Abstract: A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. There are guide rails that allow the middle carrier to remain in an appropriate position. There is also a metal spring clip coupled to the middle carrier for contacting a connector of a device coupled to the drive to provide for improved EMI and ESD protection.

Abstract: A decoder architecture and method for processing codewords are provided. In one implementation, the decoder architecture includes an input buffer configured to receive and store one or more codewords to be processed, and a decoder configured to receive codewords one at a time from the input buffer. The decoder processes each codeword only for a minimum amount of time for the codeword to become error free. The decoder architecture further includes an input buffer monitor and supply regulator configured to change a voltage supply to the decoder responsive to an average amount of time or each codeword to become error free.

Abstract: An iterative error correcting decoder is provided. In one implementation, the iterative error correcting decoder includes an equality constraint node and a parity check node, the parity check node. The parity check node includes parity logic configured to receive input data bits from the equality constraint node and determine a first minimum value and a second minimum value associated with the input data bits using a MinSum algorithm. An enhancement function is performed on the first minimum value and the second minimum value. The enhancement function compares each of the first minimum value and the second minimum value with a first pre-determined constant value, and responsive to the first minimum value and the second minimum value being smaller than the first pre-determined constant value, the enhancement function passes the first minimum value and the second minimum value without any changes as output of the MinSum algorithm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronically stabilizing an image captured by a device including a motion detection unit are provided. In one implementation, the method includes capturing a first exposure of the image, and capturing a second exposure of the image including using the motion detection unit to ensure that the second exposure of the image has a pre-determined blur property. The second exposure is longer than the first exposure. The method further includes combining the second exposure of the image having the pre-determined blur property and the first exposure of the image to electronically stabilize the image captured by the device.

Abstract: A method for recreating a plurality of database dependencies of objects from one database to another is disclosed. The method comprises categorizing the dependencies based upon at least one base object and formalizing the relationships of the dependencies based upon the categorization. The method includes determining the order of recreating the objects based upon the formalizing of the relationships of the dependencies. In a preferred embodiment, the method builds a Dependency Management Table (DMT) that describes the relationship of each object to a base-table. The DMT includes an entry for every object-to-object relationship, including the category of the relationship, and the nesting-level of the dependency from the base-table. Using this information, objects can be recreated in an order which ensures correct management of dependencies.

Abstract: A tool (30) for graphically defining an expression is disclosed. The tool comprises a graphic user interface (GUI) component (31) and an expression generator component (32) adapted to read a graphic definition of an expression provided by a user through the GUI component. The GUI component is responsive to user input to define one or more tree structures comprising a hierarchical series of nodes, and one or more lists comprising a plurality of items, each list item being associated with respective node of an associated tree. The expression generator component analyzes the graphic definition and generates an expression based on the structure of the or each tree and any list items associated with respective nodes of a tree.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing data redistribution in a database. In one embodiment, the method includes moving, during a first scan, outgoing records from a sending partition to one or more receiving partitions, where free space is created in the sending partition due to the outgoing records leaving the sending partition. The method also includes filling, during the first scan, some of the free space with remaining records that do not leave the sending partition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient method to implement nested if-then-else conditional statements in a SIMD processor, which requires only one vector compare instruction for both if and else parts of the conditional construct. No stack and stack-handling instructions are needed for vector condition codes. Two condition code flag bits representing if and else parts of testing per element provide for nesting of multiple if-then-else. All SIMD instructions are conditional including the vector compare instruction, and this provides a method for aggregating multiple conditions in nested if-then-else statements. M full levels of if-then-else nesting requires (2M?1) nodes or vector test instructions and 2M+1 condition code flags per vector element. Also, capability to compare any element of first source vector register with any element of second source vector is provided.

Abstract: A method and system for querying a structured document stored in its native format in a database, where the structured document includes a plurality of nodes that form a hierarchical node tree, is disclosed. The method includes providing at least one child pointer in each of the plurality of nodes, where the at least one child pointer points to a corresponding child node of the plurality of nodes, and storing a hint in each of the at least one child pointers. The hint is then utilized to navigate the hierarchical node tree during query evaluation.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the overhead of validating constraints in a database are provided. The method includes providing a target table, and providing a source table. The source table includes data to be loaded into the target table. The method further includes loading data into the target table from the source table including eliminating any logic to validate a constraint defined on the target table based on one or more pre-determined conditions.

Abstract: A method for describing activities in software products is provided. The method provides for identifying a plurality of activities in a software product that are of interest, defining an event structure to describe each identified activity as an event, associating each identified activity with one or more problem determination technologies, executing the software product, and responsive to detecting one of the plurality of identified activities during execution of the software product, creating one or more event records for the one detected activity based on the defined event structure, initiating the one or more problem determination technologies associated with the one detected activity, and passing the one or more event records to each of the one or more problem determination technologies.

