Abstract: Hardware circuit for median calculation in an active pixel sensor.

Abstract: An image processing system includes an image collector and a light falloff correction system. The light falloff correction system comprises a polar transformer that converts an image into radial traces and a falloff fitter that fits the radial traces to a model of falloff to determine a light falloff correction for the image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for management of chemical materials comprising the steps of providing a first data set containing which substances comprise the materials, providing a second data set containing which of the substances are to be controlled, providing a third data set containing a ratio of discharge of the controlled substances in a process, analyzing a preset amount of the materials in the process and determining a quantity of the controlled substances utilizing the first and second data sets, determining an emissions quantity of the controlled substances utilizing the ratio and the quantity of the controlled substances and maintaining the third data set according to a preset interval of time.

Abstract: A measuring method and system for liquid crystal display driver chips applies a new method to measure voltages of driver chips, and utilizes probability and statistics for analysis and determination so as to yield a rather accurate effect even under noisy environments. Accordingly, analog-to-digital converters can be replaced for faster sampling. The measuring method and system can be implemented using comparator circuits or pin electronics cards so that the measuring procedure for driver chips is simplified. Measured results are analyzed and verified by application of probability and statistics. As such, testing of liquid crystal display driver chips is more accurate, testing time is reduced, and accuracy level is promoted.

Abstract: A system and method of accurately predicting and reporting a value of a property based on a weighted average of values predicted by at least two prediction models. The system and method include the steps of accessing predicted values, determined by the prediction models, for the property; determining property-specific proportional prediction error distribution information for each predicted value determined by each prediction model; assigning a weight to the predicted value determined by each prediction model by using the property-specific proportional prediction error distribution information; and generating a property-specific weighted average value based on combination of the weight and the predicted value determined by each prediction model and reporting the property-specific weighted average value to minimize prediction error during prediction of the property value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a computer implemented signal analysis method through the Hilbert-Huang Transformation (HHT) for analyzing acoustical signals, which are assumed to be nonlinear and nonstationary. The Empirical Decomposition Method (EMD) and the Hilbert Spectral Analysis (HSA) are used to obtain the HHT. Essentially, the acoustical signal will be decomposed into the Intrinsic Mode Function Components (IMFs). Once the invention decomposes the acoustic signal into its constituting components, all operations such as analyzing, identifying, and removing unwanted signals can be performed on these components. Upon transforming the IMFs into Hilbert spectrum, the acoustical signal may be compared with other acoustical signals.

Abstract: A low voltage low power signal processing system and method for use in low power and/or portable measuring instruments such as linear or rotary encoders, electronic calipers and the like. In one embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter is implemented as a parallel, single ramp, with two matched comparators for each leg of differential input, which can be implemented with relatively simple circuitry, and consequently be of a small size. The system may be used with a three-phase transducer configuration, for which the preferred signal processing techniques are able to cancel most of the third harmonic distortion in the system, and for which the fully differential signal processing methods of the invention are advantageous. The invention may be used in a portable measuring instrument that operates from a single 1.5 volt watch battery or solar cell, and that has a current drain of 5 microamps.

Abstract: A method for indirect gas species monitoring based on measurements of selected gas species is disclosed. In situ absorption measurements of combustion species are used for process control and optimization. The gas species accessible by near or mid-IR techniques are limited to species that absorb in this spectral region. The absorption strength is selected to be strong enough for the required sensitivity and is selected to be isolated from neighboring absorption transitions. By coupling the gas measurement with a software sensor gas, species not accessible from the near or mid-IR absorption measurement can be predicted.

Abstract: A method for solving deconvolution problems where it is desired to reconstruct a signal over a time range or another variable of interest involves comparing shapes of measured and reconstructed plots. The optimization method is based on minimizing the error in shape (as opposed to the square errors in amplitude). A shape approach method characterizes similarity of two functions by computing the angle between the two when they are treated as two vectors in the n dimensional space where n is the number of data points it is desired to consider from both functions (the functions themselves may consist of more than n data points). A new approximation is then created by trying to decrease the disimilarity between the actual and predicted functions. This dissimilarity is measured as the angle between the two corresponding vectors, so the measure of dissimilarity is the size of the angle.

