Patents Issued in May 1, 2007
  • Patent number: 7212935
    Abstract: The invention relates to torque sensors or more particularly to automotive torque sensors which measure the torque transmitted at one or more positions within an automotive power train. The invention provides a method for zeroing an automotive power train torque sensor while a vehicle is moving during the zero torque condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. O'Brien, George Edward Bown
  • Patent number: 7212936
    Abstract: The method, system and computer program product for discovering a direction of flow through at least a portion of the components represented in the sheets of a drawing set includes providing an electronic representation of the sheets of the drawing set, automatically reviewing at least one sheet of the drawing set, including automatically recognizing at least one flow-related reference depicted in the sheets of the drawing set, determining a direction of flow through at least a portion of the components based upon at least one flow-related reference, and creating flow information associated with the electronic representation of the sheets of the drawing set that includes the direction of flow through at least a portion of the components. The electronic representation of the direction of flow through the portion of the components also may be viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence S. Baum, John H. Boose, Carey S. Chaplin
  • Patent number: 7212937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the exact measurement of gases with a plurality of sensors which are evaluated by means of a microcontroller so that high accuracy of measurement is obtained independently of the environmental conditions, which are also measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: imt medical ag
    Inventor: Harri Friberg
  • Patent number: 7212938
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method to calibrate an on-board remote sensing system using a self-locking travel pattern and target remote sensing data. The self-locking travel pattern includes a number of parallel travel lines having overlapping swath widths between adjacent travel lines. The overlapping swath widths are used to determine the boresight angles and range offset of the remote sensor device. In addition, the method can be used to generate estimated horizontal and vertical displacement errors. These estimated errors can be used as correction factors for the range offset and boresight angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: M7 Visual Intelligence, LP
    Inventor: Tuy Vu Mai
  • Patent number: 7212939
    Abstract: A method and system is presented for measuring a data access time of an embedded macro module in an integrated circuit. A single external test signal is inputted into the embedded macro module for enabling a data input therein and extracting a data output therefrom. A pulse width of the single external test signal is incrementally increased until a latch of the data output is observed. Then, the data access time is obtained, as its substantially equals a time interval of the increased pulse width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hui Hsieh, Hau-Tai Shieh, Tao-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 7212940
    Abstract: A transmitter and a method for testing the transmitter which allow easy testing for a failure in the detection processing unit thereof, thereby reducing required manpower and cost, are provided. The transmitter is provided with a detection processing unit for detecting a process variable and processing an electric signal which is based on the process variable. The transmitter is characterized by containing a test unit for generating a malfunctioning state of the detection processing unit for the testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Madoka Ueno, Hiroki Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7212941
    Abstract: A test apparatus implements a method for testing electronic devices that exhibit non-deterministic behavior. The test apparatus includes a high-speed buffer queue for storing data packets. The data packets arrive at one end of the queue and, as they exit at the other end, are compared against expect data packets stored in memory. If the data packet exiting the buffer queue corresponds to response signals generated by the device under test during a non-deterministic (e.g., idle) state, the expect data packet is not retrieved from memory and the comparison is not made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Credence Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Angarai T. Sivaram, Burnell G. West, Howard Maassen
  • Patent number: 7212942
    Abstract: An instrument for use in a helicopter includes a performance calculator typically housed in a control unit (16) and a display unit (14). The system receives electronic indicia (44) of current altitude, air temperature, fuel on-board and engine manifold pressure, and calculates (in substantially real time) the following: (a) maximum amount of power the engine can produce at these conditions; (b) limitations set by the aircraft manufacturer on power that may be used; (c) maximum airspeed and hover weight allowed under these conditions; (d) percent power used (the “torque gauge”); and (e) amount of power remaining available. The power display unit has an arcuate series (24) of light elements fitted around the standard MP (20) gauge to provide graphic indicia (26, 28, 30) of power available for the pilot to easily see and interpret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Precision Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Stephen H. Vollum
  • Patent number: 7212943
    Abstract: A body motion detection device is provided that is configured to be attached to a forearm of a user to detect a body motion of the human body to detect body motions of the user. The body motion detection device basically comprises a body motion sensor unit and a body motion component extracting section. The body motion sensor unit is configured and arranged to detect an acceleration caused substantially by a movement of the forearm during walking and an acceleration caused substantially by a movement of the forearm during running to output at least one body motion signal. The body motion component extracting section is configured and arranged to extract a body motion component from said at least one body motion signal. Thus, pitch of the user can be measured based on the body motion component both when the user is running and walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Aoshima, Yutaka Kawafune
