Abstract: This invention provides a flexible method of representing things that is suitable for artificial intelligence applications. The method is based on creating instances of the form named _THING. The instance can be created in programmable systems. Similar to things, each instance can have various types of relationships with any number of other instances.

Abstract: This invention provides the Creation Theory. The Creation Theory is a method of creating things that represent other things, especially those that are part of a variable/amorphous structure.

Abstract: An engineered lighting system for high speed video inspection includes an array of light emitting diodes including light emitting diodes for use in time delay integration (TDI) inspection of web materials. The light emitting diodes of the array are selectively controllable to accomplish sequential illumination and carefully controllable imaging of a specified section of a continuously moving specimen or specimens. The system also includes an array of optional backlighting elements to aid in illumination of semi-opaque specimens to accomplish inspection thereof.

Abstract: An engineered video inspection lighting system includes a three-dimensional array of solid-state light emitting diodes focused to an inspection area. A single high-current, low-duration pulse is applied to selected elements of the array. Light thus generated is passed through a diffuser and to a specimen. Light reflected from the specimen is received by a lens of a video camera disposed in an interior of the three-dimensional array. Data thus obtained is used to determine acceptability of the specimen in accordance with preselected standards.

Abstract: A video inspection system includes first and second video cameras mounted along parallel axes. A lighting array is pulsed, and resultant light is reflected from a specimen to both cameras. Orientation of the specimen is determined in accordance with an image generated from a first camera. This data is used to isolate a selected portion of the specimen for analysis by an image generated from the second camera.

Abstract: An engineered lighting system for use in an inspection system is comprised of an array of light emitting diodes. A specimen is brought into the viewing area, and a current pulse is provided to the diodes of the array to selectively flash all or a portion of the diodes of the array. Reflected light from the specimen is sensed and a digitized image is generated therefrom. An illumination level of the digitized image is adjustable, in whole or in part, by varying the effective lighting intensity of one or more of the diodes of the array during a flash period. The digitized image of the specimen is compared to data indicative of acceptability of the specimen, and acceptance or rejection of the specimen is decided on a basis of a comparison therebetween.

Abstract: An engineered lighting system for use in an inspection system is comprised of an array of light emitting diodes. A specimen is brought into the viewing area, and a current pulse is provided to the diodes of the array to selectively flash all or a portion of the diodes of the array. Reflected light from the specimen is sensed and a digitized image is generated therefrom. An illumination level of the digitized image is adjustable, in whole or in part, by varying the effective lighting intensity of one or more of the diodes of the array during a flash period. The digitized image of the specimen is compared to data indicative of acceptability of the specimen, and acceptance or rejection of the specimen is decided on a basis of a comparison therebetween.

Abstract: An anchor locating buoy system is provided with a self-retracting anchor line. The buoy system automatically collects and stores any excess portion of line between a marker float and an anchor thereby minimizing the distance between the marker float and the anchor.

Abstract: An automated radar data processing system comprised of signal processing cuitry and programmed general purpose digital computer apparatus performs detection, classification and tracking of all targets within the field of view of the radar. The signal processing circuitry includes an adaptive video processor which receives the raw radar video signals and which derives a threshold from the noise, clutter, or electronic countermeasures signals in the immediate vicinity of the target and passes only those incoming signals which satisfy the detection criteria in terms of signal to noise ratio and extent. The signal processing circuitry is interactive with target track data derived and stored in the computer apparatus, so that the specific signal processing applied to any target by the adaptive video processor is optimized in accordance with the track status of that target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the resolution of targets in the presence of s distributed clutter as sea waves, rain, land, clouds and chaff. More specifically, real air targets in the proximity with this type of clutter are detected by deriving an adaptive threshold against which all radar video signals are compared. The design of the instant invention is based on a statistical knowledge of the temporal and spatial characteristics of distributed clutter so that only the magnitude of the clutter in the immediate vicinity of the target need be measured.