Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for normalizing strings to identify computing resources and improve performance and utilization of computing resources. For example, methods may include determining a comparison length based on lengths of strings in a set of strings; padding a first string from the set of strings to the comparison length to obtain a padded string; receiving a second string; determining a distance between the second string and the padded string; and identifying a match between the first string and the second string based on the distance.

Abstract: A writing aid including a body portion; a cut-out region formed within the body portion; and a spacer symbol disposed on the body portion adjacent a left most side of the cut-out region. A method of using a writing aid, including positioning the writing aid on an article to write on; writing a first word within a cut-area of the writing aid beginning at the left most side of the cut-out area; moving the writing aid to position a spacer symbol relative to a last letter of the first word; and writing a second word within the cut-area of the writing aid beginning at the left most side of the cut-out area.

Abstract: A method comprising using at least one hardware processor for: providing a set of development supervectors representing features of biometric samples of multiple subjects, the biometric samples being of at least a first and a second different biometric modalities; providing at least a first and a second enrollment supervectors representing features of at least a first and a second enrollment biometric samples of a target subject correspondingly, wherein the at least first and second enrollment samples are of the at least first and the second different biometric modalities correspondingly; providing at least a first and a second verification supervectors representing features of at least a first and a second verification biometric samples of the target subject correspondingly, wherein the at least first and second verification samples are of the at least first and second different biometric modalities correspondingly; concatenating the development supervectors to a set of development generic supervector, the a

Abstract: A method comprising using at least one hardware processor for: providing a set of development supervectors representing features of biometric samples of multiple subjects, the biometric samples being of at least a first and a second different biometric modalities; providing at least a first and a second enrollment supervectors representing features of at least a first and a second enrollment biometric samples of a target subject correspondingly, wherein the at least first and second enrollment samples are of the at least first and the second different biometric modalities correspondingly; providing at least a first and a second verification supervectors representing features of at least a first and a second verification biometric samples of the target subject correspondingly, wherein the at least first and second verification samples are of the at least first and second different biometric modalities correspondingly; concatenating the development supervectors to a set of development generic supervector, the a

Abstract: A number writing development guide including a number guide sheet having sequential instruction indicia. The sequential instruction indicia includes discrete ordered steps that cue a user in proper writing strokes to write an associated number. At least one of the discrete ordered steps relates to a common childhood activity or experience to thereby form an association between the activity or experience and the sequential instruction indicia. The guide further includes a challenge sheet coupled to the number guide sheet and having number challenge indicia. The number challenge indicia cues the user to arrive at a numerical answer to the number challenge and write the numerical answer thereon.

Abstract: Packaged decorative thin-film appliqués for the exterior surface of toilet seat lids have a backer panel with a back side and an opposing release side, the release side having a release layer opposite the back side, the decorative thin-film appliqué having an application side facing and in contact with the release layer of the backer card, and a decorative side opposite the application side, the decorative side bearing printed images or indicia, and an appliqué frame substantially surround the decorative thin-film plastic appliqué and in contact with the release layer of the backer panel, the appliqué frame bearing printed images or indicia different from the decorative thin-film appliqué, and a separation between the decorative thin-film appliqué and the appliqué frame at which the decorative thin-film appliqué is separable from the backer panel with the appliqué frame remaining on the backer panel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for facilitating writing on copy paper are presented. A sketching device can be inserted between upper and lower sets of copy paper to facilitate writing or sketching on the upper set while acting as a barrier to prevent undesired imprinting of the writing or sketching on the lower set. Preferred sketching devices include a physical pen guide that acts as a tactile guide for a drawing instrument. The sketching device can be included for use with a form having a grid, and can itself include a preprinted surface having character designations that indicate different types of information on x and y axes.

Abstract: A food diary or journal small enough to fit comfortably on a keyring and meant to be carried with one's keys. Attaching the food journal to a keychain makes it easier to find in a pocketbook and also decreases the chances of the food journal being lost or left at home. The journal consists of bound covered paper with a single hole in the upper left corner to allow for insertion of a keyring. The pages of the journal may or may not be preprinted to allow conformation to a specific diet. The cover of the journal may contain a logo, design, or any type of artwork. Inspirational charms may also be added to the food diary keychain combination.

