Abstract: In a test system, a test method, and a program for use in verifying states in a target, a predetermined state is previously defined as an intermediate state among states which can be taken by the target. On causing a transition to occur in the target from a previous state to a next following state, the transition is caused to occur in the target from a previous state to the intermediate state. Then, the target makes the transition from the intermediate state to the next following state. For this purpose, the test system stores intermediate state transition procedures from the previous state to the intermediate one and a self-state transition procedure from the intermediate state to the next following state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employing a hydrofluorocarbon agent for preventing a large volume of contained flammable fuel from exploding are disclosed. Generally, a method of the present invention comprises detecting a hazardous condition proximate the contained flammable fuel and applying a hydrofluorocarbon agent to an area proximate the fluid within 3–5 seconds of the hazardous condition detection. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a sensing device (24) for detecting the presence of a hazardous condition proximate a quantity of contained flammable fuel (14), and a discharging unit including a pressurizable vessel (16) containing therein the hydrofluorocarbon agent, and a discharge nozzle (20) located proximate the contained flammable fuel (14) and operably coupled with the vessel (16).

Abstract: A method of analyzing the spectral signature of a point-like dynamic source event in order to approximate the location of the source event within a predetermined field of view is implemented by a spectral analysis system including (i) a data processing system; (ii) an imaging-sensor array communicatively linked to the data processing system and (iii) an optical system adapted for imaging a dispersion pattern of electromagnetic energy emitted from a source event onto the imaging-sensor array. A dispersion-pattern data set associating the optical system with data indicative of a set of pre-contrived electromagnetic-energy dispersion patterns attributed to the optical system is created based on at least one of (i) theoretically and (ii) experimentally determined characteristics of the optical system and maintained in computer memory.

Abstract: A wafer pattern inspecting apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an image sensor to acquire image data from a reference die and a sample die, an external memory to store the image data, an encoder to compress the data, a decoder to decompress the data, an internal memory device to store the compressed image data of the reference die, an arithmetic module to process the image data for the reference dies to extract a reference image data, a reference storage memory to store compressed reference image data, and a comparison module to compare the sample die image data with the reference image data to an extract defect data for the sample die.

Abstract: A system that uses statistical techniques to selectively transmit sensor data which is likely to be of interest. During operation, the system uses statistical techniques to compute a likelihood that the sensor is observing a real event. Next, the system compares the likelihood to an upper threshold. If the likelihood is greater than or equal to the upper threshold, the system determines that the sensor is observing a real event and transmits sensor data for the real event to a receiver.

Abstract: A methodology for testing a computer system using multiple test units, each test unit being associated with its respective core function circuitry. The core circuitry and its respective test unit are located in a primary integrated circuit component of the computer system, such as a processor, memory, or chipset. The on-chip test units communicate with one another and with other parts of the system, to determine whether a specification of the computer system is satisfied, without requiring a processor core of the computer system to execute an operating system program for the computer system.

Abstract: A multi-instrument triggering system includes in each instrument trigger system a system ready line for coupling an internal ready signal to an external port. A multi-instrument trigger bus cable connects the external ports, trigger event outputs and trigger event inputs of multiple instruments together in such a way as to enable the trigger generators in the instruments when all instruments are ready to receive a trigger event. When enabled, a coordinated trigger is generated in response to an internal trigger event from at one of the instruments. The coordinated trigger is coupled via the multi-instrument trigger bus cable as the trigger event to trigger all instruments in synchronism.

Abstract: In order to provide an operation and maintenance planning aiding system for a power generation installation which prepares an operation plan for a plurality of power generation units by making use of actual plant data and based on a total judgment including a variety of circumstances of the machine and apparatus or the parts thereof in the power generation units, in the system the plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52, a power supply command center 3 and a service center 1 are arranged and connected via a communication network 6, the service center 1 obtains the plant data via the communication network 6 from the plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52, calculates in real time a power generation efficiency of a concerned power generation unit for every plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52 by making use of the obtained plant data and design data of the concerned power generation unit and prepares an operation and maintenance plan for each of the power generation u

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide devices, methods and systems, including without limitation data acquisition systems, that can provide flexible sensing and/or data acquisition solutions. An exemplary sensing device, which may be in communication with one or more computers, such as a server, etc., can include one or more sensor(s), a processor and/or a data store. The sensing device can, perhaps in response to instructions received from the computer, filter and/or otherwise process data acquired by the sensor before transmitting the desired data to the computer. The sensing device may store some or all of the acquired data locally and/or may transmit, replicate, etc. some or all of the stored data to the computer.

