Abstract: A group call conferencing system and method is disclosed wherein a call to a Virtual Home Phone (VHP) number is processed by a Virtual Home Phone Session Control Function (VHPSCF) to ring all family or group member mobile phones. Any family member can answer the call through a conference bridge set up by the VHPSCF and other family members can participate in the call before the call ends by connecting to the conference bridge.

Abstract: A streaming media encoder for encoding and delivering media content is disclosed. The streaming media encoder has a media input interface for receiving a media stream, a media encoder for receiving the media stream from the input interface and encoding the media stream, thereby producing an encoded media stream. The media encoder has a first confidence monitor for displaying a video image from the received media stream, a second confidence monitor for displaying a video image from the encoded media stream, and a network interface for providing the encoded media stream to a network.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for condition based maintenance of electrical devices. In one example, the method includes receiving test data that represents an attribute of a tested electrical device. The received test data is classified as belonging to a client and added to a control set representing an aggregate of information from many clients. The received test data is processed using a sparse data process if the attribute is represented by two sets of test data, and is processed using an autoregressive process if the attribute is represented by three or more sets of test data. Both the sparse data process and the autoregressive process may use information from the client and the control set. A future value of the attribute is predicted based on the processing, and at least a representation of the future value is output.

Abstract: A method for connecting a mobile device with one of a plurality of wireless networks, involves initiating a registration of the mobile device with one of the plurality of wireless networks. A geographic position of the mobile device is determined with respect to at least one of the plurality of wireless networks. A connection is established to one of the plurality of wireless networks responsive to the determined geographic position of the mobile device.

Abstract: A DC to DC converter circuit includes circuitry for generating a PWM waveform signal at a phase node of a DC to DC converter responsive to an input voltage and a monitor output voltage. The circuitry further includes a high side switching transistor connected between the input voltage and a phase node and a low side switching transistor connected between the phase node and ground. An output filter is connected to the circuitry for generating the PWM waveform signal. The output filter includes an inductor having a first side connected to the phase node and a second side connected to an output voltage node. Detection circuitry detects zero current crossings in the inductor responsive to a voltage across the high side switching transistor and a voltage across the low side switching transistor.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for acquiring information to be transmitted to a receiving facility and for transmitting such thereto. A capture device captures information from a first source. A stamping device is provided for associating with the captured information a representation of the date and time of the capture of the information, such that the representation of the date and time information in association with the captured information forms augmented captured information. A data processing unit is provided for placing the augmented captured information in association with subscriber information in a transmission of the augmented captured information to a receiving facility requiring such subscriber information. A transmitter transmits the transmission including the augmented captured information and the subscriber information to said receiving facility. An encryptor encrypts the augmented captured information for transmission to said receiving facility.

Abstract: An input device for allowing interface to a web site in association with a unique input code. A method for interconnecting a first location on a global communication network with a second location thereon is disclosed. An input device is provided at the first location on the global communication network having associated therewith a unique input device ID. A product code disposed on a product is scanned with the input device, which product code is representative of the product in commercial transactions, the operation of scanning operable to extract the information contained in the product code to provide a unique value as an output. The unique value is then associated with the unique input device ID. In response to the operation of scanning and associating, the first location is connected to the second location.

Abstract: A system of analyzing and processing images. The image is processed using machine vision techniques to find shapes and objects in the image. In one embodiment, the system finds geometric shapes and textures in the images. In another embodiment, the image processor finds actual objects in the image. Each of these items may be replaced with an indication of the item, along with difference information indicating the difference between the actual object in the image, and the object stored in the database. The difference information may include scale information, rotation information, color information and others. The information in the database may also include sub indicia, such as information about different parts of the item, and/or information about other things that may exist in the image.

Abstract: A portable media encoder is disclosed. The portable media encoder comprises a video input port configured to receive a video input from a video source, an audio input port configured to receive an audio input from an audio source, and a digital output port for providing a digitized output stream corresponding to the received video input and audio input. The encoder has an encoding processor that converts the video input and the audio input into a streamable digital output format for transmitting through the digital output port, a set of control buttons communicatively coupled to the encoding processor and operable to provide encoding parameters to thereto, and a housing enclosing the encoding processor and providing at least one access panel providing user access to the video input port, the audio input port, the digital output port, and the set of control buttons. The housing having a size and configuration that allows the encoder to be hand carried by a single individual.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is provided that detects a frequency burst (FB) through analysis of the autocorrelation function of received signals. The system can accommodate the relatively large frequency offsets that are associated with less expensive reference frequency crystals. The system employs a multi-mode filter including an FB filter and a channelization filter. In one embodiment, the FB filter is employed until an FB is located and then, once the FB is located, the channelization filter is employed to receive signals.

