377 results about "Intermediate level" patented technology

A method of forecasting, allocating and scheduling in a single or multi-site skills-based contact or call center environment organized into a hierarchy of zero or more business units at a first, upper level, one or more contact types at a second, intermediate level, and one or more management units at a third, lower level. A user creates (a) a set of given contact allocations that define how contacts are distributed from a given business unit to multiple contact types, and (b) a set of given requirement allocations that define how agent requirements are distributed from a contact type to one or more management units. Agent availability by contact type is then predicted to generate agent availability data. Thereafter, forecasted contacts and forecasted agent requirements are allocated based on the given contact and requirement allocations as well as the agent availability data. Preferably, the agent availability data is predicted using a schedule simulator and is characterized by contact type for agents in the same skill group.

An electronic device performs functionality adjustments based on a determined attention level of a user of the device. In some embodiments, the device automatically enters a sleep mode upon determining that the user has fallen asleep. The device may automatically modify functionality of the device such that disturbances to the user is minimized or power consumption is reduced. For example, the device may lower the volume of a ring tone or deactivate a communication channel. In some instances, the device may determine that the user is half-awake or paying an intermediate level of attention and activate an intermediate mode where at least some functionality is modified or adjusted. A device subsequently determining that the user is fully awake or actively engaged with the device causes the device to return to a standard mode of operation, where functionality of the device is adjusted to one appropriate for the user's attention level.

A bidirectional radio frequency identification (RFID) network system and method are presented. The system allows users to configure, monitor, and manage different sensor devices by using a graphical user interface real-time. The reconfiguration is done through a network management computer at the top system level that receives user input, generates code images according to the user input, and appropriately routes the code images to sensor routers that directly control the sensors. If the system is multi-layered, some code images are also sent to the intermediate-level network management computers. The system allows users to not only monitor a business flow but react to problematic situations quickly by adjusting the workflow. The aspect-oriented nature of the system allows users to reconfigure the system based only the Functionality aspects without worrying about the Partitioning aspects (e.g., how the network and the sensors are physically connected).

Disclosed are implantable devices that include biocompatible polyurethane materials. In particular, the disclosed polyurethane materials can maintain desired elastomeric characteristics while exhibiting thermoset-like behavior and can exhibit improved characteristics so as to be suitable in load-bearing applications. For example, the disclosed polyurethane materials can be suitable for use in artificial joints, including total joint replacement applications. The disclosed polyurethane materials include biocompatible cross-linking agents as chain extenders, more particularly chain extenders comprising a terminal group capable of side reactions and further comprising an electron withdrawing group immediately adjacent the terminal group. In addition, the reaction materials and conditions can be selected to encourage intermediate levels of cross-linking without the use of traditional cross-linking trifunctional reagents. In addition, the chain extenders can also include substantially inflexible moieties so as to increase the rigidity of the product polyurethanes.

An operation and maintenance control point (OMCP) operates at an intermediate level in a telecommunications network between the network elements and the network management system (NMS). The OMCP reduces the processing load on the NMS, and rather than reporting symptoms, provides the NMS with suggested corrective actions to correct reported problems. The NMS executes the suggested corrective actions and compares the actual results in the network with predicted results. Feedback on the results is then provided to the OMCP to improve its analysis and provide more effective corrective actions are suggested if the problem recurs. By automatically interfacing with the NMS, which analyzes and executes the suggested corrective actions, the OMCP creates a self-engineering telecommunications network.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide fault-tolerant, redundancy-based data-storage systems that rely on disk-controller-implemented error detection and error correction, at the disk-block level, and RAID-controller-implemented data-redundancy methods, at the disk and disk-stripe level, in order to provide comprehensive, efficient, and system-wide error detection and error correction. Embodiments of the present invention use disk-level and stripe-level data redundancy to provide error detection and error correction for stored data objects, obviating the need for certain costly, intermediate levels of error detection and error correction commonly employed in currently available fault-tolerant, redundancy-based data-storage systems.

A method and apparatus for finding correspondence between portions of two images that first subjects the two images to segmentation by weighted aggregation (10), then constructs directed acylic graphs (16,18) from the output of the segmentation by weighted aggregation to obtain hierarchical graphs of aggregates (20,22), and finally applies a maximally weighted subgraph isomorphism to the hierarchical graphs of aggregates to find matches between them (24). Two algorithms are described; one seeks a one-to-one matching between regions, and the other computes a soft matching, in which is an aggregate may have more than one corresponding aggregate. A method and apparatus for image segmentation based on motion cues. Motion provides a strong cue for segmentation. The method begins with local, ambiguous optical flow measurements. It uses a process of aggregation to resolve the ambiguities and reach reliable estimates of the motion. In addition, as the process of aggregation proceeds and larger aggregates are identified, it employs a progressively more complex model to describe the motion. In particular, the method proceeds by recovering translational motion at fine levels, through affine transformation at intermediate levels, to 3D motion (described by a fundamental matrix) at the coarsest levels. Finally, the method is integrated with a segmentation method that uses intensity cues. The utility of the method is demonstrated on both random dot and real motion sequences.

