Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices are coupled to modified hubs (MHUBS) to form a local cluster. The MHUBS are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHUBS obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers and asynchronous data transfers from ethernet devices with an allocation of reserved bandwidth will be allowed. The ethernet switch sends a periodic isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Bandwidth remaining after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.

Abstract: A method may include selectively coupling a result line to a reference node in response to a compare data value being applied to a plurality of compare cell circuits; precharging the result line to the precharge potential by enabling a first precharge path while the compare data value is being applied; and after precharging the result line by enabling the first precharge path, disabling the first precharge path to place it in a high impedance state.

Abstract: A method of automatically detecting and correcting halo artifacts within a processed image is described. The method computes a two-dimensional (2D) gradient field of the original image and a 2D gradient field of the processed image. Each gradient field includes a gradient vector corresponding to each pixel. To detect halo artifacts, the gradient vector at each pixel of the original image is compared to the gradient vector at the corresponding pixel of the processed image. A halo artifact is determined to exist at a given pixel if a direction of the two corresponding gradient vectors differs by at least a specified threshold. To correct the halo artifacts, a composite gradient field is generated using one of three correction methods. A final image is generated by integrating the newly generated composite gradient field using known integration methods from a 2D gradient field such as ones based on the Fast Fourier Transform.

Abstract: A miniature camera module comprising: a module frame comprising a surface with a conduit passing through the surface, thereby allowing light to pass through the surface via the conduit; a first blade coupled to the module frame and configured to rotate about a first axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first blade does not eclipse the conduit at all when in the open position and the first blade at least partially eclipses the conduit when in the closed position; a first solenoid coupled to the module frame; and a first pin coupled to the first solenoid, wherein an actuation of the first solenoid causes the first pin to rotate the first blade from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the module includes additional blades, solenoids and pins.

Abstract: A method of placing a content addressable memory (CAM) into a low current state is disclosed. The CAM can include at least one storage location that does not store valid data for a compare operation and includes a plurality of CAM cells, each CAM cell having at least two data controllable impedance paths arranged in parallel with one another. The method can include configuring the majority of the CAM cells to store data values that maintain the corresponding at least two data controllable impedance paths in high impedance states.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital photo frame including: a control module; a display panel electrically connected to the control module and displaying an image; a first front frame having a first and a second surfaces; and a plurality of swing fasteners mounted on the second surface. Each of the swing fasteners is composed of a first arm and a pivot connecting thereto. The first arm pushes against the display panel when the display panel is attached to the front frame. At least one of the swing fasteners has a second arm and a hollow portion thereon, and the digital photo frame is hung on a support by the hollow portion. The design of swing fastener makes the interchangeability of different front frames possible, and the replaced front frame can be wedged in another size-suitable display panel or form a traditional photo frame with a photograph and a rear board.

Abstract: A detachable material wrapped around a strap of a footwear guards against blister formation, provides comfort and a softer feel against a foot, and to add aesthetic value. In one embodiment, the detachable material is a strip made of self-fastening material. In another plurality of loops. The detachable material is reusable and adjustable.

Abstract: Self Restoring Logic (SRL) provides for SEU tolerance in high speed circuits. An SRL cell is designed to be stable in one of two internal states. Upon an SEU event, the SRL cell will not transition between the internal stable states and recover from an SEU. SRL circuits are realized with SRL storage cells driving succeeding SRL storage cells directly or through combinational logic such that the corruption of any one internal state variable in the driving SRL cell and it's the associated combinational output logic can affect at most one internal state variable of the succeeding SRL cell. An SRL circuit does not allow propagation of single SEU faults.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna is provided. The microstrip antenna includes a first substrate with a first surface and a second surface paralleled to each other, a metal ground plane with an aperture disposed on the first surface and exposing parts of the first substrate via the aperture and a metal feed line disposed on the second surface, the metal feed line has at least two intersections with the aperture on a horizontal projection plane, in order to feed a signal received or transmitted by the microstrip antenna.

Abstract: The dual-band antenna is provided. The dual-band antenna includes an impedance matching control element, a first connection part, a first radiation element, a second radiation element, and a ground element. The first radiation element operates in a first frequency band, is connected to the impedance matching control element, and extends along a first direction having an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first connection part. The second radiation element operates in a second frequency band. The ground element is electrically connected to the impedance matching control element and the second radiation element.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a compensation signal for a power converter where the second harmonic ripple on the voltage bus is substantially removed from the compensation signal. The apparatus comprises a frequency-locked clock generator, a bus voltage data generator, a stack, and a compensation signal generator. The frequency-locked clock is coupled to the power converter voltage bus that contains harmonics of the AC line frequency. The clock generator frequency locks to the second harmonic of the AC line frequency and creates a system clock which is used for the synchronous operations throughout the apparatus. The bus-voltage data generator inputs a power converter scaled-bus voltage, generates bus-voltage data at a sampling rate which is determined by the coupled system clock. The output of the bus-voltage generator is input into a stack.

