Abstract: A protection method in a distributed power system including of DC power sources and multiple power modules which include inputs coupled to the DC power sources. The power modules include outputs coupled in series with one or more other power modules to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the string and produces output power. When the inverter stops production of the output power, each of the power modules is shut down and thereby the power input to the inverter is ceased.

Abstract: A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules.

Abstract: A microcontroller includes a signal interface for transmitting signals. The microcontroller further includes an error injection module. The error injection module is configured to tap a transmission signal associated with the signal interface. The error injection module includes a synchronization unit. The synchronization unit is configured to detect within the tapped transmission signal an occurrence of a synchronization event. Further, the error injection module is configured to modify the tapped transmission signal by adding at least one disturbance to the transmission signal in synchronization with at least the detected occurrence of the synchronization event.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for consensus system downtime recovery. One of the methods includes: multicasting a pre-prepare message to at least some of the backup nodes; obtaining (Q-1) or more prepare messages respectively from (Q-1) or more of the backup nodes, wherein the prepare messages each indicate an acceptance of the pre-prepare message by the corresponding backup node; storing the pre-prepare message and the (Q-1) or more prepare messages; multicasting a commit message to at least some of the backup nodes, the commit message indicating that the primary node agrees to the (Q-1) or more prepare messages; and obtaining, respectively from Q or more nodes among the primary node and the backup nodes, Q or more commit messages each indicating that the corresponding node agrees to (Q-1) or more prepare messages received by the corresponding node.

Abstract: A method of counting cords embedded in a rubber sheet including a step of acquiring raw waveform data by scanning the outer surface of the rubber sheet, a step of obtaining first corrected data by performing a moving average processing on the raw waveform data, a step of obtaining second corrected data D3 by converting the amplitude center j of the waveform of the first corrected data into a straight line, a step of obtaining concave-center-position data, a step of obtaining first corrected concave-center-position data, and a step of obtaining second corrected concave-center-position data.

Abstract: A heating-energy saving system and a heating-energy saving method, which realize self-learning energy preservation (SLEP) system or method. By means of this system or method, the energy consumption of a beverage machine, which is mainly due to heating of the liquid required to provide hot beverages, can be reduced. At the same time, by adaptively learning and anticipating when a user is likely to use the beverage machine, the waiting time for the user, which is typically caused by the reheating process of the liquid in the beverage machine, can be significantly reduced. The system adapts the heating to what it learns from the user behavior. The described system and method are adapted to be installed in all kinds of beverage machines, either used in private or in public.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may have a clock input pin coupled to a buffer (24). The buffer may supply a clock signal (28) to an integrated circuit chip such as the memory. To conserve power, the buffer is powered down. When ready for use, the buffer is quickly powered back up. In one embodiment, in response to a predetermined number of toggles Of the clock signal, the buffer is automatically powered up.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining elapsed sensor life in medical systems, and more specifically continuous analyte monitoring systems.

Abstract: Circuits, integrated circuits, and methods are disclosed for bimodal disable circuits. In one such example method, a counter is maintained, with the counter indicating a logic level at which an output signal will be disabled during at least a portion of one of a plurality of disable cycles. The logic level indicated by the counter is transitioned. An input signal is provided as the output signal responsive to the enable signal indicating that the output signal is to be enabled, and the output signal is disabled at the logic level indicated by the counter responsive to the enable signal indicating that the output signal is to be disabled.

Abstract: A system for endoscope data management of an endoscopic image of a body acquired by an endoscope is provided. An image filing apparatus retrieves the image from the endoscope, and records data of the image and scope ID assigned to the endoscope in association with one another. A washer washes the endoscope. A memory is incorporated in the washer, for storing log information of washing of the endoscope. A data manager retrieves the log information on line with the washer, to record the scope ID and the log information in association with one another. A server device records the data of the image, the scope ID and the log information on line with the image filing apparatus and the data manager. Furthermore, the data manager includes an editor for editing the log information of the washer.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an integrated circuit (“IC”). The IC includes multiple configurable circuits that configurably perform operations of a user design based on configuration data. The IC also includes a configurable trigger circuit that receives a set of configuration data that specifies an operational event. The configurable trigger circuit also determines whether the operational event has occurred during implementation of the user design of the IC. Additionally, the operational trigger event outputs a trigger signal upon determining that the operational trigger event has occurred.