The invention discloses a dynamically reconfigurable multi-stage parallel single instruction multiple data array processing system, which comprises a pixel level parallel processing element (PE) array and a row parallel row processor (RP) array, wherein the PE array is mainly used for finishing a linear operation part suitable for the parallel execution of all pixels in low-level and intermediate-level image processing; the RP array is used for operation suitable to be finished in a row parallel way or complex nonlinear operation in the low-level and intermediate-level processing; and particularly, the PE array can also be dynamically reconfigured into a two-dimensional self-organizing map (SOM) neural network with extremely low performance and area overhead, and the neural network can realize advanced image processing functions of high-speed parallel online training, feature recognition and the like with the coordination of RPs. The shortcoming that advanced image processing cannot be used for pixel level parallel RP arrays in the conventional programmable vision chip and the conventional parallel vision processor is completely overcome, and the implementation of a fully-functional, low-cost, low-power consumption, intelligent and portable high-speed real-time visual image system on chip is facilitated.

A method and system for bypassing cache levels when storing data castout from an upper level cache provides a memory hierarchy that can selectively skip one more more intermediate levels when writing castout entries from a higher level cache based on a number of detected conditions. The intermediate levels may be bypassed when an intermediate cache level is busy, has an entry with an address conflict with the castout value, or may skip levels based on program control. The control providing the skipping selection may be driven by a detector that analyzes load / store operations of a processor in order to produce efficient operation under changing memory use conditions.

An apparatus and method for equitably allocating bandwidth to virtual networks operating on a common physical network, such as a power-line network for homeowners sharing a single power-line distribution transformer. An ad-hoc master is selected from the virtual power-line network controllers. The master allocates bandwidth to streams based on their priority group categorization. By way of example, four priority groups (A-D) are described into which stream priority is classified, with the highest priority group for communicating isochronous streams, the lowest priority for transferring asynchronous streams and the other priority groups for communicating streams having an intermediate level of transmission priority. Within a given priority group all bandwidth requests are fulfilled for virtual networks requesting up to their fair share of the bandwidth within the priority group, and bandwidth available from virtual networks not utilizing their full share is allocated equally amongst those requesting more bandwidth.

An expense allocation method utilizes matrix multiplication to transform a set of reciprocal or cascading allocation rules into a new set of one-step allocation rules. The new set of rules reallocates amounts directly to the ultimate destination without going through numerous intermediate levels of reallocation. By taking advantage of the specific structure of the matrix, and partitioning the matrix into four (4) subparts, the matrix multiplication process is greatly simplified. The expense allocation method can be easily and efficiently implemented on a computer system, including computers based upon parallel or vector architectures. This invention permits most allocation work to be done before the end of an accounting period, allowing end-of-period accounting work to be completed sooner. Alternatively, expenses can be allocated as they occur, rather than waiting until the end of a period.

A visualization and navigation technology for complex data sets supports interactive engagement which can result in changes of data in the data sets is suitable for applications providing discussion platforms. A sequence of representations of the node-link structure is presented on a display. Each representation in the sequence includes an upper-level node feature such as a wheel-like construct, intermediate-level node features, and lower-level node features. The upper-level node feature includes a rim. The intermediate-level node features and lower-level node features are positioned on the display along the rim. The lower-level node features and intermediate-level node features are positioned in groups along the rim according to a source parameter. Pointer activated functions are included which cause changes in the representations. A pane for presenting content can be included and linked with the wheel-like construct.

An apparatus and method for equitably allocating bandwidth to virtual networks operating on a common physical network, such as a power-line network for homeowners sharing a single power-line distribution transformer. An ad-hoc master is selected from the virtual power-line network controllers. The master allocates bandwidth to streams based on their priority group categorization. By way of example, four priority groups (A-D) are described into which stream priority is classified, with the highest priority group for communicating isochronous streams, the lowest priority for transferring asynchronous streams and the other priority groups for communicating streams having an intermediate level of transmission priority. Within a given priority group all bandwidth requests are fulfilled for virtual networks requesting up to their fair share of the bandwidth within the priority group, and bandwidth available from virtual networks not utilizing their full share is allocated equally amongst those requesting more bandwidth.

