Including Specific Communication Means Patents (Class 702/122)
  • Patent number: 7219030
    Abstract: A method for an information processing apparatus to test a connection to an information storage server from which the information processing apparatus obtains information is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) receiving a request for a connection test using connection information for establishing the connection to the information storage server from a screen on which at least part of the connection information is entered; (b) testing the connection to the information storage server based on the request for the connection test; and (c) outputting the result of the connection test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yohko Ohtani
  • Patent number: 7209851
    Abstract: A method for managing a pattern object file in a modular test system is disclosed. The method includes providing a modular test system, where the modular test system comprises a system controller for controlling at least one site controller, and where the at least one site controller controls at least one test module and its corresponding device under test (DUT). The method further includes creating an object file management framework for establishing a standard interface between vendor-supplied pattern compilers and the modular test system, receiving a pattern source file, creating a pattern object metafile based on the pattern source file using the object file management framework, and testing the device under test through the test module using the pattern object metafile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Advantest America R&D Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Harsanjeet Singh, Ankan Pramanick, Mark Elston, Yoshifumi Tahara, Toshiaki Adachi
  • Patent number: 7206711
    Abstract: A system for automatically comparing test points of a PCB includes an application server (1) and a database (6). The application server includes: a PCB file selecting module (10) for selecting a target file and a source file from the database; a test point data extracting module (12) for extracting test point data from the target file and the source file; a table generating module (14) for generating a target table according to the extracted test point data from the target file and generating a source table according to the extracted test point data from the source file; a comparing module (16) for comparing the test point data of the target table and the source table one by one and storing comparison results on those test points which have been modified; and a report generating module (18) for generating a comparison report. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Indusrty Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Yu Du, Mo-Ying Tong
  • Patent number: 7203625
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for sharing or transferring dynamically-generated data between or among multi-sided test components in a wireless environment are described. Multiple flows are initiated substantially simultaneously. Dynamically generated data are shared between or among agents using dynamic data content servlets that employ open communication standards or protocols, such as HTTP or HTTPS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David E Bingham, Carolyn Darbie, Stephen Craig Booth
  • Patent number: 7200510
    Abstract: A measurement control apparatus designed to automatically select an interface circuit compatible with a measurement controlled object without error. A measurement control processor outputs interface setting data for setting one interface circuit compatible with the measurement controlled object in advance of output of measurement control data to the measurement controlled object. Based on this, an interface setting means activates only that interface circuit. Further, the processor is provided with a loopback unit for returning the interface setting data to the measurement control processor and confirms the match of the output interface setting data and the returned interface setting data. Further, it is provided with an identification code setting means for setting an identification code unique to an interface board mounting the interface circuit and confirms that the interface board has been correctly selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Takeshi Yasuda, Takashi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7197417
    Abstract: A method for developing a test program for a semiconductor test system is disclosed. The method includes describing a test plan file in a test program language (TPL), where the test plan file describes at least one test of the test program, describing a test class file in a system program language (SPL) and a corresponding pre-header file of the test class file in the TPL, where the test class file describes an implementation of the at least one test of the test program, and generating the test program using the test plan file, the test class file, and the pre-header file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Advantest America R&D Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Ankan Pramanick, Mark Elston, Ramachandran Krishnaswamy, Toshiaki Adachi
  • Patent number: 7194373
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling device testing are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a local controller having a slave mode and a control mode, when in the control mode, the local controller to control testing of a device and to initiate one or more test instructions to be applied to the device, and when in the slave mode, to pass through a remote test instruction received from a remote controller to a tester. The system further comprises the tester, communicatively coupled to the local controller, to apply one of the one or more test instructions and the remote test instruction to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Verigy Pte. Ltd,
