Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a process for producing one or more predicted target sparkle values of a target coating composition. An artificial neural network can be used in the process. The process disclosed herein can be used for color and appearance matching in the coating industry including vehicle original equipment manufacturing (OEM) coatings and refinish coatings. A system for producing one or more predicted target sparkle values of a target coating composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention sets forth an authentication method for use in a system including a first entity and a second entity in a network, the first entity being adapted to authenticate the second entity and data received therefrom, both first and second entities storing the same secret key. The method is implemented in a smart card such as a USIM card, including: a memory storing authentication algorithms and keys; means for receiving a message authenticating code and other parameters; means for computing an expected code from said other parameters and from said secret key; means for comparing said message authenticating code received and said expected code; and means for aborting authentication if the message authenticating code received and the expected code do not match.

Abstract: A method and a system for laser beam welding two pieces abutted along a joint, wherein a camera configured to observe the joint is mounted integral with a welding head thereby defining a camera/welding head assembly. The camera/welding head assembly is moved along the joint and orthogonal positions of the joint are detected for positions of the camera/welding head assembly along the joint. A guiding mechanism guides a welding laser beam impact along the joint by controling an orthogonal translation of the camera/welding head assembly based on the orthogonal positions of the joint.