Patents Issued in December 25, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080316035
    Abstract: Methods and systems of attaching a RFID tag to an object. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a substrate having a pendant portion and an attachment portion, a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit disposed on the substrate, and a tag antenna coupled to the RFID circuit and disposed on the substrate. The attachment portion of the substrate is configured to couple to an object and the pendant portion is configured to extend away from the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20080316036
    Abstract: The current invention provides a remote caregiver support system which allows caregivers to provide informal care to care receivers. The systems of the current invention comprise a caregiver system and a care receiver system operating on personal computers. Each system is linked by a communications network. Preferably, the communications network is a high speed internet connection. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for delivering informal care to a care receiver remotely located from the caregiver. In the methods of the current invention, the caregiver accesses a remote caregiver support system and interacts with the care receiver providing text reminders and other informal care necessary to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of the care receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20080316037
    Abstract: A drunk driving detection system to be incorporated in a vehicle includes a steering wheel, a film, a pair of contact detection electrodes, an alcohol sensor, and a control circuit. The steering wheel is provided with an opening in a portion to be grasped by a driver. The film is liquid-impermeable and air-permeable, and covers the first opening. The contact detection electrodes are provided on the film. The alcohol sensor is provided in a space in communication with the opening. The control circuit is connected to the contact detection electrodes and the alcohol sensor, and measures the resistance between the contact detection electrodes. When the resistance is within a predetermined range, the control circuit determines that the driver is in contact with the film and detects an alcohol drinking condition of the driver based on the output from the alcohol sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rihito Shoji, Junichi Yukawa, Fumiyasu Konno, Toshio Ishizaki
  • Publication number: 20080316038
    Abstract: A detection mechanism for monitoring airflow in an electronics enclosure that has an interior space cooled with forced ambient air, includes a first thermal sensor positioned proximate the enclosure for measuring an ambient air temperature. A second thermal sensor is positioned proximate an exit air stream of the enclosure for measuring the temperature of air that is heated by the electronics in the enclosure. A control circuit is coupled with the first and second thermal sensors and is configured for receiving output signals from the thermal sensors and determining a temperature differential between the measured temperatures. The control circuit initiates an alarm when the temperature differential exceeds a setpoint thereby indicating restricted airflow in the enclosure. Other remedial steps might also be taken prior to initiating the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Palaszewski
  • Publication number: 20080316039
    Abstract: Infra-red beam smoke detection apparatus comprises an infra-red transmitter or detector or both, in which the or each transmitter or detector is mounted in a housing for angular adjustment to vary the beam direction relative to a fixed axis of the housing, comprising an electrically-driven actuator for effecting the angular adjustment of the beam direction. Also, the infra-red beam transmitter has a visible light beam transmitter arranged selectively to transmit a collimated beam of visible light coaxially with the infra-red beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Mark White, James Warren Rees
  • Publication number: 20080316040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring terminal (TS), comprising positional information acquisition means (M1S), determination means (AGS-MGS) to provide location information in response to a received signal from a positioning system. Said terminal further comprises calculation means (MCS) to calculate the distance between said position and said location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Frederic Aberlenc
  • Publication number: 20080316041
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a movement sensor and a processor. The movement sensor is configured for detecting different types of movements of the portable electronic device and generating a corresponding signal representing each type of movement. The processor is configured for receiving the signal generated by the movement sensor and generating an operating signal for operating the portable electronic device corresponding to each movement type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHEN-FU TSAI
  • Publication number: 20080316042
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes circuitry configured for location determination arranged to obtain a geographic location of the apparatus; circuitry configured receiving connection point identification data, the connection point identification data useable in providing a wireless communication path to a remote circuitry providing a connection point, and wherein the connection point identification data is associated with a geographic location of the remote circuitry; and circuitry configured for associating one or more instances of the geographic location of the apparatus, as provided by the circuitry configured for location determination, with corresponding instances of the connection point identification data. This associating may be used to cross-check/validate the geographical location provided by the circuitry configured for location determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: James Scales