    Inventor: Robert S. Kolman
  • Patent number: 7188059
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for establishing communication between a flight simulator and a secondary control system, such as a Flight Management System (“FMS”). Information can be transmitted between the flight simulator and the secondary control system via a socket in a TCP/IP connection between the two systems. In the event that the secondary control system does not natively communicate in TCP/IP format, the information must be translated to and from the TCP/IP format. In this manner, an actual deliverable version of the secondary control system, possibly operating on can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl A. White, Shannon Olsen, legal representative, Steve J. Schense, Earl Swart, John Oss, deceased
  • Patent number: 7184916
    Abstract: A memory daughter card (MDC) is described, having a very high-speed serial interface and an on-card MDC test engine that allows one MDC to be directly connected to another MDC for testing purposes. In some embodiments, a control interface allows the test engine to be programmed and controlled by a test controller on a test fixture that allows simultaneous testing of a single MDC or one or more pairs of MDCs, one MDC in a pair (e.g., the “golden” MDC) testing the other MDC of that pair. Other methods are also described, wherein one MDC executes a series of reads and writes and other commands to another MDC to test at least some of the other card's functions, or wherein one port executes a series of test commands to another port on the same MDC to test at least some of the card's functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cray Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Resnick, Gerald A. Schwoerer, Kelly J. Marquardt, Alan M. Grossmeier, Michael L. Steinberger, Van L. Snyder, Roger A. Bethard
  • Patent number: 7184922
    Abstract: A measurement device operable to communicate with a computer system via files. The computer system may receive one or more files created by the measurement device, where the files include measurement data generated by the measurement device and may utilize the files to perform a measurement application. The measurement device may also be operable to receive a configuration file from the computer system and configure or control itself according to commands or settings therein. In one embodiment the measurement device may appear to the computer system as a USB Mass Storage device, and the files created by the measurement device may appear as files stored on a USB Mass Storage device. Thus, the computer system may communicate with the measurement device to obtain the measurement data files in the same standard manner in which it would obtain files stored on any other USB Mass Storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy H. Ousley, Mike Muecke, Robert Watzlavick
  • Patent number: 7184917
    Abstract: A method for integrating test modules in a modular test system is disclosed. The method includes controlling at least one test module and its corresponding device under test (DUT) with a controller, establishing a standard module control interface between a vendor-supplied test module and the modular test system with a module control framework, installing the vendor-supplied test module and a corresponding vendor-supplied control software module, where the vendor-supplied control software module is organized into a plurality of vendor-supplied module control components, configuring the modular test system based on the module control framework and the plurality of vendor-supplied module control components, and accessing the vendor-supplied test module in accordance with the plurality of vendor-supplied module control components using the module control framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Advantest America R&D Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Ankan Pramanick, Mark Elston, Toshiaki Adachi
  • Patent number: 7184918
    Abstract: An automated system and method for conducting a usability test. The system conducts the usability test and records events that occur on the computer screen in sync with both the video and audio of the user and creates a complete chronicle of events that occur behind the scenes in the applications and the operating system. The system, depending upon the settings specified in the configuration, also captures other input streams and then saves the complete recording of the usability test, along with all the desired events and captures, in a file format. The system allows a remote viewer to observe, in real time, the recording of the usability test and to set markers at critical moments during the recording which are to be recorded. The system also allows the manager or administrator to configure the preferences, import and analyze the usability test and recording files, and prepare presentation videos of the usability test based upon the analyzed criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: TechSmith Corporation
    Inventors: William Hamilton, Donald Allen Dalton, Dean Craven
  • Patent number: 7184919
    Abstract: System and method for performing dynamic routing in a measurement system to perform a measurement task. The system includes a computer and one or more measurement devices. One or more topography descriptions (TD) representing connectivity between devices and/or device components in the measurement system are received and preprocessed to generate corresponding graphs. A routing expert receives and analyzes a routing specification indicating source and destination terminals in the measurement system. The system dynamically computes a plurality of routes from the source terminal to the destination terminal by traversing the graphs and selecting the plurality of routes based on a metric. The computed routes are stored in a run-time specification for use at runtime to perform the measurement task. At runtime, a route is selected from the plurality of routes, and the system configures the one or more measurement devices with the selected route for performing the measurement task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff A. Carbonell, Robert W. Thurman