Abstract: An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method provides for concurrent sessions to be maintained by multiple endpoints.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes an indicator for providing an indication of an amount of fluid in a tank and a stop-fill assembly for stopping the flow of fluid flowing into the tank once the fluid reaches a particular level. The gauge assembly has a shaft that rotates as the fluid level changes in the tank. The indicator translates the rotational position of the shaft into a fluid level. The stop-fill assembly moves from an open position, where fluid can flow into the tank, to a closed position, where fluid is prohibited from flowing into the tank, depending on the rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of detecting a ground fault condition between a direct current power system and the chassis ground of an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided. The method includes sequentially opening and closing a first switch connected between a positive node of the direct current power system and the chassis ground of the vehicle and a second switch connected between a negative node of direct current power system and the chassis ground. The sequential opening and closing of the first and second switches charges and discharges an inherent capacitance present between the metal components of the direct current power system and the chassis. First and second currents are created as the inherent capacitance is charged and discharged. Measurements of the created first and second currents are then used to determine whether a ground fault condition exists between the direct current power system and the vehicle chassis ground.

Abstract: An improved system and method of providing bandwidth on demand for an end user and/or enterprise is disclosed. In one example, the method includes receiving, by a controller positioned in a network, a request for a high quality of service connection supporting any one of a plurality of one-way and two-way traffic types between an originating end-point and a terminating end-point. The controller determines whether the originating end-point is authorized to use the requested amount of bandwidth or the codec and whether the terminating end-point can be reached by the controller. The controller directs a portal that is positioned in the network and physically separate from the controller to allocate local port resources and negotiates to reserve far-end resources for the terminating end-point. The controller also provides routing instructions to the portal.

Abstract: A system and method for packet-based communications is performed by implementing arbitrated packet-based communications. According to an example embodiment, packet-based data is arbitrated and output with verification data. For each arbitrated packet stream, verification data is generated in response to detecting an end of frame (EOF) symbol in the arbitrated packet stream, and the verification data is added to the packet stream. A merged packet stream is provided at an output, the merged packet stream including the plurality of arbitrated packet streams with verification data added thereto.

Abstract: A method of displaying a web page to a user. A triggering device (2502) having a unique code stored therein is provided to the user. The unique code is extracted from the triggering device (2502) with an activation system (302), the activation system (302) disposed on a network (306). Location information associated with the unique code is retrieved from a database (1614 or 310), the location information corresponding to a location of the web page on a remote location (312) disposed on the network (306). In response to retrieving the location information, the activation system (302) is connected to the remote location (312). The web page corresponding to the location information of the remote location (312) is then presented to the user via the activation system (302).

Abstract: An infant wrap and a method for using such a wrap are provided. In one example, the wrap includes a main body folded with an outer surface of part of the main body facing itself to form at least a partial pouch. The wrap further includes a neck portion having first and second ends coupled to an upper edge of the main body to define a neck hole for the user, and a hood attached to a lower edge of the main body. Fasteners may be used to removably couple various portions of the baby wrap.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has a single input pin for determining a value associated with a resistor divider. First circuitry determines a resistor ratio of the resistor divider through the single input pin. A first register stores a first group of bits representing the resistor ratio. The first group of bits represents the least significant bits of the value. Second circuitry determines an equivalent resistance of the resistor divider through the single input pin. A second register stores a second group of bits representing the equivalent resistance.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including a digital processing circuit coupled to a radio frequency (RF) circuit and to a serial communications device. The serial communications device may be configured to buffer data communicated between the digital processing circuit and an external device. A portion of the serial communications device may be disabled during an active mode of operation of the RF circuit. The serial communications device may include a flow control logic circuit configured to control a data stream between the digital processing circuit and the external device while a portion of the serial communications device is disabled. In some embodiments, a portion of the digital processing circuit may be disabled during an active mode of operation of the RF circuit.

Abstract: A substrate on which a plurality of epoxy over molded integrated circuit dies are formed includes a beam formed on the substrate for providing stiffness to the substrate. The beam includes structure having a cross-sectional shape, for example, substantially in the shape of a trapezoid, “T” or “L”, and may be formed on the top or bottom surface of the substrate.