Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the gains of a feedback controller while the process continues to run and the controller continues to operate and control the process is disclosed. A desired closed-loop control bandwidth and a target loop transfer function are specified by the operator, and the tuning is accomplished automatically with minimal operator intervention and without the need for developing a model of the process. The automatic tuner subjects the process to one or more disturbance and the operation of both the process and the controller are monitored.

Abstract: An automated customer support tool. A web server receives one or more queries regarding the product from a customer. A categorizer coupled to the web server categorizes the received queries based on a type of query, to determine whether the answers to the queries can be automatically communicated to the customer. An FAQ extractor extracts one or more corresponding product FAQs from respective product FAQ data bases. A key-word extractor extracts one or more key-words from the received queries and the extracted product FAQs. The key-word extractor further transforms the extracted key words to unique numerical representations. An analyzer coupled to the key-word extractor represents the transformed key-words into respective query and product FAQ vector forms. The analyzer further applies a convolution algorithm to each of the query vector forms, with each of the product FAQ vector forms separately and obtains one or more appropriate answers to the queries.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for positively masking input signals for a circuit. The positive write masking circuit prevents a transition through a potentially destructive intermediate circuit state as it transitions from an initial circuit state to the final circuit state when the two input signals make a transition between signal states. One embodiment presets the mask state signal to a Mask signal state after a first state signal makes a transition from an Active signal state to an Idle signal state. The mask state signal must then make a positive transition to an Unmask signal state before the circuit is able to generate a potentially destructive output signal.