Abstract: A pointing device/mouse having a keypad integrated thereon. Other embodiments relate to a pointing device/mouse having a virtual keypad activation mechanism, which, when activated, causes a virtual keyboard to appear on a computer screen of a tablet or similar device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to fingerprint scanning. Specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sided fingerprint scanning device on a card (e.g., credit card, smart card, etc.), an associated energy-efficient method for attaining accurate fingerprint information using a multiple charge-coupled biometric sensor array. In a typical embodiment, a scanning device will be provided that includes a scanning area comprised of a set (e.g., at least one) of imaging pixel electrodes (e.g., arranged adjacent to one another in a grid-like or other fashion). As a user presses his/her finger against the scanning area, a portion of the finger will contact a plurality of electrodes. When this occurs, a voltage source of the device will apply a first voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes. A meter of the device will take a first electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a processor design that enables controller and I/O device power reduction and optimization. In a typical embodiment, a processing core is coupled to a set (e.g., three) of I/O blocks. The processing core provides for selective activation and/or deactivation of any of the I/O blocks. Two of the I/O blocks are coupled to individual voltage I/O components as well as individual external circuits. In one embodiment, the individual external circuits are coupled to individual voltage control components.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to data cache processing. Specifically, the present invention relates to a system that provides reconfigurable dynamic cache which varies the operation strategy of cache memory based on the demand from the applications originating from different external general processor cores, along with functions of a virtualized hybrid core system. The system includes receiving a data request, selecting an operational mode based on the data request and a predefined selection algorithm, and processing the data request based on the selected operational mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an adaptive and intelligent fingerprint scanning device and approach for a multi-sided card. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention utilize DC resistive image scanning to reduce overall scanning time and energy consumption (e.g., by identifying a targeted scanning area). In a typical embodiment, a scanning device will be provided that includes a scanning area comprised of a set (e.g., at least one) of imaging pixel electrodes (e.g., arranged adjacent to one another in a grid-like or other fashion). As a user presses his/her finger against the scanning area, a first portion of the finger will contact a first electrode while a second portion of the finger will contact a second electrode. When this occurs, a voltage source of the device will apply an initial voltage across the first and second finger portions. A meter of the device will take an electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) across the two finger portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a semiconductor sensor reliability system and method. Specifically, the present invention provides in-situ positioning of a reliability sensor (hereinafter sensors) within each functional block, as well as at critical locations, of a semiconductor system. The quantity and location of the sensors are optimized to have maximum sensitivity to known process variations. In general, the sensor models a behavior (e.g., aging process) of the location (e.g., functional block) in which it is positioned and comprises a plurality of stages connected as a network and a self-digitizer. Each sensor has a mode selection input for selecting a mode thereof and an operational trigger input for enabling the sensor to model the behavior. The model selection input and operation trigger enable the sensor to have an operational mode in which the plurality of sensors are subject to an aging process, as well as a measurement mode in which an age of the plurality of sensors is outputted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging-based radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder. Specifically, the transponder includes a photo-responsive cell for capturing an image; and an analysis component. The photo-responsive cell captures images of objects. Once captured, the analysis component is configured to: determine whether the RFID transponder has sufficient power to analyze the image; analyze the image on the RFID transponder if sufficient power exists; and/or transmit data corresponding to the image to an RFID reader for analysis in the event the RFID transponder has insufficient power to analyze the image. Where quality of the image and/or performance of the transponder are less than desirous, any number of corrective approaches can be taken. For example, the setup of the transponder can be adjusted, the range readout can be reduced, the integration time per pixel of the image can be increased, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to fingerprint scanning. Specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sided fingerprint scanning device on a card (e.g., credit card, smart card, etc.), an associated energy-efficient method for attaining accurate fingerprint information using a multiple charge-coupled biometric sensor array. In a typical embodiment, a scanning device will be provided that includes a scanning area comprised of a set (e.g., at least one) of imaging pixel electrodes (e.g., arranged adjacent to one another in a grid-like or other fashion). As a user presses his/her finger against the scanning area, a portion of the finger will contact a plurality of electrodes. When this occurs, a voltage source of the device will apply a first voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes. A meter of the device will take a first electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for secure error detection and synchronous data tagging for high-speed data transfer (e.g., utilizing a set of SSD memory disk units). Specifically, in a typical embodiment, the system comprises a SSD memory disk unit in communication with a device driver. A first encoded communication stream will be generated with the device driver and sent via PCI-based channel (e.g., full duplex) to the SSD memory disk unit. The stream is received, synchronized, and decoded on the SSD memory disk unit. In turn, the SSD memory disk unit can generate and send a second encoded communication steam to the device driver.

