Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for error correcting code (ECC) decoding. A soft information module may be configured to determine whether to obtain an indication of the accuracy of a data value for a variable node of an ECC decoder such as a low density parity check (LDPC) code decoder. A score module may be configured to assign and update a score for the variable node. The score may be based on the accuracy indication and on a count of unsatisfied check nodes of the ECC decoder that are associated with the variable node. A precision for the score may be based on an estimated number of errors for the received code word. A check node update module may be configured to update check nodes associated with the variable node based on the score.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for multiple wireless service coexistence are disclosed. The disclosed methodology and accompanying apparatus serve to engage one or more switching devices to connect/disconnect a first service transmitter to a first antenna, connect/disconnect a dual mode receiver and second service transmitter from the first antenna, connect/disconnect the second service transmitter from a second antenna, and connect/disconnect a diversity receiver to the second antenna. A first service transmit signal in a first service can then be transmitted or received using the first antenna, and a second service receive signal in a second service can be transmitted or received using the second antenna and the diversity receiver.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for error correcting code (ECC) decoding. A soft information module may be configured to determine whether to obtain an indication of the accuracy of a data value for a variable node of an ECC decoder such as a low density parity check (LDPC) code decoder. A score module may be configured to assign and update a score for the variable node. The score may be based on the accuracy indication and on a count of unsatisfied check nodes of the ECC decoder that are associated with the variable node. A precision for the score may be based on an estimated number of errors for the received code word. A check node update module may be configured to update check nodes associated with the variable node based on the score.

Abstract: An active infra-red surveillance illuminator uses a statistically mono-directional micro-diffractive material overlaid on a bank of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to refract light from the LEDs onto a target image. This delivers energy distribution profiles out to a distance to match the aspect ratios of current wide-angle target and wide-angle camera surveillance systems. The distribution of refracted light is elliptical. This distribution can vary by using different diffractive material in conjunction with various numbers, brightness and angles of the LEDs in an LED bank. The effective range of the illuminators is greatly extended with this type of illumination. By limiting infrared (IR) radiation down to a 10 degree vertical window it renders the IR illumination much more effective for surveillance imaging by providing much more effective power on wide, ground-level scenes, and particularly enables multi-lane license plate capture.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for error correcting code (ECC) decoding. A score module is configured to assign a score to a variable node of low density parity check (LDPC) code decoder. The LDPC code decoder may include a plurality of variable nodes associated with a plurality of check nodes. The plurality of variable nodes may correspond to bits of a received code word. The score for the variable node may be based on a count of unsatisfied check nodes associated with the variable node. A variable node update module is configured to update the variable node based on the score. A check node update module is configured to update one or more of the check nodes based on the updated variable node.

Abstract: A wall trim finishing apparatus includes a base member having a bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to mate with, and apply relatively even force to, at least one curve or crevice of a front surface of a piece of wall trim. The bottom surface may be configured to receive a piece of sandpaper or absorbent material between the bottom surface of the base member and the front surface of the wall trim. Sandpaper coupled to the bottom surface of the base member creates a sanding apparatus. The bottom surface may be divided into a first portion and a second portion by a channel defined therebetween that is configured to accumulate sanding residue generated when the bottom surface is mated to and moved along the front surface of the wall trim. Sand paper is adhesively adhered to both portions.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for error correcting code (ECC) decoding. A score module is configured to assign a score to a variable node of low density parity check (LDPC) code decoder. The LDPC code decoder may include a plurality of variable nodes associated with a plurality of check nodes. The plurality of variable nodes may correspond to bits of a received code word. The score for the variable node may be based on a count of unsatisfied check nodes associated with the variable node. A variable node update module is configured to update the variable node based on the score. A check node update module is configured to update one or more of the check nodes based on the updated variable node.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for refining materials such as a tobacco material. The apparatus includes a disc assembly rotatably coupled to a drive arrangement. The disc assembly includes a disc body having first and second lateral surfaces each having a refining arrangement disposed thereon. First and second stationary refining arrangements are positioned in opposing relationship to the first and second lateral surfaces so as to form first and second refining zones. The disc assembly further includes first and second gear members. The first gear member is engaged with the drive arrangement, and the second gear member is engaged with the disc body. The first and second gear members are arranged to engage each other such that interaction therebetween rotatingly drives the disc body. The first and second gear members are configured to resist wear associated with interaction therebetween.

Abstract: A subject (1) is illuminated by a light source (2) and observed by a pair of cameras (3). The outputs of the cameras (3) are input to an image processor (4), operated under the control of a controller (5), which also controls operation of the light source (2). The light source (2) transmits radiation in a frequency range that is limited substantially to a region of increased opacity in the atmospheric transmission spectrum. This may enable the illumination to be quite clearly discriminated, even at relatively great distances and in bright daylight.

Abstract: The present invention is an illuminator for CCTV surveillance and security applications that maintains constant optical output from an array of LEDs by employing output compensation, feedback and enhancement. This constant optical output illuminator system enables reliable long-duration low-light imaging and data capture for surveillance and security applications, via an array of LEDs, LED power supply circuitry, and output feedback and compensation circuitry in which a photodetector circuit provides a voltage signal proportional to an amount of light falling on a photosensor and the voltage signal is fed to a drive control circuit for electrical current to the LEDs to achieve a desired optical output as measured by a photosensor voltage setpoint across the photodetector circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for effectively and efficiently arbitrating concurrent usage between WLAN and Bluetooth access technologies for co-located wireless devices. A state level arbiter determines state and relevant parameters of a WLAN module and of a Bluetooth module of a wireless transceiver unit. The state level arbiter uses the state and relevant parameters to determine which access technology (WLAN or Bluetooth) or combination of the access technologies (WLAN or Bluetooth) will provide the best concurrent performance for wireless transmissions at a given time for specific Bluetooth states and WLAN states.

