed in real-time and includes segmentation, such as fingertip segmentation, therefore providing image quality assessment for individual fingertips within a four finger flat, dual thumb, or whole hand image. A fingerprint quality module receives from one or more scan devices ridge-flow—containing imagery which can then be assessed for one or more of quality, handedness, historical information analysis and the assignment of bounding boxes.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a performance of a communication link in a data communication system comprises mapping performance of a communication link, as characterized by metrics computed at a first protocol layer in a network device, to quality of the communication link as characterized by metrics computed at a second protocol layer in the network device. The second protocol layer is higher than the first protocol layer in a protocol stack running on the network device. A setting of one or more communication link controls at the first protocol layer is adjusted to attain a given communication link performance at the first protocol layer that, according to the mapping between the communication link performance at the first protocol layer and the quality of the communication link at the second protocol layer, corresponds to a target quality of the communication link at a second protocol layer.

Abstract: A handheld test device includes a keypad having keys associated with tests that can be performed on a subscriber line. The keys are arranged in rows to correspond intuitively with networking layers of the subscriber line and with an order in which to test those layers. Keys of a first row are associated with testing at a physical layer, of a second row with testing at a DSL layer, and of a third row with testing at a service layer. The test device is connected to the subscriber line at a location between CO and CPE, and powered on. In response to being powered on, without technician involvement, the test device automatically detects at least one of CO equipment and CPE on the subscriber line, and trains the test device with the detected equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods acquire and/or generate multiple different images of the same biometric identity, identify specific instances of biometric features in each of the different images, and merge the identified specific instances of biometric features into a data record that provides a digital representation of the biometric identity. Examples of biometric identities include fingerprints, handprints, palm prints, and thumbprints. In one embodiment, a counter is associated with each specific instance of a biometric feature found in the multiple images. Specific instances of biometric features found most frequently have high counts and are indicative of true identifications; those with low counts are indicative of false identifications. A threshold distinguishes between true and false identifications. Those specific instances with counts below the threshold are excluded when the digital representation of the biometric identity is generated.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for constructing objects within a cache system thereby allowing the cache system to respond to requested objects that are not initially available within the cache system. One embodiment of the invention caches image files, where the images are divided into components and stored in a format that allows identification and access to the components. The cache system determines that an object, such as an image file, is missing from the cache memory, locates sufficient components from the cache memory and/or external storage, and constructs the object from the located components.

Abstract: Through the use of a least squares minimization concept, the loop length, the number of bridged taps and length of the bridged taps on a transmission line can be determined from readily available modem data. In particular, the loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of bridged taps can be estimated by comparing a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a loop that is comprised of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: A transceiver is designed to share memory and processing power amongst a plurality of transmitter and/or receiver latency paths, in a communications transceiver that carries or supports multiple applications. For example, the transmitter and/or receiver latency paths of the transceiver can share an interleaver/deinterleaver memory. This allocation can be done based on the data rate, latency, BER, impulse noise protection requirements of the application, data or information being transported over each latency path, or in general any parameter associated with the communications system.

Abstract: There are several exemplary ways to more efficiently communicate an out-of-domain seed to a receiver—in a first technique, the seed can be indicated in the header portion or data portion of a packet. For example, the header portion of the packet could contain one or more bit fields that indicate the value of the LFSR seed used for the preamble portion of the packet. The receiver would learn the out-of-domain seed after receiving a first out-of-domain packet and decoding the header portion of that packet. After learning the out-of-domain seed, the receiver could send a packet indicating the value of the out-of-domain seed to the local master. The local master could then transmit the value of the out- of-domain seed in the header portion or data portion of a local MAP frame.

Abstract: There is a need for a forensic diagnostic capability to facilitate a greater understanding of why xDSL transceivers are subject to otherwise inexplicable service interruptions during Showtime (steady state data transmission mode). In certain exemplary embodiments, diagnostic data from a previous Showtime is stored and then communicated to another transceiver and/or reported (or communicated) to a management entity. The stored diagnostic data can be used to determine why the service interruption occurred. In other embodiments, one or more portions diagnostic data from a last Showtime are stored. In additional embodiments, this diagnostic data is collected immediately prior to exiting Showtime and/or retraining (the “last” data collected prior to exiting Showtime and/or retraining).

Abstract: Using DSL modems as data collectors, the modems processes the data to, for example, allow easier interpretation of the line characteristics. In particular, the modems postprocess the data including calibration, filter compensation, determination of the SNR medley from the bits and gains tables and rate conversion. The interpretation process uses the postprocessed data and determines loop characterization, interferer detection, a data reduction estimation and a data rate estimation. The outputs of these determinations least allow for the characterization of the line conditions between the two modems.

Abstract: A system allocates shared memory by transmitting/receiving a message specifying a maximum number of bytes of memory that are available to be allocated to an interleaver. The system determines an amount of memory required by the interleaver to interleave a first plurality of RS coded data bytes within a shared memory and allocates a first number of bytes of the shared memory to the interleaver to interleave the first plurality of RS coded data bytes for transmission at a first data rate. The system also allocates a second number of bytes of the shared memory to a deinterleaver to deinterleave a second plurality of RS coded data bytes received at a second data rate and interleaves the first plurality of RS coded data bytes within the shared memory allocated to the interleaver and deinterleaves the second plurality of RS coded data bytes within the shared memory allocated to the deinterleaver.

Abstract: Upon detection of a trigger, such as the exceeding of an error threshold or the direction of a user, a diagnostic link system enters a diagnostic information transmission mode. This diagnostic information transmission mode allows for two modems to exchange diagnostic and/or test information that may not otherwise be exchangeable during normal communication. The diagnostic information transmission mode is initiated by transmitting an initiate diagnostic link mode message to a receiving modem accompanied by a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The receiving modem determines, based on the CRC, if a robust communications channel is present. If a robust communications channel is present, the two modems can initiate exchange of the diagnostic and/or test information. Otherwise, the transmission power of the transmitting modem is increased and the initiate diagnostic link mode message re-transmitted to the receiving modem until the CRC is determined to be correct.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect is to detect the presence of one or more types of faults affecting DSL communications. Upon their detection, a message can be generated that recommends corrective action. Furthermore, another exemplary aspect is to estimate the rate impact of the detected fault in some cases. One exemplary aspect of certain embodiments is to detect the presence of one or more faults that affect DSL communications, and upon their detection, generating, for example, a message that recommends corrective action. In this context, a fault can be one or more metallic faults, malfunctioning modems, or something else that affects the measured attenuation but is not normally attributable to normal DSL transmission lines.