Abstract: Among other things, the disclosure is applied to a generic microprocessor architecture with a set (e.g., one or more) of controlling/main processing elements (e.g., MPEs) and a set of groups of sub-processing elements (e.g., SPEs). Under this arrangement, MPEs and SPEs are organized in a way that a smaller number MPEs control the behavior of a group of SPEs using program code embodied as a set of virtualized control threads. The apparatus includes a MCP coupled to a power supply coupled with cores to provide a supply voltage to each core (or core group) and controlling-digital elements and multiple instances of sub-processing elements. In accordance with these features, virtualized control threads can traverse the physical boundaries of the MCP to control SPE(s) (e.g., logical partitions having one or more SPEs) in a different physical partition (e.g., different from the physical partition from which the virtualized control threads originated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for authorizing the use of a biometric transaction card. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a biometric card having a biometric sensor to determine whether the biometric information (fingerprint) is from human skin. In a typical embodiment, the cardholder approaches a magnetic reader with the card. The user places his/her finger on the SpO2 sensor of the card. The sensor estimates the SpO2 level. Card authorization is based, in part, on the estimated SpO2 level.

Abstract: An improved solution for telephonic voice authentication and display is provided. A method of identifying conference call participants includes detecting a sound made by one of conference call participants; identifying this conference call participant based on the sound; and then displaying an attribute of the conference call participant to one of the other conference call participants. The attribute may include a picture, a name, and/or other information related to the identified conference call participant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention implement dynamic elements within a RFID card. Specifically, the embodiments update card information dynamically, using a biometric image scanner (e.g., for scanning a fingerprint passively). The scanner is activated only when a user intends to use it with a designated reader by bringing the RFID card within the reader RF field range, thus preventing unauthorized reader's RFID scan. Even if an unauthorized reader comes into contact with the RFID card, the reader cannot read the user's biometric information, unless the user holds the card for use by the reader. Thus, unauthorized biometric information scanning is effectively prevented. The medium owned and controlled by the user collects a biometric fingerprint image for safety and security.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention provide approaches for providing power to RFID transponders. In one embodiment, the RFID transponder is powered using a magnetic field generated by power lines. In another embodiment, the RFID transponder is powered using a field generated by a wireless network. In the case of the latter, the RFID transponder acts as a member of the wireless network. In so doing, the RFID transponder is granted user rights and controls, and can control devices that are available on the network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and program product for deploying, allocating and providing backup for an autonomic sensor network ecosystem. Under the present invention, the autonomic sensor network ecosystem includes: (1) a set (e.g., one or more) of sensor networks for storing data components; (2) a set of sensor collector information gateways in communication with the sensor networks; and (3) a set of enterprise gateways and storage hubs (hereinafter enterprise gateways). Each sensor network includes a set of sensor peers and at least one super peer. The super peer manages the sensor network and communicates with the set of sensor collector information gateways. The autonomic sensor network ecosystem of the present invention is deployed and allocated in such a manner that backup and resiliency is provided.

Abstract: Specifically, under the present invention an available on-chip memory is coupled to another logic core or memory (e.g., cache) unit using a set of cache managers. Specifically, each cache manager is coupled to the input and output of a cache memory unit. This allows the assigned memory to become an extension of the same level cache, next level cache memory, or memory buffer. This also allows the recovery of a memory block whose logic core is not operational, and is used to improve cache memory performance of the system. It should be understood in advance the teachings herein are typically applied to a Multi-Core Processor (MCP), although this need not be the case.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to data cache processing. Specifically, the present invention relates to a system that provides reconfigurable dynamic cache which varies the operation strategy of cache memory based on the demand from the applications originating from different external general processor cores, along with functions of a virtualized hybrid core system. The system includes receiving a data request, selecting an operational mode based on the data request and a predefined selection algorithm, and processing the data request based on the selected operational mode.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention provide a card (e.g., identification, debit card, credit card, smart card, etc.) having a dynamic information display panel integrated therein. The display panel is typically activated when user uses the card. This can occur when the card is swiped, and/or is powered up via an integrated energy panel (e.g., by an external light source). Alternatively, the card can be powered by RFID coupling, smart IC contact, battery, etc. Upon powering up, displayed information is used to: identify the user; and/or show private information to user only. Along these lines, displayed information can remain in card memory and/or on the display until next transaction, or it can be deleted after a programmed duration.

Abstract: The present invention takes advantage of unused storage space within the ESS cells to provide for the efficient and cost effective storage of downloadable content. Specifically, the system of the present invention generally includes a download grid manager that communicates with the ESS cells. Content to be replicated to the ESS cells, and characteristics corresponding thereto, are received on the download grid manager from a content owner (or the like). Based on the characteristics, a storage policy, and storage information previously received from the ESS cells, the download grid manager will replicate the downloadable content to unused storage space within the ESS cells.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus, computer architecture, method, operating system, compiler, and application program products for MPEs as well as virtualization in a symmetric MCP. The disclosure is applied to a generic microprocessor architecture with a set (e.g., one or more) of controlling elements (e.g., MPEs) and a set of groups of sub-processing elements (e.g., SPEs). Under this arrangement, MPEs and SPEs are organized in a way that a smaller number MPEs control the behavior of a group of SPEs. The apparatus enables virtualized control threads within MPEs to be assigned to different groups of SPEs for controlling the same. The apparatus further includes a MCP coupled to a power supply coupled with cores to provide a supply voltage to each core (or core group) and controlling-digital elements and multiple instances of sub-processing elements.