Abstract: A counter circuit for an analog to digital converter includes: a latch stage configured to generate a latch stage output clock based on a state of an input clock such that the latch stage output clock and the input clock have a same state at start of a reset counting phase, but a same or different state at start of a signal, counting phase depending on the state of the output clock at the end of the reset counting phase.

Abstract: A method comprises loading by logic a storage location with a count value. The count value comprises a plurality of upper order bits and a plurality of lower order bits. The method further comprises detecting, by said logic, an event and, based on detecting the event, sequentially changing the count value with the lower order bits changing according to base-1 counting and the upper order bits changing according to a counting scheme in which the upper order bits encode all possible binary values of the upper order bits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting noise in a power supply voltage. A circuit may include a voltage generation unit coupled to receive a power supply voltage, and a detection unit. The voltage generation unit may generate first and second voltages using the power supply voltage, and may vary the relationship therebetween responsive to fluctuations in the power supply voltage. A detection unit may detect the variations in the relationship between the first and second voltages that result from fluctuations in the power supply voltage. Responsive to detecting the variations, the detection unit may generate pulses to be provided to a counter. The counter may update a count value responsive to receiving pulses.

Abstract: A single wire serial interface for power ICs and other devices is provided. To use the interface, a device is configured to include an EN/SET input pin. A counter within the device counts clock pulses sent to the EN/SET input pin. The output of the counter is passed to a ROM or other decoder circuit. The ROM selects an operational state for the device that corresponds to the value of the counter. In this way, control states may be selected for the device by sending corresponding clock pulses to the EN/SET pin. Holding the EN/SET pin high causes the device to maintain its operational state. Holding the EN/SET pin low for a predetermined timeout period resets the counter and causes the device to adopt a predetermined configuration (such as off) until new clock pulses are received at the EN/SET pin.

Abstract: In a double data rate (DDR) counter and counting method used in, for example, an analog-to-digital conversion in, for example, a CMOS image sensor and method, a first stage of the counter generates a least significant bit (LSB) of the value in the counter. The first stage includes a first clock input and is edge-triggered on one of the rising and falling edges of a signal applied at the first clock input. The counter includes at least one second stage for generating another bit of the value in the counter. The second stage includes a second clock input and is edge-triggered on the other of the rising and falling edges of a signal applied at the second clock input.

Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.

Abstract: A signal monitor device that detects a signal propagating on a signal line and that generates a timestamp when the signal is detected. The timestamp may be used in a variety of applications including measuring the propagation delays on signal lines and determining the timing in a system.

Abstract: A performance monitor device includes an input unit to input both of address information and event occurrence information, an address mask unit to determine an address area to which each piece of the inputted address information belongs, an execution frequency counter to count a number of times of execution of programs in the address areas, an execution frequency holding unit to hold a counting result of the number of times of execution, an event occurrence information counter to count the event occurrence information corresponding to the address areas having the counting result of the number of times of execution included within a predetermined number of highest ranks, a holding unit to hold a counting results of the event occurrence information, and a storing unit to store the counting result of the event occurrence information corresponding to the address area having the highest number of times of execution in predetermined periods.

Abstract: A block-based object counting apparatus and a block-based object counting that improves the counting of objects by using a camera. The object counting apparatus includes: a camera acquiring an image; a storage unit for storing average sizes and error data of an object in units of image blocks; and a control unit having a data inputter for receiving the acquired image for input, an object size determinator for determining appearance of the object by comparing a current image with a previous image and then determining the size of the object, a block determinator for determining a block where the object is located, and a counter for counting the object and fixing the counting of the object by comparing the size and location data of the object with data stored in a storage unit.

Abstract: A method of calibrating once-around and harmonic errors of encoded nips is provided. An encoder with an index pulse is used to measure the velocity and rotation of the driven wheel or idler. The geometry of the drive train and wheel and idler is chosen so that their once around and harmonic frequencies are unique such that no other drive errors will generate these frequencies. The method includes running the idler or wheel at substantially constant velocity for N revolutions. Each index triggers the collection of velocity data, which is averaged for N revolutions. This process detects drive train motion errors that are periodic with respect to the timing of the index pulse (i.e., once per revolution of the wheel or idler). Once the velocity errors have been measured, corrections are made. This method may be incorporated in xerographic machines as part of a setup or calibration procedure.