  • Publication number: 20080316043
    Abstract: An endangered child warning system that has a flat, soft pad deformable to fit beneath a small child in a child car seat, or other structure, such as a bassinet, child bed, stroller, or the like and a distance monitor removably secured to the pad during cleaning of the pad and a remote alarm having an audio alarm removably secured to the distance monitor whereby moving of the remote alarm to a pre-set distance from the distance monitor will actuate said audio alarm, and with the system further having a quick coupler between the remote alarm and a key chain for a vehicle key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Gomes
  • Publication number: 20080316044
    Abstract: An electronic device, for example a smoke alarm, that includes a battery carrier that includes a push to open and push to close apparatus for opening and closing the carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier is mounted so as to be pivotable between a closed position and an open position. Pivoting movement of the carrier is controlled by a double acting latch mechanism that includes at least one heart-shaped cam groove and at least one cam follower engaging with the cam groove. The carrier is a simple to access and operate to facilitate replacement of the battery. A lockout mechanism can also be provided to prevent closure of the carrier without a battery installed. In addition, a tamper resist mechanism can be provided to prevent the carrier from being opened when the carrier is at the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: WALTER KIDDE PORTABLE EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Jason M. Sharpe, Larry R. Ratzlaff, Joseph G. DeLuca
  • Publication number: 20080316045
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for monitoring, control and containment of medical product in a healthcare facility. The physical coordinates of the intelligent medical material cart (IMMC) within the healthcare facility are determined. Based on the physical coordinates of the IMMC, the room and the identity of the patient being operated within the room are determined. The electronic medical records of the identified patient are accessed. The IMMC is accessed by the healthcare staff for the medical product stored within the IMMC. The IMMC determines the identity of the medical product that has been removed from the IMMC based on radio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism. The IMMC also determines the effect of interaction of the drugs on the patient, by referring to the medical profile of the patient in the electronic medical records. An alarm is set off if an adverse interaction of medical product is anticipated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Mobile Aspects
    Inventors: Timur P Sriharto, Muhammad Rahim Rahim, Suneil Mandava, Pribadi Kardono, Khang Le
  • Publication number: 20080316046
    Abstract: A remote control extension system for controlling appliances (60,70,80). A remote control (20) is connected by means of a network (30) to an extender device (40). The remote control (20) transmits messages (110,120) to the extender (40) during the period, that a command (14) is to be It transmitted from the extender to an appliance. The command is for example a command having a variable duration, such as Volume UP. The extender (40) receives the messages. It transmits the command as long as it receives the messages from the remote control. It finishes the transmission of the command, if an expected message has not been received at a predetermined time. In this way, the duration of a command is limited in case of network disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Thierry Gilbert Claude Walrant, Koen Derom
  • Publication number: 20080316047
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for commissioning a wireless communication link between a remote controller device (24) that transmits a signal and a remote controlled device (11) that receives the signal include a first button (40) that is recessed within the housing of the remote controller (24) that can be pressed to cause the remote controller (24) to transmit a commissioning signal. A second button (50) that is recessed within the housing of the remote controlled device (11) can be pressed to cause the remote controlled device (11) to receive and learn the commissioning. The remote controller (24) and the remote controlled device (11) have complementary mating structures carried thereon that will simultaneously operate the first and second buttons when the remote controller (24) and the remote controlled device (11) are physically mated with another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Ay Ling De Goederen - Oei, Dennis Van De Meulenhof, Ian McClelland, Wouter Lambertus Petrus Willaert, Paul Philip Thursfield
  • Publication number: 20080316048
    Abstract: A well site data communication system is disclosed, the system including a receiver coupled to a first communication terminal that receives information using a first communication protocol; a transmitter coupled to the first communication terminal that sends information from the first communication terminal to a second communication terminal located at a well site using a second communication protocol; and a processor coupled to the first communication terminal configured as a protocol translator to change the received information from the first communication protocol to the second communication protocol. A method for well site communication is also disclosed. A data structure used by the system and method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: vMonitor, Inc.
