Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes extracting a cross-platform data-collection schema based, at least in part, on information available via heterogeneous interfaces of a plurality of source platforms. The cross-platform data-collection schema identifies a plurality of collectable data points in relation to particular source platforms. The method further includes configuring a cross-platform data-collection schedule for the plurality of source platforms. The cross-platform data-collection schedule indicates a collected subset of the plurality of collectable data points in relation to collection frequencies. The method also includes causing data values for the collected subset to be collected on an ongoing basis as dictated by the cross-platform data-collection schedule. Furthermore, the method includes processing a proposed change to at least one of the collected subset and the collection frequencies.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes managing and controlling a plurality of data-access credentials. The method further includes accessing data from a plurality, of sources in a plurality of data formats. The accessing includes using one or more data-access credentials of the plurality of data-access credentials. The one or more data-access credentials are associated with at least a portion of the plurality of data sources. The method also includes abstracting the data into a standardized format for further analysis. The abstracting includes selecting the standardized format based on a type of the data. In addition, the method includes applying a security policy to the data. The applying includes identifying at least a portion of the data for exclusion from storage based on the security policy. Additionally, the method includes filtering from storage any data identified for exclusion. Further, the method includes storing the data in the standardized format.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes managing and controlling a plurality of data-access credentials. The method further includes accessing data from a plurality of sources in a plurality of data formats. The accessing includes using one or more data-access credentials of the plurality of data-access credentials. The one or more data-access credentials are associated with at least a portion of the plurality of data sources. The method also includes abstracting the data into a standardized format for further analysis. The abstracting includes selecting the standardized format based on a type of the data. In addition, the method includes applying a security policy to the data. The applying includes identifying at least a portion of the data for exclusion from storage based on the security policy. Additionally, the method includes filtering from storage any data identified for exclusion. Further, the method includes storing the data in the standardized format.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a power line communication (PLC) signal. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating a first modulation signal based on at least one data stream; modulating a first carrier signal by the first modulation signal to generate a first signal; generating a second signal by performing a phase shift based on the first signal; and coupling a balanced three-phase PLC signal comprising the first signal, the second signal and a third signal to a three-phase power line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes providing an a priori classification engine, an a posteriori classification engine, and a heuristics engine. The a priori classification engine is operable to perform an a priori classification. The a posteriori classification engine is operable to perform an a posteriori classification. The heuristics engine is operable to perform a heuristics classification. In addition, the method includes accessing data from at least one source. The method further includes, responsive to an indication that the a priori classification should be performed, performing the a priori classification on the data. The method also includes, responsive to an indication that the a posteriori classification should be performed, performing the a posteriori classification on the data. Further, the method includes, responsive to an indication that the heuristics classification should be performed, performing the heuristics classification on the data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a power line communication (PLC) signal. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating a first modulation signal based on at least one data stream; modulating a first carrier signal by the first modulation signal to generate a first signal; generating a second signal by performing a phase shift based on the first signal; and coupling a balanced three-phase PLC signal comprising the first signal, the second signal and a third signal to a three-phase power line.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a balanced three-phase power line communication signal. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating a plurality of modulation signals based on at least one data stream; modulating a plurality of carrier signals by the plurality of modulation signals to generate a balanced three-phase PLC signal comprising a first phase signal, a second phase signal, and a third phase signal; and coupling the balanced three-phase PLC signal to a three-phase power line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes maintaining, by a computer system, a plurality of data and at least one classification for each of the plurality of data. Each data of the plurality of data is aggregated from a plurality data sources and is abstracted into one or more of a plurality of standardized formats based on a type of the data. The computer system has executing thereon a plurality of classification engines. The plurality of classification engines include an a priori classification engine, an a posteriori classification engine, and a heuristics engine. Each at least one classification is generated by one of the plurality of classification engines. In addition, the method includes receiving query input from a user. Further, the method includes querying at least a portion of the plurality of data responsive to the query input.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes maintaining, by a computer system, a plurality of data and at least one classification for each of the plurality of data. Each data of the plurality of data is aggregated from a plurality data sources and is abstracted into one or more of a plurality of standardized formats based on a type of the data. The computer system has executing thereon a plurality of classification engines. The plurality of classification engines include an a priori classification engine, an a posteriori classification engine, and a heuristics engine. Each at least one classification is generated by one of the plurality of classification engines. In addition, the method includes receiving query input from a user. Further, the method includes querying at least a portion of the plurality of data responsive to the query input.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a balanced three-phase power line communication signal. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating a plurality of modulation signals based on at least one data stream; modulating a plurality of carrier signals by the plurality of modulation signals to generate a balanced three-phase PLC signal comprising a first phase signal, a second phase signal, and a third phase signal; and coupling the balanced three-phase PLC signal to a three-phase power line.

