Abstract: A text processing system for example a word processor includes a storage unit with two storage devices. The first storage device can store at least two character strings in an arbitrary order. The second storage device can store at least one index. Each stored index designates a predetermined one of the character strings. The indexes stored are in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A knowledge system having a development configuration by which a knowledge engineer enters knowledge content into a database, and a user configuration employed by the end user to access the database for interactive learning, information retrieval, and problem solving in a specified subject area. The knowledge is organized by a hierarchy of topic nodes, with each node having an associated plurality of cross referenceable information units representing a variety of types, or categories, of information. The user can control the navigation path and information display sequence among information units in accordance with personal learning needs and style. One category can include a pattern of prompts and possible responses. The separation of knowledge content from program logic permits non-programmers to set up, modify, and maintain the knowledge content of the system.

Abstract: A system for mapping and/or displaying spatiotemporal features of underlying event-related neural activity involves measuring the event-related evoked potential values at a limited number of points over the region of interest, deriving a first grid of potential values at points over the area of interest representing at least about a five fold increase in the number of points by a Kriging-type of spatial statistical interpolation, and using the first grid to derive for the region of interest a second grid of points of current density values by a Laplacian conversion. A plurality of second grids of current density values spaced apart in time are derived and displayed on a monitor in cartoon-type fashion to provide a cartoon-type display of the features of the event-related evoked response over the region of interest varying with time. Various other displays are possible for highlighting specific features.

Abstract: The segmented object is represented in terms of a numerical volume by calculating the gradients of the physical quantities loaded into the volume elements of this numerical volume. The gradients are shown to be perpendicular to the true surface of the object to be segmented and that they determine a surface more precisely than a treatment carried out on the surface of the segmented object. To eliminate the artefacts of a contour line which are visible in particular in the regions of low relief, the gradients assigned to volume elements of the surface of the object are weighted with respect to gradients assigned to volume elements adjacent to these volume elements by apparent facets of this segmented object.

Abstract: In order to reconstruct the structure of a body by way of iterative algorithms, the first iterations are carried out with lower resolution in order to limit the number of calculations. The image can then be reconstructed when the calculation time is reduced to one-third or even one-quarter. The image thus reconstructed is of better quality than images reconstructed using only a single resolution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of processing and displaying geophysical data so as to enhance the evaluation and interpretation of subtle variations in the earth's geological and lithological structures. In particular, the dynamic range of geophysical data is compressed to more nearly approximate the inherent dynamic range limitations of visual displays of the geophysical data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating self-ordering of items, particularly in a fast food environment. The apparatus includes a customer terminal having a display screen that is preferably a touch screen used by the customer during the self-ordering operation. The screen displays information that assists the customer in becoming acquainted with the self-ordering process. Subsequent screens display information relating to the selection of food items. Indicia on the display screen represents food items for selection. Such food items are arranged according to food categories. In accordance with one display, indicia representing primary category food items, such as sandwiches, are shown on the screen. One or more of such food items can be selected by the customer using the displayed indicia, such as by touching the screen. This same display includes indicia representing a number of menus for secondary food items, such as salads, desserts and drinks.

Abstract: An apparatus for induction logging is disclosed. By transmitting a sequence of pulses at many frequencies, the formation invaded zone diameter can be distinguished as a result of changes in resistivity. As higher frequencies are swept, dielectric constant varies with frequency and this variation is evident in chart form. An apparatus for controlled antenna field formation is also disclosed including a sonde construction involving antenna coils on the sonde with dielectric discs to reduce parasitic radiation.

Abstract: A real-time graphic display of heat lesioning parameters in a clinical lesion generator is disclosed. The graphic display provides a display of heat lesioning parameters such as, impedance, temperature, power current, voltage as well as the change or alteration of various physiologic parameters such as, ECG, as a function of time during the course of the lesion process and for a time before and after the process. Benchmark values for these parameters can be set to provide visual references on the graphic display.

Abstract: A system for performing transaction from an account such as a checking account which adds a measure of assurance of payment to the account issuer is provided. The system includes a remote transaction terminal located at the point of the transaction. The terminal reads data on a card which identifies the card holder. The amount and type of the transaction are inputted into the transaction terminal. A transaction processor is provided which accesses two negative data files. One of the negative data files is compiled by the account issuer and the other of the negative data files is compiled by a number of account issuers such as by a number of different merchants. The data identifying the card holder is compared to the data in both of the negative files and an authorization or denial signal is generated in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A patron inserts a coded game card into a game machine which reads the code and determines whether the game card has been played within a designated time period. If the game card has been played within such period, the game machine is not permitted to operate and displays that game card's previous time of play. If the card has not been played within the time period, the machine operates and randomly positions a number of product or services representations with respect to one another. Prescribed combinations of the representations, including at least one pair of matched representations, permits the patron to obtain as a prize the product or service whose representations matched In addition to bearing a unique patron code, the game card can also contain establishment codes which only permit a game card to be played at particular establishments. Other game cards can be specially coded to provide maintenance instructions to the game machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus stores and retrieves inflected forms of words in electronic reference products and, in particular, in electronic dictionaries, electronic bilingual dictionaries, electronic thesauri and an electronic Bible.