  • Patent number: 7212944
    Abstract: A MEM inertial sensor (e.g. accelerometer, gyroscope) having integral rotational means for providing static and dynamic bias compensation is disclosed. A bias compensated MEM inertial sensor is described comprising a MEM inertial sense element disposed on a rotatable MEM stage. A MEM actuator drives the rotation of the stage between at least two predetermined rotational positions. Measuring and comparing the output of the MEM inertial sensor in the at least two rotational positions allows for both static and dynamic bias compensation in inertial calculations based on the sensor's output. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising a plurality of independently rotatable MEM inertial sensors and methods for making bias compensated inertial measurements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Stewart M. Kohler, James J. Allen
  • Patent number: 7212945
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining actual states of a number of adjusting elements. A position of an additional member relative to a basic member can be set by means of a number of adjusting elements. In order to determine the actual states of the adjusting elements, the additional member is firstly fixed mechanically relative to the basic member in such a way that it has only one degree of freedom. It is then possible to describe the position of the additional member relative to the basic member by means of a single scalar variable. The position of the additional member is then changed. Changes in state effected by the change in position of the additional member are detected, and the actual states of the adjusting elements are determined therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Puchtler
  • Patent number: 7212946
    Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for accommodating spatially-correlated variation in a process parameter during statistical timing of a circuit. In one embodiment, the method includes dividing an area of the circuit into a plurality of grid cells; associating an independent random variable with each of the plurality of grid cells; and expressing at least one spatially-correlated parameter of a first grid cell as a function of the random variables associated with the first grid cell and at least one neighboring grid cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Natesan Venkateswaran, Chandramouli Visweswariah, Lizheng Zhang, Vladimir Zolotov
  • Patent number: 7212948
    Abstract: A banknote validator can recognise ink stains having predetermined characteristics and is operable to perform measurements on a received banknote in order to classify the banknote into at least the following categories: (a) genuine non-stained bills of said denomination; (b) bills which been stained; and (c) other bills, including non-genuine banknotes. Preferably, stained banknotes are sent to at least one dedicated store. The validator can classify banknotes into many denominations, but can only authenticate banknotes belonging to a sub-set of those denominations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Voser
  • Patent number: 7212949
    Abstract: An automated system for tool mark analysis includes an acquisition mechanism for acquiring 3D data of tool marks left on the surfaces of specimens by tools, a signature generation module for generating tool mark signatures from the acquired data, an analysis unit for comparing pairs of the tool mark signatures to obtain a numerical similarity value reflective of their similarity, and a database in which the similarity values are stored. An automated method for tool mark analysis involves the steps of acquiring the 3D data of tool marks, generating the tool mark signature, statistically evaluating pairs of the tool mark signatures, and providing a numerical similarity value for each pair of tool mark signatures reflecting the degree of similarity between the tool mark signatures of each pair. The method is carried out with automated assistance of a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Intelligent Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Bachrach
  • Patent number: 7212950
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, and apparatus for fingerprinting and process matching process tools such as process tools used for processing workpieces are described. One embodiment includes a method to determine process matching of one or more process tools using a first data set and a second data set. The first data set and the second data set include an operating characteristic for a process. The method comprises fingerprinting the one or more process tools using the first data set and the second data set; finding correspondences between transition points in the first data set and the second data set; and comparing the first data set and second data set using the correspondences to determine whether the first data set and the second data set match so as to indicate whether the one or more process tools match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: OnWafer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kameshwar Poolla
  • Patent number: 7212951
    Abstract: Steric features inherent in the three dimensional disposition of atoms in molecules can be represented as multiplets using a defined set of steric descriptors. The resulting multiplets can be encoded in a compressed form of bitstring known as a bitmap. Such bitmaps can be generated in compressed form and used to compare individual conformers or ensembles of conformers of molecules to each other without decompression. Such comparisons are useful in molecular similarity analysis, in molecular diversity analysis, in database searching, and in conformational analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Tripos, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmond Abrahamian, Robert D. Clark, Peter Fox, Essam Metwally
  • Patent number: 7212952
    Abstract: Cause of abnormalities of an abnormal state of a control system of a plant of a turbine are estimated and diagnosed from characteristics of abnormal phenomena. By using a control system abnormality cause-and-effect matrix in which characteristics of a plurality of abnormal phenomena constructed on a knowledge base are correlated with a plurality of causes by correlating (weighting) scores, plant devices causing abnormality are inferred and diagnosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shunzo Watanabe, Hideo Hosaka, Mitsuyoshi Okazaki, Seiichi Asatsu, Tatsuo Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7212953
