Abstract: A random acoustic phase scrambler device is installed in-line with a telecommunications fiber link to prevent voice detection via fiber links. The device includes a transducer to produce vibrations; a length of optical fiber positioned to receive the vibration from the transducer; and a random acoustic phase driver configured to control the intensity and frequency of the vibrations. The transducer produces randomized vibrations within an acoustic bandwidth. The device is configured to introduce device-induced phase changes to signals within the telecommunications fiber link. The bandwidth of the device-induced phase changes is greater than the bandwidth of voice-induced phase changes, and the device-induced phase changes are greater in intensity than the voice-induced phase changes. The device-induced phase changes mask voice-induced phase changes through the telecommunications fiber link that are otherwise detectable by voice detection equipment tapped to the telecommunications fiber link.

Abstract: A random acoustic phase scrambler device is installed in-line with a telecommunications fiber link to prevent voice detection via fiber links. The device includes a transducer to produce vibrations; a length of optical fiber positioned to receive the vibration from the transducer; and a random acoustic phase driver configured to control the intensity and frequency of the vibrations. The transducer produces randomized vibrations within an acoustic bandwidth. The device is configured to introduce device-induced phase changes to signals within the telecommunications fiber link. The bandwidth of the device-induced phase changes is greater than the bandwidth of voice-induced phase changes, and the device-induced phase changes are greater in intensity than the voice-induced phase changes. The device-induced phase changes mask voice-induced phase changes through the telecommunications fiber link that are otherwise detectable by voice detection equipment tapped to the telecommunications fiber link.

Abstract: A random acoustic phase scrambler device is installed in-line with a telecommunications fiber link to prevent voice detection via fiber links. The device includes a transducer to produce vibrations; a length of optical fiber positioned to receive the vibration from the transducer; and a random acoustic phase driver configured to control the intensity and frequency of the vibrations. The transducer produces randomized vibrations within an acoustic bandwidth. The device is configured to introduce device-induced phase changes to signals within the telecommunications fiber link. The bandwidth of the device-induced phase changes is greater than the bandwidth of voice-induced phase changes, and the device-induced phase changes are greater in intensity than the voice-induced phase changes. The device-induced phase changes mask voice-induced phase changes through the telecommunications fiber link that are otherwise detectable by voice detection equipment tapped to the telecommunications fiber link.

Abstract: A random acoustic phase scrambler device is installed in-line with a telecommunications fiber link to prevent voice detection via fiber links. The device includes a transducer to produce vibrations; a length of optical fiber positioned to receive the vibration from the transducer; and a random acoustic phase driver configured to control the intensity and frequency of the vibrations. The transducer produces randomized vibrations within an acoustic bandwidth. The device is configured to introduce device-induced phase changes to signals within the telecommunications fiber link. The bandwidth of the device-induced phase changes is greater than the bandwidth of voice-induced phase changes, and the device-induced phase changes are greater in intensity than the voice-induced phase changes. The device-induced phase changes mask voice-induced phase changes through the telecommunications fiber link that are otherwise detectable by voice detection equipment tapped to the telecommunications fiber link.

Abstract: A random acoustic phase scrambler device is installed in-line with a telecommunications fiber link to prevent voice detection via fiber links. The device includes a transducer to produce vibrations; a length of optical fiber positioned to receive the vibration from the transducer; and a random acoustic phase driver configured to control the intensity and frequency of the vibrations. The transducer produces randomized vibrations within an acoustic bandwidth. The device is configured to introduce device-induced phase changes to signals within the telecommunications fiber link. The bandwidth of the device-induced phase changes is greater than the bandwidth of voice-induced phase changes, and the device-induced phase changes are greater in intensity than the voice-induced phase changes. The device-induced phase changes mask voice-induced phase changes through the telecommunications fiber link that are otherwise detectable by voice detection equipment tapped to the telecommunications fiber link.

Abstract: A method for discovering a network comprising network devices, the method including dividing the network into zones of network devices, in a zone of the network, identifying devices in the zone that have SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) access, collecting data from those devices in the zone identified as having SNMP access, and stitching the collected data into a topology of the network. A machine readable medium a computer program for causing a computing device to perform the exemplary method. A system for discovering a network organized into zones of network devices includes means for identifying devices in a zone of the network that have SNMP access, collecting data from those devices in the zone identified as having SNMP access, and stitching the collected data into a topology of the network, and means for transferring data to and from the means for identifying, collecting and stitching.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector may include a first cover with an integral restraining mechanism and a second cover with a reciprocal restraining mechanism. A fiber optic cable having a ferrule at a terminating end may be placed within the fiber optic connector. A dust cap may be placed on the terminating end of the fiber optic cable. The integral restraining mechanism and the reciprocal restraining mechanism may detachably mate and enclose the terminating end of the fiber optic cable within the fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector may include one or more gaskets to assist in sealing the connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic drop ribbon is described that can be attached to structures, such as the walls of multi-dwelling units (MDUs), for connecting subscribers to a fiber optic communications network. A number of coated optical fibers are supported by a backing strip of the article having a first and second surface. The first surface is attached to the structure, and the optical fibers are attached to the second surface. A cover strip attaches to the second surface of the backing strip to cover the optical fibers. The cover strip may be removable to provide access to the optical fibers and may reattach to the backing strip following removal. Associated systems and methods are also provided that may include additional components, such as furcation sections, furcation splints, and fiber trays, to facilitate the installation of the article and the connection of subscribers to the fiber optic network.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector may include a first cover with an integral restraining mechanism and a second cover with a reciprocal restraining mechanism. A fiber optic cable having a ferrule at a terminating end may be placed within the fiber optic connector. A dust cap may be placed on the terminating end of the fiber optic cable. The integral restraining mechanism and the reciprocal restraining mechanism may detachably mate and enclose the terminating end of the fiber optic cable within the fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector may include one or more gaskets to assist in sealing the connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic drop ribbon is described that can be attached to structures, such as the walls of multi-dwelling units (MDUs), for connecting subscribers to a fiber optic communications network. A number of coated optical fibers are supported by a backing strip of the article having a first and second surface. The first surface is attached to the structure, and the optical fibers are attached to the second surface. A cover strip attaches to the second surface of the backing strip to cover the optical fibers. The cover strip may be removable to provide access to the optical fibers and may reattach to the backing strip following removal. Associated systems and methods are also provided that may include additional components, such as furcation sections, furcation splints, and fiber trays, to facilitate the installation of the article and the connection of subscribers to the fiber optic network.

