[July 15, 2011] U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in California (July 15) Tweet (Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in California. *** Broadcom Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Broadcom, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,755) developed by Pieter Vorenkamp, Laguna Niguel, Calif., for "methods and systems for detecting defects in serial link transceivers." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and systems for detecting defects in serial link transceivers. Defect detection includes detecting open circuits in one or more of the transmission lines, detecting short circuits between one or more of the transmission lines and a power supply, detecting short circuits between the transmission lines, or detecting short circuits across optional AC-couplings in the transmission lines. The detection can include direct or indirect detection of voltage or current." The patent application was filed on March 31, 2010 (12/662,130). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7978755.PN.&OS=PN/7978755&RS=PN/7978755 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Marvell International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Marvell International, Hamilton, Bermuda, has been assigned a patent (7,978,759) developed by Konstantinos Sarrigeorgidis, Oakland, Calif., for a "scalable equalizer for multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) wireless transmission." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and techniques relating to processing information received from a spatially diverse transmission. In some implementations, a method comprises: obtaining a received signal that was transmitted over a wireless channel using spatially diverse transmission, the received signal comprising multiple subcarriers; and recursively computing a signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of the received signal while receiving channel response information of the wireless channel derived from the received signal; wherein the recursively computing comprises recursively updating a diagonal kernel matrix, the method further comprising generating an equalization matrix from the recursively updated diagonal kernel matrix, the equalization matrix being useable in equalizing the received signal across the multiple subcarriers." The patent application was filed on Sept. 7, 2005 (11/222,490). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7978759.PN.&OS=PN/7978759&RS=PN/7978759 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Rambus Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Rambus, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,754) developed by Philip Yeung, Mountain View, Calif., Richard E. Perego, San Jose, Calif., and Scott C. Best, Palo Alto, Calif., for a "communication channel calibration with nonvolatile parameter store for recovery." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A communication channel is operated by storing a calibrated parameter value in nonvolatile memory during manufacturing, testing, or during a first operation of the device. Upon starting operation of the communication channel in the field, the calibrated parameter value is obtained from the nonvolatile memory, and used in applying an operating parameter of the communication channel. After applying the operating parameter, communication is initiated on a communication channel. The operating parameter can be adjusted to account for drift immediately after starting up, or periodically. The process of starting operation in the field includes power up events after a power management operation. In embodiments where one component includes memory, steps can be taken prior to a power management operation using the communication channel, such as transferring calibration patterns to be used in calibration procedures." The patent application was filed on May 28, 2004 (10/857,483). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7978754.PN.&OS=PN/7978754&RS=PN/7978754 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** NDSSI Holdings Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- NDSSI Holdings, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,748) developed by Daryl Arnold Kaiser, Los Gatos, Calif., and Sujai Chari, San Francisco, for a "synchronization band selection of a frequency hopping wireless receiver." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and systems of a receiver selecting a subset of plurality of frequency hopping bands for synchronization of the receiver are disclosed. One method includes the receiver determining a receive signal quality metric for each band of the plurality of frequency hopping bands, and selecting at least one synchronization band as a subset of the plurality of frequency hopping bands for synchronization based on the receive signal quality metric of each of the plurality of frequency hopping bands." The patent application was filed on Dec. 11, 2007 (12/001,339). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7978748.PN.&OS=PN/7978748&RS=PN/7978748 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Boeing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- The Boeing, Chicago, has been assigned a patent (7,978,746) developed by Dale A. Holmes, Castaic, Calif., for an "unstable laser disk resonator." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An unstable laser disk resonator combines the output laser power of multiple laser disks to produce a high power, single transverse mode laser output beam, which is near diffraction limited." The patent application was filed on April 25, 2008 (12/109,634). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7978746.PN.&OS=PN/7978746&RS=PN/7978746 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Integrated Device Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Integrated Device Technology, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,017) developed by six co-inventors for a "control voltage generator for a clock, frequency reference, and other reference signal generator." The co-inventors are Scott Michael Pernia, Pinckney, Mich., Nam Duc Nguyen, San Jose, Calif., Michael Shannon McCorquodale, Ann Arbor, Mich., Justin O'Day, Detroit, Mich., Ralph Beaudouin, East Palo Alto, Calif., and Sundus Kubba, Saline, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a reference signal generator, system and method. An exemplary apparatus to generate a harmonic reference signal includes a reference resonator, such as an LC-tank, a control voltage generator adapted to provide a temperature-dependent control voltage, and a plurality of variable reactance modules. The reference resonator generates a first reference signal having a resonant frequency, and each reactance module is adapted to modify a corresponding reactance in response to the control voltage to maintain the resonant frequency substantially constant or within a predetermined variance over a predetermined temperature range. A frequency controller may also be included to maintain substantially constant a magnitude of a peak amplitude of the first reference signal and maintains substantially constant a common mode voltage level of the reference resonator." The patent application was filed on Jan. 12, 2008 (12/013,438). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,017.PN.&OS=PN/79,78,017&RS=PN/79,78,017 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Apple Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,998) developed by Ashish R. Jain, Santa Clara, Calif., Priya Ananthanarayanan, Cupertino, Calif., and Edgardo F. Klass, Palo Alto, Calif., for an "apparatus and method for testing level shifter voltage thresholds on an integrated circuit." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and method for testing level shifter threshold voltages on an integrated circuit includes one or more level shifter modules each including a number of level shifter circuits. Each level shifter circuit may be coupled to a first and a second voltage supply. Each level shifter circuit may also receive an input signal that is referenced to the first voltage supply, and to generate an output signal that is referenced to the second voltage supply. In addition, each level shifter module may include detection logic that may detect an output value of each of the level shifter circuits. The control circuit may be configured to iteratively change the voltage output from one of the voltage supplies, and maintaining a voltage on the other voltage supply while the input signal is provided to the level shifter circuits. The detection logic may capture the output value upon each change in voltage." The patent application was filed on June 9, 2009 (12/481,253). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,998.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,998&RS=PN/79,77,998 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Oracle America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Oracle America, Redwood Shores, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,995) developed by Robert P. Masleid, Monte Sereno, Calif., and Anand Dixit, Mountain View, Calif., for configurable pulse generator. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The described embodiments provide a circuit that can be configured as a pulse generator or as an oscillator. The circuit includes a pulse generator circuit and a test circuit that is coupled to the pulse generator circuit. In the described embodiments, an disable signal is coupled to the test circuit. When the disable signal is asserted, the test circuit is disabled, and the pulse generator circuit outputs pulses of a predetermined duration. In contrast, when the disable signal is deasserted, the test circuit is enabled, and the pulse generator circuit outputs an oscillating signal." The patent application was filed on June 30, 2009 (12/494,663). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,995.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,995&RS=PN/79,77,995 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Apple Assigned Patent for Self-gating Synchronizer ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,976) developed by Bo Tang, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Edgardo F. Klass, Palo Alto, Calif., for self-gating synchronizer. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A synchronizer circuit for transferring data from a source clock domain to a target clock domain. A first latch in the target clock domain may capture a data value corresponding to current data received from the source clock domain. Under certain conditions, the first latch may enter into a metastable, or undefined logic state. A second latch may remain stable, and store a previous value corresponding to data that has most recently been transferred from the source clock domain to the target clock domain. The respective values output by the two latches may be compared by a detection circuit, and a value derived from the output value of the first latch and corresponding to the current data may be written to an output latch if the current data differs from the stored previous value. The detection circuit may also provide a defined logical value to the output latch even if the first latch is in a metastable state." The patent application was filed on May 21, 2010 (12/784,751). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,976.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,976&RS=PN/79,77,976 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Actel Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Actel, Mountain View, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,970) developed by six co-inventors for an "enhanced field programmable gate array." The co-inventors are Samuel W. Beal, Mountain View, Calif., Sinan Kaptanoglu, San Carlos, Calif., Jung-Cheun Lien, San Jose, Calif., William Shu, Palo Alto, Calif., King W. Chan, Los Altos, Calif., and William C. Plants, Santa Clara, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An enhanced performance field programmable gate array integrated circuit comprises a field programmable gate array and other functional circuitry such as a mask-programmable gate array in the same integrated circuit. A circuit interface provides communication between the field programmable gate array, the mask-programmable gate array and the integrated circuit I/O." The patent application was filed on June 4, 2010 (12/794,279). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,970.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,970&RS=PN/79,77,970 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Applied Micro Circuits Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Applied Micro Circuits, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (7,977,967) developed by Joseph Martin Patterson, Carlsbad, Calif., for a "method for solid state thermal electric logic." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method is provided for thermal electric binary logic control. The method accepts an input voltage representing an input logic state. A heat reference is controlled in response to the input voltage. The method supplies an output voltage representing an output logic state, responsive to the heat reference. More explicitly, the heat reference controls the output voltage of a temperature-sensitive voltage divider. For example, the temperature-sensitive voltage divider may be a thermistor voltage divider." The patent application was filed on July 2, 2010 (12/830,122). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,967.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,967&RS=PN/79,77,967 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Altera Assigned Patent for Apparatus for Using Metastability-hardened Storage Circuits in Logic Devices and Associated Methods ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Altera, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,975) developed by David Lewis, Toronto, Jeffrey Christopher Chromczak, Brownsville, Calif., and Ryan Fung, Mississauga, Canada, for an "apparatus for using metastability-hardened storage circuits in logic devices and associated methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An integrated circuit (IC) includes a set of metastability-hardened storage circuits. Each metastability-hardened storage circuit may include: (a) a pulse width distortion circuit, (b) a first circuit powered by a nominal power supply voltage, and a second circuit powered by a higher-than-nominal supply voltage, (c) an inverter and a bias circuit, where the bias circuit provides a bias current based on an intermediate state of the inverter to resolve a metastable state of the inverter, or (d) a latch, and a dynamic bias circuit that causes current to be injected into the latch to resolve a metastable state of the latch." The patent application was filed on Sept. 18, 2009 (12/563,088). