Abstract: Embodiments of a configurable content optimizer for use in dialog systems are described. In one embodiment, the content optimizer is a configurable component that acts as an intermediary between a dialog management module and a knowledge management module of a dialog system during the query process. The content optimizer module makes extensive use of the system ontology and organizes items returned by the knowledge base and makes adjustments to the query so that a reasonable number of responses are returned. Each query is broken down into a number of constraints, the constraints are characterized by type, and adjustments are made by strategies that include relaxing or tightening constraints in the query. Generic strategies for the potential adjustments are represented in a configurable manner so that the content optimizing module can be easily applied to new domains.

Abstract: Representation-neutral dialogue systems and methods (“RNDS”) are described that include multi-application, multi-device spoken-language dialogue systems based on the information-state update approach. The RNDS includes representation-neutral core components of a dialogue system that provide scripted domain-specific extensions to routines such as dialogue move modeling and reference resolution, easy substitution of specific semantic representations and associated routines, and clean interfaces to external components for language-understanding (i.e., speech-recognition and parsing) and language-generation, and to domain-specific knowledge sources. The RNDS also allows seamless interaction with a community of devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of a feature generation system and process for use in machine learning applications utilizing statistical modeling systems are described. In one embodiment, the feature generation process generates large feature spaces by combining features using logical, arithmetic and/or functional operations. A first set of features in an initial feature space are defined. Some or all of the first set of features are processed using one or more arithmetic, logic, user-defined combinatorial processes, or combinations thereof, to produce additional features. The additional features and at least some of the first set of features are combined to produce an expanded feature space. The expanded feature space is processed through a feature selection and optimization process to produce a model in a statistical modeling system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a progressive feature selection method that selects features in multiple rounds are described. In one embodiment, the progressive feature selection method splits the feature space into tractable sub-spaces such that a feature selection algorithm can be performed on each sub-space. In a merge-split operation, the subset of features that the feature selection algorithm selects from the different sub-spaces are merged into subsequent sets of features. Instead of re-generating the mapping table for each subsequent set from scratch, a new mapping table from the previous round's tables is created by collecting those entries that correspond to the selected features. The feature selection method is then performed again on each of the subsequent feature sets and new features are selected from each of these feature sets. This feature selection-merge-split process is repeated on successively smaller numbers of feature sets until a single final set of features is selected.

Abstract: Embodiments of a name recognition process for use in dialog systems are described. In one embodiment, the name recognition process assigns weighting values to names used in a dialog based on the usage of these names. This process takes advantage of the general tendency of people to speak names, either full or partial, only after they have heard or read these names. Name input is taken in several different forms, including a static background database that contains all possible names, a background database that contains commonly used names (such as common trademarks or references), a database that contains names from a user model, and a dynamic database that constantly takes the names just mentioned. The names are then appended with proper weighting values. A high weight is given to names that have been mentioned recently, a lower weight is given to common names, and a lowest weight is given to names for the ones that have never been used or mentioned.

Abstract: A method and system to parameterize a spoken language dialog system, includes providing a storage area to store at least one parameter value, integrating a subcomponent with at least one module of the spoken language dialog system, and configuring the subcomponent to access the at least one parameter value and to adjust an operation or output of the module based on the at least one parameter value.

Abstract: A system and method to interactively converse with a cognitively overloaded user of a device, includes maintaining a knowledge base of information regarding the device and a domain, organizing the information in at least one of a relational manner and an ontological manner, receiving speech from the user, converting the speech into a word sequence, recognizing a partial proper name in the word sequence, identifying meaning structures from the word sequence using a model of the domain information, adjusting a boundary of the partial proper names to enhance an accuracy of the meaning structures, interpreting the meaning structures in a context of the conversation with the cognitively overloaded user using the knowledge base, selecting a content for a response to the cognitively overloaded user, generating the response based on the selected content, the context of the conversation, and grammatical rules, and synthesizing speech wave forms for the response.

Abstract: A method of identifying motion within a field of view includes capturing at least two sequential images within the field of view. Each of the images includes a respective array of pixel values. An array of difference values between corresponding ones of the pixel values in the sequential images is calculated. A sensitivity region map corresponding to the field of view is provided. The sensitivity region map includes a plurality of regions having different threshold values. A presence of motion is determined by comparing the difference values to corresponding ones of the threshold values.

Abstract: A security arrangement includes a mounting device having an upstanding wall. The mounting device is mounted to a surface of a structure such that the wall is oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface. A security sensor senses an event that occurs outside of the security arrangement. A tamper detector is attached to the security sensor and includes an optical emitter, an optical receiver, and a slot disposed between the emitter and the receiver. The emitter transmits optical energy that is received by the receiver through the slot. The wall of the mounting device is received in the slot when the tamper detector is coupled to the mounting device to thereby block the transmission of the optical energy from the emitter to the receiver. A controller is communicatively coupled to the receiver and produces a tamper signal in response to the receiver receiving the optical energy.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a home automation system by voice input provided via a telephone unit. A voice portal server receives a signal transmitted by the telephone unit, processes the signal to interpret the voice input, and generates command signals for controlling a home device in the home automation system based on the interpreted voice input. The voice portal server transmits the command signals over a data network or a telephone network to a home interface for receiving the command signals transmitted by the voice portal server. The home interface controls the home device in accordance with the received command signals.