Abstract: An appliance indicates that it is transferring information over a wireless communication path to an external device by displaying an animation. In one embodiment, an animation indicates that the appliance is attempting to establish communication over an infra red (IR) port with the external device by displaying an animation having an light emitting diode (LED) with emanating waves propagating away from the LED. Movement of the waves stop when communication is established. The wave edges indicate a maximum cone angle indicating the direction that the IR port must be pointed to establish and maintain communication with the external device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for conserving power in a battery-powered electronic appliance having a communications interface including receive mode circuitry and a battery that supplies power to the receive mode circuitry when the receive mode circuitry is enabled. Upon power up of the appliance, the communications interface is initialized, and the receive mode circuitry is enabled to operate in a receive mode. A predetermined enable time is then timed. When the predetermined enable time expires, the receive mode circuitry is disabled.

Abstract: An appliance provides for the selection of data to be transmitted to an external device by selecting metaphoric page icons, each icon corresponding to a page of captured information. Metaphoric page icons may be selected by selecting the icons individually, by selecting a predefined group of icons, by selecting tagged icons, or by selecting all icons. A default selection includes selecting the current metaphoric page icon displayed on the display.

Abstract: An appliance indicates that it is transferring information to an external device by displaying a send animation. The send animation simulates movement of a metamorphic icon by moving images on a background such that the metamorphic icon appears to be moving. One embodiment of the appliance includes a processor for manipulating and exhibiting the send animation on a built-in display screen. In one embodiment, the metamorphic icon resembles a paper airplane and the moving images resemble clouds so that the paper airplane appears to be flying over the clouds, thereby indicating that the appliance is sending information to an external device.

Abstract: An ergonomic “press-on-press-off” capture mode is added to an existing “press-and-hold” capture mode in a portable hand-held scanning device without adding additional control buttons or requiring the user to make a selection between which capture mode to use. Supporting both capture modes simultaneously is accomplished through monitoring the capture button and distance traveled by the device. When the capture button is pressed and released, a check is made to see if the device was moved a predetermined distance while the capture button was depressed. If yes, then the press-and-hold capture mode is confirmed, and image data capture ends. If no, then the press-on-press-off capture mode is confirmed, and image data capture continues, even though the capture button is not depressed, until a second press of the capture button or lift off. The second press of the capture button or lift off terminates the image data capture for the press-on-press-off capture mode.

Abstract: A hand-held image capture and communication appliance and method of using same are provided wherein images may be captured and saved in an internal memory. The appliance includes a processor for manipulating and exhibiting the images on a built-in display screen. Program code stored in the internal memory includes a send page or image module that allows the user to transfer data stored in the device to another appliance, device or system. The send page module controlling the transfer of data to another device includes code segments for establishing a communication link over a first communication port with the target device, monitoring the status of the link while the transfer is in progress, and displaying an animation on the display screen that graphically portrays the transfer of image data to the target device.

Abstract: An appliance indicates that it is transferring information over a wireless communication path to an external device by displaying an animation. In one embodiment, an animation indicates that the appliance is attempting to establish communication over an infra red (IR) port with the external device by displaying an animation having an light emitting diode (LED) with emanating waves propagating away from the LED. Movement of the waves stop when communication is established. The wave edges indicate a maximum cone angle indicating the direction that the IR port must be pointed to establish and maintain communication with the external device.

Abstract: An appliance provides for the selection of data to be transmitted to an external device by selecting metaphoric page icons, each icon corresponding to a page of captured information. Metaphoric page icons may be selected by selecting the icons individually, by selecting a predefined group of icons, by selecting tagged icons, or by selecting all icons. A default selection includes selecting the current metaphoric page icon displayed on the display.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and processing digital signals. Techniques and apparatus are disclosed for reducing power consumption in digital receiving and processing circuits without manual intervention and without data rate reduction. The digital signal comprises a leading, slower data rate signal and a trailing, faster data rate signal. When the pre-defined leading signal is received, a slower digital-signal processor processes that signal and then activates a faster digital-signal processor which processes the trailing, faster signal. After processing the trailing signal, the faster digital-signal processor is deactivated.

Abstract: A peripheral system includes (a) a peripheral device having peripheral memory located thereon, (b) at least one input/output (I/O) card communicating with the peripheral device, and (c) a means for managing the peripheral memory between the peripheral device and the at least one I/O card. In a preferred embodiment, the means for managing the peripheral memory includes (a) a means for determining, during normal operation, an optimum amount of peripheral memory for allocating to each I/O card, and (b) a means for allocating, during normal operation, the optimum amount of peripheral memory to each I/O card. A preferred method for managing memory, between a peripheral device, having peripheral memory thereon, and at least one input/output (I/O) card, includes (a) determining, during normal operation, an optimum amount of peripheral memory for allocating to each I/O card, and (b) allocating, during normal operation, the optimum amount of peripheral memory to each I/O card.