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,975.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,975&RS=PN/79,77,975 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,977,963) developed by Bon Ho Bae, Torrance, Calif., and Leah Dunbar, Manhattan Beach, Calif., for "methods, systems and apparatus for detecting abnormal operation of an inverter sub-module." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus are provided for determining whether one or more inverter sub-modules of an inverter module is operating properly. Amplitude of each stator current signal is regularly measured. For each current signal, a positive counter counts a number of consecutive times the amplitude of that current signal is less than a positive current threshold, while a negative counter counts a number of consecutive times the amplitude of that current signal is greater than a negative current threshold. If the positive counter or the negative counter exceeds a maximum count, it is determined that an inverter sub-module is operating abnormally" The patent application was filed on July 21, 2009 (12/506,760). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,963.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,963&RS=PN/79,77,963 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Altera Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14 -- Altera, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,984) developed by Lewelyn Mark D'Souza, Carrboro, N.C., and Weiqi Ding, Fremont, Calif., for a "high-speed charge pump circuits." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A charge pump circuit includes at least one switching transistor and a level-shifter. The level-shifter has a cross-coupled pair of transistors. The level-shifter shifts a voltage of a first input signal to generate a level-shifted signal. The level-shifted signal controls a conductive state of the switching transistor to regulate an output voltage of the charge pump. A feedback loop circuit includes a detector and a charge pump. The detector compares an input signal to a feedback signal to generate first and second output signals. The charge pump includes at least two thin-oxide switching transistors and a level-shifter in another embodiment. The level-shifter shifts a voltage of the first output signal of the detector to generate a level-shifted signal. The two switching transistors are driven by the level-shifted signal and the second output signal of the detector to regulate an output voltage of the charge pump." The patent application was filed on Oct. 13, 2007 (11/871,994). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,984.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,984&RS=PN/79,77,984 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Synaptics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Synaptics, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,954) developed by Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Mountain View, Calif., and Kirk Hargreaves, Mountain View, Calif., for "methods and systems for sigma delta capacitance measuring using shared components." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using sigma-delta charge transfer techniques that can be implemented with many standard microcontrollers, and can share components to reduce device complexity and improve performance. In the various implementations of this embodiment, the passive network used to accumulate charge can be shared between multiple measurable capacitances. A switch or IO controlling the charge sharing and/or charge changing can also be shared Likewise, in various implementations a voltage conditioning circuit configured to provide a variable reference voltage can be shared between multiple measurable capacitances. Finally, in various implementations a guarding electrode configured to guard the measurable capacitances can be shared between multiple measurable capacitances. In each of these cases, sharing components can reduce device complexity and improve performance." The patent application was filed on Aug. 16, 2010 (12/857,293). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,954.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,954&RS=PN/79,77,954 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** FormFactor Assigned Patent for Bi-directional Buffer for Interfacing Test System Channel ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- FormFactor, Livermore, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,958) developed by Charles A. Miller, Fremont, Calif., for a "bi-directional buffer for interfacing test system channel." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An emitter follower or source follower transistor is provided in the channel of a wafer test system between a DUT and a test system controller to enable a low power DUT to drive a test system channel. A bypass resistor is included between the base and emitter of the emitter follower transistor to enable bi-directional signals to be provided between the DUT channel and test system controller, as well as to enable parametric tests to be performed. The emitter follower transistor and bypass resistor can be provided on the probe card, with a pull down termination circuit included in the test system controller. The test system controller can provide compensation for the base to emitter voltage drop of the emitter follower transistor." The patent application was filed on Aug. 28, 2007 (11/846,446). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,958.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,958&RS=PN/79,77,958 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** FormFactor Assigned Patent for Method and Apparatus for Probe Card Alignment in a Test System ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- FormFactor, Livermore, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,956) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for probe card alignment in a test system." The co-inventors are Keith J. Breinlinger, San Ramon, Calif., Benjamin N. Eldridge, Danville, Calif., Eric D. Hobbs, Livermore, Calif., and Douglas S. Ondricek, Dallas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embodiments of methods and apparatus for aligning a probe card assembly in a test system are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for testing devices may include a probe card assembly having a plurality of probes, each probe having a tip for contacting a device to be tested, and having an identified set of one or more features that are preselected in accordance with selected criteria for aligning the probe card assembly within a prober after installation therein. In some embodiments, the identity of the identified set of one or more features may be communicated to the prober to facilitate a global alignment of the probe card assembly that minimizes an aggregate misalignment of all of the tips in the probe card assembly." The patent application was filed on April 28, 2009 (12/431,271). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,956.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,956&RS=PN/79,77,956 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** FormFactor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- FormFactor, Livermore, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,977,959) developed by Tommie Edward Berry, Pleasanton, Calif., and Alistair Nicholas Sporck, Saratoga, Calif., for a "method and apparatus for testing devices using serially controlled intelligent switches." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus for testing devices using serially controlled intelligent switches have been described. In some embodiments, a probe card assembly can be provided that includes a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) serially coupled to form a chain, the chain coupled to at least one serial control line, the plurality of ICs including switches coupled to test probes, each of the switches being programmable responsive to a control signal on the at least one serial control line." The patent application was filed on Sept. 27, 2007 (11/862,751). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,77,959.PN.&OS=PN/79,77,959&RS=PN/79,77,959 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Cisco Technology Assigned Patent for System using Mobile Device for Setting Up and Activating Agent Shortcut Operations ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Cisco Technology, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,215) developed by Keith Kocho, Scarborough, Calif., for a "system using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices and systems for setting up an agent shortcut operation to be activated at an electronic device in a network. The agent shortcut operation can be setup at an electronic device connected to a network by receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user on an agent setup device, and sending the selected agent shortcut operation through the network to the electronic device to be available for subsequent activation. The agent shortcut operation can be activated by sending an agent shortcut operation to the electronic device, receiving an activation signal from an agent activation device for the agent shortcut operation, and in response to the received activation signal, sending a signal to the electronic device to activate the agent shortcut operation." The patent application was filed on Nov. 26, 2003 (10/721,071). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,215&OS=79,78,215&RS=79,78,215 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Autodesk Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Autodesk, San Rafael, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,206) developed by John G. Ford III, Mill Valley, Calif., and Phillip D. Beymer, Victoria, Canada, for a look-up table action. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A first block represents a two or three dimensional object in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model, and has a visual presentation in a presentation of the CAD model based on a first plurality of property values denoted by a first label in a plurality of labels. User input specifying a new value for a first property value in the first plurality of property values is received. A second plurality of property values denoted by a second label is selected. The second plurality of property values differs by at least one value from the first plurality of property values and the second plurality of property values has a second property value that is satisfied by the new value. The visual presentation of the first block is updated based on the second plurality of property values." The patent application was filed on Nov. 28, 2006 (11/564,104). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,206&OS=79,78,206&RS=79,78,206 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Pixar Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Pixar, Emeryville, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,203) developed by Rod Bogart, San Rafael, Calif., and Rick Sayre, Kensington, Calif., for "methods and apparatus for color grading with gamut match preview." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for color grading within a component color space associated with a display includes receiving a source image comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel is associated with a color comprising a plurality of color component values in the component color space, wherein the component color space comprises RGB, and wherein a pixel is associated with a color inside a gamut of the display but outside a gamut of a target media, receiving a color grading signal from a user, modifying the color associated with the pixel from the plurality of pixels in response to the color grading signal, to form a graded image comprising the pixel, wherein the pixel is associated with a graded color comprising a plurality of color component values, displaying the graded image on the display to the user, automatically performing a gamut remapping of the graded color associated with the pixel, to form a gamut remapped image comprising the pixel, wherein the pixel is associated with a gamut remapped color comprising a plurality of color component values, wherein at least one color component value of the graded color is substantially similar to one color component value of the gamut remapped color, and displaying the gamut remapped image on the display to the user, wherein the gamut remapped image comprises a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel from the plurality of pixels is associated with a color within a gamut of the target media." The patent application was filed on Dec. 14, 2007 (11/957,189). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,203&OS=79,78,203&RS=79,78,203 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Sony Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Sony, Tokyo, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Culver City, Calif., have been assigned a patent (7,978,224) developed by Bruce E. Dobrin, Altadena, Calif., for a "multicast control of motion capture sequences." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Capturing motion including: a clock configured to generate a time reference; a plurality of motion capture cameras substantially synchronized to the time reference; at least one device used in motion capture; a multicast module configured to receive the time reference, and to transmit a multicast signal, wherein the multicast signal includes information derived from the time reference to configure the at least one device to operate synchronously with the plurality of motion capture cameras; and an integration module configured to integrate device data generated by the at least one device with camera data generated by the plurality of motion capture cameras." The patent application was filed on March 17, 2010 (12/726,199). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,224&OS=79,78,224&RS=79,78,224 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Cisco Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Cisco Technology, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,216) developed by four co-inventors for a "versatile conference adapter and method employing same." The co-inventors are Aseem Asthana, San Jose, Calif., Shantanu Sarkar, San Jose, Calif., Ashish Chotai, Santa Clara, Calif., and Sravan Vadlakonda, Sunnyvale, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A conference adapter. In an illustrative embodiment, the conference adapter implements a method for interfacing one or more conference endpoints with one or more conference servers. The method includes registering an endpoint and a conference server to determine endpoint registration information associated with the endpoint and to determine conference-server registration information associated with the conference server. Next, the method includes receiving a connection from the endpoint and a connection from the conference server. Subsequently, the conference adapter establishes communications between the endpoint and the conference server as initiated by the endpoint and based on the endpoint registration information and the conference-server registration information. In a more specific embodiment, the method further includes receiving plural connections from conference servers of disparate types, and then selectively switching communications between the endpoint and a first conference server to communications between the endpoint and a second conference server. The method further includes selectively switching endpoints for a given conference session." The patent application was filed on June 7, 2006 (11/448,313). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,216&OS=79,78,216&RS=79,78,216 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** NVIDIA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- NVIDIA, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,204) developed by Thomas Ruge, Oakland, Calif., for a "transparency-conserving system, method and computer program product to generate and blend images." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A1A system embodying the invention includes a controlling device and a set of rendering devices, with the effect that the controlling device can distribute a set of objects to the rendering devices. Each rendering device computes a (2D) image in response to the objects assigned to it, including computing multiple overlapping images and using a graphics processor to blend those images into a resultant image. To interface with the graphics processor, each rendering device spoofs the .alpha.-value with a pixel feature other than opacity (opacity is expected by the graphics processor), with the effect that the graphics processor delivers useful .alpha.-values, while still delivering correct color values, for each pixel. This has the effect that the resultant images include transparency information sufficient to combine them using transparency blending." The patent application was filed on April 26, 2006 (11/412,406). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,204&OS=79,78,204&RS=79,78,204 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Avago Technologies ECBU Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Avago Technologies ECBU, Singapore, has been assigned a patent (7,978,222) developed by Alexander Caldwell Schneider, Los Altos, Calif., for "systems and methods for image stabilization." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An image capture device includes a frame buffer, a processor, a shutter, an actuator, a three-axis optical motion sensor and an image sensor. The image sensor defines an optical axis. The three-axis optical motion sensor provides information concerning rotational movement of the camera about each of a roll axis, a yaw axis and a pitch axis. The roll axis is parallel to the optical axis. The yaw axis and the pitch axis are orthogonal to one another and orthogonal to the roll axis. The actuator rotates the image sensor in response to the rotational movement of the device about the optical axis. The processor generates first and second offsets responsive to the rotational motion about the yaw axis and the pitch axis. The processor shifts each line of image information in a frame in accordance with the first and second offsets." The patent application was filed on March 1, 2008 (12/040,882). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,222&OS=79,78,222&RS=79,78,222 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** University of Southern California Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, has been assigned a patent (7,978,202) developed by Paul E. Debevec, Marina Del Rey, Calif., Timothy S. Hawkins, Marina Del Rey, Calif., and Chris D.X.N. Tchou, Kirkland, Wash., for a "high dynamic range image editing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A high dynamic range image editing system for editing an image file having pixels spanning a first range of light intensity levels in an image editing system that only displays differences in the light intensity levels of pixels within a second range of light intensity levels that is less than the first range of light intensity levels, without reducing the range of light intensity levels in the image file." The patent application was filed on Dec. 31, 2008 (12/347,782). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,202&OS=79,78,202&RS=79,78,202 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Google Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Google, Mountain View, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,207) developed by Michael B. Herf, Los Angeles, Ari Berger, Berkeley, Calif., and Brian A. McClendon, Menlo Park, Calif., for a geographic image overlay. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A computer-implemented method for correlating an electronic object with a geo-location is discussed. The method includes selecting an object in a first application for determination of a geo-location for the selected object, graphically identifying, in a second application, a geo-location to be associated with the selected object, and updating one or more values stored with the selected object to include information relating to the geo-location." The patent application was filed on June 13, 2007 (11/762,670). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,207&OS=79,78,207&RS=79,78,207 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Dolphin Imaging Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Dolphin Imaging Systems, Chatsworth, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,191) developed by Swanwa Liao, Woodland Hills, Calif., for a "system and method for locating anatomies of interest in a 3D volume." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for modifying a curved cut plane of a 3D volume to locate objects or sections of interest within the 3D volume intersected by the cut plane. A cross-section of the 3D volume along an initially estimated curved cut plane is projected onto a flat viewing plane, and a panorama image of the cross-section is displayed to the user. If the initially estimated curved cut plane does not exactly intersect the object or section of interest, the user manipulates a user input device to modify the curve of the plane inward or outward in the 3D volume away from the projected plane. As the user manipulates the user input device, an affected portion of the curve is recalculated and a modified curved cut plane is reconstructed based on the recalculated curve for re-projecting a modified cross-section of the 3D volume in real time with the movement of the user input device. The user is therefore provided with instant visual feedback as the user moves the user input device to browse in and out within the 3D volume from the current projected plane." The patent application was filed on Sept. 24, 2007 (11/860,303). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,191&OS=79,78,191&RS=79,78,191 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Immersion Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Immersion, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,186) developed by Steven P. Vassallo, Palo Alto, Calif., and Kenneth M. Martin, Palo Alto, Calif., for "mechanisms for control knobs and other interface devices." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Mechanisms for a control knob or other interface device providing additional degrees of freedom for the knob. One embodiment provides a rotatable knob moveable also in lateral plane approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A mechanism providing the lateral motion can include agate member and a plunger member that engages grooves in the gate member. A rotational sensor detects a rotational position and a lateral sensor can detect a lateral position of the knob. Another embodiment provides an actuator that includes a shaft that is coaxial with the axis of rotation and which can be moved linearly along the axis of rotation with respect to actuator housing to accommodate linear motion of the knob. In another embodiment, a gear assembly including two interlocked gears is provided to transmit rotational motion from the knob to the sensor, and the interlocked gears translate with respect to each other when the knob is translate along the rotational axis." The patent application was filed on Sept. 22, 2005 (11/232,576). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,186&OS=79,78,186&RS=79,78,186 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Immersion Assigned Patent for Haptic Feedback for Touchpads and Other Touch Controls ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Immersion, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,183) developed by Louis B. Rosenberg, San Jose, Calif., and James R. Riegel, Santa Clara, Calif., for a "haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions." The patent application was filed on Nov. 15, 2007 (11/985,655). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,183&OS=79,78,183&RS=79,78,183 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Apple Assigned Patent for Keystroke Tactility Arrangement on a Smooth Touch Surface ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,181) developed by Wayne Carl Westerman, San Francisco, for a "keystroke tactility arrangement on a smooth touch surface." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed are four arrangements for providing tactility on a touch surface keyboard. One approach is to provide tactile feedback mechanisms, such as dots, bars, or other shapes on all or many keys. In another embodiment, an articulating frame may be provided that extends when the surface is being used in a typing mode and retracts when the surface is used in some other mode, e.g., a pointing mode. The articulating frame may provide key edge ridges that define the boundaries of the key regions or may provide tactile feedback mechanisms within the key regions. The articulating frame may also be configured to cause concave depressions similar to mechanical key caps in the surface. In another embodiment, a rigid, non-articulating frame may be provided beneath the surface. A user will then feel higher resistance when pressing away from the key centers, but will feel a softer resistance at the key center." The patent application was filed on April 25, 2006 (11/380,109). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,181&OS=79,78,181&RS=79,78,181 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Avago Technologies General Assigned Patent for System and Method for Interactive Three-dimensional Position Tracking ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Avago Technologies General, Singapore, has been assigned a patent (7,978,174) developed by five co-inventors for a "system and method for interactive three-dimensional position tracking." The co-inventors are Soo Sean Lim, Ipoh Perak, Malasiya, Shalini Venkatesh, Santa Clara, Calif., Lye Hock Bernard Chan, Penang, Malasiya, Tong Sen Liew, Perak, Malasiya, and Nobutaka Itagaki, Tokyo. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for tracking the x, y and z coordinates of a position of an input device in an interactive computer system is disclosed. An image sensor situated on the input device captures images of an electronic marker displayed on a display screen. As the position of the input device changes, the features of the electronic marker as captured by the image sensor also change. Images of the electronic marker captured during game play are compared to a calibration image of the electronic marker to determine current x, y and z coordinates of positions of the input device. The game display is updated to reflect the movements of the input device." The patent application was filed on June 7, 2006 (11/449,263). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,174&OS=79,78,174&RS=79,78,174 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Apple Assigned Patent for Screen Rotation Gestures on a Portable Multifunction Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,182) developed by Bas Ording, San Francisco, Marcel Van Os, San Francisco, and Imran Chaudhri, San Francisco, for "screen rotation gestures on a portable multifunction device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method performed at a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display includes displaying information on the touch screen display in a portrait orientation. The method also includes detecting simultaneous rotation of two thumbs in a first sense of rotation on the touch screen display, and in response to detecting the simultaneous rotation of the two thumbs in the first sense of rotation, displaying the information in a landscape orientation. In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting simultaneous rotation of the two thumbs in a second sense of rotation that is opposite the first sense of rotation, and in response to detecting the simultaneous rotation of the two thumbs in the second sense of rotation, displaying the information in a portrait orientation." The patent application was filed on Dec. 19, 2007 (11/960,667). