Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide time-varying barcodes in an active display for information exchange. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for communicating information between electronic devices via a barcode image sequence. In a typical embodiment, a barcode image sequence is displayed on the display screen of a first electronic device. A second electronic device reads and decodes the barcode image sequence. The second electronic device displays an acknowledgement on the display screen of the second electronic device. The acknowledgement is read by the first electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an adaptive and intelligent fingerprint scanning device and approach for a multi-sided card. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention utilize DC resistive image scanning to reduce overall scanning time and energy consumption (e.g., by identifying a targeted scanning area). In a typical embodiment, a scanning device will be provided that includes a scanning area comprised of a set (e.g., at least one) of imaging pixel electrodes (e.g., arranged adjacent to one another in a grid-like or other fashion). As a user presses his/her finger against the scanning area, a first portion of the finger will contact a first electrode while a second portion of the finger will contact a second electrode. When this occurs, a voltage source of the device will apply an initial voltage across the first and second finger portions. A meter of the device will take an electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) across the two finger portions.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a card and associated methods for automated information (static and dynamic) exchange pursuant to a commercial transaction. In a typical embodiment, the card (e.g., a credit card, a debit card and/or a smart card) comprises an energy component for providing power to the card and a back display (e.g., positioned on the back or magnetic strip side of the card) for displaying card information being used in the commercial transaction. Upon display, a terminal (e.g., a point of sale terminal) will scan/read the card information and generate a corresponding source validation code (SVC). An imager positioned on the back of the card will scan/read the SVC and card validation code (CVC) logic on the card will generate a CVC based on the SVC (e.g., based on a validation result of the SVC).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a radio frequency identification (RFID) based electricity metering system enabled to meter energy consumption of individual devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for validating a user of a transaction card. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention utilize dynamic manipulation of a transaction card to authorize use of the card. In a typical embodiment, the cardholder approaches a magnetic reader with the card. The card is powered up by an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna in a magnetic field. The cardholder enters a user authorization code using an input method. The entry is compared against the predefined user authorization code. If the entry is invalid, an unauthorized code is put on virtual ferromagnetic cells (VFC) embedded in the card. If the entry is valid, legitimate card information is put into the VFC. When the card is swiped, magnetic information on the VFC is coupled, amplified, and recorded to the reader. After cardholder use, the VFC are reset to a random or unauthorized mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an adaptive and intelligent fingerprint scanning device and approach. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention utilize DC resistive image scanning to reduce overall scanning time and energy consumption (e.g., by identifying a targeted scanning area). In a typical embodiment, a scanning device will be provided that includes a scanning area comprised of a set (e.g., at least one) of imaging pixel electrodes (e.g., arranged adjacent to one another in a grid- like or other fashion). As a user presses his/her finger against the scanning area, a first portion of the finger will contact a first electrode while a second portion of the finger will contact a second electrode. When this occurs, a voltage source of the device will apply an initial voltage across the first and second finger portions. A meter of the device will take an electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) across the two finger portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a semiconductor storage device (SSD) system based on asymmetric RAID storage. Specifically, embodiments of this invention provide a set of (at least one) of RAID controllers coupled to a host computer. A set of storage drives is coupled to each asymmetric RAID controller. The RAID method and configuration of each storage device are dynamically adapted based on user policy parameters and storage performance characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a semiconductor storage device (SSD) system based on hybrid RAID storage. Specifically, embodiments of this invention provide a set of (at least one) RAID controllers coupled to a host computer. A set of storage drives is coupled to each hybrid RAID controller. The RAID method and configuration of each storage device are dynamically adapted based on user policy parameters and storage performance characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a semiconductor storage device (SSD) system based on redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller collaboration. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a set (at least one) of RAID controllers coupled to a host system, wherein each of the set of RAID controllers is configured to collaborate with at least one other RAID controller within the set through at least one dedicated controller-to-controller channel to enable high bandwidth RAID storage.

Abstract: In general, the present invention protects actual search queries submitted to web search engines using a set (i.e., at least one) of supplemental queries (hereinafter referred to as securing search queries). As a result, collections of search queries will not form statistically stable categories, and will not disclose the search subject. Any hits resulting from securing search queries will be filtered from results that are returned to the requestor. In addition, the securing search queries can be associated with protective Internet Protocol addresses to reduce the possibility of the requestor of the actual search query to be identified.