  • Patent number: 7174265
    Abstract: A test system for a heterogeneous multipath network. A tester system evaluates a plurality of status indicators from a plurality of types of test components in a network. Based on the status indicators of at least one of the test components, the tester system selects a first test to be performed. After executing the first test, the tester system selects a second test to be performed based on the status indicators of at least one of the test components and a result of the first test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Beverley Basham, Richard Earl Jones
  • Patent number: 7167762
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and process is provided for communicating safety-related data, over an open system, from a sender to a receiver. Safety-related components, including function blocks, flexible function blocks, resource blocks and transducer blocks, as well as, safety-related objects are provided. Also, an extended safety-related protocol provides for authenticating communications between safety-related components over an existing black channel, such as one using a fieldbus Architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Fieldbus Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Glanzer, Joseph D. Duffy, Stephen B. Mitschke, John Carl Gabler, L Jonas F. Berge, Ram Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 7168003
    Abstract: A program checks for installed printers, asks the users to select printers to be tested, and then proceeds to test for communications with the printer, print spooling and driver integrity as well as the driver's appropriateness for the operating system and for language and also whether newer and more current drivers are available. A report is then presented to the user indicating the status of the printer and, if appropriate, offering the user one click installation of a repaired, more appropriate, or updated driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rosa Aurora Lozano, Thomas Tripp
  • Patent number: 7167804
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring energy consumption includes an input circuit and a processing circuit. The input circuit is operable to generate a first digital signal representative of a line voltage waveform and a second digital signal representative of a line current waveform. The processing circuit is operable to generate energy consumption data based on the first digital signal and the second digital signal. The processing circuit is further operable to generate a first pulse waveform having a plurality of output pulses based on the energy consumption data, each output pulse corresponding to a quantity of energy consumed, the first pulse waveform having a select one of a plurality of modes. The processing circuit is further operable to provide the first pulse waveform to a meter output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Andrew Fridholm, David Allan Stenberg, John Voisine
  • Patent number: 7165001
    Abstract: A processing apparatus is caused to execute predetermined processing operation in a predetermined processing condition; a processing load factor in the apparatus is measured for when the predetermined processing operation is carried out in the apparatus; the measured load factor is compared with a predetermined target processing load factor range; the predetermined processing condition is adjusted in such a manner that the measured processing load factor may fall within the predetermined target processing load factor range; and operation verification of the apparatus is carried out in a condition where the measurement processing load factor falls within the target processing load factor. These steps are repeated while the target processing load factor range is changed in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Toshihiro Morimoto
  • Patent number: 7162406
    Abstract: A control program controls various operations in a simulated operator program. In particular, the control program: a) sequentially executes commands in the simulated operator program; b) displays, on a monitor, each particular command that is currently being executed; c) slows the execution of the commands to a rate where each displayed command can be viewed and recognized by an operator; d) provides control mechanisms for manually stopping the simulated operator program immediately after the displayed particular command is completely executed; e) provides control mechanisms for editing and restarting the simulated operator program at any selected command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas Patrick Dye
  • Patent number: 7162378
    Abstract: A point of play terminal includes a lockable outlet strip having one or more power sockets and an source of electric power, wherein the sockets can be selectively enabled with power, a computing device in electronic communication with said strip, wherein the computing device selectively enables power to individual sockets, and an access terminal in electronic communication with said computing device. A computer software driven process for allocating duration of allowed power use for individual power sockets based on identification data. An apparatus for allocating duration of allowed power use for individual power sockets based on identification data. An article including: a storage medium, the storage medium having instructions stored thereon for allocating duration of allowed power use for individual power sockets based on identification data, one or more enclosing walls, and a locking bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: J. & E. Hynds, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Hynds, Dennis Antilla