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,182&OS=79,78,182&RS=79,78,182 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Avago Technologies ECBU Assigned Patent for Pointing Device Including a Moveable Puck with Mechanical Detents ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Avago Technologies ECBU, Singapore, has been assigned a patent (7,978,173) developed by Jonah A. Harley, Mountain View, Calif., John Stewart Wenstrand, Menlo Park, Calif., and Storrs T. Hoen, Brisbane, Calif, for a "pointing device including a moveable puck with mechanical detents." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A pointing device includes a moveable puck that is capable of moving over a surface in a puck field of motion. The surface includes a detent feature defined within the puck field of motion for engaging with a detent feature of the moveable puck." The patent application was filed on Jan. 14, 2005 (11/036,541). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,173&OS=79,78,173&RS=79,78,173 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Apple Assigned Patent for Portrait-landscape Rotation Heuristics for a Portable Multifunction Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,978,176) developed by Scott Forstall, Mountain View, Calif., and Chris Blumenberg, San Francisco, for a "portrait-landscape rotation heuristics for a portable multifunction device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method is performed at a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display and one or more accelerometers. The method includes displaying information on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of data received from the one or more accelerometers. The method also includes detecting a predetermined finger gesture on or near the touch screen display while the information is displayed in a first view, and in response to detecting the predetermined finger gesture, displaying the information in a second view and locking the display of information in the second view. The method further includes unlocking the display of information in the second view when the device is placed in an orientation where the second view is displayed based on an analysis of data received from the one or more accelerometers." The patent application was filed on Dec. 19, 2007 (11/960,671). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,176&OS=79,78,176&RS=79,78,176 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Avago Technologies ECBU Assigned Patent for Magnetic Re-centering Mechanism for a Capacitive Input Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Avago Technologies ECBU, Singapore, has been assigned a patent (7,978,175) developed by Timothy James Orsley, San Jose, Calif., for a "magnetic re-centering mechanism for a capacitive input device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Various embodiments provide an enhanced mobile computing experience by providing an input device in a mobile electronic device that is configured to accurately and quickly re-center a button or other user interface while providing a sensation of enhanced tactile feedback to a user. The biasing force of a magnetic re-centering mechanism is employed to overcome frictional forces acting on the button during its travel forwards and backwards and tilting to insure that the button is returned quickly and accurately to a resting position. The magnetic re-centering mechanism has a low profile, and permits the input device and the mobile electronic device within which the input device is disposed to have small form factors." The patent application was filed on Nov. 23, 2007 (11/944,506). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,78,175&OS=79,78,175&RS=79,78,175 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ventana Medical Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Ventana Medical Systems, Tucson, Ariz., has been assigned a patent (7,979,212) developed by eight co-inventors for a "method and system for morphology based mitosis identification and classification of digital images." The co-inventors are Abhijeet S. Gholap, Cupertino, Calif., Gauri A. Gholap, Cupertino, Calif., Chiruvolu V.K. Rao, San Jose, Calif., Sanford H. Barsky, Columbus, Ohio, Madhura Vipra, Pune, India, Suhas Hanmantrao Patil, Pune, India, Prithviraj Jadhav, San Jose, Calif., and Jayant Abhyankar, San Jose, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and system for morphology based mitosis identification and classification of digital images. Luminance parameters such as intensity, etc. from a digital image of a biological sample (e.g., tissue cells) to which a chemical compound (e.g., a marker dye) has been applied are analyzed and corrected if necessary. Morphological parameters (e.g., size, elongation ratio, parallelism, boundary roughness, convex hull shape, etc.) from individual components within the biological sample are analyzed. A medical conclusion (e.g., type and count of mitotic cells) or a life science and biotechnology experiment conclusion is determined from the analyzed luminance and morphological parameters. The method and system may be used to develop applications for automatically obtaining a medical diagnosis (e.g., a carcinoma diagnosis)." The patent application was filed on Jan. 31, 2005 (11/048,541). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,979,212.PN.&OS=PN/7,979,212&RS=PN/7,979,212 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Agilent Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,979,215) developed by Nicholas M. Sampas, San Jose, Calif., for "methods and systems for evaluating CGH candidate probe nucleic acid sequences." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods of evaluating candidate CGH probe nucleic acid sequences are provided. Aspects of the methods include providing a candidate CGH probe nucleic acid sequence for a target sequence of a copy number variation (CNV) of a genome. A proximity score is then determined for the candidate CGH probe nucleic acid sequence and employed to evaluate the sequence. Aspects of the invention further include computer programming and systems that include the same which are configured to evaluate candidate CGH probe nucleic acid sequences using a proximity score." The patent application was filed on July 30, 2007 (11/888,038). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,979,215.PN.