Abstract: A sheet assembly including a sheet and sequential instruction indicia on the sheet. The sequential instruction indicia includes discrete ordered steps that cue a user in proper writing strokes to write an associated letter or number. The sheet assembly further includes narrative indicia on the sheet having discrete portions that correspond to the discrete ordered steps of the sequential instruction indicia.

Abstract: The writing paper with lines has a paper area with one or many reading or writing lines wherein the paper has a main area with a first degree of color difference and one or many lines with a second degree of color difference, that visibly contrast the degree of color difference of the main area, characterized therein that the lines have a lower degree of color difference than the main area. The degree of color difference between the lines and the background area, defined as delta E in (CIE)-Lab space, is in the interval 1-18, preferably 2-10.

Abstract: A sheet of embossed paper including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The invention may also include a notebook including a plurality of sheets of paper, each sheet including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The notebook may include binding means binding the plurality of sheets together.

Abstract: A stuffed figure and kit for attaching the stuffed figure to a pillow case. The stuffed figure includes a flexible material defining a cavity and configured to depict a body having at least two appendages and a head with a face, a quantity of a soft filler material disposed within the cavity defining a three-dimensional, flexible body, and attaching means disposed at or adjacent each distal end of each of the at least two appendages where the attaching means is configured to removably attach the stuffed figure to a pillow case using the at least two appendages. The kit includes either a pillow case or a literary component or both with characteristics that relate the stuffed figure, the pillow case and the literally component to each other.

Abstract: A drawstring bag to be given as a gift containing message strips inside having a product functional life of at least one year, so that the amount of message strips is at least enough for at least one message strip to be removed every day. According to one embodiment, the message strips contain messages suitable for presentation to a child, spouse or parent. According to another embodiment, the drawstring bag is decorated for presentation on special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, St. Valentine's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas or an illness. According to another embodiment, the message strips contain messages of encouragement for when a child is at school or living away from the family, or when the recipient is in the armed services, hospital or prison.

Abstract: A notepad includes a sheet in the notepad having a first line in a first direction, a second line in a second direction, and a third line in a third direction. The first line, the second line and the third line may form an isometric pattern, and the first line is in a first direction. The second line may be in a second direction, and the third line may be in a third direction. The first line may be substantially perpendicular to the second line, and the third line may be substantially perpendicular to a edge of the sheet. The notepad may include a cover having indicia, and the indicia may include special offset solutions, and the indicia may include conversion constants. The indicia may include decimal equivalents to a fraction chart, and the indicia may include piping angles and solutions to the piping angles. The indicia may include pipe circumferences divided into equal parts, and the indicia may include dimensions and formulas for welded fittings.

Abstract: A sheet assembly including a sheet and sequential instruction indicia on the sheet. The sequential instruction indicia includes discrete ordered steps that cue a user in proper writing strokes to write an associated letter or number. The sheet assembly further includes narrative indicia on the sheet having discrete portions that correspond to the discrete ordered steps of the sequential instruction indicia.

Abstract: A memory book or diary intended for recording pleasant memories for sharing in the future. This book may include dedications, suggestions, encouragement, guidance, advice, and storage pouches to promote and support relationships. The book may also include clinical or problem solving tools or techniques to improve a relationship. The book is for immortalizing pleasant memories, sentiments, events, gifts exchanged or memories shared. The book can be shared by partners, siblings, parents, pet owners, and are ideally suited to document the beginning of relationships, marriages, pet owners or parenthood. The book can be shared in the future to relive the memories captured in the book.

Abstract: The writing paper with lines includes a paper area with one or many reading or writing lines wherein the paper has a main area with a first degree of color difference and one or many lines with a second degree of color difference, that visibly contrast the degree of color difference of the main area. The lines have a lower degree of color difference than the main area. The degree of color difference between the lines and the main area, defined as delta E in (CIE)-Lab space, is in the interval 1-18, preferably 2-10.

