Abstract: A receiver in a data read channel has an input terminal for receiving an input signal provided by a transmitter of the data read channel, and produces an output signal at an output terminal. The receiver includes a finite impulse response (FIR) filter coupled to the input terminal and having filter coefficients capable of being adapted, an interpolated timing-recovery circuit coupled to an output of the FIR filter, the timing-recovery circuit having an output signal coupled to the output terminal of the receiver, and a timer circuit coupled to the output terminal and feedback connected to the timing-recovery circuit, wherein the coefficients of the timing-recovery circuit are dynamically adapted using a cost weighted function through a signal power spectrum of the data read channel.

Abstract: A vertical conduction power electronic device package and corresponding assembly method comprising at least a metal frame suitable to house at least a plate or first semiconductor die having at least a first and a second conduction terminal on respective opposed sides of the first die. The first conduction terminal being in contact with said metal frame and comprising at least an intermediate frame arranged in contact with said second conduction terminal.

Abstract: A programmable circuit receives configuration data from an external source, stores the firmware in a memory, and then downloads the firmware from the memory. Such a programmable circuit allows a system, such as a computing machine, to modify the programmable circuit's configuration, thus eliminating the need for manually reprogramming the configuration memory. For example, if the programmable circuit is an FPGA that is part of a pipeline accelerator, a processor coupled to the accelerator can modify the configuration of the FPGA. More specifically, the processor retrieves from a configuration registry firmware that represents the modified configuration, and sends the firmware to the FPGA, which then stores the firmware in a memory such as an electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Next, the FPGA downloads the firmware from the memory into its configuration registers, and thus reconfigures itself to have the modified configuration.

Abstract: A portable game system that contains an LCD touchscreen that displays 3D player-controlled characters moving in a simulated 3D game world and viewed from variable 3D viewpoints. The LCD touchscreen displays autostereoscopic images (without using glasses) so that a game player can reach into the game world and move virtual objects in 3D by pointing to them using the autostereoscopic touchscreen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is footwear having an ankle support. The footwear has a sole, an upper, and a heel section. The ankle support is worn to surround part of the foot and part of the leg between which an ankle joint is located, wherein a lower portion of the ankle support is secured to an interior of the footwear. According to this invention, the wearer's ankle joint moves together with the ankle support without being constrained by the footwear, thus ensuring the flexible movement of the ankle, therefore allowing unrestricted motion. Further, the lower portion of the ankle support is attached to the interior of the footwear, thus allowing the wearer's ankle to be supported by both the footwear and the ankle support, therefore efficiently supporting the ankle, even when large shocks are applied to the ankle due to intense activity.

Abstract: An optical network terminator of the present invention includes an optical wavelength division multiplexer for receiving an optical signal and incoherent light. An optical detection unit converts a downstream high speed and low speed optical signals into electrical signals. A laser diode converts an upstream signal into an optical signal. A high speed driving unit is supplied with power from a power supply unit to drive a forward-biased laser diode and establish a data and video channel. A high speed reception unit is supplied with the power to receive a downstream data and video channel. A charging unit outputs charged power at the time of a power failure. A low speed driving unit is supplied with the charged power to reverse-bias the laser diode to establish a voice channel. A low speed reception unit is supplied with the charged power to receive a voice channel.

Abstract: A soft-computing method for establishing the dissipation law of the heat in a diesel Common Rail engine, in particular for establishing the dissipation mean speed (HRR) of the heat, includes the following steps: choosing a number of Wiebe functions whereon a dissipation speed signal (HRR) of the heat is decomposed; applying a Transform ? to the dissipation speed signal (HRR) of the heat; carrying out analysis of homogeneity of the Transform ? output; realizing a corresponding neural network MLP wherein the design is guided by an evolutive algorithm; and training and testing the neural network MLP.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for measuring the differential mode delay of multimode optical fiber. The apparatus includes a tunable laser source, an interferometer, a data collecting device, and a computer. The tunable laser source outputs light, frequencies of which vary linearly. The interferometer generates multimode light and single mode light by separating light, which is output from the tunable laser source, transmitting the multimode light and the single mode light to the multimode optical fiber, which is a measurement target, and a single mode path, which is a reference, and generating a beating signal by causing the multimode light and the single mode light to interfere with each other. The data collecting device collects the beating signal from the interferometer. The computer converts the frequency components of the beating signal into components in a time domain, and calculating the mode delay of the multimode light.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to automated methods and systems for converting image streams having a first frame rate to a second frame rate without the need for user intervention. Embodiments of the present invention obviate the effects of processing of a telecine process. In one embodiment, where frames are encoded by a single video field, a statistical analysis of the differences between adjacent frames reveals a telecine pattern, thereby identifying which frames to remove. In another embodiment, where frames are encoded by even and odd video fields, which are interleaved to produce the frame, a statistical analysis of the differences between adjacent fields reveals the telecine pattern, identifies which frames to remove, and identifies frames that are candidates for re-interleaving.