    Inventor: Raed H. Abdallah
  • Publication number: 20080316049
    Abstract: A fluid can be tracked in a wellbore utilizing at least one RFID tag entrained in the fluid. An RFID tag reader can be disposed and/or displaced in the wellbore, for example, on a drill string or a casing string. A reader can be utilized to locate the at least one RFID tag in the wellbore. A reader can be housed in a drill string sub. A fluid entrained with at least one RFID tag can be utilized as a tracer fluid. An RFID tag can be entrained in cement or a drilling or fracture fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: TURBO-CHEM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robin J. Verret, Michael J. Kilchrist
  • Publication number: 20080316050
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Publication number: 20080316051
    Abstract: The disclosed inventions include and apparatus and method for providing a universal Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system. Such system may be configured to work in a plurality of modes including a walk-bay, drive-by and fixed network mode. The system configured to provide functionally-self-healing features where the system continues to function after certain hardware failures occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Floyd Stanley Salser, JR., Ian Phillip Harvey, Roger Allcorn
  • Publication number: 20080316052
    Abstract: In order to provide a communication system (100) as well as a method for communication between and among mobile nodes (10, 12, 14, 16), in particular between and among vehicles, with each node (10, 12, 14, 16) broadcasting at least one message (22) and receiving at least one arriving message (32, 34, 36) being broadcasted by at least one neighbouring node (12, 14, 16), wherein a flexible and immediate adjustment of the transmission power in accordance with the transmitting conditions, for example with the traffic density, is guaranteed, it is proposed (i) that the distance and/or number of the neighbouring nodes (12, 14, 16) is determined by means of the arriving messages (32, 34, 36), and (ii) that the transmission power for broadcasting the message (22) is selected in dependence on the distance and/or number of the neighbouring nodes (12, 14, 16), in particular in dependence on the average number of nodes as determined from the respective numbers of nodes sensed by the respective neighbouring nodes (1
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Marco Ruffini
  • Publication number: 20080316053
    Abstract: A dynamic ‘vehicle grid’ system provides the ability for drivers to be automatically warned to the conditions of other vehicles in the vicinity. In this grid system, a motor vehicle would be equipped with a transmitter, receiver, computer and a selection of sensors. Other adjacent vehicles are also contain the same of equipment for transmitting and receiving signals. When the sensors in a vehicle detect a change such as hard braking (rapid deceleration) or very slow speed (blockages), it automatically sends this information via the transmitter over a wireless communication channel to any other receivers in the vicinity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Christopher James Dawson, Barry Michael Graham, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Timothy Moffett Waters
  • Publication number: 20080316054
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly that is mountable at an exterior side of a vehicle and has an inboard portion that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is mounted at the exterior side of the vehicle. A blind spot indicator is disposed at the inboard portion of the mirror casing of the mirror assembly. The blind spot indicator comprises at least one illumination source for indicating to the driver a detected presence of an object alongside of and/or rearward of the vehicle. The indicator may comprise a unitary indicator module that is mountable at the inboard portion of the mirror assembly. The indicator module includes an illumination source and circuitry and is connectable to an electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, James A. Ruse, Craig Kendall
  • Publication number: 20080316055
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a control module for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a priority-code (i.e. Code-3) situation provides communications with each intersection being approached by an emergency vehicle and indicates whether the intersection is preempted or if there is any conflict with other approaching emergency vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Aaron D. Bachelder, Conrad F. Foster
  • Publication number: 20080316056
    Abstract: A multi-sensory parking guidance system using visual, auditory and tactile feel indicators to guide a driver into an optimal position to park a vehicle. The invention also indicates the appropriate stopping position within a parking space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: TRACKER LLC
    Inventor: Parijat Ghatak
  • Publication number: 20080316057
    Abstract: A method for communicating an automatic standby message in response to an electronic text message in a network is provided. The method comprises receiving a text message, starting a response timer for a first time period to respond, and monitoring whether a response message has been transmitted. If the response message has not been transmitted, a determination is made whether the response timer has reached a predetermined timing threshold. If the response timer has not reached the threshold, then the method continues to monitor whether the response message has been transmitted. If the response timer has reached the threshold without the response message being sent, a STANDBY message is transmitted automatically and the response timer is restarted for a second time period. The method then monitors whether the response message has been transmitted during the second time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Thomas F. McGuffin