  • Patent number: 7158906
    Abstract: In a test system, a test method, and a program for use in verifying states in a target, a predetermined state is previously defined as an intermediate state among states which can be taken by the target. On causing a transition to occur in the target from a previous state to a next following state, the transition is caused to occur in the target from a previous state to the intermediate state. Then, the target makes the transition from the intermediate state to the next following state. For this purpose, the test system stores intermediate state transition procedures from the previous state to the intermediate one and a self-state transition procedure from the intermediate state to the next following state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Maruno
  • Patent number: 7155358
    Abstract: A system for remotely calibrating or troubleshooting a highway-rail grade crossing using a communication device. A controller detects the approach and presence of a train on the rail, a communication link is coupled to the controller, a computer readable medium has a calibration or troubleshooting segment that is processed by the controller, the communication device communicates with the controller and the communication device sends signals to prompt the controller to selectively process the segment to enable the desired setup, calibration or troubleshooting functions. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Safetran Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Bamfield, Brad Wilcox, Martin Paget
  • Patent number: 7149643
    Abstract: A process condition measuring device and a handling system may be highly integrated with a production environment where the dimensions of the process condition measuring device are close to those of a production substrate and the handling system is similar to a substrate carrier used for production substrates. A process condition measuring device surveys conditions in a target environment and records them in a memory for later transmission or downloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: SensArray Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Glenn Renken, Earl Jensen, Roy Gordon
  • Patent number: 7149636
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved power profiling of embedded applications are presented. These inventions provide the ability to unobtrusively measure the power consumption of an embedded application as the application is executing on its target hardware. The unobtrusiveness is achieved by using programmable emulation circuitry in the target system processor and available device debug terminals on the test port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Cyran, Edward A. Anderson, Gary A. Cooper, Roger Strane, Paul Kolonay
  • Patent number: 7149642
    Abstract: An inspection system for detecting anomalies on a substrate. A first network is coupled to a sensor array and communicates data. Process nodes are coupled to the first network, and process the data to produce reports. Each process node has an interface card that formats the data for a high speed interface bus that is coupled to the interface card. A computer receives and processes the data to produce the report. A second network receives the reports. A job manager is coupled to the second network, receives the reports, and sends information to the process nodes to coordinate processing of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Krishnamurthy Bhaskar, Mark J. Roulo, John S. Taylor, Lawrence R. Miller, Paul T. Russell, Jason Z. Lin, Eliezer Rosengaus, Richard M. Wallingford, Kishore Bubna
  • Patent number: 7149660
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for standardizing an interface infrastructure between sensor devices and client applications. The apparatus comprises a Sensor Application Integration Framework (SAIF) in the form of an application program interface (API) transport layer between sensor devices and client applications. Sensor services are registered in the SAIF API as interface definitions, and the client applications search the interface definitions corresponding to desired sensor services. An interactive handshake of messages and data between client applications and sensor services is implemented via the SAIF API by means of standard communication protocols such as XML. The SAIF API abstracts the details of the underlying sensor hardware from the client application, and can therefore function as a standard interface for sensor simulation, for sensor emulation, and for an active sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Dennis L. Kuehn, Marc A. Peters, Michael R. Mott
  • Patent number: 7146231
    Abstract: An operator interface within a process plant includes an execution engine that implements process flow modules made up of interconnected smart process objects that are aware of devices and other entities within the plant and that can perform methods to detect conditions within the plant, especially on a system-level basis. The smart process objects include a display element to be displayed to the operator, data storage for storing data pertaining to and/or received from an associated entity within a plant, inputs and outputs for communicating with other smart process objects and methods that may be executed on the stored and received data to detect plant conditions, including system-level conditions, such as leaks, errors and other conditions. Process flow modules, which may be made up of numerous interconnected smart process objects, may also include flow algorithms associated therewith to calculate mass balances, flows, etc. for the process elements within the process flow modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc..