Abstract: Under the present invention, when an application is deployed, certain information corresponding thereto will be stored in an Enterprise Application Directory (EAD). Thereafter, when an instance of the application is requested (e.g., by a requestor), the information is retrieved from the EAD. In addition, the instance is registered with an Application Access Registry (AAR). Registering the instance involves creating a record in the AAR, generating a unique application access key for the instance, and storing the access key with the information in the record. The access key (and optionally the information) is then returned to the requestor, which can then issue service requests to one or more grid services in the shared computer infrastructure. The service request will include the access key so that the grid service can identify the application by searching for the record in the registry using the access key.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a semiconductor storage device (SSD) system architecture based on flash memory. Specifically, embodiments of this invention provide a set of SSD RAID controllers coupled to a system control board. A set of flash memory control units coupled to each of the set of SSD RAID controllers, each of the set of flash memory control units comprising an SSD controller and a set of flash memory units.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an SSD system architecture based on DDR memory. Specifically, embodiments of this invention provide a set of SSD RAID controllers coupled to a system control board. Coupled to each SSD RAID controller is a set of memory control units, each of the set of memory control units include an SSD controller and a set of DRAM memory units.

Abstract: Sub-100 nanometer semiconductor devices and methods and program products for manufacturing devices are provided, in particular inductors comprising a plurality of spaced parallel metal lines disposed on a dielectric surface and each having width, heights, spacing and cross-sectional areas determined as a function of Design Rule Check rules. For one planarization process rule a metal density ratio of 80% metal to 20% dielectric surface is determined and produced. In one example a sum of metal line spacing gaps is less than a sum of metal line interior sidewall heights. In one aspect at least one of line height, width and line spacing dimensions is selected to optimize one or more chip yield, chip performance, chip manufacturability and inductor Q factor parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide time-varying barcodes in an active display for information exchange. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for communicating information between electronic devices via a barcode image sequence. In a typical embodiment, a barcode image sequence is displayed on the display screen of a first electronic device. A second electronic device reads and decodes the barcode image sequence. The second electronic device displays an acknowledgement on the display screen of the second electronic device. The acknowledgement is read by the first electronic device.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus, computer architecture, method, operating system, compiler, and application program products for MPEs as well as virtualization in a symmetric MCP. The disclosure is applied to a generic microprocessor architecture with a set (e.g., one or more) of controlling elements (e.g., MPEs) and a set of groups of sub-processing elements (e.g., SPEs). Under this arrangement, MPEs and SPEs are organized in a way that a smaller number MPEs control the behavior of a group of SPEs. The apparatus enables virtualized control threads within MPEs to be assigned to different groups of SPEs for controlling the same. The apparatus further includes a MCP coupled to a power supply coupled with cores to provide a supply voltage to each core (or core group) and controlling-digital elements and multiple instances of sub-processing elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention implement dynamic elements within a RFID card. Specifically, the embodiments update card information dynamically, using a biometric image scanner (e.g., for scanning a fingerprint passively). The scanner is activated only when a user intends to use it with a designated reader by bringing the RFID card within the reader RF field range, thus preventing unauthorized reader's RFID scan. Even if an unauthorized reader comes into contact with the RFID card, the reader cannot read the user's biometric information, unless the user holds the card for use by the reader. Thus, unauthorized biometric information scanning is effectively prevented. The medium owned and controlled by the user collects a biometric fingerprint image for safety and security.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method, system, and program product for tracking a location of a user of a wireless device in a private network environment. Specifically, under the present invention, a wireless device user will form a data connection with a private network through a public network such as the Internet. At such a time “location” information will be communicated from the wireless device to the provider of the private network, which will use the information to track the location of the wireless device user. In addition, the provider of the private network can query the wireless device when updates to the information are desired. At this or any other time, the wireless device can be queried for any such updates.

Abstract: An improved solution for prioritizing conference call participants is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes detecting a sound of a first conference call participant; disabling a distribution of a sound of a second conference call participant upon the detecting; and enabling the distribution of the sound of the second conference call participant after an expiration of a time period. In an embodiment, a higher priority may be assigned to a specific participant, such as the host, an administrator, or manager.

Abstract: The present invention allows CPU utilization for a virtual machine (VM) to be captured from a perspective of a host. Specifically, under the present invention, a work request having a set (e.g., one or more) of jobs is received by a host and allocated to a virtual machine on a node. The work request is typically accompanied by an account identifier such as a multi-value billing code. Once the work request is allocated to a particular VM on the node, a “startacct” script is issued, and a first account record is created. Thereafter, the work request is processed and the CPU utilization needed to complete the set of jobs is monitored. Once the set of jobs is completed, an “endacct” script is issued and a second account record is created. Among other things, the second account record includes the monitored CPU utilization and the account identifier.