The invention relates to time-of-flight mass spectrometers for the measurement of daughter ion spectra (also called fragment ion spectra or MS / MS spectra) and corresponding measurement methods.According to the invention, the ions of an ion source are initially accelerated only to an intermediate level of energy, allowing them to decompose at that energy level by metastable decomposition or by collisionally induced fragmentation (CID). The ions are then accelerated in a second step to a high energy level. Light fragment ions gain a higher velocity than heavier fragment ions or non-decomposed parent ions. The spectrum of fragment ions can be detected separated by mass in either linear or reflector mode. An ion selector at the low energy level selects a single type of parent ion in order to avoid superpositions with fragment ions of other parent ions. A particularly preferred embodiment raises the potential of ions, for there second acceleration, during their flight through a small electrically isolated flight path chamber.

In a file server, a file system is built upon a volume of data storage. The file system includes multiple cylinder groups. Each cylinder group includes file system blocks. The file system blocks include allocated blocks and free blocks. The volume includes slices of storage, and each slice stores at least one of the cylinder groups. A hierarchical slice map has a top level that includes a count of free blocks in the file system, an upper level that includes a count of free blocks in groups of the slices, an intermediate level that includes a count of the free blocks in sub-groups of the slices, and a bottom level that includes a count of the free blocks in each slice of storage. To find a free block for allocation to a file, the slice map hierarchy is searched in a top-down fashion.

A microelectromechanical system includes a substrate, a transducer supported on the substrate and a conductor layer, which is also supported on the substrate and electrically connected to the transducer. The transducer includes a portion made of silicon or a silicon compound. The conductor layer is made of a refractory conductor, which includes, as its main ingredient, at least one element selected from the group consisting of copper, gold and silver. At least a portion of the conductor layer is located at an intermediate level between the silicon or silicon compound portion of the transducer and the substrate.

An inerting system provides air with reduced oxygen content by flowing and directing air through an air separation module. Optimal working pressure for the air separation module is obtained with two compressors. A first compressor elevates air from the aircraft cabin to a second pressure. The second pressure is at an intermediate level below the working pressure of the air separation module. A second compressor elevates air from the second pressure to the working pressure. The second compressor is driven by air that is exhausted through a turbine. The pressure difference between air at the working pressure and air required by the fuel distribution system is used to power the turbine and drive the second compressor.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide fault-tolerant, redundancy-based data-storage systems that rely on disk-controller-implemented error detection and error correction, at the disk-block level, and RAID-controller-implemented data-redundancy methods, at the disk and disk-stripe level, in order to provide comprehensive, efficient, and system-wide error detection and error correction. Embodiments of the present invention use disk-level and stripe-level data redundancy to provide error detection and error correction for stored data objects, obviating the need for certain costly, intermediate levels of error detection and error correction commonly employed in currently available fault-tolerant, redundancy-based data-storage systems.

A lightweight carbon fiber air / gas supply vessel storing high pressure air / gas. The air / gas supply vessel output is controlled by an adjustable pressure reduction valve which varies output pressure from very high to low pressure levels. An alternative multi-valve system uses a first pressure reduction valve to reduce output pressure from the very high levels in the air / gas supply vessel to an intermediate pressure level, and a second pressure reduction valve that reduces the air / gas pressure from the intermediate level to a fine tunable low pressure level. In both embodiments, the output of the last pressure reduction valve used is connected to a high pressure cable which in turn uses a standard universal fitting which can be coupled to most pneumatically powered equipment. Additional high pressure reservoir vessels can be used to replenish the lightweight air / gas supply vessel when its supply of air / gas is depleted.