  • Publication number: 20080316058
    Abstract: Methods and systems for handling aircraft control information are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a display medium coupleable to a flight manager, with the flight manager configured to receive and direct instructions for automatically controlling aircraft functions at a future time during flight of the aircraft. The system can further include a display controller coupled to the display medium to present at least one operator activatable element at the display medium and update information presented at the display medium when the operator activates the operator activatable element. For example, the operator activatable element can include an icon presented at a computer display screen, and can be activated by a keystroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sherwin S. Chen, Peter D. Gunn, John Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20080316059
    Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, Scott J. Carter, Jesse M. James
  • Publication number: 20080316060
    Abstract: The present invention provides a navigation device in which the accuracy of placement of a displayed vehicle position mark is improved at an intersection with a small angle. The navigation device weights coefficients of road candidates for consistent matching, in determining the optimal road from a plurality of matching road candidates. Accordingly, a fluctuating display of the vehicle position mark on an incorrect road at an intersection with a small angle is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Koji Sewaki
  • Publication number: 20080316061
    Abstract: A system and method effect application behavior by interpreting sudden motion sensor data as input device (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Terence Goggin, Mark Goggin
  • Publication number: 20080316062
    Abstract: A method for negotiating keyboard commands between a computer and an external keyboard is provided. The computer and the external keyboard have respective NL (number lock) status. When the external keyboard is pressed, the external keyboard act as the following mechanics. When NL status of the computer is “Off” and NL status of the external keyboard is “On”, and a time internal between adjacent serially-pressed numeric keys of the external keyboard is less than a predetermined time period, a key code of NL on the external keyboard is firstly sent to alter NL status of the computer from “Off” to “On”, key codes of pressed numeric keys of the external keyboard are secondly sent to the computer, and the key code of NL on the external keyboard is finally sent to alter NL status of the computer from “On” to “Off”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Chien-Tsung CHEN, Yen-Liang Kuan
  • Publication number: 20080316063
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an eco friendly board top computing device that is integrated with computer components, has an ergonomic shape, provides recharge of a pointing device, consumes less energy, and is eco friendly. The board top computing device comprises a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section comprises an alphanumeric keypad. A recharging cradle is provisioned on the first section for recharging a wireless pointing device. The second section comprises a motherboard comprising multiple computer components, a receiver for the wireless pointing device, an internal modem, an optical disc drive, and a power supply connector. The second section further comprises universal serial bus ports for attaching external peripheral devices and a wireless local area network card for transmitting and receiving data over a computer network. The third section comprises a hard drive for storing data and multiple fans for dissipating heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Farzin Yassini
  • Publication number: 20080316064
    Abstract: A keypad structure and an electronic device using the same are provided. The electronic device comprises at least a keypad structure and a printed circuit board. The keypad structure comprises a switch, a keypad body, and a touching element. The keypad body having a through hole is relatively disposed to the switch. The touching element is inserted into the through hole. There is a touching distance defined between the touching element and the switch, and the touching element can be moved relatively to the keypad body for adjusting the touching distance. Also, the printed circuit board is electrically connected to the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Xiao-Long Wang
  • Publication number: 20080316065
    Abstract: A keyboard for entry of text characters is described. The keyboard comprises: a plurality of keys and a processing means for detecting when at least one of the plurality of keys is pressed. Each of the plurality of keys has an indicia marked on its surface. When the processor detects that two or more of the plurality of keys have been pressed within a predetermined time period of each other, data corresponding to a text character visually resembling the combination of the indicia marked on the two or more of the plurality of keys is output. A corresponding method of text entry is also described. The output from the keyboard visually resembles the combination of the indicia on the keys. This enables a user to use the keyboard without requiring special training, or to learn particular key combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Maber
  • Publication number: 20080316066