    Inventors: Duncan Schleiss, Ram Ramachandran, Mark Nixon, Michael Lucas
  • Patent number: 7139673
    Abstract: A method of verifying a circuit implementing a data transfer protocol is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises steps of providing a block under test that implements a variable latency data transfer protocol; coupling a verification circuit to the block under test; enabling variable latency data transfers to the block under test; and verifying that the block under test is implementing the variable latency data transfer protocol. The method could be implemented to verify the operation of a memory controller of an FPGA, for example. According to another embodiment, a method enabling a multi-stage verification is disclosed. Finally, specific implementations of a verification circuit coupled to an on-chip memory controller of an FPGA are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehul R. Vashi, Alex Scott Warshofsky
  • Patent number: 7130769
    Abstract: In one example, the method includes operating a process tool that has a plurality of sensors for sensing at least one parameter associated with the operation of the process tool, obtaining data from the sensors and determining at least one maintenance activity for the process tool based upon the data obtained from the sensors. In another example, data from the sensors is provided to a controller that analyzes the data and indicates desired variations in at least one maintenance activity to be performed on the process tool based upon the analysis of the data. In yet another example, the controller identifies a plurality of maintenance activities to be performed on the process tool based upon the analysis of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam H. Allen, Jr., Michael R. Conboy, Elfido Coss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7124051
    Abstract: A data link tester comprises a computer capable of a connection with a communications bus in a piece of equipment having at least one component in selective contact with the bus. The computer contains instructions for (1) building a roster comprising at least one identifier of the component and (2) then performing a diagnostic step comprising at least one of (i) analyzing communications received from the communications bus to determine the condition of communications with respect to the component, (ii) determining whether a message that contains the identifier has been received from the communications bus within a specified period of time, and (iii) diagnosing at least one fault condition in CAN communications in the communications bus by performing at least one CAN message check comprising determining whether a CAN message has been received from the communications bus and then performing at least one second diagnostic step. In some embodiments, the piece of equipment is a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jack D. Patterson, Matthew W. Starks, Steven L. Melvin, Kevin D. Snow, Roger Allen Graves, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7113879
    Abstract: A method of using a vector network analyzer (VNA) for coordinated Voltage Standing-Wave Ratio (VSWR) and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) measurement includes configuring the VNA for identifying discontinuities correlated to a VSWR lobe. In some embodiments, the method includes identifying a largest VSWR lobe in a frequency band of interest, using phase data associated with an S11 scattering parameter to find the correct electrical delay required to align Low Pass Step Transform data, and configuring the Low Pass Step Transform span and center time to align coherent inductive and capacitive discontinuities relative to grid lines of a TDR display. In some embodiments, the method is automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 7114106
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a system and method for testing integrity of data transmitted across a network connection. In one embodiment, the method generally includes creating one or more test threads on one or more test clients attached to a server through the network connection. The method further includes, for each test thread, generating a data load on the data connection by repetitively writing test data patterns to a common data file on the server, reading data patterns from the common data file, and comparing the data patterns read from the common data file to the test data patterns written to the common data file to detect data corruptions. The method may further include measuring data throughput between the one or more test clients and the server and generating debug information if a data corruption is detected by one of the test threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Klotz, Michael D. Connell, Mark J. Lanteigne
  • Patent number: 7113883
    Abstract: Enterprise test configuration and data management systems and associated methods are disclosed for test, measurement and automation environments that allow management, configuration and analysis of test systems and associated data across enterprise-wide test operations. These systems and methods are directed to the production process from the test and test station point of view and provides a variety of mechanisms for test configuration and data management for test stations (or automated test equipment (ATEs)) including the capability of managing data about each test station, hardware resources, software resources, test configuration, test steps, acquired measurements, test execution, and/or other information related to the tests, the test stations or the units-under-test (UUT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: VI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. House, Cesar R. Gamez, Francis E. Hinkle, Jr., Chandrasekhar Venkatraman
  • Patent number: 7107173
    Abstract: An integrated circuit testing device, such as an ATE, configured with an architecture comprising a distinct software layer and a distinct hardware layer with an interface for tester abstraction providing a communication conduit between the software layer and the hardware layer. The software layer communicates in device under test terms whereas the hardware layer communicates in the terms of the testing apparatus. Various communication interface points are provided to the software and hardware layers, as well as the interface for tester abstraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Credence Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William A. Fritzsche