Abstract: Process for estimating the correlation matrix of signals of unknown characteristics in an array of N sensor. The process determines the correlation matrix {circumflex over (R)}s of the signals of known characteristics, estimates the correlation matrix {circumflex over (R)}x of the sensor signals, forms a matrix A equal to A={circumflex over (R)}s?1/2{circumflex over (R)}x {circumflex over (R)}s?1/2 and decomposes the matrix A into eigenelements, constructs a matrix B based on the eigenelements of the matrix A, and determines the estimated correlation matrix {circumflex over (R)}b of the interfering signals based on the estimated matrix {circumflex over (R)}s and of the matrix B, such that {circumflex over (R)}b={circumflex over (R)}s1/2 B {circumflex over (R)}s1/2. Such a process may find application to antenna processing.

Abstract: A method is for correcting errors arising in an X-ray detector owing to an afterglow. An actual intensity In is determined at an instant n by subtracting a subtrahend from a measured output signal at the instant n, wherein the subtrahend is determined from a number of output signals measured before the instant n.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining a quality for a data clustering, said data clustering resulting in a plurality of clusters each cluster having a cluster identifier, the method comprising the steps of: determining a set of observed values for at least one of the clusters by mapping the cluster identifier of said one of the clusters to a first predefined value and by mapping the cluster identifiers of other clusters to a second predefined value, and calculating a normalized statistical coefficient based on the set of observed values to determine the quality for said one of the clusters.

Abstract: Method and systems for reducing effects of magnetic field interference that may interfere with a magnetic field signal generated at or near an underground object, where the magnetic field signal is used to monitor the location of the underground object. At least two different moving averages of a plurality of samples that are representative of a detected magnetic field signal strength are produce. Each of the different moving averages is a moving average of a different number of the plurality of samples. A respective quality metric (e.g., variance) is then determined for each of the different moving average. One of the moving averages is selected based on the determined quality metrics. Further signal processing is then performed using the selected moving average. For example, the selected moving average is used to monitor the location of the object.

Abstract: A system and a method of testing an electrical device to determine a range of combinations of values of N parameters for which the device functions properly are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises subdividing a plot region comprising a plurality of operating points each corresponding to a particular combination of values of the N parameters into at least two partially overlapping sub-regions; testing the electrical device using the combination of values of the N variable parameters corresponding to the operating points located in each corner of each sub-region; and for each sub-region with respect to which the device does not function in the same manner at each corner operating point thereof, repeating the incrementing, subdividing and testing.

Abstract: A system for determining a response characteristic of an nth order linear system, such as a phase locked loop, is disclosed. An input signal is supplied to the linear system, and the system measures an output signal produced by the linear system. A variance record is constructed for a measurable quantity, such as jitter, extracted from the output signal. The response characteristic of the linear system is then obtained from the variance record. The response characteristic, such as the transfer function, noise processes, and/or power spectral density (PSD), may be found through a numerical or analytical solution to a mathematical relationship between a response function of the nth order linear system and the variance record.

Abstract: A digital envelope detector (consisting of both hardware and software) that provides accurate measurements of changes of peak values of an AC signal (these peak values constitute the envelope of a signal). Such accurate envelope measurements are required to optimize the accuracy and selectivity of chemical sensors. A signal of interest is compared to each of a set of accurately calibrated reference voltages provided by a digital to analog converter. A digital logic circuit and software respond each time the signal fails to exceed the current reference voltage. In that event, relevant data (time or cycle count) are digitally recorded and a new reference voltage is installed. The process is repeated until the desired range of change of signal is measured.

Abstract: A method for generating an indication regarding the amplitude level of at least one scanning signal of a position measuring system by determining an amplitude level of at least one scanning signal of a position measuring system, generating an amplitude signal based on the determined amplitude level. Forming a deviation signal by comparing the generated amplitude signal with a predetermined nominal signal and providing an indication of a proper set-up of a scanning head of the position measuring system as a function of the deviation signal, wherein with a weak deviation signal, a change in the deviation signal causes a small, or no variation of the indication, and in contrast thereto a larger variation of the indication is caused by a stronger deviation signal.