    Abstract: Key control for a key matrix circuit having a plurality of keys is provided to reduce power consumption in key searching caused by unintended key pressing. In key control on the key matrix circuit having a plurality of rows and columns of keys (key switches) in matrix arrangement, keys are disabled or enabled in row lines or in column lines on the key matrix circuit by any one of the lines through key selection by a key selecting means (opening/closing detection circuit, opening/closing detecting unit, key selection switch, key selecting unit). Following key selection, a control means (control unit) keeps key pressing detection in a standby status for a predetermined time in response to an event of detection of a press of a key included in enabled keys, and resumes the key pressing detection after the passage of the predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kiyomi MINATO, Satoru UEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20080316067
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for scanning a keyboard are disclosed. Actuation of each of the keys electrically couples one of a plurality of first lines and one of a plurality of second lines. A first signal is applied to a plurality of first lines. A second signal is applied to a plurality of second lines. Upon identifying at least one of the second lines as presenting a signal different from the second signal, a scan signal is applied to the identified second line. At least one first line is identified as presenting a signal indicating the at least one first line is contact with the identified second line applying the scan signal. At least one of the keys is identified as causing the identified second line and the least one identified first line to be coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Simon SIEPMANN
  • Publication number: 20080316068
    Abstract: A Ten Mark coding system and its combination with a database and its retrieving method includes input-element electronic devices of numerals, English alphabets and mandarin phonetic symbols, and a database. The morphological components of Chinese characters are categorized into ten groups represented by numerals 0˜9, which are respectively provided with a group code and a numeral code, forming the very particular Ten Mark coding system stored in the database. The Ten Mark coding system can be used as an input method for retrieving Chinese characters, or combined with phonetic symbols to provide another input method. The input methods mentioned above can also be linked with other databases for retrieving data therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Chiu-Ching YAO, Pzu-Lung Yao
  • Publication number: 20080316069
    Abstract: A method and system decodes a sequence of symbols received via a channel to a codeword of an error-correcting code. Log-likelihood ratios are determined from a sequence of symbols received via a channel. A set of constraints is initialized according to the log-likelihood ratios. An adaptive linear programming decoder is applied to the set of constraints and the log-likelihood ratios according to an error-correcting code to produce an estimate of the codeword and an updated set of constraints. If the estimate of the codeword is a non-integer pseudo codeword, further update the set of updated constraints with a set of integer constraints if the estimate of the codeword is the non-integer pseudo codeword, and proceeding with the applying step, and otherwise producing the estimate of the codeword as the final codeword.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Stark C. Draper, Jonathan S. Yedidia
  • Publication number: 20080316070
    Abstract: A data processing circuit comprises an encoder circuit for encoding a data word, wherein each digit may have any one of three or more digit values. The data word is encoded so that digit counts in the data word satisfy predetermined criteria (the digit counts are counts of the numbers of the digits in the encoded data word that assume respective digit values). The encoder defines at least two digit maps, each digit map defining assignments of each of the available digit values to a respective different output digit value. The encoder selects at least two groups of digits within the input data word. Each group is associated with a respective one of the digit maps, the groups being selected so that when each digit map has been applied selectively to the digits from its associated group, digit counts of the number of times respective digit values occur in the data word will satisfy predetermined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Victor M.G. Van Acht, Nicholaas Lambert, Sebastian Egner, Hans M.B. Boeve
  • Publication number: 20080316071
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of converting a user bitstream into a coded bitstream by means of a runlengh limited (d, k) channel code where the channel code has a constraint of d=1. In order to ensure an improvement in bit detection performance an additional RMTR constraint of r=2 is imposed limiting to two the maximum number of minimum runs allowed by the d=1 constraint. An additional advantage of such a code is a limitation of the back-tracking depth of a Viterbi bit-detector Based on two different k constraints the construction of such d=1 and r=2 codes is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Willem Marie Julia Marcel Coene, Alexander Padiy
  • Publication number: 20080316072
    Abstract: The claimed embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems directed to run-length limited (RLL) coding of data. In one implementation, concatenatable RLL codes with run lengths of zeroes not exceeding k are constructed for any rate N/(N+1) where N?2k?2+k?1. As code rates increase, the value of k departs from the minimum possible value more slowly than that of many other codes. Further, occurrences of k-bit run lengths occur only at the juncture of two codewords. Due to this, the codes are mostly k?1. This quality makes the codes ideal for parity bit insertion applications such as LDPC channels. The method, in one implementation, places the bit addresses of violating sequences in a table at the beginning of the codeword, and the user data, occupying the locations where the table entries are placed, are moved into the locations of the violating sequences. This is done iteratively and in a way which provides for cases in which the violating sequence is inside the address table itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Feller