Abstract: A method for programming an electrically programmable memory including a plurality of memory cells arranged in individually-selectable memory cell sets each including at least one memory cell. The programming method includes causing the memory cells of a selected memory cells set to be brought into a predetermined, starting programming state. Receiving a target value for the first data bits groups of the memory cells of the selected memory cells set. Receiving a target value for the second data bits groups of the memory cells of the selected memory cells set. After having received the target values of both the first and the second data bits groups, applying to the memory cells of the selected memory cells set a programming sequence adapted to cause the memory cells of the selected memory cells sets to be brought into a target programming state jointly determined by the target values of the first and second data bits groups.

Abstract: A wireless electronic authentication device with an authenticating smart chip, a local radio communication circuit, an input circuit that receives user input, and a power supply, all housed in a portable housing. Preferably, the authentication device is a mobile telephone with an authenticating smart chip. The user enters a knowledge token, such as a password stated by voice or a personal identification number input at the keyboard, to indicate that he is both in possession of the authorization device and knows the critical information. The knowledge token may be entered in advance and merely confirmed by the user pressing a key on the keypad when a confirmation is requested. A method is provided for making use of the authentication device to perform authorizations. A similar method is disclosed for use in existing systems and then achieving a gradual transition from existing systems to the new authentication device.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device is proposed.

Abstract: In an automotive suspension, a supporting member supporting a wheel hub is connected mechanically to a frame of a car to move in a vertical direction with respect to the frame; movement of the supporting member in the vertical direction is opposed by a spring-shock absorber assembly connected mechanically on one side to the frame of the car, and on the other side to the supporting member by means of a coupling device of variable geometry, which is controlled selectively by an actuator for varying the geometry of the coupling device in such a manner as to vary a suspension ratio between vertical movement of the supporting member and a corresponding variation in length of the spring-shock absorber assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, etc., that that assist a print examiner to thoroughly search and compare a print or substantial portion thereof against a known print database contained within an AFIS system. In certain embodiments, the prints can be definitively matched to a corresponding same print in the database. A result of a more thorough search and comparison can be a higher hit score and accuracy rate. In certain embodiments, the database comprises a candidate list of previously obtained prints to assist in the identification.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the leveling device applying the optical interaction between a laser beam and a freely floating air bubble confined in a transparent, liquid-filled vial. When the air bubble is impacted by the laser beam, the curved surface of the air-bubble deflects the beam toward the end of the vial, where a photo-electric device is positioned. The photo-electric device activates a sound emitter such as a buzzer. The function of the level being based on the optical interaction between a laser beam and the curvature of an air-bubble, it is highly accurate and consistent. It is applicable for vertical and horizontal settings, has an adjustable arm for secure attachment to structural frames or other objects. No direct eye and manual contact with the device is needed while in operation.

Abstract: A method of indexing a plurality of dice obtained from a material wafer comprising a plurality of stacked material layers, each die being obtained in a respective die position in the wafer, the method including providing a visible index on each die indicative of the respective die position, wherein providing the visible index on each die includes: forming in a first material layer of the die a reference structure adapted to defining a mapping of the wafer; and forming in a second material layer of the die a marker associated with the reference structure, a position of the marker with respect to the reference structure being adapted to provide an indication of the die position in the wafer.

Abstract: Proprietary programs for execution in game systems or other computers are downloaded from an Internet server in encrypted form to protect the programs from unauthorized use. The encrypted programs can be decrypted and executed only in a secure cryptoprocessor that initially ordered the software for download. Unlike DRM protected music, video, and text, decrypted program instructions need never be revealed to users. Each cryptoprocessor contains a unique chip identifier that is transmitted to the server in encrypted form to control encryption of a random session key that controls decryption of the downloaded programs. Hence, each copy of the encrypted software is encrypted differently. If the crypto processor is in a cartridge, it can be manually unplugged from one computer or game system and plugged into another system.

Abstract: A portable game system that uses polygon graphics to generate a 3-D player character, or body part such as a hand, moving through a 3-D simulated game space for display on an LCD screen in the portable game system. Overlaying an LCD screen is a touch screen that senses the variable locations of a physical object, such as the player's finger, moving on the touchscreen so that motions of the displayed player character follow the motions of the touching object. Whenever the player character collides with a second object, motion of the player character deviates from the touchscreen-controlled motion in response to the collision.

Abstract: Various x-y input devices are disclosed that are adapted to allow a user to hold and operate the input device with a stress-reducing, open grip posture with the thumb pointing forward and on top of the device. One preferred embodiment discloses an input device for a computer comprising an x-y input sensor (such as a touchpad) positioned perpendicular to the thumb such that the user provides input with the thumb tip by using pivotal movement of the thumb. Various stress-reducing zero force touch switches are disclosed including zero force touch switches that can be adjusted to accommodate variations in user finger length. The mode of x-y cursor control can be altered through the use of x-y input sensor perimeter inputs. One preferred embodiment discloses a thumb actuated scroll select touch switch that alters the response to actuation of the finger actuated zero force touch switches from mouse button input to scroll wheel input.