Abstract: A controller and method for efficient tracking and optimizing of a machine set-point, to correct for changes in machine characteristics, can include: (a) defining allowed ranges for output product properties and possible machine set-points, and optimal set-point criteria; (b) finding updated constants for the machine model by calibrating the model; (c) using the updated constants to find all set-points providing a product with properties within the allowed ranges; (d) determining an optimized set-point; (e) operating the machine at the optimized set-point, and obtaining a new output product; (f) comparing the properties of the new output product to the allowed ranges; (g) successfully finishing the procedure as finding a new set point if the properties of the output product are within allowed ranges; and, (h) if the properties of the output product are out of said allowed ranges, repeating the procedure from b.

Abstract: Method of determining at least one of the characteristics selected from: the three components of a resultant of forces which are exerted by the road on the contact area of a tire and the self-alignment torque generated by the tire, in which the said characteristic is derived from at least one measurement of the shear stresses at two fixed points in space, which are each situated in one of the beads.

Abstract: A technique for estimating the position of an object from sensor measurements in the presence of multipath conditions is disclosed. In one aspect, the technique includes a position estimator comprising a signal filter, a multipath detector, and a multipath bias estimator. The signal filter is capable of receiving a sensor measurement and generating a measurement noise variance estimate and a position estimate therefrom. The multipath detector is capable of applying a dynamic threshold against the measurement noise variance estimate to determine whether a multipath condition exists. And, the multipath bias estimator is capable of generating a correction for multipath induced measurement bias error from a measurement noise variance estimate for application upon determining that a multipath condition exists.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of analyzing and/or displaying data. In one aspect, the invention provides methods for visualizing or displaying high dynamic range data obtained from flow cytometry analyses. Related systems and computer programs products are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-sensor transducer and processing method allow insitu monitoring of the senor accuracy and transducer ‘health’. In one embodiment, the transducer has multiple sensors to provide corresponding output signals in response to a stimulus, such as pressure. A processor applies individual weight factors to reach of the output signals and provide a single transducer output that reduces the contribution from inaccurate sensors. The weight factors can be updated and stored. The processor can use the weight factors to provide a ‘health’ of the transducer based upon the number of accurate versus in-accurate sensors in the transducer.

Abstract: Data indicating a material, a use step of the material and a use amount of the material which are transmitted from a client terminal through a network are inputted and stored; a chemical substance contained and a content thereof are searched by searching for a database of material components which stores the contained chemical substance and the content thereof corresponding to the material by using the inputted material as a key; the database of a material balance coefficient which stores a ratio in which the chemical substance is discharged and transferred by every separate whereabouts is searched corresponding to the chemical substance and the use step of the material by using the searched chemical substance and the inputted use step of the material as a key; the discharge and transfer amount of the chemical substances by every separate whereabouts is calculated based on the searched discharge and transfer amount, the inputted use amount of the material and the searched content; and the calculated discharge

Abstract: A computer implemented physical signal analysis method includes four basic steps and the associated presentation techniques of the results. The first step is a computer implemented Empirical Mode Decomposition that extracts a collection of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) from nonlinear, nonstationary physical signals. The decomposition is based on the direct extraction of the energy associated with various intrinsic time scales in the physical signal. Expressed in the IMF's, they have well-behaved Hilbert Transforms from which instantaneous frequencies can be calculated. The second step is the Hilbert Transform which produces a Hilbert Spectrum. Thus, the invention can localize any event on the time as well as the frequency axis. The decomposition can also be viewed as an expansion of the data in terms of the IMF's. Then, these IMF's, based on and derived from the data, can serve as the basis of that expansion.

Abstract: A system and method for sizing shoes for the foot of a user. A computer is provided that is adapted to receive a digital image of the foot, the computer having stored thereon a software package that includes an image processing component and a foot data component and optionally. The image processing component is adapted for receiving the digital image of the foot and producing a trace outline of the foot. The foot data component is adapted to receive the trace outline and determine foot data from the trace outline. The comparator component is adapted to receive the foot data and generate, based on the foot data, at least one of an indicator of the shoe size of the foot and an indicator of the best fitting shoe from among a plurality of shoes.

