Abstract: An overlay network uses flexible neighbor selection based on network address translation (NAT) to define routing between nodes. The NAT type is used as a flexible neighbor selection criteria, either alone or in conjunction with other criteria. A method of selecting a neighboring node for a first node in a distributed hash table network includes determining a desired key value for a node finger table entry and requesting a set of candidate neighboring nodes near this desired key value. The method determines a network address translation type of each of the set of candidate neighboring nodes and ranks the set of candidate neighboring nodes accordingly. The method selects one of the set of candidate neighboring nodes based on the ranking. The NAT types of candidate neighboring nodes are determined by sending probe messages or from data received from a central overlay network server.

Abstract: An information terminal incorporates a network interface and an extension interface, and in the case of outside call, an audio send signal is modulated into an audio signal frequency band, and sent to the exchange through a private telephone line and a subscriber's line by way of the network interface. An audio receive signal sent from the exchange through the subscriber's line and private telephone line is demodulated into an ordinary audio frequency band through the network interface. On the other hand, in the case of extension service, an audio send signal is converted into a packetized digital signal by an extension interface circuit, and is further modulated into a higher frequency band so as not to overlap with the audio signal frequency band, and is transmitted through the private telephone line.

Abstract: An automatic gain control circuit generates, based on comparison between an average brightness of brightness data output for each frame from an image sensor and a target brightness, an integration time adjustment signal for adjusting an integration time during which the image sensor is exposed, a gain adjustment signal for adjusting gain of an amplifier that amplifies an output signal of the image sensor, and a frame rate adjustment signal for changing a frame rate. The automatic gain control circuit includes an exposure control circuit for adjusting a blanking time of each frame and generating, as the frame rate adjustment signal, a maximum integration time adjustment signal for switching a maximum integration time of the image sensor.

Abstract: The distribution of content over a peer to peer (P2P) network can be improved by utilizing at least one broadcast of the content in order to quickly seed the P2P network. When content is first to be distributed across the network, a broadcast can be scheduled that each peer device with broadcast receiving capability and within range of the broadcast is able to receive. As soon as a peer device receives at least a portion of the broadcast content, that peer can begin redistributing the content across the P2P network. Any errors or missing portions of the received broadcast content can be corrected by requesting a copy of the missing or incorrect portion from another peer on the P2P network.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes an image sensor configured to output image data generated by image sensing elements together with a timing signal, and an image processing unit configured to output the image data supplied from the image sensor having undergone predetermined signal processing a predetermined delay time after a timing indicated by the timing signal, the image sensor further configured to make the timing signal indicate a first timing that is at least the processing delay time earlier than a second timing indicative of a start of a valid period of the image data, and to output dummy data from the first timing to the start of the valid period of the image data.

Abstract: Methods of operating a first endpoint device (ED) facilitate the making of a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection between the first ED and a second ED despite intervening network address translators (NATs) at both ends. The P2P connection extends across a system compliant with the internet protocol (IP) whose architecture that includes a first network (having at least the first ED and a first NAT), a second network (having at least the second ED and a second NAT) and a third network. The first ED connects to the third network via the first NAT while the second ED connects to the third network via the second NAT. A first such method includes: providing the second ED with the first IP-address/port pair; and providing the second ED with first type-information regarding the type of the first NAT.

Abstract: Handling of multiple connections during NAT traversal for a node behind a symmetric NAT is disclosed. The likelihood of connection failure during symmetric NAT traversal may be reduced by serializing critical time windows after port prediction. Once port prediction has begun for a first connection, port prediction for a subsequent connection may be delayed until a connectivity check has begun for the first connection. This process may be repeated to handle NAT traversal for multiple simultaneous connections to different nodes.

Abstract: Prioritizing network traffic among two or more distinct channels of communication within a single application in a node configured to communicate with one or more other nodes over a network is disclosed. For a particular time quantum, a bandwidth quantum may be distributed amongst two or more communication channels according to priorities associated with those channels.

Abstract: In a node configured to communicate with one or more other nodes over a network, available bandwidth for network traffic may be distributed among two or more distinct channels of communication within a single application running on the node. An available bandwidth may be detected for communication between the first node and a second node. A distribution may be determined for the available bandwidth among the two or more communication channels. A sending rate may be adjusted for data sent from the first node to the second node over one or more of the two or more communication channels in response to a detected change in the available bandwidth.

Abstract: Network bandwidth detection and distribution and prioritizing network traffic among two or more distinct channels of communication within a single application in a node configured to communicate with one or more other nodes over a network is disclosed. For a particular time quantum, a bandwidth quantum may be distributed amongst two or more communication channels according to priorities associated with those channels.

Abstract: Broadcast messages are efficiently directed to nodes of an overlay network. Broadcast messages include an End ID parameter specifying the range of key values for nodes that should receive the broadcast message. Each node of an overlay network maintains a list of finger nodes and their respective key values. Upon receiving a broadcast message, a node assigns a finger node a new End ID value based upon the End ID value of the broadcast message or the key value of an adjacent finger node. The node compares a finger node's new End ID value with the finger node's key value to determine whether to forward the broadcast message to that finger node. A broadcast message forwarded to a finger node includes an End ID parameter equal to the new End ID value determined for the finger node. Nodes can aggregate response messages from its finger nodes.