Abstract: A sales transaction apparatus includes a weighing section for measuring the weight of a coin, a memory section for storing the weight data of plural types of coins, and a processing section for determining the types and numbers of coins to be paid back as a change amount. A total weight of the coins is obtained as a sum by multiplying the numbers of coins by the weights read out in correspondence with the types of coins, and the total weight is checked against a weight data obtained from the weighing section in correspondence with the coins to be actually paid back as the change amount.

Abstract: A mailing list for an associated group of individuals, such as graduates of a college, is updated by requesting information on lost individuals from individuals with known addresses. Results are optimized by automated compiling of customized listings of lost individuals based on analysis of commonality of personal data items (such as class year and membership) between lost individuals and individuals with known addresses. Responses from recipients of the customized listings are used to update mailing list addresses.

Abstract: A translation system performing translation from a first language into a second language under an interaction mode between said translation system and an operator, includes keys for inputting the original sentence to be translated, means for translating the input sentence of said first language into an output sentence of said second language, wherein the operator inputs information relating to at least one word of the input sentence such as the part of speech or the element of the sentence. The translation is then performed on the basis of said input information.

Abstract: The invention is a method to aid analysis of signals, such as electroencephalograms, pursuant to modern mathematical theories of nonlinear dynamical processes, sometimes referred to as chaotic dynamics or chaos theory. It employs graphic display and visual inspection of relatively less filtered, non-averaged raw test data, including raw data heretofore considered random or asynchronous `noise`. The invention enables reversible decomposition of selected elements of graphic portraits of raw signal data to identify subsets of the depicted raw data which correspond to visually-identified, manually-selected patterns from within the graphic portrait. The identified subsets of raw data can be segregated even though a precise mathematical description of the visually identified pattern is unknown.

Abstract: A data processing pension plan monitor is directed specifically to the management and controlled access of pension-backed credit. This system permits pension plan participants to establish a line of credit (LOC), based on their vested interest in a sponsored pension plan. This LOC is thereafter systematically applied to a plurality of accounts, each permitted selected credit card and/or check writing privileges.The present invention balances credit access with long term pension requirements. The charges associated with the credit accessed are paid back to the pensioner, thereby retaining certain tax deferred privileges while permitting access to the accumulated funds.

Abstract: A computer-controlled portable testing device and process are provided for administering a test to a user. The testing device includes an information storage medium for storing information such as test questions and the user's answers to the test questions. The test questions may include screening questions directed to the character of the user as part of a licensing issuing process and the user's answers will include answers to the screening questions. A display on the device displays information such as the test questions from the information storage medium to the user. A touch screen on the device enables the user to input selected predetermined input information by touching entry pads displayed on the display. A microprocessor is provided to control the transfer of information between the information storage medium, the display and the touch screen. An internal power source supplies power for the device. Pursuant to the computer executed process, a test item is displayed on the display.

Abstract: This invention provides an interactive multifunction bowling alley system which utilizes a computer adapted to store information concerning selected bowling alley functions. A touch screen device is located at the patron area for at least selected ones of the bowling alley lanes. By permitting the user to make appropriate selections from menus appearing on a monitor of the touch screen device, such selections being made by the user touching appropriate areas on the monitor screen, functions such as automatic scoring, food or beverage ordering, entertainment such as games, problem solving, announcements, payment/charge and the like may be performed. In response to a first menu selection, menus and/or instructions may appear on the monitor relevant to the selected function which a user may utilize in performing the selected function.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, methods are provided for Kirchhoff-migrating seismic data using a parallel computer. The methods of the present invention preferably use a multiprocessor machine that is interconnected to form a hypercube. The presently preferred method is to build up one or more migrated output traces in each processor (node) designated as a "migration" processor, as input traces are passed from migration node to migration node along a nearest-neighbor chain. When an output trace is completed, it is sent by a migration node to storage via an appropriate I/O processor and the migration node beings building a new output trace. There is essentially no limit to the length of seismic line which can be so migrated. Alternatively, the input traces may be held in the migration nodes and the output traces passed from node to node along a nearest-neighbor chain, or the input and output traces may be passed in opposite directions along the chain.