    Abstract: Systems and associated apparatus, methods, and computer program products, relate to a small, portable diagnostic instrument for checking the correct operation of a gas metering system that include a gas meter, an electronic corrector, and a junction there between. Some embodiments may use calibrated sensors to check the operation of a rotary or other positive displacement type gas meter or turbine meter. For example, reference sensors may be temporarily applied to monitor gas temperature and pressure, as well as the motion of a flow-responsive element (e.g., impellers, turbine, or diaphragm) in the gas meter. Measured volume signals from the gas meter system may be compared to reference volume signals determined from the reference sensors to check operation of the junction, and/or the electronic corrector. Some embodiments may detect other failure mechanisms, such as bearing-related problems in the gas meter, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Roman Leon Artiuch
  • Patent number: 7212954
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus including a plurality of modules that are provided for each information processing feature, a plurality of switches that are provided respectively for the modules so as to turn on and off the power supply to the respective modules connected to them, a power supply metering section that meters the power supply to the modules, a memory section that stores a normal range of power supply in advance and a control section that controls the switches so as to turn off the power supply to a specific module when the outcome of the metering by the power supply metering section is out of the normal range of power supply as stored in the memory section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Amano
  • Patent number: 7212955
    Abstract: Data associated with at least one characteristic associated with the viability of a product is monitored. The data associated with the at least one characteristic is analyzed, and based on the analyzing, at least one future viability state condition of the product is predicted. At least one indicator is displayed related to the at least one future viability state condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Evan Kirshenbaum, Henri Jacques Suermondt, Kave Eshghi
  • Patent number: 7212956
    Abstract: A method of representing a sound field includes the steps of acquiring measurement signals (cn) which are delivered by simple sensors (2n) that are exposed to sound field (P) determining encoding filters which are representative of at least the structural characteristics of the sensors and processing the measurement signals (cn) by applying the encoding filters to the signals (cn), in order to determine a finite number of representative coefficients over time and in the three-dimensional space of the sound field (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Rémy Bruno, Arnaud Laborie, Sébastien Montoya
  • Patent number: 7212957
    Abstract: A software tool and an electronic interface facilitate model railroaders in initiating, monitoring and directing the path trains (i.e. engine and rail cars) will traverse on the model layout. The software tool and an electronic interface are connected to one of the I/O ports of a computer. The display presented on the computer monitor will mimic the model railroad layout depicting each track turnout with a red or green path. The green path depicts the selected path through the turnout while the red path is the deselected path. With all turnouts displayed simultaneously the condition of the layout relative to train movement can be seen at once by following the green paths. To change the path through a turnout, the user places the cursor on the representation of the turnout on the computer display and performs a left mouse button click. The software will recognize the particular turnout selected and cause a momentary actuating signal to be sent to the tracks turnout motor through the electronic interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Ez Switch Corp.
    Inventor: Clifton A. Rau
  • Patent number: 7212958
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Maria-Grazia Ascenzi, John M. Kabo
  • Patent number: 7212959
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accumulating arbitrary length strings of input values, such as floating point values, in a layered tree structure such that the order of adds at each layer is maintained. The accumulating utilizes a shared adder, and includes means for directing initial inputs and intermediate result values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Clark Purcell, Scott Kimura, Mark L. Wood Patrick
  • Patent number: 7212960
    Abstract: A computer program product and method of simulation involve the present computer simulation model of a lossy transmission line. The model uses a hybrid model at each end of the transmission line, each hybrid model coupled to a port of the transmission line. Each hybrid model is coupled to a forward path model and a reverse path model, such that simulated signals pass through the forward path mode enroute from a first hybrid to the second hybrid, and through the reverse path model enroute from the second hybrid to the first hybrid. At each end of the transmission line there is also a reflection model coupling between the reverse path model and the forward path model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David W. Quint, Karl Joseph Bois
  • Patent number: 7212961
    Abstract: A method for prototyping an integrated circuit may include selecting at least one daughter card for connection to a motherboard. The daughter card is selected having an ability to provide functionality corresponding to a specific integrated circuit device. The at least one daughter card is connected to the motherboard so that the daughter card is communicatively connected to common memory provided on the motherboard. The motherboard is connected to an information handling system utilizing a prototyping interface device, the information handling system providing a virtual software modeling environment for an integrated circuit. The at least one daughter card, information handling system, prototyping interface device and motherboard emulate an integrated circuit design. At least one of software and system integration of the integrated circuit emulated by the motherboard, information handling system, prototyping interface device and the at least one daughter card is tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Curtis Settles