Abstract: A control unit is disclosed for controlling the usage of an electrical device, such as a television. The control unit maintains a plurality of time accounts for a plurality of users. The control unit, responsive to receiving a request to operate the electrical device from a user, identifies a time account for the user and begins decrementing time from the time account for the user when the electrical device is turned on. The control unit decrements time from the time account based on one or more desired algorithms. The algorithms as disclosed herein cause the control unit to continue decrementing time from the time account of the user even after the electrical device is shut off.

Abstract: A circuit includes a plurality of selection circuits. Each of the plurality of selection circuits has a first input, a second input, a control input, and an output. Each of the first inputs receives one of a plurality of correlated signals. Each of the second inputs receives one of a plurality of uncorrelated signals. Each of the control inputs receives a correlation mode control signal, and each of the outputs provides the one of the plurality of correlated signals or the one of the plurality of uncorrelated signals based on the correlation mode control signal. The circuit further includes a population count circuit having a plurality of data inputs coupled to receive the outputs of the plurality of selection circuits. The population count circuit provides a population count for the plurality of data inputs. The population count may be an approximate count or an accurate count.

Abstract: A vehicle technician time clock tool comprises a computer-implemented interface to a database, wherein the database contains vehicle service task-related information and time-related information, the vehicle service task-related information and time-related information pertaining to at least one vehicle technician, and a computer-implemented graphical user display (GUI), wherein the GUI displays in real time at least some of the vehicle service task-related information, at least some of the time-related information, and at least one calculation based on at least some of the time-related information.

Abstract: A solution (403-481) is proposed for metering the usage of Java programs. For this purpose, each Java program to be metered is associated (406) with a fingerprint defined by a reference sequence of classes that must be loaded for its execution. The sequence of classes that are actually loaded by the JVM is monitored (409-436)—for example, by means of a wrapper for a class loader of the JVM. The sequence of loaded classes is then used to identify (439-475) the Java program in execution (which fingerprint matches this sequence of loaded classes).

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, electronic device, and computer readable medium for determining an end-of-life stage of the flash memory. The method comprises detecting at least one life cycle event associated with a flash memory residing on an electronic device A counter that is associated with the life cycle event is then incremented. Based on the counter, a total number of occurrences for the one life cycle event is determined. The total number of occurrences for the at least one given threshold are also determined. A current life cycle stage of the flash memory is identified based at least in part on the determining if the total number of occurrences exceeds at least one given threshold. The life cycle stage is associated with the at least one given threshold. A user is then notified of the life cycle state of the flash memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for accurately synchronizing a plurality of sensors, as well as for providing accurate timing information (e.g. timing metadata) associated with the synchronized data capture. According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a synchronization circuit that stores a counter having a value corresponding to the delay characteristics of an associated sensor. The counter is used to provide a synchronization pulse to the associated sensor which is offset from a desired synchronization time by an amount that will compensate for the delay characteristics. In one example, one counter is provided for each associated sensor, allowing a high degree of accuracy in synchronization among a plurality of sensors. According to another aspect of the invention, the synchronization pulses are locked onto and derived from a pulse received from a GPS receiver.

Abstract: An implantable pedometer for measuring the amount of joint use is disclosed. The implantable pedometer includes a sensor adapted for detecting indicators of joint usage. A counter is configured for storing count data corresponding to the number of indicators detected by the sensor and a telemetry circuit is configured for transmitting the count data outside of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a writing device including a button pressed by a user, wherein the button engages a mechanism used to move a writing tip between stowed and operative positions. A counter receives at least one indication each time the button is pressed by a user. A display on the writing device indicates a count kept by the counter.

Abstract: A method of calculating the carry out word from a shift register such as a CRC encoder, decoder or error trapping circuit having feedback taps at positions determined by a generator polynomial, in which the carryout word of length K is calculated from the formula:

Abstract: A shift register has m stages which store one of two states, where m is an integer more than 1, each stage including clock input terminals at which n-phase clock signals are input, where n is an integer more than 1, and an input terminal, and an output terminal. The input terminal of one stage receives the signal delivered from an input terminal of the shift register or from the output terminal of the previous stage. The signal output at the output terminal of one stage is passed to the input terminal of the subsequent stage or to an output terminal of the shift register. Each stage receives an initial state level from one of the clock input terminals. The initial state level is used to initialize the state of each stage.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip includes counters. Each one of the counters counts data events, There are a plurality of registers associated with the counters. At lease one of the registers controls the stopping, starting and counting of an associated counter. A command trigger issues a command to the register upon the detection of a hardware event. The command initiates the starting, stopping or counting of the counter associated with the register.