Abstract: The correction device comprises a block for decomposition into total proper elements, according to the Kato spectral decomposition method, of the covariance matrix to be corrected. The block supplies to a correction block the total proper values and the total projectors of the covariance matrix, as well as first coefficient vectors for the combination of the source signals of the covariance matrix. The correlation block estimates the reconstructed variances of combinations of the source signals using the first coefficient vectors and second used-defined coefficient vectors. It looks for the corrected matrix closest to the matrix to be corrected, in relation to the variances and total projectors while is applying a quasi-Newton type method to the dual of a semi-defined lesser error square programme.

Abstract: A method for generating a model of a portion of the floor of a body of water from a plurality of depth measurement sources includes determining an overlap of any of the plurality of depth measurement sources with another depth measurement source and generating a relative shift between any two depth measurement sources that overlap. For each depth measurement source that overlaps with at least one other source, generating an overall shift based on the generated relative shifts. The method also includes generating a desired grid having a plurality of grid nodes and generating a model depth at a plurality of the grid nodes based, at least in part, on a global shift for the measurements of the plurality of sources based on the relative shift. Further, an output is generated of all model depths at respective grid nodes.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that collects heterogeneous scalar measurement data over a network from a plurality of devices connected to the network, and automatically normalizes the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data based on a threshold to generate an event based on a threshold crossing. In an embodiment, the system automatically derives a measurement from the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data; and automatically scales the derived measurement or the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data. In another embodiment, the system normalizes the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data, the scaled derived measurement, the scaled collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data, or the derived measurement.

Abstract: A method of determining the properties of a sample from measured spectral data collected from the sample by performing a multivariate spectral analysis. The method can include: generating a two-dimensional matrix A containing measured spectral data; providing a weighted spectral data matrix D by performing a weighting operation on matrix A; factoring D into the product of two matrices, C and ST, by performing a constrained alternating least-squares analysis of D=CST, where C is a concentration intensity matrix and S is a spectral shapes matrix; unweighting C and S by applying the inverse of the weighting used previously; and determining the properties of the sample by inspecting C and S. This method can be used to analyze X-ray spectral data generated by operating a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with an attached Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS).

Abstract: A method is provided for compressing data. The method includes collecting data representative of a process. The method further includes scaling at least a portion of the collected data to generate mean values and mean-scaled values for the collected data. The method also includes calculating Scores from the mean-scaled values for the collected data using at most first, second, third and fourth Principal Components derived from a model using archived data sets and saving the Scores and the mean values.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device and a measuring method capable of determining the number of averaging (the number of measurements automatically made in the measuring device) in the measuring device performing averaging process (automatically making plural measurements on a certain characteristic amount of a sample, and performing a process such as weight assignment, thereby obtaining an average value of measured results obtained from the plural measurements and outputting the average value as the measured result of the sample) while maintaining compatibleness of required measuring accuracy and efficiency in measurements.