Abstract: A substance analyzer utilizing Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis for identifying characteristics of a substance and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The analyzer is small enough to be portable and to allow its use in many applications where current analyzers cannot be utilized. The analyzer uses a neutron radiation source and a gamma-ray detector to activate the sample material and detect the prompt gamma rays emitted by the sample material. A novel housing for such an analyzer and method for making the housing are also described. Novel methods of operating such an analyzer including via a communications network are also disclosed. Also disclosed are data analysis methods that improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the results of such material analysis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for supporting evaluation of usability in consideration of situations particular to each business and ISO evaluation standards. The usability evaluation support apparatus uses an instrument including a display portion for displaying information, and supports the evaluation of usability in achieving a given task. During achievement of the task, a control unit acquires information of an operation log related to an operation performed by a user, and divides an effectiveness index associated with achievement of the task, efficiency index associated with efficiency for the achievement, and satisfaction index associated with subjective satisfaction of a task achiever for each predefined subtask. The unit evaluates the indexes by a statistical calculation using measurement results of a plurality of measurement items including the information of the operation log for each subtask.

Abstract: A four point measurement technique for testing programmable impedance drivers such as the BZIO buffers contained in RapidChip® and ASIC devices. Specifically, two test pads are added for taking voltage measurements at additional points. By taking the additional voltage measurements and performing some calculation using Ohm's law, the error components of the testing process are effectively eliminated. The technique is suitable for use at wafer sort where additional device pads can be made available for contact with the automated test equipment (ATE) used in the manufacturing test environment.

Abstract: A measurement method and system in which a plurality of sensors are scattered about the system. One or more universal data concentrators are deployed in the areas where the sensors are concentrated. Each data concentrator is connected to one or more computers. Unique configuration data is provided to each data concentrator for its unique sensor type complement. Each data concentrator configures itself based on its configuration data. This allows the use of a universal data concentrator and, thus, one part number.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a data acquisition system includes a computer controller that is coupled to the data acquisition system. A display device is coupled to the computer controller. The computer controller receives data from the data acquisition system and generates a screen display corresponding to an architectural representation of the data acquisition system. The controller generates screen indicia corresponding to a location of a problem on the architectural representation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for determining the integrity of a sealed container utilizing one or more force signals which are converted into absolute force units is disclosed, providing a method that uses quantitative parameters, and can be validated. The force signals are measured in multiple data collection channels, and can be individually enabled or disabled by an operator to facilitate machine setup and troubleshooting. A user interface provides a display showing the force applied during the container-sealing process, as well as summary information regarding the status of multiple container-sealing machines in a production line.

Abstract: A method comprises storing data relating to the wear of a component of at least one turbine system in a database of a system for processing wear related information, generating a displayable menu containing a plurality of user-selectable links respectively associated with software modules of the system, and receiving an on-line selection of one of the user-selectable links to enable the associated software module of the system to generate displayable content including information relating to the wear of the component of the turbine system. The selected module may enable a quantitative amount of the wear of the component or qualitative wear range characterizing the amount of the wear of the component to be input and received on-line. Alternatively, the selected module may enable a component type to be input and received on-line and display a component fleet leader.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the aging level of a component includes measuring values of the elapsed time in operation of the component (tm,i), at least one entity (Im,i) indicative of the aging of the component, and the temperature (Tm,i) of the component, and processing the values measured as a function of a reference temperature (Tref) to produce corresponding normalized reference values (tref,i; Im,i) representative of virtual operation of the component at said reference temperature (Tref). An updated prediction model for the at least one entity over time is generated from the reference values (tref,i; Im,i). A predicted value (Ifit) for the at least one entity at a given time obtained by means of the prediction model is compared with an aging threshold. An aging warning signal is generated if the comparison indicates deviation of the predicted value (Ifit) beyond an acceptable range.

Abstract: A multi-sensor camera compares status describing data which is described based on a determining rule and sensor data outputted from a microwave sensor with a notification determining table sent from a processing box. If it is determined that an event is notified, the multi-sensor camera sends notifying image data to the processing box, and presents the sent data on a presenting unit. A user inputs, based on a predetermined detecting condition, the determination on the notification need of the event detected based on the sensor data outputted from the sensor. A unit for learning the determining rule adjusts the predetermined condition used for the detection based on the input determination and the feature of the event, and updates the notification determining table so as to notify the event which needs the notification and prevent the notification of unnecessary event.

Abstract: The present application reveals a device for verifying a proper heat exchange and overall performance of an air-conditioning system. The device includes means for measuring a temperature differential between ambient and vent temperatures of the air-conditioning system, where the means comprises at least two remote probes for measuring the ambient and vent temperatures, or a remote ambient probe for measuring ambient temperatures and an integral vent probe for measuring vent temperatures; and means for analyzing the temperature differential in order to give an indication of performance of the air-conditioning system.

Abstract: Sensors detect machine parameters such as vibration, turning speed, and temperature, and a local processor performs logic operations based on the parameters and inference rules to produce fault information that is reported to a system processor, which selectively uses the fault information to control the plant machines. The inference rules include rules for determining faults as to balance, alignment, bearing condition, electrical condition, and cavitation. The inference rules are contained in rules code that is separate from the analysis code that performs the logical operations. Thus, the inference rules may be easily changed without changing other code, such as the analysis code.