  • Publication number: 20080316073
    Abstract: Disclosed is a D/A converter including: a delta-sigma modulator for subjecting a digital signal to delta-sigma modulation; a pulse-width modulator for outputting a pulse-width-modulated signal having a pulse width conforming to a digital value that is output from the delta-sigma modulator; and a distortion detector for detecting a distortion component produced in the pulse-width modulator. The distortion detector includes a delay controller for receiving the digital signal and correcting the phase thereof; a second delta-sigma modulator; a second pulse-width modulator; a subtractor for subtracting the output of the second delta-sigma modulator from the output of the second pulse-width modulator; and a second subtractor for subtracting the output signal of the first subtractor from the output signal of the delay controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kengo Okada
  • Publication number: 20080316074
    Abstract: An electronic circuit has a voltage selection and output circuit, e.g. digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and a switched capacitor filter (SCF), in which operational conditions of the input side switches of the SCF are incorporated in the selection conditions for selecting respective multiple selection switches of the voltage selection and output circuit. This arrangement permits the selection switches to serve as the input side switches, thereby reducing in number serial switches such as MOS transistors in the circuit, and hence reducing the on-resistances of the serial switches, while preventing the clock feed-through thereof from increasing and suppressing output errors due to the linearity error of the buffer amplifier involved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD
    Inventor: Taisuke Chida
  • Publication number: 20080316075
    Abstract: With a delta sigma modulator of this invention, a plurality of clocks required to control a switching circuit can be easily generated and correlation among phases of the plurality of clocks can be automatically maintained while a frequency of the clocks is modified. A ring oscillator is formed of three delay circuits provided with differential amplifiers in the delta sigma modulator. A clock producing circuit produces the plurality of clocks to control the switching circuit by delaying three-phase clocks outputted from the ring oscillator. All the tail currents Ic in the differential amplifiers in the delay circuits in the ring oscillator and the tail currents Ic in the differential amplifiers in the delay circuits in the clock producing circuit are proportional to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicants: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd, SANYO Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo HASEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20080316076
    Abstract: A modulator described herein provides digital modulation and direct digital-to-analog conversion capable of achieving 12-bit resolution or higher for high frequency signals. The modulator comprises a digital modulator, conversion circuit, and multiplexer. The digital modulator generates a plurality of sample streams at a plurality of different sample phases that collectively represent a desired modulated digital carrier waveform modulated by a digital input signal. The conversion circuit converts the sample streams into a plurality of continuous analog signals. The multiplexer multiplexes the analog signals together to generate a modulated analog carrier signal representative of the desired modulated digital carrier waveform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Paul Wilkinson Dent, Nikolaus Klemmer
  • Publication number: 20080316077
    Abstract: An output from a resister string is selected with a signal of m upper bits of an input digital signal and converted to a pair of analog signals (VH, VL) having a width corresponding to n lower bits. The signals (VH, VL) are divided using a resistor string and converted to an along signal selected according to the signal of n lower bits, so that an input digital signal of (n+m) bits (where each of n and m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) is converted into an analog signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicants: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., SANYO Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20080316078
    Abstract: A multi-bit D/A converter circuit that prevents a bit inversion and requires a reduced layout area is offered. A first switching circuit is provided in order to select a pair of analog voltages generated across one of resistors in a first resistor string. The selected pair of analog voltages is provided as reference voltages to a second resistor string. A second switching circuit is provided in order to select a pair of analog voltages generated across one of the resistors in the second resistor string. The selected pair of analog voltages is provided as reference voltages to a third resistor string. A third switching circuit is provided in order to select one of analog voltages generated in the third resistor string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicants: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., SANYO Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi IIJIMA
  • Publication number: 20080316079