  • Patent number: 7103512
    Abstract: A special test mode is incorporated within a USB transceiver of a digital system, and when the special test mode is activated, USB eye pattern test data signal waveforms, e.g., a continuous stream of USB state transitions (defined by the USB specification) are transmitted on the USB data lines connected to the USB transceiver. Conventional test equipment may be attached to the USB data lines and the signal quality monitored. Circuit changes can be made to the digital system and the results easily measured. When the USB eye pattern test data signal waveforms on the USB data lines of the digital system are of satisfactory quality, the special test mode may be turned off and the USB transceiver will resume operation as a normal USB device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph Harry Julicher, Daniel William Butler, Reston A. Condit
  • Patent number: 7103506
    Abstract: A system and method for object-oriented marking and assignment of information to selected technological components. For optimized support, particularly during maintenance of automation systems, a system is proposed for object-oriented marking and assignment of information to selected technological components for situation-based support of the interaction between a user and a technical device, particularly for technical and industrial application. The system includes storage means (1) for storing documentation data (I1 . . . In) and recording means (2) for recording real information (R), access means (D) for accessing the documentation data, evaluation means (A) for evaluating the real information and selecting the stored documentation data as a function of the real information, means for virtual marking of a technological component, and means for displaying additional information related to the technological component that is selected by the virtual marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Friedrich, Wolfgang Wohlgemuth
  • Patent number: 7096141
    Abstract: In a method and system for testing a device, a tester is operable to generate a first set of test signals for testing the device. The tester is electrically coupled to a test head, which in turn provides electrical coupling to the device. A test assembly is operable to generate a second set of test signals for testing the device. The test assembly is electrically coupled to an interface apparatus, which is adapted to be removably secured to the test head. The interface apparatus is operable to communicate the first and second set of test signals to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Patrick Bohan
  • Patent number: 7092839
    Abstract: A system for managing and reporting laboratory data wherein the data is obtained at remote data-taking stations, transferred instantaneously by wireless communication to a main data-storing/manipulating station for recording therein without being recorded at the remote data-taking stations, and reported only from the data-storing/manipulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: VelQuest Corporation
    Inventors: William Buote, Kenneth N. Rapp, Burleigh M. Hutchins
  • Patent number: 7089140
    Abstract: A programmable logic device includes a functional block, which does not form part of an embedded processor, which can perform a testing function on other functional blocks of the programmable logic device. Thus, the test block can read stored data values from registers in the other functional blocks of the programmable logic device, or can read signal values at points in the other functional blocks of the programmable logic device, or can insert specific data values in registers in the other functional blocks of the programmable logic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Graham McKenzie, Joel A. Seely
  • Patent number: 7089157
    Abstract: This invention relates to a measurement device comprising at least one sensor (20) designed to be installed on a mobile element (8) free to move with respect to a base (14), the mobile element being capable of moving into several positions with respect to the base (14) including a so-called proximity position in which it is close to the base (14). The sensor (20) cooperates with a power supply device comprising a rechargeable energy source (22) equipped with at least one first charging antenna (23-1) located on the mobile element (8) and at least one second charging antenna (23-2) located on the base (14), to be coupled to the first charging antenna (23-1) to recharge the energy source (22). Coupling between the two charging antennas (23-1, 23-2) is only made when the mobile element (8) is in the proximity position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Labinal
    Inventor: Marcel Locatelli
  • Patent number: 7085669
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden of purchasing measurement devices for clinical tests, and to simplify user support for the measurement devices. Divide the measurement function of a clinical test device and the analysis function between the medical institution and a service provider. In other words, the measurement of clinical data occurs in a measurement device 2 of a medical institution, and the analysis of the measurement data occurs in an analysis server 1. Due to this, measurement data is transmitted via a network 3 from measurement device 2 to analysis server 1. In addition, analytical data is transmitted via network 3 from analysis server 1to an output terminal 4. The service provider provides measurement device 2 to the medical institution free of charge, and in return collects a use fee from the medical institution for the analysis service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Isami
  • Patent number: 7076393
    Abstract: A test method for Internet-Protocol packet networks that verifies the proper functioning of a dynamic pinhole filtering implementation as well as quantifying network vulnerability statistically, as pinholes are opened and closed is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Verizon Services Corp.