&OS=PN/7,979,215&RS=PN/7,979,215 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Invention Science Fund I Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Invention Science Fund I, Bellevue, Wash., has been assigned a patent (7,979,213) developed by four co-inventors for a "selective resonance of chemical structures." The co-inventors are Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Livermore, Calif., Edward K.Y. Jung, Bellevue, Wash., Nathan P. Myhrvold, Medina, Wash., and Lowell L. Wood Jr., Livermore, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A blood therapy device includes an energy input component, adapted to be placed on or in a human or animal body, that directs a set of differing energy inputs towards a blood vessel, wherein the set of differing energy inputs selectively resonates a plurality of resonant structures in a target composition in the blood." The patent application was filed on July 21, 2005 (11/186,633). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,979,213.PN.&OS=PN/7,979,213&RS=PN/7,979,213 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** SIRF Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- SIRF Technology, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,979,207) developed by four co-inventors for "systems and methods for detecting a vehicle static condition." The co-inventors are Mahesh Chowdhary, San Jose, Calif., Qiyue Zhang, Cupertino, Calif., Mangesh Chansarkar, Irvine, Calif., and Gengsheng Zhang, Cupertino, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for detecting a vehicle static condition are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes a sensor operative to detect at least one of acceleration and angular rate of a vehicle. The sensor is further operative to generate a vehicle vibration profile based on the at least one of the detected acceleration and angular rate of the vehicle. The system further includes a computing device operative to receive the vehicle vibration profile from the sensor, the computing device being further operative to determine whether the vehicle is stationary or moving based on the vehicle vibration profile. A representative method for detecting a vehicle static condition includes detecting at least one of acceleration and angular grade of a vehicle; generating a vehicle vibration profile based on at least one of the detected acceleration and angular grade of the vehicle; receiving the vehicle vibration profile; and determining whether the vehicle is stationary or moving based on the vehicle vibration profile." The patent application was filed on March 19, 2007 (11/687,782). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,979,207.PN.&OS=PN/7,979,207&RS=PN/7,979,207 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Honda Motor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Honda Motor, Tokyo, has been assigned a patent (7,979,206) developed by four co-inventors for a "route calculation method for a vehicle navigation system." The co-inventors are Robert Uyeki, Torrance, Calif., Kazuya Tamura, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., Eric Shigeru Ohki, San Pedro, Calif., and Maja Kurciska, Sherman Oaks, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Traffic information, including flow information and incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be used in route calculation by a navigation device. The navigation device may recalculate a route based on anticipated user error. Alternatively, the navigation device may recalculate a route using received traffic information triggered by the receipt of a traffic information update, or triggered by the passage of an amount of time. The broadcast rate of traffic information updates may vary temporally (providing more frequent updates during peak commute times) or geographically (providing more frequent updates to metropolitan areas with increased traffic information needs). If route calculation is triggered by an elapsed amount of time, the amount of time may vary to be shorter during peak commute times. Additional route calculation techniques allow the incorporation of historical traffic information or the use of the most recent traffic information if incomplete traffic information is available. Still further route calculation techniques may calculate a best route by avoiding zigzagging or evaluating an assigned cost of a potential route." The patent application was filed on Nov. 1, 2010 (12/916,879). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,979,206.PN.&OS=PN/7,979,206&RS=PN/7,979,206 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Lockheed Martin Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Lockheed Martin, Bethesda, Md., has been assigned a patent (7,979,200) developed by FM Bay, Sunnyvale, Calif., and David E. Walton, Montgomery Village, Md., for a "managing an air-ground communications network with air traffic control information." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods that coordinate assignments of aircraft operating within a controlled airspace to ground radios are provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes an air traffic control (ATC) facility (12), a plurality of ground radios (16A-16C), and a network manager (20) communicatively coupled to the air traffic control facility (12) and the ground radios (16A-16C). The air traffic control facility is responsible for controlling aircraft (14A-14I) operating within the airspace (10) and providing ATC information to the network manager (20). The ground radios (16A-16C) are operable to provide communications between the air traffic control facility (12) and the aircraft (14A-14I). The network manager (20) is operable to assign each aircraft (14A-14I) to one of the ground radios (16A-16C) based on network management considerations using the ATC information." The patent application was filed on Nov. 15, 2007 (11/940,913). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,979,200.PN.&OS=PN/7,979,200&RS=PN/7,979,200 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Sprint Spectrum Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 15 -- Sprint Spectrum, Overland Park, Kan., has been assigned a patent (7,978,674) developed by five co-inventors for a "method for selecting resource-allocation type in a wireless communication system." The co-inventors are Siddharth S. Oroskar, Overland Park, Kan., Manoj Shetty, Overland Park, Kan., Sachin R. Vargantwar, Overland Park, Kan., Deveshkumar Rai, Overland Park, Kan., and Debasish Sarkar, Irvine, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of selecting a type of resource-allocation to use for a call in a cellular wireless system, such as selecting a type of radio configuration to use for the call. According to the method, resource-availability in one more adjacent coverage areas may be used as a basis to select the type of resource-allocation to use in a current coverage area. For instance, given the choice between a radio configuration that consumes less base station power and a radio configuration that consumes more base station power, the radio configuration consuming more base station power may be selected if base station sufficient power is available in one or more adjacent coverage area(s), and the other radio configur For more information about Targeted News Service products and services, please contact: Myron Struck, editor, Targeted News Service LLC, Springfield, Va., 703/304-1897; [email protected]; http://targetednews.com. -1054325 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]