Abstract: A method of reducing power consumption of a radio badge in a localization system is disclosed, in which the radio badge is carried by a tracked target and is provided with a pedometer for detecting a footstep count of the tracked target. The method includes: estimating a velocity of the radio badge according to the footstep count detected by the pedometer; calculating a sleep time from the velocity of the radio badge; and controlling the radio badge to discontinue emitting radio signals during the sleep time. An indoor localization system that performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A phase change memory device includes a plurality of phase change structures, each with a phase change material layer, disposed on a semiconductor substrate, a first protective layer formed to cover surfaces of the plurality of phase change structures, an atom adsorption enhancement layer formed on a surface of the first protective layer, and a second protective layer formed on a surface of the atom adsorption enhancement layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method and system for facilitating the exchange of information between interconnected processors in environments requiring high performance and high reliability. In an exemplary embodiment, the source sends input to the target and expects output from the target in return. A manager in communication with both the source and the target receives and initiates a storage of the information in nonvolatile memory. The manager concurrently forwards the information to its proper destination. If the manager receives output from the target before completion of the input storage, the manager cancels the input storage because it is no longer needed to ensure system reliability. If the manager receives acknowledgement from the source that the target output has been received before completion of the output storage, the manager cancels the output storage because it is no longer needed to ensure system reliability. Related embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A power control circuit includes a check unit that receives a reference clock and generates a check signal for cyclically activating a feedback loop of a DLL circuit, a phase detecting unit that detects a phase difference between the reference clock and a feedback clock, and generates a phase difference detection signal, and a signal combining unit that generates a power cutoff signal in response to a locking completion signal, the check signal, and the phase difference detection signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a distributed computing system having a service-oriented architecture. The system is configured to receive workloads from client applications and to execute workloads on service hosts. The distributed computing system dynamically assigns the workloads to the applications running on the service hosts, with the workloads being assigned according to the service needs and the availability of service hosts and other resources on the system. The presently disclosed systems and methods provide for high-throughput communications through an asynchronous binary or a synchronous binary communications protocol. Further disclosed embodiments include flexible failover and upgrade techniques, isolation between execution users of the system, virtualization through mobility and the ability to grow and shrink assigned resources, and for a software development kit adapted for the present architecture.

Abstract: A video decoder capable of generating a check data in response to a data selection code for debugging is disclosed. The video decoder includes a plurality of functional blocks, wherein each said plurality of functional blocks has a output signal to be used as an input signal for a next stage functional block; a multiplexer (209) that receives a plurality of data extracted from said plurality of output signals from said plurality of functional blocks, and outputs one of said plurality of data according to said data selection code; and a check logic (210) that generates said check data by calculating one of said plurality of data outputted from said multiplexer.

Abstract: An interactive virtual agent (avatar) system includes a plurality of databases configured to store at least one of client specific information and non-client specific information, internal resources configured to provide access to information sources, the character interface configured to receive information from a user, and respond to the user with information based on the received information, a processing engine coupled with the client knowledge database, the basic knowledge database, the internal resources, and the character interface.

Abstract: A memory device comprises an array of memory cells each capable of storing multiple bits of data. Each memory cell includes a programmable transistor in series with a resistance switching device. The transistor is switchable between a plurality of different threshold voltages associated with respective memory states. The resistance switching device is configured to be switchable between a plurality of different resistances associated with respective memory states.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes a test fuse unit for generating a test fuse signal in response to a test mode signal during a test time and generating a test fuse signals according to a fuse cutting after a termination of the test time, a combination signal generating unit for storing a test signal and inactivating a combination signal when the test mode signal is inactivate and for outputting the stored test signal as the combination signal when the test mode signal is activate, and a code signal generating unit for activating a test code signal when one of the test fuse signal and the combination signal is activated.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit equipped with an equalizer which has a circuit structure simpler than that of a related equalizer according to an FFE scheme or a DFE scheme and is capable of preventing a noise component from being amplified. The data receiver includes a plurality of receiver units, wherein each receiver unit includes a plurality of level detectors which detect different levels, and an encoder, in which the level detectors receive data according to a clock signal having a predetermined phase difference and perform an amplification operation including an equalization function based on feedback data, thereby outputting an amplification signal, and wherein level detectors of one receiver unit receive an amplification signal, as the feedback data, from level detectors of another receiver unit that receives a first clock signal having a phase more advanced than a phase of a second clock signal received in one receiver unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin whose securing means includes a “braid” of absorbent material. The braid structure maximizes absorbency, while minimizing bulk and thus allows the pad to be comfortably held in place during use, in much the same way that the popular underwear are held.

Abstract: An infant swing is provided with a swing lock that can desirably block oscillating motion of the seat portion. The infant swing comprises a support frame and that has front and rear leg frames defining two lateral sides and respectively coupled with at least a hinge structure. At least one of the two lateral sides includes a swing arm pivotally coupled with the support frame via a pivot assembly. The swing lock is movably mounted with the pivot assembly, which includes a coupling hub provided with first and second engaging portions. The swing lock includes a latch bolt having a key movable relative to the coupling hub. When the key of the latch bolt engages with the second engaging portion, a distal end of the latch bolt is engaged through the hinge structure for locking rotation of the swing arm relative to the support frame.

Abstract: A stroller comprises a support frame and a handle, and a seat assembled between the support frame and the handle. A front leg is coupled with a rear leg via a first pivot link, and a side segment of the handle is movable relative to the front and rear leg. The seat has a front portion pivotally connected with the front leg, and a rear portion pivotally connected with the side segment of the handle. The side segment is in stable abutment against a contact region of the support frame adjacent to the first pivot link for supporting the seat. For folding the stroller, the handle is moved in a first direction that raises the side segment above the support frame for displacing the contact region of the support frame in a forward direction to a disengaged position out of reach for the lower end portion of the side segment.

Abstract: An output enable signal generating circuit for a semiconductor memory apparatus includes an output control unit configured to receive CAS latency information and to generate an output control signal having enable timing according to a DLL on/off mode, and an output enable signal output unit configured to receive the output control signal and to output an output enable signal in response to a read command and a DLL clock signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for redeeming virtual coupons by associating the coupons with a consumer and a payment system associated with the consumer. In some embodiments, the method includes distributing the enabled promotional offers, from one or more source sites, via the electronic contact addresses for the plurality of consumers, such that the promotional offers can be electronically accepted by at least some of the particular consumers with whom they are identified without redeeming the accepted offers. The method further includes electronically receiving a redemption of the promotional offer by means of the consumer's presentment of the associated payment system for purchasing the subject matter of the accepted promotional offer.

Abstract: A data relay apparatus according to one embodiment described herein can include a phase detection unit that can detect a phase difference between a clock output from a transmitter and a clock output from a receiver, and generate a plurality of phase detection signals, a data relay control unit that can distinguish a difference in clock timing between the clocks of the transmitter and the receiver in response to the plurality of phase detection signals, and output a relay data selection signal and a relay control clock, and a data relay unit that can transmit data output from the receiver to the transmitter in response to the relay data selection signal and the relay control clock.