Abstract: A smart camera system provides focused images to an operator at a host computer by processing digital images at the imaging location prior to sending them to the host computer. The smart camera has a resident digital signal processor for preprocessing digital images prior to transmitting the images to the host. The preprocessing includes image feature extraction and filtering, convolution and deconvolution methods, correction of parallax and perspective image error and image compression. Compression of the digital images in the smart camera at the imaging location permits the transmission of very high resolution color or high resolution grayscale images at real-time frame rates such as 30 frames per second over a high speed serial bus to a host computer or to any other node on the network, including any remote address on the Internet.

Abstract: A method for solving a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) includes choosing a first state corresponding to a first set of values of a set of variables, and selecting a hop distance within a state space of the variables responsively to a random distance selection criterion. A second state corresponding to a second set of the values of the variables is selected, such that the second state is separated from the first state by the hop distance. Constraint costs of the first and second states are compared. If the cost of the second state is lower than the cost of the first state, the first state is redefined to correspond to the second set of the values of the variables. These steps are repeated until a solution of the CSP is found.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing orientation of a workpiece in a planermill for feeding of the workpiece into a planer includes an infeed to the planer, a workpiece turner for selectively turning the workpiece end-for-end upstream of the planer on the infeed a workpiece flipper for selectively flipping the workpiece one hundred eighty degrees about a longitudinal axis of the workpiece upstream of the planer on the infeed, a scanner on the infeed upstream of the workpiece turner and workpiece flipper for detecting defects on the workpiece, a processor cooperating with the scanner, the workpiece turner and the workpiece flipper for optimizing the orientation of the workpiece relative to status and actively translatable cutterheads in the planer.

Abstract: A care management system in which the management of the administration of care for patients is automated. Hospital information systems are monitored and the information from those systems is used in verifying the administrations of care to patients. The care management system monitors ongoing administrations for progress and automatically updates records and provides alarms when necessary. The care management system is modular in nature but is fully integrated among its modules. Particular lists of data, such as the termination times of all ongoing infusions, provide hospital staff current information for increased accuracy and efficiency in planning. Features include the automatic provision of infusion parameters to pumps for accurate and efficient configuration of the pump, and providing an alarm when an unscheduled suspension of an infusion exceeds a predetermined length of time. A passive recognition system for identifying patients and care givers is provided.

Abstract: A process, system and computer software are provided to produce at least two solutions related to a knowledge discovery from data. In particular, the information regarding operators which are usable for the knowledge discovery of the data is received, and the solutions are generated. Each of the solutions includes at least one of the operators. An ability is provided to select at least one of the solutions so as to execute one or more procedures from the data. Each of the procedures is associated with the operator of the respective solution. In addition, it is possible to include a variable number of the operators in at least one (and possibly all) of the solutions. Also, it is possible to generate a code for at least one automatically-generated solution. In particular, access to the automatically-generated solution can be obtained with this solution that includes operators usable for the knowledge discovery of the data.

Abstract: An adaptive pattern classifier makes use of training patterns and a known non-linear invariance transformation to generate a classifier representation based on an infinite set of virtual training samples on a training trajectory. Given the non-linear invariance transformation, optimization can be formulated as a semidefinite program (SDP), which is given by a linear objective function that is minimized subject to a linear matrix inequality (LMI). In this manner, a small training set may be virtually supplemented using the non-linear invariance transformation to learn an effective classifier that satisfactorily recognizes patterns, even in the presence of known transformations that do not change the class of the pattern.

Abstract: A method and related system for performing fuzzy procedures in processing devices. The method provides for calculating a degree of activation of a fuzzy proposition represented by input values having a fuzzy set associated to a triangular or trapezoidal membership function. The membership function is defined by a defined range of the input values and by an abscissa of the maximum value assumed by said membership. The method includes storing solve values corresponding to the range of definition and to the abscissa of the maximum value. The degree of activation is calculated as a function of the stored solve values, and storing of solve values includes storing the values measured on the abscissa and further at least one value measured on the ordinate corresponding to the membership function.

Abstract: A transfer correcting method for a thin material transfer apparatus includes detecting a front end of a thin material by the sensor, and transferring the thin material from a position of the sensor, to a processing unit, and further a reference transfer range from the processing unit to produce a first processed thin material portion, and transferring the thin material the reference transfer range to produce a second processed thin material portion, calculating a first correction value based on the reference transfer range and a measured length of the second processed thin material portion and a second correction value based on measured lengths of the first and second processed thin material portions, and correcting the transfer from the sensor position to the processing unit position, and the transfer from the processing unit position based on based on the first and second correction values.

Abstract: A device used for control or monitoring of a process is updated without interruption or exceeding upper response time limits for response to a change in the state of the process. If the updating task requires too much run time, the updating task is terminated. As soon as the updating task has been terminated, a configuration is established again with regard to the control or monitoring of the process, so that it is possible to respond again to changes in the state of the process.