Abstract: Controlling a multimedia software application using high-level metadata features and symbolic object labels derived from an audio source, wherein a first-pass of low-level signal analysis is performed, followed by a stage of statistical and perceptual processing, followed by a symbolic machine-learning or data-mining processing component is disclosed. This multi-stage analysis system delivers high-level metadata features, sound object identifiers, stream labels or other symbolic metadata to the application scripts or programs, which use the data to configure processing chains, or map it to other media. Embodiments of the invention can be incorporated into multimedia content players, musical instruments, recording studio equipment, installed and live sound equipment, broadcast equipment, metadata-generation applications, software-as-a-service applications, search engines, and mobile devices.

Abstract: Controlling a multimedia software application using high-level metadata features and symbolic object labels derived from an audio source, wherein a first-pass of low-level signal analysis is performed, followed by a stage of statistical and perceptual processing, followed by a symbolic machine-learning or data-mining processing component is disclosed. This multi-stage analysis system delivers high-level metadata features, sound object identifiers, stream labels or other symbolic metadata to the application scripts or programs, which use the data to configure processing chains, or map it to other media. Embodiments of the invention can be incorporated into multimedia content players, musical instruments, recording studio equipment, installed and live sound equipment, broadcast equipment, metadata-generation applications, software-as-a-service applications, search engines, and mobile devices.

Abstract: Spinal surgery systems are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes threaded caps and screw assemblies. Each assembly includes a cannulated and threaded screw having upper and lower ends, a polyaxial head permanently fixed to the screw upper end in a ball-and-socket engagement, and an extension portion fixed to the head wherein extension portion movement causes the head to move in concert. Each head has a receiving area for engaging a rod and a threaded area for receiving one of the caps after the rod is engaged in the receiving area. Each extension portion has: (a) two arms spaced apart such that the arms are on opposite sides of the polyaxial head receiving area; and (b) at least one point of weakness such that forcing the arms away from one another causes the extension portion to divide at the point of weakness and separate the extension portion from the head.

Abstract: A method and assembly for frequency stabilization of an optical signal especially from a laser, the assembly (11) comprising beam splitter (15), a passive frequency discriminator (16), and a pair of photodiodes (17 & 18). The beam splitter (15) in use receives a collimated optical beam (B) and diverts a sample beam (B1) which is directed towards the discriminator (16) which transmits a portion (B2) of said sample beam to one of the photodiodes (17) and reflects a second portion (B3) of said sample beam to the other photodiode (18). A control signal (S3) is derived from the respective intensities of the transmitted and reflected portions of the sample beam, and utilized to operate the electronic control to adjust the frequency of the laser output signal, if required, to maintain a specified frequency.

Abstract: A wavelength locker for locking the wavelength of a light beam substantially to a predetermined wavelength comprises at east one Fabry-Perot etalon arranged to receive a sample portion of the light beam and to produce at least one output light beam therefrom, the intensity of which is dependent upon the wavelength of the sample light beam, the Fabry-Perot etalon comprising diamond. Preferably the diamond etalon is a single crystal synthetic diamond having highly polished input and output faces without any reflective coatings.

Abstract: A method and assembly for frequency stabilisation of an optical signal especially from a laser, the assembly (11) comprising beam splitter (15), a passive frequency discriminator (16), and a pair of photodiodes (17 & 18). The beam splitter (15) in use receives a collimated optical beam (B) and diverts a sample beam (B1) which is directed towards the discriminator (16) which transmits a portion (B2) of said sample beam to one of the photodiodes (17) and reflects a second portion (B3) of said sample beam to the other photodiode (18). A control signal (S3) is derived from the respective intensities of the transmitted and reflected portions of the sample beam, and utilised to operate the electronic control to adjust the frequency of the laser output signal, if required, to maintain a specified frequency.

Abstract: A system 100 for wireless communication is provided. The system 100 includes first communication device 110A operable to transmit a message 300 according to a new protocol. The new protocol having a header 302 including a first rate field and a first length field, a header extension 304 including a second rate field and a second length field, and a data 306. When the message 300 is received by a legacy communication device 102 which is operable to receive a portion of the message 300 according to a legacy protocol, the legacy communication device 102 refrains from transmitting for a duration indicated by the combination of the first rate field and the first length field. The system 100 also includes a second communication device 110B operable to receive the message 300 according to the new protocol. A method of communicating to maintain compatibility with legacy devices is also provided.