Abstract: A method for establishing connections with a number of peers of a peer to peer network operating using at least one exchange protocol, such as to influence the broadcast of a file within a peer to peer network, the addresses of the number of peers being held by at least one network server. A connection is established with the network server such as to at least partially download the addresses of the number of peers connected to the network and implicated in the downloading of the file, to a control server, then connections are established between at least one control client exchanging data with the control server and peers the addresses of which have been downloaded to the control server, such as to download content from a peer to a controlled client or broadcast content from a controlled client to a peer, the downloading or broadcasting being carried out according to the exchange protocol.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an equalizer (210, 216), wherein the equalizer is adapted to receive a transmitted signal (76, 78) comprising at least one predetermined sequence of symbols, includes the step of developing a set of samples from a received signal. At least one plurality of samples is identified, wherein the at least one plurality of samples corresponds to the at least one predetermined sequence of symbols. The equalizer is then operated in a selected one of three modes. A first mode is selected if the at least one plurality of samples is identified, wherein the first mode includes the step of developing a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (100). A second mode is selected if the at least one plurality of samples is identified and the SNR is greater than a first predetermined threshold. A third mode is selected if the at least one plurality of samples is identified and the SNR is greater than a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Method for motion-vector-aided interpolation of a pixel of an intermediate image lying between two input images includes a first pixel being selected from a first field and a second pixel being selected from a second field using a first motion vector, and a third pixel being selected from the first field and a fourth pixel being selected from the second field using a second motion vector. Next, an interval specified by video information values of the first pixel and the second pixel or an interval specified by video information values of the third pixel and the fourth pixel is determined and the video information values are mixed such that the video information value of the pixel to be interpolated lies within this interval.

Abstract: A Viterbi decoder includes a computing device, a memory and a bus. The computing device receives sets of data values and calculates distances for the received sets of data values, accumulates and compares the calculated distances according to a Viterbi algorithm, decides data values and generates control signals dependent on a plurality of decisions associated with a plurality of paths. The memory stores the decided data values and provides at least one output value. The bus connects the computing device and the memory and is configured to convey the control signals to the path memory. The computing device or the memory shifts data strings in the memory according to conditions of the Viterbi algorithm with the control signals associated with the plurality of paths.

Abstract: A baud rate acquisition circuit (10) for synchronizing a sampling signal with an input signal operates in broad rate sweeping and a rate fine tuning phases. In the rate sweeping phase, a timing error detector (24) examines the sampling signal generated by a decimator (16). If the sampling signal is outside a rate acquisition range from the target rate, a rate sweeping algorithm selects a new sampling rate. In response to the sampling rate within the rate acquisition range, the timing error detector (24) examines the asymmetry thereof to generate a rate correction signal to synchronize the sampling signal with the input signal. Next in the rate fine tuning phase, a multiplexer (22) routes the sampling signal through a square root filter (18). By examining the waveform shaped signal, the time error detector (24) synchronizes the sampling signal with the input signal with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method of controlling a feedforward filter of an equalizer includes the steps of generating a complex representation of an output of the feedforward filter and generating a representation of a decision from an output of the equalizer. The complex representation and the decision representation are correlated to obtain a phase error estimate. A phase correction value is generated based on the phase error estimate and used to adjust the phase of the output of the feedforward filter.

Abstract: This application relates to methods for modulating an immune response in a mammalian subject in need of prevention against or treatment of diabetes comprising the administration of EtxB and/or insulin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hindering or preventing the illegal distribution of protected data in a peer-to-peer network comprising at least one peer operating an exchange programme designed for distribution of data to at least one client according to a selective exchange protocol permitting the peer to operate a selection of clients to which the data is transferred, said selection being carried out as a function of one or more characteristics of the clients. In said method bogus data is sent to the peer such as to influence the selection of clients served by the peer, such that the peer is made to favour the transfer to authorised clients.

Abstract: A wireless security system including a portable security apparatus for communicating in a point-to-point manner with a personal communication device in order to allow transmission of a signal indicating an alarm condition by the personal communication device to a remote user and to allow remote configuration of the system by the user.