Abstract: A user interface enables the input of text and other complicated inputs by identifying entities having an increased likelihood of being selected and decreasing the precision needed to select these entities. The user interface displays a set of entities in a radial pattern. The user manipulates a pointer with a joystick or other input device to select entities. The entities having a higher selection probabilities are allocated more space in the pattern than the other entities. The entities having a higher selection probabilities may also be emphasized with visual cues. Selection probabilities may be determined by comparing a sequence of entities previously selected, such as a partially input word, with a set of commonly selected sequences of entities, such as a set of words commonly used by users. The user interface can display a list of words corresponding with a sequence of selected entities, including characters from different writing systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating traversal of a network address translator (NAT) are disclosed. For example, a node configured to communicate with one or more other nodes over a network may facilitate NAT traversal by a) determining information regarding the behavior of one or more NATs with the node; and storing the information in such a way that the information is retrievable by one or more other nodes; or b) retrieving information regarding behavior of one or more NATs obtained by one or more other nodes and using the information to traverse one or more of the NATs.

Abstract: Broadcast messages are efficiently directed to nodes of an overlay network. Broadcast messages include an End ID parameter specifying the range of key values for nodes that should receive the broadcast message. Each node of an overlay network maintains a list of finger nodes and their respective key values. Upon receiving a broadcast message, a node assigns a finger node a new End ID value based upon the End ID value of the broadcast message or the key value of an adjacent finger node. The node compares a finger node's new End ID value with the finger node's key value to determine whether to forward the broadcast message to that finger node. A broadcast message forwarded to a finger node includes an End ID parameter equal to the new End ID value determined for the finger node. Nodes can aggregate response messages from its finger nodes.

Abstract: A method for network communication and an apparatus for discovery of a maximum transmission unit (MTU) size in a path between two nodes of a network are disclosed. A plurality of test packets of varying transmission unit (TU) size may be sent from the first host to the second host. A “do not fragment” (DF) flag for the test packets is not set. It is determined whether one or more of the test packets were received by the second host. An estimated path MTU for a network path between the first and second hosts size may then be calculated based on one or more patterns of receipt of the test packets by the second host. Once the estimated Path MTU size has been determined, message packets of a size less than or equal to the Path MTU size may be sent over the network path.

Abstract: An overlay network uses flexible neighbor selection based on network address translation (NAT) to define routing between nodes. The NAT type is used as a flexible neighbor selection criteria, either alone or in conjunction with other criteria. A method of selecting a neighboring node for a first node in a distributed hash table network includes determining a desired key value for a node finger table entry and requesting a set of candidate neighboring nodes near this desired key value. The method determines a network address translation type of each of the set of candidate neighboring nodes and ranks the set of candidate neighboring nodes accordingly. The method selects one of the set of candidate neighboring nodes based on the ranking. The NAT types of candidate neighboring nodes are determined by sending probe messages or from data received from a central overlay network server.

Abstract: A data terminal, a data distributing system, and an Internet telephoning system are provided where desired data such as advertisements can selectively be determined and used for enjoying its relevant services. The data terminal receives a summary of service data from a data provider apparatus over the Internet, and if desired, demands the data provider apparatus to provide the service data over the Internet. The service data from the data provider apparatus may selectively be received in at least one of an audio form, a text form, and a video form at the data terminal. The service data may be advertisement data, commercial product data, and entertainment data such as music, movies, and games. The entertainment data may selectively be presented as at least one of the title, the artist name, the cost, and a trial sample piece of the content.

Abstract: Methods of operating a first endpoint device (ED) facilitate the making of a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection between the first ED and a second ED despite intervening network address translators (NATs) at both ends. The P2P connection extends across a system compliant with the internet protocol (IP) whose architecture that includes a first network (having at least the first ED and a first NAT), a second network (having at least the second ED and a second NAT) and a third network. The first ED connects to the third network via the first NAT while the second ED connects to the third network via the second NAT. A first such method includes: providing the second ED with the first IP-address/port pair; and providing the second ED with first type-information regarding the type of the first NAT.

Abstract: Methods of operating a first endpoint device (ED) facilitate the making of a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection between the first ED and a second ED despite intervening network address translators (NATs) at both ends. The P2P connection extends across a system compliant with the internet protocol (IP) whose architecture that includes a first network (having at least the first ED and a first NAT), a second network (having at least the second ED and a second NAT) and a third network. The first ED connects to the third network via the first NAT while the second ED connects to the third network via the second NAT. A first such method includes: providing the second ED with the first IP-address/port pair; and providing the second ED with first type-information regarding the type of the first NAT.

Abstract: A titanium oxide photocatalyst obtained by hydrolyzing or neutralizing with an alkali an aqueous solution of titanium chloride to obtain a solid component, incorporating sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound in any step of the process, and baking the solid containing the sulfur or sulfur-containing compound. The titanium oxide photocatalyst can be efficiently produced in an industrial production scale and has a high photocatalytic activity in a visible-light region.