Abstract: A method of reducing computations utilizing a threshold to increase efficiency and speed of a video encoder is described. Computations of transform and scaling processes of a video encoder are able to be streamlined by utilizing one or more thresholds stored within one or more lookup tables. A selected threshold is compared with a value before scaling. If the value before scaling is less than the threshold, it is known that the coefficient will be zero and thus no further computations are required. Furthermore, the coefficient is set to zero. If the value before scaling is greater than the threshold, then further calculations are performed. The method is able to be extended to eliminate computations in forward transform as well. By skipping computations when the coefficient is zero, the method eliminates wasted computation power and time.

Abstract: A method of and system for calibrating an imaging device is described herein. An iterative method that attempts to find the best calibration parameters conditional upon an error metric is used. Regression is used to estimate values in a color space where the calibration is performed based upon a training data set. More calculation steps are required than would be for a regression in raw RGB space, but the convergence is faster in the color space where the calibration is performed, and the advantages using boundary conditions in the color space is able to provide improved calibration.

Abstract: A two dimensional/three dimensional (2D/3D) digital acquisition and display device for enabling users to capture 3D information using a single device. In an embodiment, the device has a single movable lens with a sensor. In another embodiment, the device has a single lens with a beam splitter and multiple sensors. In another embodiment, the device has multiple lenses and multiple sensors. In yet another embodiment, the device is a standard digital camera with additional 3D software. In some embodiments, 3D information is generated from 2D information using a depth map generated from the 2D information. In some embodiments, 3D information is acquired directly using the hardware configuration of the camera. The 3D information is then able to be displayed on the device, sent to another device to be displayed or printed.

Abstract: A method of producing a fixed-bed catalyst with nano-scale structure using a nano-powder production reactor and a filter, the method comprising: introducing a starting powder into the reactor, wherein the starting powder comprises catalyst material; the reactor nano-sizing the starting powder, thereby producing an output, wherein the output comprises a nano-powder entrained in a fluid stream, the nano-powder comprising a plurality of nano-particles, each nano-particle comprising the catalyst material; introducing the output from the reactor to the filter structure, wherein the filter structure is fluidly coupled to the reactor; the filter structure separating the nano-particles from the fluid stream, wherein the fluid stream flows through the filter structure, while the filter structure collects the nano-particles, thereby forming a structured collection of catalytic nano-particles on the filter structure; and removing the filter structure from the reactor, wherein the structured collection of catalytic nano-

Abstract: A leadframe for use in fabricating a no lead semiconductor package contains connecting bars between individual electrical contact pads. For embodiments having a die pad, the leadframe further includes connecting bars between the contact pads and the die pad. The lower surfaces of the connecting bars are coplanar with the lower surfaces of the contact pads and/or the die pad, and the upper surfaces of the connecting bars are recessed with respect to the upper surfaces of the contact pads and/or the die pad. The semiconductor package is fabricated by encapsulating the die and the leadframe in a molding compound and then removing the connecting bars. The leadframe is typically formed by half etching a metal sheet to form the connecting bars. The connecting bars are removed from the encapsulated package by a selected cutting, sawing, or etching means, based on a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for remote and secure access to a host computer, and which further provides an open application standard for client access to the host computer.

Abstract: A method and system for buying and selling services online includes a process for custom services, a commodity process and a collaborative workspace on a website. The process for custom services includes the posting by a buyer of specific criteria for a desired service, the bidding by a seller to preform the service, and the selection of a seller by the buyer. The commodity process includes the posting by a seller of a service offering, the posting by the buyer of requirements for the purchase of the service offering, and the purchase of a service offering by the buyer. The commodity process may also include an optimization process that provides the buyer with an optimized list of service offerings. The collaborative workspace includes communication tools, a file structure, workbenches and project management tools used by the buyer and seller for facilitating the setup, development and release of one or more services.

Abstract: A packet radio network comprising a gateway support node, a serving support node and a radio network controller provides a facility for communicating internet packets with mobile user equipment. The gateway support node provides a packet data protocol context for controlling communication of internet packets between the packet radio network and mobile user equipment via a packet communications bearer. The serving support node connected to the gateway support node controls communications between the gateway support node and mobile user equipment forming the packet communications bearer. The radio network part provides a radio access bearer for communicating internet packets via a radio access interface with mobile user equipment. In response to a request message, the serving support node with the gateway support node establishes a common packet data protocol context with a packet communications bearer to communicate packets.