Abstract: A structure for supporting wave energy conversion mechanisms driven by—floats (24, 25) placed in the sea, said structure comprising: an open sided lattice framework (15); at least one leg (16) for supporting said open sided lattice framework; members (20) which are supported by said lattice framework (15) for providing a platform, in use, above sea level for said wave energy conversion mechanisms; and a plurality of discrete protective containers (21, 22) affixed to said members (20) and each for housing at least part of a wave energy conversion mechanism (23).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for adjusting clock phase in a digital display. The display 10 may include a target analog-to-digital converter 104 that generates a first digital signal based on an analog input signal and a first clock signal (CLK1). The system 100 includes a first clock phase adjustment circuit 108, which provides CLK1 to the target analog-to-digital converter 104. A second analog-to-digital converter 106 receives at least a portion of the analog input signal and a second adjusted clock signal (CLK2), and generates a second digital signal based on these inputs. A second clock phase adjustment circuit 100 is communicatively coupled to the second analog-to-digital converter 106, and transmits CLK2 to the second analog-to-digital converter. A controller 112 receives the second digital signal from the second analog-to-digital converter 106 and uses the signal to determine a preferred phase of CLK2.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing pixel information associated with video image deinterlacing are disclosed. In one exemplary implementation, the method may include performing an edge adaptive interpolation process on a present field so as to determine whether an edge passes through a pixel, wherein the edge adaptive interpolation process provides edge data including a first intensity estimate for the pixel, receiving motion data associated with motion compensation processing, including an estimated motion vector for at least one pixel proximate to the pixel in at least one reference field, determining a second intensity estimate for the pixel as a function of the edge data and the motion data, and performing an intensity-calculation procedure, wherein an interpolated intensity of the pixel is calculated as a function of the first intensity estimate and the second intensity estimate.

Abstract: A timepiece for displaying a planisphere and indicating a portion of the planisphere. Another exemplary embodiment is a clock that displays both sidereal and solar time, while indicating a portion of the planisphere at a particular time. Another exemplary embodiment of the timepiece includes an adjustment feature that allows a user to adjust the portion of the planisphere indicated to a particular geographic location. An exemplary embodiment may contain a celestial or terrestrial planisphere. As a result, an exemplary embodiment of the timepiece may provide valuable information about the planisphere at any particular sidereal or solar time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus by which digital data is communicated from a computer system to a display device. An analog video signal received from a computer system includes a predetermined data pattern. The analog video signal is sampled to detect the predetermined data pattern. The digital data is then recovered from the detected predetermined data pattern. The predetermined data pattern may occur a predetermined time interval after a horizontal sync pulse or may occur outside of a blanking interval. The display device may respond to the predetermined data pattern by commencing a set-up process, such as, adjusting a sampling rate for sampling the analog video signal; adjusting a sampling phase; or adjusting an orientation of a display image for the display device. Adjusting an orientation may comprise adjusting a sampling start time relative to a horizontal or vertical sync pulse. The predetermined data pattern may be representative of a parameter of the analog video signal, such as, resolution or frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Geometric Universal Pumping Platform (GUPP) that comprises a platform containing an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps powered by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The pump is selected for the desired commissioning method to be carried out, such as flooding, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The GUPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor supported by the GUPP.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Universal Pumping Platform (UPP) that comprises a platform containing an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps powered by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The pump is selected for the desired commissioning method to be carried out, such as filling, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The UPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor supported by the UPP.

Abstract: A digital pen comprising: an electric circuit, an acoustic transmitter, detached from the electric circuit, and configured to transmit acoustic signals, and a resilient holder, configured to mechanically press the electric circuit into electrical contact with the transmitter, so as to electrically connect the electric circuit and the transmitter.

Abstract: A radiation-shielded semiconductor assembly includes at least one radiation-shielding lamina within the package. In some embodiments, a semiconductor assembly includes a microelectronic component, and at least one radiation-shielding layer affixed to a surface of the component.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained security system for protecting an object external to the system, the system comprising one or more sensors and one or more alarms to draw attention to the unit if the sensors are activated.