  • Patent number: 7212962
    Abstract: A host-terminal emulation program which permits secure host linkage communication between a host within a protected network and a client outside the network. The client establishes in advance a receiving connection with a relay device, for receiving data compliant to a second protocol (Step S1). Subsequently, the client establishes a transmitting connection with the relay device, for transmitting data compliant to the second protocol (Step S2), and transmits data to the relay device via the transmitting connection (Step S3). The relay device converts the data to a first protocol (Step S4), and transmits the converted data to the host (Step S5). On completion of data processing by the host (Step S6), the processing result is transmitted to the relay device by means of the first protocol (Step S7). The processing result is converted to the second protocol in the relay device (Step S8) and transferred to the client (Step S9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Akinori Masushige, Yukio Hirao, Masahide Abe
  • Patent number: 7212963
    Abstract: A system for distinguishing names of persons in Chinese, which includes a computer. The computer includes at least an input, an output, a processor, and a memory and storage arrangement. Data is accessible by the processor, including at least names presently being used in Chinese, and name indicators and non-name indicators that respectively indicate probable presence and non-presence of a name. The system also includes software for performing computer processing including identifying names in Chinese text that has been input to the computer for names corresponding to names in the data for names presently being used in Chinese, name indicators, and non-name indicators. The processing includes comparing the location in the Chinese text of identified name indicators and non-name indicators relative to identified names in the text, and if predefined conditions are met, affirming that that an identified name is being used as a name in the text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li Yang Li
  • Patent number: 7212964
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system for augmenting a training database of an automated language-understanding system. In one embodiment, a training example in a first language may be received from the training database. The first language-training example may be translated to a second language output. The second language output may be translated to a first variant of the first language-training example. An action pair including the first variant of the first language-training example and an action command associated with the first language-training example may be stored in an augmented training database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Hiyan Alshawi, Shona Douglas
  • Patent number: 7212965
    Abstract: A method of automatic processing of noise-affected speech captures and digitizes speech in the form of at least one digitised signal and extracts several time-based sequences or frames corresponding to the signal, by means of an extraction system. Each frame is decomposed by means of an analysis system into at least two different frequency bands so as to obtain at least two first vectors of representative parameters for each frame, one for each frequency band. The method converts, by means of converter systems, the first vectors of representative parameters into second vectors of parameters substantially insensitive to noise, wherein each converter system (50) is associated with one frequency band and converts the first vector of representative parameters associated with the same frequency band, and wherein a learning of the converter systems is achieved on the basis of a learning corpus which corresponds to a corpus of speech contaminated by noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Faculte Polytechnique De Mons
    Inventor: Stéphane Dupont
  • Patent number: 7212966
    Abstract: A speech recognition apparatus for a vehicle is provided for decreasing the feeling of discomfort of the operator even in the case that speech recognition is continuously impossible over several times. The speech recognition apparatus for a vehicle that recognizes voice input via an voice input device comprises a response output device for outputting a response to said voice input, a recognition possible or impossible determining device for determining whether said voice input can be recognized, and a response change executing device for operating when recognition is impossible for outputting a response having a different expression from said response output device depending on the number of times it has been determined that recognition is impossible by said recognition possible or impossible determining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kyomitsu
  • Patent number: 7212967
    Abstract: A Chinese phonetic transcription input system and method that applies the comparison functions of imperfect and fuzzy phonetic transcriptions. The disclosed invention employs classified input methods for Chinese characters, phrases or sentences to process documentary editing. Users are able to make an immediate selection in the input system for relevant Chinese characters, phrases and sentences from the database through the comparison functions of imperfect and fuzzy phonetic transcriptions after inputting a phonetic transcription message in the input edit column. Through the input system, relevant Chinese characters and phrases can be rapidly found and listed in the elected characters and phrases column, so that users are able to choose a desired character, phrase or sentence with a hotkey. Moreover, the input system also provides an automatic store function for expanding Chinese characters, phrases and sentences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Say Ling Wen, Zechary Chang, Leger Wu
  • Patent number: 7212968
    Abstract: A dynamic programming technique is provided for matching two sequences of phonemes both of which may be generated from text or speech. The scoring of the dynamic programming matching technique uses phoneme confusion scores, phoneme insertion scores and phoneme deletion scores which are obtained in advance in a training session and, if appropriate, confidence data generated by a recognition system if the sequences are generated from speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Philip Neil Garner, Jason Peter Andrew Charlesworth, Asako Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7212969