Abstract: A remote operation management system for commercial appliances is provided. The system includes a user interface for authorizing use of an appliance and a dedicated appliance controller coupled to the user interface and the appliance for controlling operation of the appliance. An appliance communication controller is coupled to the user interface over an appliance communication connection, and an external host controller is coupled to the appliance communication controller over a host communication connection. The external host controller is configured to communicate a message for the appliance to the appliance communication controller. A remote management system is coupled to the external host controller and configured to control a function of the appliance.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a custom learning object. The system and method generate the custom learning object based on a knowledge object and a set of user characteristics for a user. In one embodiment, the knowledge object is converted to a set of knowledge atoms. Each knowledge atom is then mapped to a container defining an output format. One or more containers are combined to define the custom learning object.

Abstract: The process for the on-line characterization of a surface in motion, preferably a galvannealed sheet, essentially comprises an industrial microscope associated with a stroboscopic laser illumination device, a positioning assembly, an assembly for acquiring and processing images. The obtained view fields vary between 125 ?m and 2000 ?m in width, the spatial resolution is at least 0.5 ?m, and the focussing of the system is precise to a micrometer. The images are taken on a product moving at a speed of between 1 m/s and 20 m/s and are frozen by the use of a stroboscopic illumination device with a duration of illumination of at least 10 ns. The obtained images are processed in several steps. A background average level is first of all regularly evaluated in order to be eliminated from each current image. The processed image is then divided into several zones. The sharpness of each zone is evaluated and stored in memory.

Abstract: In a speed control system, there are provided a speed observer compensator (10) for inputting a difference between a speed VM of a mechanical system (5) and an estimated value VMO of a speed of the mechanical system (5) which is obtained by a speed observer (6) and outputting a speed difference VM?VMO based on the input, and a mechanical system model (8) for inputting a sum of an output of the speed observer compensator (10) and an output Tro of a PI controller (2), and the speed observer (6) is constituted in such a manner that the signal VMO produced after a passage of an output of the mechanical system model (8) through a filter delay element model (11) and a dead time delay element model (12) is equal to the speed VM of the mechanical system (5), and the output of the mechanical system model (8) is set to be a speed feedback signal Vf of the speed control system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for performing data mining applications in a relational database management system (114). Scalable Data Mining Functions (202) are performed directly against a relational database (116) by executing queries dynamically generated by an application programming interface (204) according to requested parameters.

Abstract: Multiple methods of using only two sensors to control the state of an object in a one dimensional environment, a two dimensional environment or a three dimensional environment. A method of using only two sensors to control the state of an object in a secondary mode and edit data in a third mode. A method of using only two sensors to edit changes. A method of using only two sensors to control the state of an object in graphic arts programs. A method of using only two sensors to control the state of an object in two states, three states, four states, eight states, ten states or fourteen states. A method of using only two sensors to increase or decrease control of an object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for acquiring and processing parameters used to adjust and tune a controller used, for example, to govern and compensate for motion, including vibrations and disturbances, in a physical system, such as a piece of manufacturing equipment. The method and apparatus may also be used to control, for example, a robot or other spatially dependent machine. The method and apparatus may comprise systems and methods for generating a controller, and for controlling motion in a physical system or apparatus.

Abstract: A provided smart switch called Occupant Counter Control Switch, or OCCS, basically comprises of a motion sensor PIR, a photo sensor, an amplifier with band-pass filter, a microprocessor, a digital display, and a relay or triac to drive electrical appliances such as lights. The PIR sensor detects heat from a human body moving across it and generates a distinctive signal that is, unique to each of the two directions, further processed by the microprocessor for counting and thereby controlling the relay. Installed at the entrance of a room replacing the regular switch (see FIG. 1), the OCCS counts up, displaying a digit great than zero, upon detecting a person entering the room and turns on the lights if sensing insufficient ambient light. OCCS constantly energizes the lights during the room is occupied and immediately switches them off upon counting down to zero when detecting the last person exiting the room.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting and presenting questions to users is provided. The method and system provides for a decision-tree architecture that functionally changes form as users traverse the tree, depending on the responses provided by the users.

Abstract: The configuration method for an installation comprising solar protection and/or lighting devices controlled by a central unit comprising a memory, microprocessor and a user interface, is characterized in that method comprises an iteration, over all of the solar protection and/or lighting devices, and comprises a parameterization step that includes phases of entry and recording of data defining the exposure of the opening fitted with the solar protection device with respect to the sun, entry and recording of data defining the type of device, and entry and recording of data defining the maximum desired depth of penetration of the sun into the building, and/or the sought visual comfort. The method further comprises a calculation step whereby for each device, coefficients for a control algorithm and/or a control algorithm, intended to control the device, are calculated.

Abstract: A data management system stores and visualizes data generated during process management. The data management system provides different data management services and definitions of these are stored in a database. Management of data in this database is carried out by a collection of software agents, one of which, the management information agent, can access, update and download data in or from the database. Stored separately are graphical user interfaces which are downloaded to a user in accordance with the relevant service definition stored in the database when the user requests a particular data access service.