Abstract: Method and system for providing results for task list queries to Workflow Management Systems (WfMSs) and Human Task Management Systems (HTMSs). In one aspect, a method for providing the result of a task list query to a human task database includes caching data from the database in a plurality of materialized views. A new request for a list of tasks from the database is received, and a new query is created when the new request applies to the data in a particular materialized view. When the particular materialized view includes data that requires updating from more recent data in the database, the materialized view is so updated. The new query is executed against the data in the materialized view instead of executing the new query against the data in the database.

Abstract: An embedded semiconductor chip structure and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. The structure comprises: a carrier board, therewith a plurality of through openings formed in the carrier board, and through trenches surrounding the through openings in the same; a plurality of semiconductor chips received in the through openings of the carrier board. Subsequently, cutting is processed via the through trenches. Thus, the space usage of the circuit board and the layout design are more efficient. Moreover, shaping time is also shortened.

Abstract: A method and system for query problem determination have been disclosed. The method includes receiving a database query; creating a query execution plan for the database query comprising a plurality of query plan operators; and executing the query execution plan, wherein a progress indicator is displayed for each query plan operator. The system includes a query progress monitor, which collects progress information for each query plan operator during the execution of the query execution plan. This progress information is then communicated to a query progress visualizer and a query progress analyzer, which graphically displays the progress information as a progress indicator for each query plan operator and performs debugger type operations, respectively. In this manner, information concerning the progress of the query execution is provided at a query operator level, such that the information may be used to more efficiently debug any problems with the query.

Abstract: A Flash memory controller is disclosed. The Flash memory controller comprises a host interface, a Flash memory interface, controller logic coupled between the host interface the controller logic handling a plurality of voltages. The controller also includes a mechanism for allowing a multiple voltage host to interface with a high voltage or a multiple voltage Flash memory. A multiple voltage Flash memory controller in accordance with the present invention provides the following advantages over conventional Flash memory controllers: (1) a voltage host is allowed to interface with multiple Flash memory components that operate at different voltages in any combination; (2) power consumption efficiency is improved by integrating the programmable voltage regulator, and voltage comparator mechanism with the Flash memory controller; (3) External jumper selection is eliminated for power source configuration; and (4) Flash memory controller power source interface pin-outs are simplified.

Abstract: The present invention includes an electron beam device for examining defects on semiconductor devices. The device includes an electron source for generating a primary electron beam, wherein the total acceleration potential is divided and is provided across the ground potential. Also included is at least one condenser lens for pre-focusing the primary electron beam, an aperture for confining the primary electron beam to ameliorate electron-electron interaction, wherein the aperture is positioned right underneath the last condenser lens, and a SORIL objective lens system for forming immersion magnetic field and electrostatic field to focus the primary beam onto the specimen in the electron beam path. A pair of grounding rings for providing virtual ground voltage potential to those components within the electron beam apparatus installed below a source anode and above a last polepiece of the SORIL objective lens.

Abstract: A method and system for providing diagonal scrolling on a touchpad of a device is disclosed. The method and system comprises determining if at least one finger is in contact with the touchpad, and entering a diagonal scroll mode if more than one finger is in contact with the touchpad. A system and method in accordance with the present invention allows the user to initiate a diagonal scroll at any location on a touchpad by using two fingers, thereby greatly enhancing the functions of the touchpad and allowing the user to manipulate computer programs from the touchpad much more efficiently and easily. The present invention supports diagonal scrolling on a touchpad and does not require a precise location for vertical or horizontal scrolling, since the entire touchpad area/surface can be used.

Abstract: A multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier is about the same size as a thick credit card and fits into a wallet. The multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier has bays that accept flash-memory cards. Larger bays on one side receive SD cards and a Memory Stick Duo card, while micro bays on another side of the carrier receive microSD cards and Memory Stick Micro cards. A carrier spine sandwiched between top and bottom covers has openings forming the bays. Spring-clip tabs on spring-clip fingers fit into notches on the side of the flash-memory cards to secure the flash-memory cards into the multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier to prevent loss. The spring-clip fingers are movable parts of the carrier spine that are deformed during insertion of the flash-memory cards. Both micro and standard flash-memory cards can be carried in the same multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier that can be placed in plastic sleeves for credit cards in a person's wallet.

Abstract: Improved eyewear is disclosed. The eyewear comprises a frame member and a lens. The eyewear also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the eyewear. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the eyewear for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the eyewear to be integrated with devices such as mp3 players, radios, or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling the e-commerce purchasing of grouped merchandise and/or services, known as packages, is disclosed. The subject e-commerce system and method comprises a catalog database comprising package data correlated to at least one package; a selection module coupled to the catalog database for allowing a customer to select a package for purchase; and a resolution module coupled to the catalog database for resolving unresolved attributes in the selected package. Preferably, the catalog database further comprises item data correlated to a plurality of items, wherein each item is fully resolved; product data correlated to at least one product, wherein said at least one product comprises at least one unresolved attribute; and attribute data.