Abstract: Computer users may utilize different web browsers to access a server system on the World Wide Web (WWW) to create or join a collaborative session. One or more controllers connect the users or collaborators in a session in the server system. This is realized by establishing a so-called “shared Web-top”, i.e., a work space, in which different in-document applications can be run and can be interactively, collaboratively shared by a plurality of users. Specifically, this is realized by employing a surrogate that includes a polling loop which periodically checks a shared document structure for changes in prescribed properties, and transmits the detected changes to surrogates of other users, i.e., at least one other collaborator, via a communication channel. To this end, a prospective user of the shared Web-top accesses a system, which transmits mobile code to the user's computer to create a surrogate thereon.

Abstract: Speaker identification is performed using a single Gaussian mixture model (GMM) for multiple speakers—referred to herein as a Discriminative Gaussian mixture model (DGMM). A likelihood sum of the single GMM is factored into two parts, one of which depends only on the Gaussian mixture model, and the other of which is a discriminative term. The discriminative term allows for the use of a binary classifier, such as a support vector machine (SVM). In one embodiment of the invention, a voice messaging system incorporates a DGMM to identify the speaker who generated a message, if that speaker is a member of a chosen list of target speakers, or to identify the speaker as a “non-target” otherwise.

Abstract: A method of declustering data among a number of storage units, e.g., disks, to minimize response time for range queries. Data to be stored is identified in the form of a dataset, wherein the data is divided among uniform data blocks (x, y) and each data block is to be stored in one of a number (M) of storage units each of which has an associated seek time. M pairs (i, keyi) are defined wherein i=0,1, . . . m−1 and keyi is the fractional part of 2i/(1+5). First components of the pairs are ordered according to an ascending order of the keyi values of the pairs, thus defining a permutation array A of size M. Another permutation array B is defined such that for i=0,1, . . . ,M−1 B[a(i)]=i, and data block (x,y) is assigned to storage unit (x−B[y mod M])mod M, wherein mod is the remainder function.

Abstract: A technique for reducing computational and storage requirements of cascaded polyphase DFT-filter bank for receiving and transmitting telecommunications is disclosed. The cascaded polyphase DFT-filter bank is designed by specifically selecting a range of radio spectrum for reducing computational and storage requirements of the cascaded polyphase DFT-filter bank operation.

Abstract: A method for controlling downlink power in a time-division multiplex wireless system may provide different downlink transmit signal powers to different time-division multiplex channels of a single carrier. A base station receives a measured signal parameter data for a downlink transmit signal of a time-division multiplex channel. The base station determines an initial adjustment for the downlink transmit signal power of the time division multiplex channel if the measured signal parameter data differs from a target signal parameter data. The base station determines a revised adjustment for the downlink transmit power of the time division multiplex channel based on the initial adjustment and at least one adjustment range as appropriate to achieve synchronization of the demodulation of the downlink transmit signal.

Abstract: An optical wireless link using wavelength division multiplexing. A transmitter transmits an optical signal to a receiver over a free space medium, such as the atmosphere. The transmitter uses single mode optical structures between the lasers and the transmitting telescope, including one or more erbium-doped single mode fiber amplifiers.

Abstract: Signal losses in an optical cross-connect having steerable switching elements for routing optical signals are substantially reduced by controllably and selectively training the steerable switching elements as a function of measured input and output power of a cross-connected optical signal. More specifically, adjustments to the alignment of one or more steerable switching elements associated with a particular cross-connection are performed in a non-intrusive manner to increase the optical signal power in an optical signal while maintaining an active cross-connection of the optical signal. In one illustrative embodiment, optical monitoring arrangements monitor the optical signal power of optical signals coupled to the cross-connect inputs and outputs. The cross-connect includes a switching fabric comprising a plurality of steerable MEMS mirror elements used as switching elements for controllably and selectively directing the light beams within the cross-connect.

Abstract: A structure, e.g., a photonic band gap material, exhibiting substantial periodicity on a micron scale is provided. Fabrication involves the steps of providing a template comprising a colloidal crystal, placing the template in an electrolytic solution, electrochemically forming a lattice material, e.g., a high refractive index material, on the colloidal crystal, and then removing the colloidal crystal particles to form the desired structure. The electrodeposition provides a dense, uniform lattice, because formation of the lattice material begins near a conductive substrate, for example, and growth occurs substantially along a plane moving in a single direction, e.g., normal to the conductive substrate. Moreover, because the electrochemically grown lattice is a three-dimensionally interconnected solid, there is very little shrinkage upon subsequent treatment.