Abstract: Techniques for using a narrow filter located before a power amplifier to reduce interference in an adjacent frequency band are disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus (e.g., a wireless device) includes the narrow filter and the power amplifier. The narrow filter is for a first frequency band (e.g., Band 40) and has a first bandwidth that is more narrow than the first frequency band. The narrow filter receives and filters an input radio frequency (RF) signal and provides a filtered RF signal. The power amplifier receives and amplifies the filtered RF signal and provides an amplified RF signal. The apparatus may further include a full filter for the first frequency band and located after the power amplifier. The full filter receives and filters the amplified RF signal and provides an output RF signal when it is selected for use.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for refining materials such as a tobacco material. The apparatus includes a disc assembly rotatably coupled to a drive arrangement. The disc assembly includes a disc body having first and second lateral surfaces each having a refining arrangement disposed thereon. First and second stationary refining arrangements are positioned in opposing relationship to the first and second lateral surfaces so as to form first and second refining zones. The disc assembly further includes first and second gear members. The first gear member is engaged with the drive arrangement, and the second gear member is engaged with the disc body. The first and second gear members are arranged to engage each other such that interaction therebetween rotatingly drives the disc body. The first and second gear members are configured to resist wear associated with interaction therebetween.

Abstract: A subject (1) is illuminated by a light source (2) and observed by a pair of cameras (3). The outputs of the cameras (3) are input to an image processor (4), operated under the control of a controller (5), which also controls operation of the light source (2). The light source (2) transmits radiation in a frequency range that is limited substantially to a region of increased opacity in the atmospheric transmission spectrum. This may enable the illumination to be quite clearly discriminated, even at relatively great distances and in bright daylight.

Abstract: Techniques for mitigating VCO pulling are described. In an aspect, VCO pulling may be mitigated by (i) injecting an oscillator signal, which is a version of a VCO signal from a VCO, into a transmitter and (ii) using coupling paths from the transmitter to the VCO to re-circulate the oscillator signal back to the VCO. In one design, an apparatus includes a VCO and a coupling circuit. The VCO generates a VCO signal at N times a desired output frequency. The coupling circuit receives an oscillator signal generated based on the VCO signal and injects the oscillator signal into a transmitter to mitigate pulling of the frequency of the VCO due to undesired coupling from the transmitter to the VCO. The apparatus may include a phase adjustment circuit that adjusts the phase of the oscillator signal and/or an amplitude adjustment circuit that adjusts the amplitude of the oscillator signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multiple wireless service coexistence comprising: engaging a first switch to connect a first service transmitter to an antenna through a first filter path and to disconnect a first service receiver from the antenna; engaging a second switch to connect a second service receiver to the antenna through a second filter path and to disconnect a second service transmitter from the antenna; enabling transmit power control on the first service transmitter; and performing one or both of the following: a) transmitting a first service transmit signal through the first filter path to the antenna with high rejection of the band of a second service; b) receiving a second service receive signal through the second filter path from the antenna with high rejection of the band of a first service.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring and controlling the pressure inside of an orthosis or orthotic brace. The system can measure the pressure inside of the brace using a force sensor and then, using an air bladder placed between the outside wall of the orthotic brace and the body of the person wearing the brace, deflate or inflate the air bladder as required to maintain a constant pressure between the brace and the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for effectively and efficiently arbitrating concurrent usage between WLAN and Bluetooth access technologies for co-located wireless devices. A state level arbiter determines state and relevant parameters of a WLAN module and of a Bluetooth module of a wireless transceiver unit. The state level arbiter uses the state and relevant parameters to determine which access technology (WLAN or Bluetooth) or combination of the access technologies (WLAN or Bluetooth) will provide the best concurrent performance for wireless transmissions at a given time for specific Bluetooth states and WLAN states.

Abstract: The present invention is an illuminator for CCTV surveillance and security applications that maintains constant optical output from an array of LEDs by employing output compensation, feedback and enhancement. This constant optical output illuminator system enables reliable long-duration low-light imaging and data capture for surveillance and security applications, via an array of LEDs, LED power supply circuitry, and output feedback and compensation circuitry in which a photodetector circuit provides a voltage signal proportional to an amount of light falling on a photosensor and the voltage signal is fed to a drive control circuit for electrical current to the LEDs to achieve a desired optical output as measured by a photosensor voltage setpoint across the photodetector circuit.

Abstract: An active infra-red surveillance illuminator uses a statistically mono-directional micro-diffractive material overlaid on a bank of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to refract light from the LEDs onto a target image. This delivers energy distribution profiles out to a distance to match the aspect ratios of current wide-angle target and wide-angle camera surveillance systems. The distribution of refracted light is elliptical. This distribution can vary by using different diffractive material in conjunction with various numbers, brightness and angles of the LEDs in an LED bank. The effective range of the illuminators is greatly extended with this type of illumination. By limiting infrared (IR) radiation down to a 10 degree vertical window it renders the IR illumination much more effective for surveillance imaging by providing much more effective power on wide, ground-level scenes, and particularly enables multi-lane license plate capture.