An optical fiber comprises a singlemode core, and an inner cladding disposed around said core, an intermediate cladding disposed around said inner cladding and an outer cladding disposed around said intermediate cladding thereby forming a triple-clad geometry. The core is doped with rare-earth elements and represents the waveguide section of higher refractive index through which the signal is transmitted and amplified. A fiber coating is provided around said outer cladding. The core has a higher refractive index than said inner cladding, said inner cladding having a higher refractive index than said intermediate cladding, and said intermediate cladding having a higher refractive index than said outer cladding. The inner cladding has a fairly high refractive index to limit the numerical aperture (NA) of said core. The inner cladding is within said intermediate, larger, cladding which is made of glass, that is used to guide multimode, high-power pump, said inner cladding acting as an intermediate level between said core and said multi-mode pump guiding intermediate cladding, with said outer cladding being present in said optical fiber for allowing said intermediate cladding to guide the pump power properly. The outer cladding is made of glass or of a low-index polymer material. The inner cladding is adapted to trap some of the pump signal into a smaller section in order to accelerate the absorption of the pump power.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates selectively increasing the operating frequency of an electronic circuit, such as a computer system. The system begins by operating in a low-power state with the frequency and voltage of the electronic circuit set to low levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the low power level, the electronic circuit enters the first-intermediate power state. In this first-intermediate power state, the frequency and voltage are set to first-intermediate levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the first-intermediate power state, the electronic circuit enters the maximum-sustainable power state. In this power state, the frequency and voltage are set to maximum sustainable levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the maximum-sustainable power state, the electronic circuit temporarily enters a boosted power state beyond the maximum-sustainable power state. In this boosted power state, the frequency and voltages are set to levels beyond the maximum sustainable levels.

Padding for the seat proper of a seat, the padding comprising a visco-elastic foam and a comfort foam. The visco-elastic foam extends between a bottom face of the seat proper and an intermediate level of the padding. The comfort foam extends between the intermediate level and the top face of the seat proper. The comfort foam and the visco-elastic foam extend both over the rear and over the front of the seat proper.

A system for dispensing a metered volume of heated water to the brew chamber of a single serve beverage dispenser. The system includes a storage tank for containing a supply of unheated water and a dispensing tank. A delivery line communicates with the brew chamber and with the dispensing tank at an intermediate level demarcating the interior of dispensing tank into upper and lower compartment. The volume of the upper compartment is equal to the metered volume. A vent valve communicates via a vent line with the upper compartment. A supply line connects the storage tank to the lower compartment. An air pump is arranged to deliver pressurized air to the upper compartment. A water pump in the supply line is arranged to deliver water from the storage tank to the lower compartment. A heater for heating water received in the dispensing tank. A sensing mechanism for generating control signals indicative of the level and temperature of water in the dispensing tank. A controller enabled by control signals generated by the sensing means and operative in response to a brew signal for operating the air and water pumps in conjunction with the opening and closure of the vent valve to fill the upper compartment with heated water displaced from the lower compartment and to discharge the thus displaced heated water from the upper compartment to the brew chamber.

Hierarchical state diagrams are reflected in a tree structure with the initial state of the diagram represented as the parent node, intermediate states represented as intermediate levels of the hierarchy, and final states represented as the lowest level in the hierarchy. Information on the modification(s) on a child or subsequent level is transferred to the parent node. Such information includes quantifying and displaying of the modification(s). Accordingly, content and extent of any modifications to the diagram can be viewed at the parent node without requiring review of different levels in the hierarchy to view modifications to the state and / or transition in such levels.

Pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers and output stage driver circuits and related methods of communicating switching regulator mode information. The controller includes circuitry that recognizes intervals when the load driven by the regulator is in a low power mode. Responsive to recognizing the low power mode, the controller generates a PWM mode signal having at least three (3) different levels including at least one intermediate level that is coupled to at least one driver. Based on the PWM mode signal, the regulator is switched into a power saving low power operational mode.

A novel air bearing can be used in a magnetic hard disk drive or other information storage device. The novel air bearing includes a central cavity having a bottom surface, a leading pad adjacent to the central cavity, a trailing center pad having a top surface, and two inter-projection step regions. The trailing center pad has an aft region adjacent to the transducer and three projections extending from the aft region towards the central cavity. The central cavity separates the three projections from the leading pad. Each of the two inter-projection step regions lies at least partially between the projections, and each includes a surface at an intermediate level between a level of the top surface and the level of the bottom surface. The novel air bearing may be adequately insensitive to one or more factors affecting flying height variation in a micro-drive utilizing ramp load / unload of the slider.

The present invention discloses an electronic device having a touch-sensitive surface, a display, and one or more sensors to detect intensity of contacts. The electronic device displays a lower-level user interface that is part of a user interface hierarchy, wherein the hierarchy includes at least three levels, including the lower-level user interface, an intermediate-level user interface and a higher-level user interface. The device also, while displaying the lower-level user interface, detects an input on a portion of the device that is associated with user interface hierarchy navigation and, in response to detecting the input, in accordance with a determination that the input meets first transition criteria, the device replaces display of the lower-level user interface with display of the intermediate-level user interface and in accordance with a determination that the input meets second transition criteria, the device replaces display of the lower-level user interface with display of the higher-level user interface.