Abstract: A sheet of embossed paper including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The invention may also include notebook including a plurality of sheets of paper, each sheet including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The notebook may include binding means binding the plurality of sheets together.

Abstract: A file folder blank can be folded to form a file folder. The file folder blank is designed for single side printing. The file folder blank can be folded to reveal printed indicia to two directions of a single panel. The printed indicia can be printed by a standard desktop type of printer. The printed indicia can include graphics, location indicator, content indicators, pictures, graphs or the like. In addition, top taps or side tabs are integrally formed with the file folder blank that can be printed with identifying indicia. In some applications, the identifying indicia comprises a repeating set of color bars that can be individualized during printing of the folder blank.

Abstract: An ink composition and/or a recording medium are made to contain a compound expressed by general formula (1) and a hydrazide compound. An ink composition thereby obtained does not clog and the ink composition and recording medium thus obtained can offer high quality images that hardly cause yellowing of the resulting recording with superior light resistance. Recording and an inkjet recording method pertaining thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A recording medium is provided that exhibits both outstanding ink absorbency and outstanding light resistance of images, and an image forming method and a recorded matter using such recording medium are also provided. The recording medium in the present invention comprises a supporting body and an ink receiving layer deployed on that supporting body, and tho ink receiving layer contains a compound expressed by the general formula (I) below, and having a solubility in water of 0.01 to 5%. (where X is H, or an alkyl, aryl or other group; R1 to R4 is H or alkyl group; and Y is OH, or a carboxyl, alkyl, amino, alkenyl, alkoxy, aryl or other group. Y may also be a polymer. This compound may also be a polymer having X and Y as a main chain.

Abstract: A file folder blank can be folded to form a file folder. The file folder blank is designed for single side printing. The file folder blank can be folded to reveal printed indicia to two directions of a single panel. The printed indicia can be printed by a standard desktop type of printer. The printed indicia can include graphics, location indicator, content indicators, pictures, graphs or the like. In addition, top taps or side tabs are integrally formed with the file folder blank that can be printed with identifying indicia. In some applications, the identifying indicia comprises a repeating set of color bars that can be individualized during printing of the folder blank.

Abstract: A compound expressed by General Formula 1, whose weight reduction after 1 hour at 60° C. is no more than 1%, is contained in an ink composition and/or a recording medium. This makes it possible to provide an ink composition, a recording medium, printed matter, and an ink jet recording method with which the light resistance of the printed matter is excellent, there is no ink clogging, and a high-quality image with almost no yellowing of the printed matter can be obtained.

Abstract: A system and method for printing characters that is developmentally appropriate for children are disclosed. Specifically, the present invention introduces children to character shapes using the familiar shape of a snowman and through calisthenics that involve gross motor skills. When the children have become familiar with the shapes of the characters and the movements necessary to form the shapes, the method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention teaches the children to use similar movements on a smaller scale to form the characters on writing paper.

Abstract: Methods and computer software for generating Glidetext™—that is, text in which the word sequence in a first line of text is from left to right followed by a second line of text in which the word sequence is from right to left and continuing in this alternating fashion throughout a piece of text. The method comprises converting text in which the word sequence is the same in every line to text in which the word sequence in every other line is from right to left. Only the word sequence is reversed, the sequence and orientation of the letters in each word in all lines stays the same.

Abstract: Methods and computer software for generating Glidetext™—that is, text in which the word sequence in a first line of text is from left to right followed by a second line of text in which the word sequence is from right to left and continuing in this alternating fashion throughout a piece of text. The method comprises converting text in which the word sequence is the same in every line to text in which the word sequence in every other line is from right to left. Only the word sequence is reversed, the sequence and orientation of the letters in each word in all lines stays the same.

Abstract: Methods and computer software for generating Glidetext™—that is, text in which the word sequence in a first line of text is from left to right followed by a second line of text in which the word sequence is from right to left and continuing in this alternating fashion throughout a piece of text. The method comprises converting text in which the word sequence is the same in every line to text in which the word sequence in every other line is from right to left. Only the word sequence is reversed, the sequence and orientation of the letters in each word in all lines stays the same.