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method, apparatus, and system capable of changing the voice user interface of the system based upon user-specific contextual information. The voice processing system consists of at least the following components: a module to identify a particular user; a voice user interface to facilitate communications between the user and the system; a database to store content and user-specific contextual information; and the system to use the user-specific contextual information to dynamically make changes to the voice user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Steven M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7212970
    Abstract: A speech control system and method are provided in which state definition information is loaded from a network application server. The state definition information defines possible states of the network application server and is used to determine a set of valid commands of the network application server. A validity of a text command obtained by converting an input speech command can be checked by comparing the text command with the determined set of valid commands. Thus, a transmission of erroneous text commands to the network application server can be prevented so as to reduce total processing time and response delays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Rodrigo
  • Patent number: 7212971
    Abstract: A control apparatus controls the display of text data which includes a speech link that can be activated by spoken command. The shape of a pointing device cursor displayed on a display is then changed by the apparatus when the pointing device cursor is located over the speech link included in displayed text data. The apparatus is arranged to output a prompt identifying speech commands that can be used to activate the speech link if the pointing device cursor is displayed on a display located over the speech link in a changed state for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Uwe Helmut Jost, Yuan Shao
  • Patent number: 7212972
    Abstract: A feature description method capable of high-speed, efficiently searching audio data or grasping a summary of the audio data by giving considerations to elements and characteristics peculiar to the audio data, is provided. Also, an audio video data feature description collection construction method for collecting feature descriptions from multiple pieces of audio video data based on a specific feature type makes it possible to efficiently, clearly describe a feature description collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: DDI Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Sugano, Yasuyuki Nakajima, Hiromasa Yanagihara, Akio Yoneyama, Haruhisa Kato
  • Patent number: 7212973
    Abstract: In a quantization step information encoding unit, an average value of the quantization step information is found in an approximate shape extraction unit (20), first of all, from one set of a given number of unitary quantization units to another. In an approximate shape encoding unit (21), the approximate shape information is vector-quantized. In a residual signal computing unit (22), the residual signals between the quantization step information and the quantized approximate shape vector are computed. In a residual signal encoding unit (23), the residual signals are variable length encoded, and the so encoded residual signals and the vector quantized approximate shape information are output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Toyama, Shiro Suzuki, Minoru Tsuji, Masayuki Nishiguchi
  • Patent number: 7212974
    Abstract: A system and method for compressing data into a single integrated strand of data is disclosed. The system includes an encoder, sequencer, compression engine, protocol stack and a broadcaster for use over existing networks and wireless systems. Using compression and encoding techniques, multiple strands of data are taken and compressed into a single integrated continuous or block stream. The data comes from multiple sources, such video, audio, or data, such text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel Kilbank
  • Patent number: 7212975
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing an estimated time of arrival based marketplace are provided. The apparatus and methods solicit bids from one or more service providers for a requested service. The service providers may respond with bids that may include a price for providing the requested service along with an estimated time to perform the requested service in a location associated with the service provider. The bids are used, along with travel data obtained from a travel data provider, to generate service search results that are provided to a client device. The service search results include the price charged by the service provider as well as estimated times of completion (ETAs) for obtaining the service from the service provider. The ETA may be a combination of travel time determined from the travel data and time of performance determined from the bid submitted by the service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Frederick Bantz, Steven J. Mastrianni
  • Patent number: 7212976
    Abstract: A method for selecting a fulfillment plan for moving an item within a supply chain. The method is performed in response to the receipt of an order for an item. To select the fulfillment plan, a list of alternative fulfillment plans for moving the item within the supply chain is constructed, the constructed alternative fulfillment plans are evaluated against a predetermined criteria, and the constructed alternative fulfillment plan that most closely meets the predetermined criteria is selected for implementation to position the item within the supply chain for use in meeting the order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Scheer
  • Patent number: 7212977
    Abstract: Power consumption of electric equipment used in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus (100) is obtained and the total amount is displayed as calories by a display means. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is configured so that the equipment is set up inside a housing (10). The amount of heat discharged from the inside to the outside (a clean room) via the housing is obtained, and further, the amount of heat removed by exhaust from the interior of the housing and the amount of heat removed by cooling water that cools the equipment is also obtained, and the total amount of heat is displayed. Additionally, factors pertaining to operating costs such as power consumption are measured and their cost obtained, the amount of power consumed is multiplied by a crude oil conversion coefficient to obtain the amount of CO2 generated, and the result is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Akitoshi Tsuji, Osamu Suenaga, Kiyoshi Komiyama