Abstract: A fuzzy logic estimator for minimizing signal measuring inaccuracy effects in a signal processing system preferably includes a microprocessor-based system operable to receive a number of measured signal values and estimate a solution to an overdetermined system of equations that minimizes differences between the measured signal values and corresponding model values. The fuzzy logic solution estimate process includes assigning a probability distribution to delta values representing differences between the measured signal values and corresponding model values to form a corresponding number of probability distribution functions, associating at least some of the probability distribution functions with each equation of a system of equations defining a number of unknown parameter values, solving the system of equations for a domain of possible solutions, and determining a unique solution for the unknown parameter values from the domain of possible solutions.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a surface. The system includes a computer including a CPU and a memory medium operable to store programs executable by the CPU to perform the method. The method may include: 1) receiving data describing an n-dimensional surface defined in a bounded n-dimensional space, where the surface is embedded in an m-dimensional real space via embedding function x( ), and where m>n; 2) determining a diffeomorphism f of the n-dimensional space; 3) computing the inverse transform f−1 of the diffeomorphism f; 4) selecting points, e.g., a Low Discrepancy Sequence, in the n-dimensional space; 5) mapping the points onto the surface using x(f−1), thereby generating mapped points on the surface; 6) sampling the surface using at least a subset of the mapped points to generate samples of the surface; and 7) analyzing the samples of the surface to determine characteristics of the surface.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking ambient signals, detecting or receiving desired signals, and suppressing undesired signals. An array of sensors receives ambient signals and generates N channels of data. A transformation device accepts the data from the array and generates N′ channels of data. An adaptive processor accepts the N′ channels of data from the output of the transformation device and processes the N′ channels of data to update the settings of the transformation device, such that only N′ degrees of freedom are adaptively manipulated by the adaptive processor at an instant, the manipulation being done in a manner that instantaneously senses changes in signal environment and adjusts the settings of the transformation device in a closed-loop. The adaptive processor optionally combines these N′ channels to produce system output beam(s) that remove residual interference present out the output of the transformation device.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a vibrator. A differential amplifier circuit outputs a differential signal including a Coriolis component from the vibrator. The differential signal is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter. A Hilbert transformer shifts the differential signal by &pgr;/2. Two multipliers squares the original differential signal and the &pgr;/2-phase-shifted differential signal, respectively, and an adder computes the sum of the squares. A square root circuit computes the square root of the sum and outputs a magnitude signal proportional to Coriolis force.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for determining the properties of a sample from measured spectral data collected from the sample by performing a method of multivariate spectral analysis. The method can include: generating a two-dimensional matrix A containing measured spectral data; providing a weighted spectral data matrix D by performing a weighting operation on matrix A; factoring D into the product of two matrices, C and ST, by performing a constrained alternating least-squares analysis of D=CST, where C is a concentration intensity matrix and S is a spectral shapes matrix; unweighting C and S by applying the inverse of the weighting used previously; and determining the properties of the sample by inspecting C and S. This method can be used by a spectrum analyzer to process X-ray spectral data generated by a spectral analysis system that can include a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with an Energy Dispersive Detector and Pulse Height Analyzer.

Abstract: A method for detection an alarm state of measurement signal values received by means for detecting measurement values, wherein an alarm state is triggered when for a currently received measurement signal value at least one pre-set limit value is exceeded, has a faster recognition of an alarm situation and at the same time a lower rate of false alarms when in a first step for measurement signal values which are subsequent in time their position parameter (2) and a corresponding deviation parameter (3) of the measurement signal values from the position parameter is calculated in an adjustable time window, wherein in a second step each further subsequent measurement signal value is compared to the position parameter (2) an weighted with the deviation parameter (3) in order to obtain a respective evaluation quantity, and wherein in a third step an outlier state (6) is detected when the evaluation quantity exceeds an adjustable outlier parameter, whereas an alarm state (8) indicating the presence of a significant

Abstract: Hardware circuit for median calculation in an active pixel sensor.

Abstract: A signal processing technique for generating separated signal components incorporates the steps of correlating basis vectors with input data to produce output vectors, applying a non-linear function to the output vectors to produce non-linearized vectors, and convolving the non-linearized vectors with the basis vectors to produce separated signal components. Each vector may comprise a set of one-dimensional channel vectors. Separated signal components are combined to form an input signal reconstruction and an anomaly signal indicating deviation of the reconstruction from the associated input signal. Basis vectors are determined by training which involves use of weighting factors referred to as basis scales. When used to scale separated signal components in the production of reconstruction vectors, basis scales have the effect of reducing a mean squared error between such vectors and associated input data used to derive them.

Abstract: Signals are emitted with a FMCW sensor system, are received after reflection at targets and are processed to form a measured signal whose frequency spectrum is analyzed. Discrete, equidistant samples are stored and are arranged in a double Hankel matrix in the existing sequence. This matrix is diagonalized with a singular value decomposition, and an approximation is identified taking only the “principle values” into consideration, in order to calculate the frequencies and their amplitudes therefrom according to known methods.