Abstract: An encoded sheet material includes a sheet of material that has a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and an edge extending between the first and second surfaces and peripherally about the sheet of material. The edge has indicia arranged on it to form a code that identifies at least one characteristic of the sheet of material. A sheet processing apparatus uses the encoded sheet material and includes a code reader device and a processor. The code reader device reads the code. The processor communicates with the code reader device and causes the sheet processing apparatus to process the sheet of material based upon the read code. An encoded image recording medium and image recording apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Instructional writing paper for instructing children to properly form letters and numerals is disclosed. The instructional writing paper preferably includes writing paper having a plurality of spaced parallel lines, the parallel lines forming at least one segment. Each segment includes a top and bottom line, wherein the top line includes indicia indicating a starting point and the bottom line includes indicia indicating a direction of letter and numeral formation. The indicia is preferably a parallel line having a highlighted color portion. The starting point is at the top line of a segment of the writing paper and the direction of letter and numeral formation is directed toward the bottom line of the segment of the writing paper. A method of teaching persons to form letters and numerals is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reading system and method for printing texts for a more comfortable, faster and even superfast reading and for the facilitation of acquiring reading skills for very young pupils, in which the printed pages of the texts have one or more columns of individual isolated words. The individual isolated words which constitute each column run vertical to the straight ideal axis of said column and the beginning and the end of each word are as symmetrical as possible to said ideal axis which thusly runs through the middle of each word. The words can then be read in a perpendicular fashion, from top to bottom. As the length of each words is within the visual angle of the reader's eye, the system of the invention directs the reader's eye in following the ideal axis while reading without shifting the eyes from one side to the other, thusly rendering the reading of each column much more comfortable as well as faster than that of other types of printed texts.

Abstract: The invention relate to a book publishing kit for children the kit includes two templates and a number of sheets. The sheets include a cover on which a cover template is placed with a cut out preferably rectangular area in which a drawing can be made. Sheets are provided for internal book pages and another template is placed on each of these pages with a cut out preferably rectangular opening of a different sizing and centering with respect to the page than that of the cover sheet for illustration purposes. The bottom of each page is reserved for printing text of up to fifteen words in length. Separate sheets are provided with boxes in which text for the pages can be written and the page number indicated within a smaller box of each respective text box.The sheets are sent to the publisher in a self addressed envelope with the order form filled out indicating whether the child's spelling should be corrected. The kit includes washable markers for the illustrations.

Abstract: The apparatus for implementing a living will according to the applicant's method, includes a first indicator for wearing by a testator so as to adorn the testator in a readily visible fashion, and wherein the first indicator clearly indicates and communicates by a notice the existence of a living will belonging to the testator and directs a medical attendant to a second indicator carried by the testator in a portable fixed form, for example, fixed in written form on a concealable portable member such as a planar member, for example, a flexible card or the like, for indicating on a surface thereon at least the instructive terms of the living will, wherein the second indicator in the preferred embodiment may indicate the presence and location of an original living will executed by the testator in the event that the second indicator is not the original living will executed by the testator.

Abstract: A learning materials delivery system contains an instruction unit. The instruction unit has a number of instruction sets, and each instruction set corresponds to a lesson in the instruction unit on an instruction subject. Each instruction set bears indicia corresponding to the instruction subject and includes a first instruction document, a second instruction document, and optionally one or more resource documents. The documents include information relating to the instruction unit and the instruction sets.

Abstract: While leaving the spelling of words intact the sequence of words on ever other line of print text is reversed. The reader reads the first line of text from left to right. When finished with the first line the reader drops her/his eyes directly below to the `beginning` of the second line and reads the words on the second line right to left. When finished with the second line the reader again drops her/his eyes directly below to the `beginning` of the third line and reads this line left to right. The reader continues reading alternately lines of text right to left, left to right until reaching a major break in the composition when the process is begun anew.

