Abstract: A system and methodology for qualifying a twisted pair copper loop for digital subscriber loop services are described. The system automatically queries telecommunications provider database records and/or requests measurements from network switching equipment or testing systems to obtain data regarding the twisted pair copper loop, such as loop length, electrical characteristics, and other loop topology characteristics such as wire gauge, the presence of load coils, and the presence of bridge taps. The system determines which digital subscriber loop services are available for the copper loop based on the combination of all data obtained. The system may be implemented in part as an expert system with a knowledge base of qualification rules used in the decision-making process.

Abstract: An active control device for reducing high-speed impulsive (“HSI”) and blade vortex interaction (“BVI”) noise in a rotor aircraft, such as a helicopter, is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of rotor blades extending radially in spaced relationship from a central hub, each of the blades having spaced apart upper and lower surfaces, an interior volume between the surfaces, and leading and trailing edges at the respective joined edges of the upper and lower surfaces. Air intake passages are disposed on the surfaces of each blade proximate the leading edge to controllably admit air into the interior volume; and air output passages are disposed on the surfaces of each blade proximate the trailing edge and the outer edge tip to controllably expel air from the interior volume of the blade. Admitting and expelling of air into and out of the interior volume of each blade is controlled in accordance with a determined condition of that blade.

Abstract: A data communication network includes a network access unit for coupling one or more computer devices to the network. The network typically has asymmetric upstream and downstream data transmission rates. The network access device implements a method for acknowledging data packets. When a new packet is received by the network access unit from one of the computer devices, the new packet is placed in an outbound queue in the network access unit. When the new packet contains an acknowledgment, previous acknowledgment packets in the outbound queue that have the same source and destination addresses as the new packet are identified and discarded. Remaining packets are transmitted from the outbound queue in the network access unit. By discarding acknowledgment packets in the network access unit, throughput is increased.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the invention provide a robot network that can optimally reconfigure the control logic on-board each robot of the network on a real-time basis. Each robot of the network performs an assigned task according to a control logic. While performing the assigned task, each robot transmits performance data defining a fitness level of the robot for achieving the assigned task. A set of the plurality of robots is then selected based on the performance data transmitted by each robot, and the control logic of the selected set of robots is then sent to the other robots in the network. The robots that receive the control logic then optimize their control logic by producing a new control logic based on the received control logic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for machine learning of a pattern sequence which is derived from a plurality of inputs. The pattern sequence is predicted from learning rate parameters that are exponentially related to an incrementally calculated gain parameter for each input. The gain parameter are increased or decreased in real time in correlation with the accuracy of the learning process. The disclosed method and apparatus are advantageously utilized in signal processing, adaptive control systems, and pattern recognition.

Abstract: A network (10) includes a broadband customer service module (B-CSM) (20). The B-CSM (20) includes a plurality of feeder interface cards (FICs) (36) and optical line cards (OLCs) (38) which are coupled together through a midplane assembly (34) so that each FIC (36) couples to all OLCs (38) and each OLC (38) couples to all FICs (36) through junctor groups (68). Within the B-CSM (20) circuit switching is performed electrically at an STS-1 rate. A reference clock which oscillates at a frequency slower than the data rate is routed with payload data so that it receives delays similar to those imposed on the payload data due to processing. At second stage switching fabrics (50) where data need to be extracted from signals flowing within the B-CSM (20), a clock regeneration circuit (32) generates a master clock signal oscillating at twice the data rate and phase synchronized to a delayed reference clock.

Abstract: An ADSL access device controls communication through one or more ADSL channels. The ADSL access device may be located at a customer location or at a central office. The access device includes an ADSL modem coupled to the ADSL channel, a protocol converter for converting the protocol of data packets and one or more switching port controllers. Each switching port controller in an ADSL access device at a customer location performs data packet filtering on a local area network and forwards data packets to the ADSL channel or to another LAN port. The switching port controllers in the central office ADSL access device control routing of data packets between different ADSL channels and a wide area network.

Abstract: A system increases the capacity of a CDMA network having a plurality of cell sites. The system defines a pool of frequencies available for assignment, and assigns one of the available frequencies to each of the cell sites so as to minimize the number of neighboring cell sites assigned a same one of the available frequencies. By deploying different frequencies in the cell sites, the amount of interference caused by neighboring cell sites reduces. As a result, the capacity of each of the cell sites operating at a single frequency can be increased, so long as there remains sufficient power to reach the mobile units operating within the cell site. The system attains maximum benefits when the cell sites are located close together and the propagation exponent is low (for example, 10-20 dB/decade).