Abstract: A method and system are described to adapt instructions for performing a task by a user, which includes receiving generalized instructions for the task, selecting a content of the generalized instructions based on user-specific knowledge regarding the task, constructing utterances using the selected content, and conveying the utterances to the user.

Abstract: An actuator for a drum brake including a plunger connected through a resilient member to a linkage attached to a web on a brake shoe. A rod extends from the plunger and engages a lever arm that is pivotally retained on the web. The lever engages an extendable strut of an adjuster arrangement through which a running clearance is maintained between the brake shoe and a drum. During a brake application, pressurization fluid acts on the plunger to develop an operational force that is communicated through the resilient member to move the brake shoe into engagement with a drum. Should the operational force overcome the resilient member, the plunger moves toward the linkage and a reactive force is applied through the rod that acts through the lever arm to prevent a pawl from rotating such that a current length of the strut and correspondingly a current running clearance is sustained.

Abstract: A disc brake has a first caliper with first and second friction members that are moved into engagement with a rotor to effect a brake application. The actuator includes a second caliper retained on a pin and third and fourth friction member aligned with the rotor. First and second linkage members connect the second caliper to the first and second friction members. The second caliper when activated moves the third and fourth friction members into engagement with the rotor to create a tangential force that causes the second caliper to pivot on the pin and provide an input force that moves first and second ramp surfaces on the first and second linkage members to produce an actuation force that moves the first and second friction members into engagement with the rotor to produce a braking force that retards the rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic circuit and EMI countermeasure for an automotive electronic control unit that provides a maximum amount of EMI protection under normal operating conditions, i.e., ambient temperatures. The effectiveness of the EMI countermeasure is limited at extremely high temperatures. The electronic circuit and EMI countermeasure optimizes the effectiveness of EMI countermeasures as a function of temperature to improve performance under normal conditions.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a casing (12) within a moving partition (14) is secured to a moving piston (12) having an inlet valve (52) and a re-equalizing valve (50) with offset seats borne by first (136) and second (142) tubular sleeves, The first sleeve (136) is slideably mounted in the moving piston (22) with a travel (d) which is determined by first bayonet-fitting (154) that is interposed between the first sleeve (136) and the moving piston (22) and that are locked against rotation by the second sleeve (142).

Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a disc brake for moving first and second friction members into engagement with a rotor and effect a brake application. The actuator arrangement includes first and second levers that are pivotally connected to an anchor located in a plane that is perpendicular to first and second rails on which the first and second friction member are retained, a third lever that is connected to the first lever and a yoke to receive a second end of the second lever and align a first ramp surface thereon with a second ramp surface on its end and an input linkage. The input linkage receives an input force and moves on the first and second ramp surfaces to pull on the first lever and push on the second lever to move the first and second friction members into engagement with the rotor to effect a brake application.

Abstract: A drum brake has cylinders symmetrically fixed to a stationary member. Each cylinder has an axial bore therein with a groove for retention of a seal. A piston engages each seal to define chambers that receive pressurized fluid. Webs for friction members have a first end pined to an opposite cylinder and a second end connected to an opposite piston and to each other by a strut. Pressurized fluid acts on the pistons to move the second ends with respect to the first ends and simultaneously bring the friction members into engagement with a drum to effect a brake application. The seals acts on and return the pistons to a rest position in an absence of pressurized fluid. A pawl on a lever is moved into engagement with the strut to bring the first and second friction members into engagement with the drum to manually effect a brake application.

Abstract: A contamination-resistant sensor element and methods for making the same are provided. A sensor element may include a contamination-resistant coating on at least a portion thereof. The coating may comprise gamma-delta alumina and lithium oxide and may have a thickness of about 100 to about 600 microns and a porosity of about 20 to about 70 percent. The method may include using gamma-delta alumina and lithium oxide to form a mixture, applying the mixture to at least a portion of a sensor element, and temperature treated the mixture to form a contamination-resistant coating on the surface of the measuring cell.

Abstract: A wheel hub for a corner assembly on a vehicle wherein a wheel and a rotor for a brake system are attached to the wheel hub. The wheel hub has a cylindrical body with a peripheral surface thereon having a flange to which the rotor and the rim of a wheel are attached and a bearing surface that receives a bearing fixed to a stationary member to establish a perpendicular alignment between first and second engagement faces on the rotor and friction members carried by a caliper. A attachment clip attached to the flange resiliently urges the rotor toward the flange to sustain the perpendicular alignment even though the rotor may axially translate during a brake application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centrifugal fan assembly including a housing and a centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan includes main blades, each including a suction surface, a pressure surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The centrifugal fan also includes secondary blades, each including a suction surface and a pressure surface. Each main blade defines a mean line between the suction surface and the pressure surface, and a nose-tail line intersecting the main blade mean line at the leading edge and the trailing edge. Each secondary blade defines a mean line between the suction surface and the pressure surface. A portion of the secondary blade mean line is substantially parallel to the main blade mean line when superimposed, and a portion of the superimposed secondary blade mean line deviates from the main blade mean line in a direction toward the main blade nose-tail line.