    Abstract: A signal conditioning circuit time share multiplexes anti-aliasing filters and an A/D converter. A plurality of first tier multiplexers each time share multiplex one of a plurality of antialiasing filters between a plurality of AC or baseband input signals from a plurality of sensors. A second tier multiplexer selects its inputs from the outputs of the first tier multiplexers. The output of the second tier multiplexer feeds a high speed A/D converter. Thus, the A/D converter is time share multiplexed by the second tier multiplexer. In this manner, a plurality of sensors can share a single A/D converter. After allowing a settling time for the multiplexers and antialiasing filters, a plurality of samples of the input signals are taken, such as for one period. The samples of each AC input signal are multiplied by a sine vector and a cosine vector. The product vectors are then each averaged and the root mean square of the two averages yields the magnitude of the input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: John E. Games
  • Publication number: 20080316080
    Abstract: A successive approximation type A/D converter includes a main capacitance array connected with a common connection node; a correction capacitance array; a voltage comparator configured to detect a voltage of the common connection node; and a successive approximation register in which a value is set based on an output of the voltage comparator. A first control circuit changes voltages applied to capacitance elements of the main capacitance array and the correction capacitance array based on a value set in the successive approximation register. A second control circuit responds to a control signal to connect the main capacitance array to an input voltage signal or a first predetermined voltage, and the correction capacitance array to the common connection node or a second predetermined voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Chikashi Yoshinaga
  • Publication number: 20080316081
    Abstract: A control device capable of controlling an electronic device via wireless communications, the control device comprising a first antenna capable of receiving a radio frequency (RF) carrier at a first frequency, a power generation circuit capable of converting RF power of the RF carrier into direct-current (DC) power, a plurality of input devices configured to allow adjustment of a number of settings of the electronic device, each of the input devices being related to one of the number of settings, a memory device configured to store a number of codes, each of the number of codes being related to one of the number of settings, a control unit configured to receive the DC power and capable of retrieving one of the number of codes in the memory device based on a selection of at least one of the input devices, and a modulator capable of modulating the one code at the first frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: FAVEPC, INC.
    Inventors: YUNG HUA CHEN, SHAO CHANG CHANG, YA-PING CHEN
  • Publication number: 20080316082
    Abstract: A remote control system including a remote controller and a computer system are provided. The computer system includes a remote control signal receiver, an image capturing device, a storage device and a processor. The remote controller outputs a remote control signal in response to a user's operation. When the remote controller is moved from steady state, the remote controller outputs the remote control signal as a motion detecting signal to the remote control signal receiver. The processor determines whether the remote control signal is a motion detecting signal. If the remote control signal is a motion detecting signal, the processor controls the image capturing device to capture an image of the user and stores the image into the storage device as a reference image and a set of personal setting data corresponding to the user's operation behavior. The processor loads the personal setting data for providing an application program accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Hwa Yang
  • Publication number: 20080316083
    Abstract: Navigation logic and related methods are described for assisting a user in using a remote control (RC) device. The navigation logic determines a current state of a user's interaction with an application, and then determines the keys of the RC device that are relevant to the determined state. The navigation logic then displays a representation of the relevant keys on a user interface presentation of a presentation device. The representation resembles a physical layout of associated physical keys on the RC device. To assist the user in focusing on the relevant keys, the representation de-emphasizes other input mechanisms of the RC device that do not have a bearing on the user's current interaction with the application. One exemplary way of de-emphasizing these other keys is to entirely omit these keys from the representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Cleron, Jeffrey D. Yaksick, Ronald A. Morris
  • Publication number: 20080316084
    Abstract: Disclosed is a radar system capable of detecting near targets even in case of using discrete bands transmission signal. For this end, a discrete bands selection unit 1 selects discrete bands that meet the required radar parameters for detecting target information. A discrete bands synthetic waveform generation unit 2 suitably synthesizes center frequency signals of the respective discrete bands on the time base so that the signals for all of the discrete bands are transmitted within the transmission time of a particular discrete band that requires the longest time among the signals for the selected discrete bands selected. Alternatively, the center frequency signal is generated for the particular band requiring the longest transmission time, while signals sweeping from lower limit frequencies to upper limit frequencies are generated during the transmission time for the discrete bands other than the particular discrete band requiring the longest transmission time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: SHINGO MATSUO