Abstract: A system for managing response to a need at a site includes: (a) a control facility that can effect wireless data communication and voice communication; and (b) a plurality of response units that can effect wireless data communication and voice communication. The control facility effects an initial contact with a selected response unit using wireless data communication. The selected response unit communicates a response signal to the initial contact using wireless data communication. The response signal includes characteristic data relating to the selected responding unit that includes information relating to situs of the selected responding unit. The method includes steps of: (a) providing a managing facility and responding units; (b) effecting initial contact among the managing facility and selected responding units using wireless data communication; and (c) communicating a responsive signal by a responding unit to the managing facility using wireless data communication.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for communicating heterogeneous data traffic simultaneously using a hybrid Code Division Multiplexing (CDM)/Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)—Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)/Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system which communicates data on a per data type basis, rather than a per user or per channel basis. A transmitter accepts a plurality of data streams, each of which includes either Constant Bit Rate Data (CBR) or Variable Burst Rate Data (VBR), where CBR is characterized by a steady data rate and strict latency requirements and VBR is characterized by a variable data rate with large peaks and lulls and loose latency requirements. The system identifies each input data stream as CBR or VBR. CBR data is spread using CDM/CDMA with an appropriate spreading factor for CBR, whereas VBR data is modulated/encoded and interleaved with CDM/CDMA with an appropriate spreading factor for VBR and TDM/TDMA, respectively.

Abstract: A cipher device that can be configured to execute different types of cryptographic algorithms and perform more than one algorithm simultaneously. The device is operated from an external source and is implemented with a hardware architecture which exhibits the efficiency of conventional hardware based cipher devices as well as the flexibility of software based solutions.

Abstract: By urging an ordinary single-mode (usually dispersion-shifted) fiber into an external, long period mechanical grating, a highly wavelength-selective coupling between the fiber's guiding mode and a cladding mode is induced. A sequence of such induced gratings, all on the same fiber, can be used to create a many tens of nm wide loss band of arbitrary shape, with resolution of 3 nm or better, whose strength at any wavelength can be continuously adjusted from zero to −17 dB or more. With its simplicity, nearly zero background loss, and especially, with its potential for continual readjustment, the device is ideal for dynamic gain equalization of optical amplifiers.

Abstract: A patch antenna's resonators are supported by a non-conductive frame. The frame supports the resonators without making holes in the resonators and thereby avoids the problem of creating unwanted electric field polarizations. Additionally, the frame grasps the resonators in areas of low current density and thereby avoids creating additional disturbances in the radiation pattern. In one embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a perimeter lip that snaps over the edges of the feedboard and thereby attaches the frame to the feedboard.

Abstract: A method for visualizing and testing a sequence of a software code that includes instructions relating to assignment of variables, and decision branches. The method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of nodes, edges and text indications that correspond to the instructions in the software code. A plurality of pointers are then generated to associate the location of at least one line of the software code to at least one of the generated nodes. The pointers may also associate the location of a line in the software code to at least one of the generated edges. The method then displays a flow chart representing the generated nodes, and edges and text indications, so that the software code can be visualized. When a user selects a node or an edge in the displayed flow chart, a corresponding portion of the software code is also identified.

Abstract: An optical fiber pay-out system utilizes over-the-end pay-out from a storage spool (34) into a module (38) adjacent the pay-out end of the spool. The module has a freely rotatable capstan (47) affixed thereto over a portion of the surface of which are endless belt (63) is in contact. A nozzle member (42) directs the paid out fiber into the region of belt and surface contact. Height adjusting members (72) are provided for imparting a twist to the fiber in the region by directing the fiber to an off-center position relative to the centerline of contact of the belt and surface of the capstan.

Abstract: A method and device for decoding data. The device and method select certain current states from all possible states of an encoder for each of encoded data, generate accumulated conditional probabilities (ACPS) for the selected current states, compare the ACPs with a threshold value, and store previous states associated with the ACPs based on the comparison results. The stored previous states are selectively output according to a predetermined scheme to generate decoded data.

Abstract: In a disclosed ACD skill-based routing system and method, a group of call agents is established and one or more screening attributes are assigned to each call agent group member. A call agent queue is established that ranks available call agent group members according to an idleness indicator. The call agent group is assigned to at least one call queue that ranks calls according to a priority indicator. Each call in the call queue(s) is associated with one or more call requirement attributes. To assign a call to an agent, a comparison is made of the screening attribute(s) of the highest ranking call agent in the call agent queue with the call requirement attribute(s) of one or more calls in the call queue(s), beginning with the highest ranking call and descending through lower ranking calls as necessary until a call having a call requirement attribute matching one of the highest ranking call agent's screening attributes (call-to-agent match) is found.

Abstract: A method for comparing a ranking scheme for an object, such as a document image, with a known standard, or ideal ranking scheme for a comparative assessment of the performance and reliability of the two ranking schemes, is taught. The same set of objects are processed and ranked by both ranking schemes. The ranking scheme being tested is examined for all subject objects ranked lower than its ranking by the ideal ranking scheme. The test ranking scheme is charged for each swapped object which it ranked higher than the subject object, which the ideal ranking scheme ranked lower.

Abstract: A fluid flow management system for enhancing cooling of a circuit pack. The system includes a bar extending transverse to the direction of fluid flow. The bar breaks up the otherwise laminar flow into a turbulent flow.

Abstract: A data communication method is disclosed that enables the simultaneous transmission of voice and data over a single Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) line. A party to a data communication connection (hereinafter “the client”) can accept and originate voice calls from and to anywhere on the PSTN while maintaining the data communication with the original destination (hereinafter “the server”). This is accomplished by adding additional functionality at the location of the server and by utilization of existing “Call Forwarding” and “Caller-Id” technology. The server manages voice calls to and from the client while the client and server are engaged in the data communication connection.