Abstract: A writing and display device for producing luminescent images upon application of pressure thereon which can be readily erased and repeatedly used having a protective layer to prevent damage to the writing surface thereof. The device includes a backing member with a smooth surface over which a translucent or transparent sheet containing a luminescent dye or pigment and an opaque pliable plastic sheet are disposed. At least one of the sheets is formed of a pliable plastic with its interface surface tending to adhere to the interfacing surface of the other sheet when a pressure is applied thereto to produce luminescent images. A pliable, transparent protective sheet is disposed adjacent to and coextensive with the translucent or transparent luminescent sheet. Upon application of pressure onto the protective sheet, which pressure is transmitted to the luminescent sheet by virtue of the pliability of the protective sheet, the interfacing surfaces adhere to each other to thereby produce a luminescent image.

Abstract: An educational card game is disclosed which consists of a deck of playing cards. One face of each card is inscribed with a word which represents one or more of the eight forms of speech in the English language. The game is designed to enhance the participant's knowledge of the eight forms of speech and recognition that many words can be used to represent more than one of the eight forms of speech.

Abstract: A coloring book is formed of a plurality of sheets of card stock removably affixed along one edge to the book binding. An image is printed on the face of the sheet, and a die cut outline of the image circumscribes a portion of the image to a midpoint of the sheet. Parallel fold lines are provided adjacent the top and bottom edges of the sheet, and a third discontinuous fold line is provided midpoint of the sheet from the side edges of the sheet to the die cut image. The coloring book is designed so that the individual sheets may be removed, e.g. after coloring, and folded to form a stand with the colored picture standing upright.

Abstract: A dictionary of an alphabetic foreign language is an information carrier on which marked-off groups (4-10) of words (3) of the foreign language are positioned. A translation (13) and transcription (12) are provided adjacent to each word of the foreign language. Words, which have an identical sequence (11) of letters, comprising at least one third of the letters in the words, in the direction from the end to the beginning of a word, are combined into a group (4-10). Wherein, each group is positioned sequentially with respect to another group of words, the aforesaid sequence (11) of letters of which comprises the greatest number of coinciding letters in the direction from the end to the beginning of a word. The groups (4-10) of words are separated one from another by a separating element (14), for example, by marking the group or by an empty space (15) on the carrier. The number of groups is not limited.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a sign and clips which support it. The sign is installed against the wall of the opening into a hazardous, confined space. The sign is a strip of flexible signboard with indicia applied to both broad surfaces. There are several presentations of the message of the sign on each side with adjacent presentations inverted. The clips are attached to the wall of the opening so that the sign is supported at its lower edge to prevent it from falling into the space. The ends of the sign overlap so that a sign of one length is usable in a range of sizes of manholes.

Abstract: In a method for dynamic verification of an autograph character string on the basis of a reference autograph character string, the principle of dynamic programming is used for signature verification. Digitized handwriting data as functions of time are first normalized by a standard method. The verification works according to the invention with structural units of the signature, so-called strokes, which result from the writing motions with a raised or, respectively, lowered stylus. The particular concept is to base the dynamic programming on a cost function that combines several handwriting data. The stable structural portions of the signature are more strongly weighted in the method than unstable ones. This leads to a higher verification performance than in standard methods. The method also enables the comparison of signals having different numbers of strokes, so that omissions or additional strokes can be correctly evaluated, by predetermining syntactic rules for their treatment.

Abstract: A symbol guide comprising a sheet and at least one pattern located on said sheet, the at least one pattern including two spaced apart substantially horizontal lines, two spaced apart substantially parallel lines positioned so that the substantially horizontal lines are located between the substantially parallel lines or extensions thereof; two substantially diagonally extending lines which cross each other in the space defined by the substantially horizontal lines, the substantially parallel lines and extensions thereof; and two substantially semi-circular curves facing each other and located within the space defined by the substantially horizontal lines, the substantially parallel lines and extensions thereof.