    Inventors: Gaston S. Ormazabal, Edward P. Harvey, James E. Sylvester
  • Patent number: 7072788
    Abstract: A computer system comprising an operating system, a first component that comprises a first test module, a second component that comprises a second test module, and an interconnect coupling the first component and the second component is provided. The first test module is configured to provide a first test pattern to the second test module on the interconnect in response to a first signal from the operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company
    Inventors: Ken G. Pomaranski, Andrew H. Barr, Dale J. Shidla
  • Patent number: 7065466
    Abstract: System for testing attenuators by a flatness and standing wave ratio tests which includes a vector network analyzer (VNA) adapted to be coupled to a device under test (DUT) and which provides an input stimulus signal for the DUT and, when certain conditions are satisfied, receives an output signal from the DUT, and a calibration receiver adapted to be coupled to the DUT via a down-converter. When certain conditions are satisfied, the output signal from the DUT is sent to the calibration receiver (through the down-converter to be possibly modified thereby depending on the testing frequency). A signal generator provides a local oscillator (LO) signal for the down-converter. A control unit is connected to the instruments and embodies software which analyzes the testing conditions, i.e., the attenuator value being tested, and selects whether the network analyzer or the calibration receiver will measure the output signal from the DUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Testing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Clarke, Robert M. Buckley, Dean R. Silhan
  • Patent number: 7054770
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods related to monitoring of energy usage on a power line. In a preferred embodiment, this system comprises (a) an electronic microprocessor-controlled digital electricity metering device coupled to the power line and comprising a non-volatile non-battery-powered data-storage device, wherein the metering device is capable of interval metering and of receiving a data request and transmitting data in response to the request over the power line; and (b) a data collector (preferably, a transponder) coupled to the metering device via the power line. The data collector is preferably capable of (i) receiving data from and transmitting data to the metering device over the power line, (ii) storing data received from the metering device over the power line, and (iii) receiving data from and transmitting data to a remotely located computer (preferably, a billing computer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Quadlogic Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Sayre A. Swarztrauber, Doron Shafrir, Stanley C. Lo, Michael Newsome, Eric Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7054781
    Abstract: At least one radio channel is measured and stored. At least one simulation is performed with the at least one radio channel stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Elektrobit OY
    Inventors: Janne Kolu, Pekka Kyösti, Patrick Jourdan, Tommi Jämsä, Ari Hulkkonen
  • Patent number: 7050923
    Abstract: A system and method for online configuration of a measurement system. The user may access a server over a network and specify a desired task, e.g., a measurement task, and receive programs and/or configuration information which are usable to configure the user's measurement system hardware (and/or software) to perform the desired task. Additionally, if the user does not have the hardware required to perform the task, the required hardware may be sent to the user, along with programs and/or configuration information. The hardware may be reconfigurable hardware, such as an FPGA or a processor/memory based device. In one embodiment, the required hardware may be pre-configured to perform the task before being sent to the user. In another embodiment, the system and method may provide a graphical program in response to receiving the user's task specification, where the graphical program may be usable by the measurement system to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: David W Fuller, III, Michael L. Santori, Brian Sierer, Ganesh Ranganathan, John Pasquarette
  • Patent number: 7039568
    Abstract: A system for testing the hardware of a digital computer includes a test terminal which stores and executes: 1) a hardware test program for the digital computer, 2) a simulated operator program for the hardware test program, and 3) a control program for the simulated operator program. The hardware test program tests the hardware in the digital computer in response to signals from a mouse and a keyboard. The simulated operator program includes commands that simulate the signals from the mouse and keyboard. The control program: a) sequentially executes the commands in the simulated operator program; b) displays, on a monitor, each particular command that is currently being executed; c) slows the execution of the commands to a rate where each displayed command can be viewed by an operator; d) enables an operator to stop, edit and restart the simulated operator program at any selected command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas Patrick Dye
  • Patent number: 7039545
    Abstract: Test development tools, systems and/or methods which include providing access to a pre-established serial test program having a series of test code portions; providing for evaluating the series of test code portions and determining whether any respective test code portions of the series of test code portions are independently operable thereby allowing for combination in a new test program, the evaluating and determining steps providing at least one output result thereof; and providing for defining a new test program including a new test code portion for at least partially concurrently testing first and second sub-parts of a device under test using the at least one output result of the evaluating and determining steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Marie Bundy, Julia Ann Keahey
  • Patent number: 7035773
    Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marion A. Keyes, IV, Trevor D. Schleiss, Mark J. Nixon, Ron Eddie, Terrence L. Belvins, Ram Ramachandran