Abstract: Gamma cameras and positron (PET) cameras use scintillation detectors to detect radiation from the body. However, when the number of radiation particles that strike the detector is very high, the chance that signals from two or more individual particles will pile up in the detector (to produce one erroneous, larger signal) is high. This problem is common to all applications using scintillation detectors. The present invention discloses methods and apparatus to prevent and correct for this problem. Results from a circuit according to the present invention show at least a 10 fold improvement in the maximum detection-rate limit over the conventional method.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for measuring a round trip response time for a transaction performed by a computer in a network environment. The method comprises the steps of starting a software timer when a transaction is initiated at a browser of the computer, and sending the transaction to a server in the network environment. The server services the transaction, and generates a response to the transaction. When the response is received at the browser the software timer is stopped. The start time is subtracted from the stop time to calculate a round trip response time.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device and a measuring method capable of determining the number of averaging (the number of measurements automatically made in the measuring device) in the measuring device performing averaging process (automatically making plural measurements on a certain characteristic amount of a sample, and performing a process such as weight assignment, thereby obtaining an average value of measured results obtained from the plural measurements and outputting the average value as the measured result of the sample) while maintaining compatibleness of required measuring accuracy and efficiency in measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining severity of a trend toward an impending machine failure under actual operating conditions. The method and apparatus includes providing a typical failure trend based on a set of normal operating conditions for the machine, determining a slope value for the typical failure trend, determining a slope value for the trend toward the impending machine failure under the actual or proposed operating conditions, determining a weight value for at least the actual or proposed operating conditions, and determining the severity as a function of the slope values and the weight value.

Abstract: A signal processor generates an estimate of a block of weighted input values. An adjustable mode parameter determines a time point relative to the input values at which the estimate is computed. By varying the mode parameter, the output characteristics of the processor are variable between that of a smoother, a filter and a forward predictor of the input values. When input signal confidence is low, the mode parameter is adjusted so that the processor smoothes the input signal. When input signal confidence is high, the mode parameter is adjusted so that the processor output has a faster and more accurate response to the input signal. The variable mode averager is particular applicable to the monitoring of critical physiological parameters in patient-care settings.

Abstract: The spectral energy in the signal emitted by a mobile telephone handset is measured for portions of the signal carrying random data, both before and after a non-random midamble. By including both random portions in the measurement the time taken to perform it is approximately halved, whilst maintaining its statistical significance.

Abstract: An iterative method and apparatus for correction and compensation of analytical signals, such as spectrometric data, is provided which corrects for spectral cross-talk; compensates for spectral shift; and reduces error propagation. The method and apparatus can be applied to a multicomponent sample analysis using least squares procedure with differentiation while reducing noise propagation.

Abstract: A memory look up table receives a first portion of an input data signal via an address input, and in response provides an output data signal corresponding to one of a plurality of memory locations. The output data signal includes a mathematical approximation of the input data signal, at least one first stage delta signal, and at least one second stage delta signal. Random logic is coupled to the first stage delta signal and the second stage delta signal, and receives a second portion of the input data signal on an input. In response to the second portion and the first and second stage delta signals, the random logic calculates an incrementing or decrementing signal. An incrementor coupled to the random logic increments or decrements the mathematical approximation of the input data signal according to the incrementing or decrementing signal.

Abstract: A computer implemented physical signal analysis method includes four basic steps and the associated presentation techniques of the results. The first step is a computer implemented Empirical Mode Decomposition that extracts a collection of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) from nonlinear, nonstationary physical signals. The decomposition is based on the direct extraction of the energy associated with various intrinsic time scales in the physical signal. Expressed in the IMF's, they have well-behaved Hilbert Transforms from which instantaneous frequencies can be calculated. The second step is the Hilbert Transform which produces a Hilbert Spectrum. Thus, the invention can localize any event on the time as well as the frequency axis. The decomposition can also be viewed as an expansion of the data in terms of the IMF's. Then, these IMF's, based on and derived from the data, can serve as the basis of that expansion.

Abstract: Methods for normalization of experimental data with experiment-to-experiment variability. The experimental data may include biotechnology data or other data where experiment-to-experiment variability is introduced by an environment used to conduct multiple iterations of the same experiment. Deviations in the experimental data are measured between a central character and data values from multiple indexed data sets. The central character is a value of an ordered comparison determined from the multiple indexed data sets. The central character includes zero-order and low order central characters. Deviations between the central character and the multiple indexed data sets are removed by comparing the central character to the measured deviations from the multiple indexed data sets, thereby reducing deviations between the multiple indexed data sets and thus reducing experiment-to-experiment variability.