Abstract: An apparatus for gathering queue performance data includes an event conditioning logic unit that receives a queue enter signal, a queue exit signal, and a queue not empty signal from a queue. The apparatus also includes a counter that may be both incremented and decremented. The event conditioning logic unit may be programmed to increment the counter upon occurrences of a predetermined combination of the queue signals. The event conditioning logic unit may also be programmed to decrement the counter upon occurrences of an additional predetermined combination of the queue signals.

Abstract: To provide an electric or electronic circuit arrangement (100), it is proposed that at least one signal-generating unit (40), particularly at least an oscillator unit is connected to the contact terminals (22, 27) of the integrated circuit, the output frequency (fmeas.) of which unit is substantially determined by the specific capacitance (C), the signal-generating unit (40) precedes at least a first counting unit (50) which is clocked at the output frequency (fmeas.

Abstract: A first device provides a repetitive count of time. A second device indicates in each successive count of time by the first device during the processing apparatus operation whether the processing apparatus has processed data for at least a first particular percentage of time in each such successive time count. A third device indicates in each successive count of time by the first device during the processing apparatus operation whether the processing apparatus has processed data for at least a second particular percentage of time in each such successive time count where the second particular time percentage is less than the first particular time percentage. A power supply provides power to the processing apparatus during the time that the apparatus is processing data.

Abstract: A digital circuit for counting the number of zeroes or ones in a data word comprising a plurality of series paths leading to one-hot encoded outputs. Each one-hot encoded output indicates a different number of like signals in the input data word. One of the plurality of series paths is activated by connecting the series path from an input power rail to the one-hot output. A series path is connected through a plurality of transfer gates, each controlled by either a single bit of the input data word or its complement. The series paths may be optimized to share transfer gates by interconnecting them in a tree or lattice structure. Subsections of the input data word may be counted separately in independent tree or lattice structures, then combined in subsequent combinational stages of the circuit. The resulting one-hot encoded count of like signals may then be binary encoded by a final stage of the counting circuit.

Abstract: A marking and counting probe for use with a counter, e.g. a computer, comprises a tubular housing for holding a marking implement, such as a highlighter. One end of the tubular housing has an aperture through which the marking end of the marking implement extends. The other end of the housing is closed and has a switch which is activated by the marking implement when a certain activating pressure is applied to the switch by the marking implement. A resilient means, such as a spring within the switch, keeps the marking implement from activating the switch until the activating pressure is applied to the switch by pressing the marking end of the marking implement against a surface. The switch is connected to a counter whereby, when sufficient pressure is exerted on the switch by the marking implement to activate the switch, a count is recorded.

Abstract: A marking and counting implement comprises a tubular housing for holding a marking implement, such as a highlighter. One end of the tubular housing has an aperture through which the marking end of the marking implement extends. The other end of the housing is closed and has a switch which is activated by the marking implement when a certain activating pressure is applied to the switch by the marking implement. Typically, a resilient means, such as a spring, keeps the marking implement from activating the switch until the activating pressure is applied to the switch by pressing the marking end of the marking implement against a surface. The switch is connected to a counter whereby, when sufficient pressure is exerted on the switch by the marking implement to activate the switch, a count is recorded. Thus, the marking and counting implement can be used for both marking and counting.

Abstract: The present invention is a marking device which is hand-held and which a user uses to mark in order to count each of a plurality of items in a set and to automatically record the count. As the hand-held marking device counts each of the items, it simultaneously displays the number of the items counted. The hand-held marking device includes a cartridge and a transducer both of which are mechanically coupled to a casing. The cartridge is replaceable and has a marking tip for marking off items at one end and a plunger at the other end. The transducer has a contact-trigger. The cartridge is slideably coupled within the casing so that when its marking tip contacts any surface, its plunger engages the contact-trigger of the transducer thereby producing an input pulse. The hand-held marking device also includes a counting and displaying system, a reset switch and a display.

Abstract: A system for serving customers in a specific queue sequence at a plurality of service points in a bank or post office, for example, makes it possible for customers to select a specific service point, at which service is desired, while maintaining a turn-number system which is common to all the service points. If a customer indicates, when being allocated a turn-number, that he selects a desired service point the system registers the indication in a memory unit. The customers are served in numerical sequence at the service points which are free, and any selective customers are served at their desired service point, preferably when the correct number comes up, and as the selected service point becomes free.