Abstract: Improved approaches to matching sensitivities of microphones in multi-microphone directional processing systems. These approaches operate to adaptively match microphone sensitivities so that directional noise suppression is robust. As a result, microphone sensitivities remain matched not only over time but also while in actual use. These approaches are particularly useful for hearing aid applications in which directional noise suppression is important.

Abstract: Images such as mask layouts, signatures, and photographs are compared to identify similarities or dissimilarities in the images. Descriptions of the images use geometric shapes including lines, rectangles, and triangles to facilitate the comparisons and decrease comparison time and decrease stored data describing the shapes. Data for pixels in the shapes are pre-integrated to reduce arithmetic operations in the comparisons.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing color adjustments in display devices is disclosed The apparatus comprises a multi-resolution structure for providing color adjustments; and an interpolator for interpolating at least one offset of the multi-resolution structure. An apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention uses a combination of color look-up tables with different levels of resolution, followed by interpolation to provide a display process which has high resolution but utilizes minimal memory. In so doing, memory is used for high-resolution areas only where needed. The multi-resolution structure is a very good approximation to the theoretical mapping table in the areas where it is needed. At the same time, since the high resolution areas are localized, a significant reduction in memory storage is possible.

Abstract: Methods, code and apparatus analyze cell images to automatically identify and characterize the Golgi complex in individual cells. This is accomplished by first locating the cells in the image and defining boundaries of those cells that subsume some or all of the Golgi complex of those cells. The Golgi complex in the images typically have intensity values corresponding to the concentration of a Golgi component in the cell (e.g. a polysaccharide associated with the Golgi complex). The method/system then analyzes the Golgi components of the image (typically on a pixel-by-pixel basis) to mathematically characterize the Golgi complex of individual cells. This mathematical characterization represents phenotypic information about the cells' Golgi complex and can be used to classify cells. From this information, mechanism of action and other important biological information can be deduced.

Abstract: Redundant gateway methods, apparatus and systems use more than one gateway device in a gateway device group for communications directed outside of a LAN. Failover services are thus provided in the event that an active router or other gateway device fails. A failover monitoring unit includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The monitoring unit also includes gateway ports connected to the processor. Each gateway port is configured to connect a gateway device to the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit is configured to collect and store redundancy group data pertaining to a redundancy group comprising a plurality of gateway devices connected to the monitoring unit. The redundancy group includes an active gateway device and one or more standby gateway devices. The monitoring unit monitors the gateway ports to detect failure of an active gateway device. When a failure is detected, the monitoring unit notifies each redundancy group standby gateway device of the active gateway device failure.

Abstract: MRI signals from two species such as water and fat are separated by using two SSFP acquisitions (S1, S2) with the two species signals having two different phase differences (e.g., 180°, 90°) and binomial quadratic expansion in which the species are determined based on magnitude and sign of S1 and the magnitude of S2.

Abstract: A dual channel source measurement unit for reliability testing of electrical devices provides a voltage stress stimulus to a device under test and monitors degradation to the device under test caused by the stress simulator. The dual channel source measurement unit decouples the stress and monitor portions of the unit so that the requirements of each can be optimized. Deglitching and current clamp switches can be incorporated in the dual channel source measurement unit to prevent glitches in the switching circuitry and to limit or clamp current flow to or from the monitor and stress sources.

Abstract: A method and system for querying data sources. The query system provides a query definition for defining queries in a uniform manner. The query definition includes a query specification, a data source identifier, and optionally, one or more results transforms. The query definition may be stored as a data structure on computer-readable media, such as a CD-ROM. The query specification includes query text and parameters. The query text specifies the query expression that is to be applied to the identified data source to generate the results. The parameters specify portions of the query text that can be changed by a user before a query is executed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sending a registration request packet on behalf of a node that supports PPP but does not support Mobile IP is implemented in a Foreign Agent. The method comprises accepting a call from the node and receiving authentication information associated with a PPP authentication protocol from the node, the authentication information enabling a PPP node to be authenticated. From this authentication information, a PPP node profile is obtained. The PPP node profile includes registration information associated with the node that enables proxy registration to be performed by the Foreign Agent on behalf of the node, where the registration information associated with the node identifies a Home Agent associated with the node. The registration information may also include other information that may be pertinent to the composition of a registration request packet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing PCI Express support. A device includes a hard-coded transceiver configured to support protocols such as Fibre Channel and the 10 Gigabit Attachment Unit Interface (XAUI), but the transceiver does not fully support PCI Express. Interface circuitry is configured to supplement or replace hard-coded transceiver components to provide PCI Express support. Interface circuitry allows PCI Express cores to operate with the transceiver that does not fully support PCI Express.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for updating accounting information for a mobile node operating according to Mobile IP Protocol are disclosed. A network device which supports Mobile IP composes a request packet for the mobile node. The request packet identifies the mobile node and includes at least one counter associated with accounting information pertaining to the mobile node. The request packet is then sent to a server adapted for performing accounting. The server then logs the accounting information for the mobile node. The server may then send a reply packet to the network device acknowledging logging of the accounting information pertaining to the mobile node. A bill for Mobile IP services may then be generated from the accounting information.

Abstract: An ampoule for containing a specified amount of liquid inside to be used for a liquid atomizer has a tubular main body having an open front part including an outlet at one end and an open back part at an opposite end. A piston is inserted into the main body from the open front part in an airtight manner and is slidable axially inside the main body. Another piston is inserted into the main body from the open back part in an airtight manner so as to be slidable axially inside the main body. The two pistons form a reservoir in between for storing a liquid. The forwardly located piston has a weakened part on the side that faces the reservoir. As a sharp member extending from the other piston penetrates this weakened, the reservoir and the outlet become connected and the liquid inside the reservoir is discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically imaging an object includes an optical platen having an object receiving surface. The object receiving surface is directly illuminated by a first light source, and is illuminated by total internal reflection by a second light source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for interconnecting on-chip components, such as components on a programmable chip, with off-chip components through a variety of buses, fabrics, and input/output lines. Interconnection resources such as input/output lines are shared for communication with different off-chip components such as memory. Control circuitry and an arbitration fabric are provided to further improve communication efficiency between on-chip and off-chip components.

Abstract: A silicon dioxide-based dielectric layer is formed on a substrate surface by a sequential deposition/anneal technique. The deposited layer thickness is insufficient to prevent substantially complete penetration of annealing process agents into the layer and migration of water out of the layer. The dielectric layer is then annealed, ideally at a moderate temperature, to remove water and thereby fully densify the film. The deposition and anneal processes are then repeated until a desired dielectric film thickness is achieved.

Abstract: Multichip packages and methods for making same. The present invention generally allows for either the back of a flipchip, the back of a mother die, or both to be exposed in a multichip package. When the mother die is connected to the package contacts, the back of the flip chip is higher than the electrical connections. Accordingly, the back of the flip chip can be exposed. Furthermore, if a temporary tape substrate is used with a leadframe panel that does not have a die attach pad, the package can be even thinner. Once the temporary tape substrate is removed, both the back of the flipchip and the back of the mother die will be exposed from the encapsulant.