  • Patent number: 7212978
    Abstract: A system that manages and optimizes total customer value on a property-specific basis and by further considering customer activities across multiple properties in a chain of properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Harrah's Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Kowal, John M. Boushy, Timothy J. Wilmott
  • Patent number: 7212979
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a desirable subscriber by utilizing past subscriber content choices as well as subscriber is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a content-access information database and a subscriber attribute database are merged to create a subscriber information database. A data analyzer, such as a data-mining application, provides tools for identifying desirable subscribers within the merged database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectuall Property Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Matz, Scott R. Swix
  • Patent number: 7212980
    Abstract: Upgradable functions which are to be a target of trial are previously stored as software (program) or hardware in a storage section of a system. When a user desires to try out the functions, the user gives an instruction to do so to the system via a display panel or the like. The system, upon receipt of the instruction (including the start, termination, extension of a period, etc., of a trial), provides the target functions as required, thus providing the trial of a functionally upgraded, new system to users more easily and flexibly than ever before.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakatsu Nakamura, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 7212981
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a postage franking device that includes a scale, an envelope holder and a printer. The envelope holder is suspended from the scale and defines a print zone. The printer, which is supported by the holder, is configured to apply imaging material to an envelope in the print zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Flory H. Blair, John D. Shoberg
  • Patent number: 7212982
    Abstract: A method includes a step of effecting a purchase of a first aircraft by a first plurality of fractional owners. Thereafter, a lease is granted by the first plurality of fractional owners to a first entity, the first entity operable to coordinate maintenance and operation of the first aircraft. The first entity is provided with a first fee payment in exchange for the coordination of maintenance and operation of the first aircraft. The method also includes determining a use allocation for each fractional owner in an amount based on a fraction of the first aircraft owned by the fractional owner, the use allocation comprising a measure of flight usage of one or more fractionally-owned aircraft including the first aircraft. The method further includes reducing the use allocation for more than one fractional owner after a single flight that includes at least one passenger associated with each of the more than one fractional owners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Steven B. Daum
  • Patent number: 7212983
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating itineraries for a party of visitors to a facility, the facility having multiple attractions. Visitors give answers to questions about their preferences, which is combined with authoritative information about their admission privileges, and information stored about the attractions and facility, to generate an itinerary. The method can be executed by a portable, handheld computer which asks the questions, accepts the answers, and processes them into an itinerary which is both portable and dynamic, adjusting in real time to schedule changes and unscheduled attraction closures. In an alternative embodiment, the itinerary can be generated as the result of an Internet transaction, or through an interaction with a facility employee. The itinerary may be presented to the party in printed form, such as a schedule or ticket book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: William Gibbens Redmann, Michael Anthony Eaton
  • Patent number: 7212984
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing virtual capacity to a service provider. A service provider contacts a third party service provider when the service provider can not perform services for a customer. A solicitation is sent by the service provider and accepted by the third party service provider. After acceptance, status and/or location information from the third party service provider is redirected within a network management facility so that the information is sent to the service provider, rather than to an entity normally associated with the third party service provider. After services have been performed by the third party service provider, the third party service provider is generally free to accept service requests from other service providers, whereby messages transmitted by the third party service provider are routed to the new service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Chris A. Wolfe, Michael L. Segal
  • Patent number: 7212985
    Abstract: This invention is a system and method for automatically managing a multi-step process in which human providers are selected for some purpose. Typical applications include the selection process associated with employment and dating services. The invention is directed to linking and coordinating the various steps of the selection process through automated sequencing, coordinating, tracking and status reporting processes. The interviewee answers questions that are printed, displayed, or spoken by an automated mechanism or questions are printed or displayed for use by a tester or interviewer. Answers can be written, spoken, or entered directly into a system by the interviewee. The invention provides a system and method for automatically scoring and ranking human providers with respect to selection criteria, making use of expert system concepts. Human shoppers are matched up and the usefulness of each match is scored on the basis of stated selection criteria of each human shopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: IntraGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: David N. Sciuk