Abstract: A method for providing video programming in a nearly on demand basis is disclosed. A video network includes a video server that operates several video recorders to simultaneously exhibit video performances or programs on a plurality of channels. The video server is controlled in real time in accordance with data presented to it in an exhibition plan. The exhibition plan calls for two or more channels to show the same program on a time offset basis. Due to the offset in exhibiting a given program, a subscriber may view a program at any time, from the beginning of a program, by waiting for a period of time that is no longer than the offset. Preferably, this offset is substantially shorter than the run time of the program. The channels carrying this program are unscrambled prior to the beginning of the program and for a predetermined duration into the program so that subscribers may preview the program. However, the channels are scrambled for the remainder of the exhibition of the program.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, locating, tracking, or classifying an acoustic energy source located on a far side of a structure is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a receiving device samples a plurality of points on a near side of the structure to detect vibrations that result from sound waves propagated by the acoustic energy source. The location of the acoustic energy source is determined based on the relative time differences of the vibrations and the known positions of the vibrations on the structure. The acoustic energy source may be classified based on identifying characteristics of the vibrations. In addition, a device may be provided to transmit a sound wave through the structure. The receiving devices samples a plurality of points on the near side of the structure to detect vibrations resulting from reflections of the sound wave from the object.

Abstract: In a Wireless Number Portability (WNP) environment, a scheme is provided for routing and delivering Short Message Service (SMS) messages. In a WNP environment, the mobile identification number (MIN) and mobile directory number (MDN) will become independent, and the existing method of routing SMS messages will be inadequate to provide SMS to subscribers that port from one service provider to another. Methods and systems for delivering SMS messages to ported subscribers are provided.

Abstract: A test station for use with automated test equipment (ATE) in testing printed circuit boards (PCBs). The test station comprises a support frame to which are attached substantially identical test wells for sequentially performing tests on the PCBs. The test wells are attached to the frame through a mechanism that allows the test wells to be adjustably positioned between an idle position and a testing position that is in proximity with the ATE. Each of the test wells contains upper and lower conveyor segments and a test head disposed between the conveyor segments. The conveyor segments of the respective test wells variously align in accordance with vertical movement of the test wells so as to enable transverse movement of the PCBs into, through and out of the test station.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for analyzing and transmitting video over a switched network. According to an aspect of the invention, two phases are generally provided: an analysis phase performed before transmission of the video; and a transmission phase performed after analyzing the video stream. During the pre-transmission video analysis phase, the video stream is analyzed in order to determine the needed traffic control parameters, such as the peak cell rate, the sustained cell rate, and the maximum burst size. The goal of the analysis phase is to select a transmission traffic contract for the encoded video stream that will minimize the utilization of network resources and permit the quality of the video to be maintained. After the analysis phase, the transmission phase is performed to transmit the video over the network in accordance with the selected traffic control parameters.

Abstract: A method for flexible inverse multiplexing for ATM and for link grouping of communication links with different transmission rates and delay. The method of the present invention supports links which use a portion of the link bandwidth for one QoS objective (e.g., low delay) and another portion for another QoS objective (e.g., low cell loss). The method involves servicing each of a number of multiplexed flows with a predetermined number of cells. Cells are assigned to each flow during a number of cycles which make up an ATM frame. The number of cells assigned to each flow during each cycle is dynamically adjusted based upon the requirements of each flow, and may be different for each flow. The number of cells assigned to each flow during each cycle may either be fixed, or may vary from cycle to cycle.

Abstract: A biometric watermark system and method generate a biometrically encoded bitstream from biometric data of a user and from electronic data to be transmitted to the user. The encoded bitstream has the biometric data acting as a biometric watermark. The encoded bitstream is then sent to a decoder of the user, with the biometric watermark providing security in the transmission in order to prevent unauthorized users from extracting the electronic data. The decoder utilizes the biometric data of the user to decode the biometrically encoded bitstream, so as to extract the biometric watermark, and to securely retrieve the electronic data.

Abstract: An Event/Switch Matrix Window is disclosed allowing the graphical presentation of operational information pertinent to network operators responsible for monitoring and controlling the workings of a telecommunications environment such as the public telephone network. Further, the Event/Switch Matrix Window allows the network operator the ability to custom tailor the presentation of information dynamically to respond to the immediate needs of the network operator in monitoring the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A data link layer switch includes a switching mechanism coupled to several port interface controllers. The port interface controllers include an address table, an address learner, and an address matcher. The address table stores multicast addresses for hosts attached to the port interface controller. The address learner compares a destination address in an incoming packet to a target address, and stores a multicast address from the incoming packet in the address table when the destination address matches the target address. The address matcher compares a destination address in an outgoing packet to the multicast addresses stored in the address table, and transmits the outgoing packet when the destination address matches one of the multicast addresses.

Abstract: A connector for cutting and connecting an insulated cable having an insulation layer encasing at least one conductor that includes an upper member, and a lower member adapted for receiving the upper member including at least one insulation displacement connector to establish electrical connection with the conductor of the insulated cable, an instrument with a sharp edge to sever the conductor, and a rigid member to separate one end of the severed conductor from the other end of the severed conductor, wherein the upper member and the lower member secure both ends of the severed cable, to electrically connect a distribution cable to local terminals of access lines or subscriber lines and simultaneously cut the distribution cable to remove a bridged tap from the subscriber lines.