Abstract: A novel psychological test paper utilizable for the assessment of the psychology of a subject being tested with respect to his or her past, present or future perspective comprises a sheet of paper having a unique physical pattern of first to sixth blank areas depicted thereon. Each of the first to sixth blank areas is delimited by a delineated contour. The physical pattern is such that the second to sixth blank areas are depicted on top, left-hand side, right-hand side, diagonally lower left-hand and diagonally lower right-hand sides of the first blank area, respectively. The blank areas on the test paper are utilized to be selectively colored by a subject to be tested in different colors during a psychological test. The psychology of the subject is assessed by reference to which blank areas are colored in what color, the sequence of coloring and/or the manner of coloring.

Abstract: An alphanumeric quick symbol guide is provided comprising a sheet and an array for forming on the sheet any letter of an alphabet, any number and any sign symbol for display purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is a clipboard which attaches by means of a lip provided on a lower edge of the clipboard to a front edge of a typical school desktop so that the clipboard lies flat against the desktop. The clipboard is provided with an upper area which is tilted either left or right with respect to the front edge of the desktop, the angle of the tilt being that required for proper paper placement for writing and the direction of the tilt being dependent upon whether the clipboard is designed for a right-handed or left-handed student. The upper area is provided with horizontal writing lines and is preferably made of an erasable material so the student can mark directly on it. A clip is provided for securing paper to the clipboard. A number line and an alphabet are also provided on the clipboard, with each numeral and each letter being provided with a dot and one or more arrows to indicate proper initial placement and proper movement of a writing instrument to correctly make the numeral or letter.

Abstract: A computer compatible master character consisting of a common dot and eight equally spaced arms extending from it is provided. Individual characters are made up of subsets of these eight arms. This system provides a total of 255 characters. Each arm corresponds to a respective bit of a computer word. Numerals constitute a subset of the character set. The master numeral has four arms--each at 45.degree. to the horizontal. This configuration for the master numeral permits a very simple photoreader to be used. Initial use was in reading the code column of a coding sheet for an 8-bit computer.

Abstract: A re-usable examination booklet for the administration of written tests includes overlaid question sheets bound together with the unbound edge of each sheet overlapping the underlying sheet. An answer sheet may be inserted in the booklet beneath the question sheets. Answer areas on the answer sheet are arranged in columns extending along the unbound edges of the question sheets to locate the answer areas in close proximity to the corresponding questions on the question sheets. A modified booklet includes question sheets having openings arranged in columns extending along their unbound edges so that the selected answers can be marked through the openings onto the answer areas of the answer sheet.

Abstract: A phonetic alphabet in script form called soundwriting was first adapted to English with thirty-seven letters, each representing a separate speech sound. The script uses no silient letters or other learning blocks. Spelling is made regular using soundwriting. It is adapted to a keyboard.By adding additional letters to represent new sounds the script has been expanded to include sounds of French, Spanish, Italian and German with only forty-six symbols. The spelling of these languages in soundwriting is also completely phonetic which eliminates spelling difficulties in these languages. New letters to expand soundwriting are on the keyboard. A temporary letter is used when adapting a new language to soundwriting until a permanent letter is designed for it and placed on the keyboard. Soundwriting provides a simpler and easier way of learning the vocabularies of languages to which it is adapted.

Abstract: An advertising insert cover having a rectangular sheet folded in two to form rectangular front and back portions, attached to which are inwardly folded flap portions extending partway over the inner side of its associated cover portion for retaining loose, free standing inserts within the cover. The flap portions contain slit tear lines extending perpendicularly to the outer edge of the front and back portions and forming segments of detachable coupons. In another embodiment, the flaps are omitted and the coupon segments are formed along the outer edges of the front and/or back portions.

Abstract: The paper described is a sort of graph paper on which shorthand may be written. The writing lines are dived into segments, each segment consisting of an arrangement of circles, squares or other shapes. The segments are repetitive. If the pen or pencil is set down in a square or other shape and writing is then begun, part of the sound need not be written, because it is implied by the square chosen. There is also a neutral position when implied sound is not wanted.

Abstract: An instructional writing paper system for perceptually impaired children wherein sets of two-striped bands of contrasting colors separated by light colored or white horizontal spaces are printed on a plurality of sheets, the striped bands being of graduated height and spacing, and of gradated color intensity and contrast from vivid to fade-out for successive selective use as handwriting skills improve during the instructional progress.