Patents Examined by Mark R. Powell
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Patent number: 6496816Abstract: One aspect of the invention is the construction of mixtures of Bayesian networks. Another aspect of the invention is the use of such mixtures of Bayesian networks to perform inferencing. A mixture of Bayesian networks (MBN) consists of plural hypothesis-specific Bayesian networks (HSBNs) having possibly hidden and observed variables. A common external hidden variable is associated with the MBN, but is not included in any of the HSBNs. The number of HSBNs in the MBN corresponds to the number of states of the common external hidden variable, and each HSBN is based upon the hypothesis that the common external hidden variable is in a corresponding one of those states. In one mode of the invention, the MBN having the highest MBN score is selected for use in performing inferencing.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Bo Thiesson, Christopher A. Meek, David Maxwell Chickering, David Earl Heckerman
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Patent number: 6493690Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: AccentureInventors: Benoit Patrick Bertrand, Alexander Zorba, Jonathan Christian Conant
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Patent number: 6484308Abstract: A system and method for maintaining data integrity in computer systems which have removable hard drives. The system and method of the present invention ensures that a disk drive which is reinserted into the computer system is the drive used to boot the operating system. When the computer system boots, the system reads the unique drive identification information from the hard drive and stores this identification information in memory for later use. Later, the computer system may be powered down or placed in a suspend state where the hard drive may be removed and a new drive inserted. When the computer system resumes and first requires access to the hard drive, the system and reads the drive identification information from the drive and compares the drive identification obtained from the drive with the drive identification information stored in memory at boot time.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: John J. Pearce, Jim Walker
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Patent number: 6473747Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling trajectory of an object (47) to a first predetermined position. The apparatus has an input layer (22) having nodes (22a-22f) for receiving input data indicative of the first predetermined position. First weighted connections (28) are connected to the nodes of the input layer (22). Each of the first weighted connections (28) have a coefficient for weighting the input data. An output layer (26) having nodes (26a-26e) connected to the first weighted connections (28) determines trajectory data based upon the first weighted input data. The trajectory of the object is controlled based upon the determined trajectory data.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: James E. Biggers, Kevin P. Finn, Homer H. Schwartz, II, Richard A. McClain, Jr.
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Patent number: 6463424Abstract: There is provided a basic association unit for creating an information processing apparatus capable of performing information processing like information processing that actually occurs in central nerve systems of animals including human beings. The association unit is an unit for repeating input and output signals having m input terminals and n output terminals. When a first input signal which is a rectangular wave signal in the form of a pulse is simultaneously input to input terminals in a quantity less than m, an output signal having the same contents as the first input signal is output from particular output terminals which are associated with the input terminals in advance.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventors: Norio Ogata, Koji Ataka
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Patent number: 6463425Abstract: A neural network assisted multi-spectral segmentation method and system. According to the invention, three images having different optical bands are acquired for the same micrographic scene of a biological sample. The images are processed and a cellular material map is generated identifying cellular material. The cellular material map is then applied to a neural network. The neural network classifies the cellular material map into nuclear objects and cytoplasmic objects by determining a threshold surface in the 3-dimensional space separating the cytoplasmic and nuclear regions. In another aspect, the neural network comprises a hardware-encoded algorithm in the form of a look-up table.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Morphometrix Technologies Inc.Inventor: Ryan S. Raz
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Patent number: 6456994Abstract: A quantum computer is an array of quantum hits (qubits) together with some hard-ware for manipulating these qubits. Quantum Bayesian (QB) nets are a method of modeling quantum systems graphically in terms of network diagrams. This invention comprises a classical computer running a Computer program that expresses the information contained in a QB net as a sequence of elementary operations (SEO). One can then run these sequences on a quantum computer. We show how to reduce a QB net into a SEO by a two step process. First, express the information contained in the QB net as a sequence of unitary operators. Second, express each of those unitary operators as a SEO. An appendix to this document contains the C++ source code of a computer program called “Qubiter1.0”, which is a preferred embodiment of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventor: Robert Tucci
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Patent number: 6442535Abstract: A controller for a switched reluctance machine utilizing a feedforward neural network in combination with either a fuzzy logic controller or a proportional-integral controller to provide output control signals (e.g., turn-ON angle, turn-OFF angle and peak current) for controlling the energization of a switched reluctance machine. In an alternate embodiment, a fuzzy logic controller is utilized by itself to control a switched reluctance machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1998Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventor: Tang Yifan
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Patent number: 6415433Abstract: A method system for optimizing a computer program. In one embodiment, the system identifies depths of blocks of a computer program and identifies the availability of expressions of the computer program. The system then modifies the computer program when he identified availability of the expression and the identified depth of a block indicate that the expression can be moved to the block. The depth of the block may represent the number of dominator blocks of that block. The availability of the expression may represent the depth of a block to which the expression may be moved. In one embodiment, when the identified availability of the expression is less than the identified depth of the block, the expression can be moved to the block.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Cray Inc.Inventors: Charles David Callahan, II, Brian D. Koblenz
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Patent number: 6412104Abstract: An integrated circuit debugging system is provided for debugging the integrated circuits with bi-directional terminals is disclosed. The system includes clock unit for providing clocks, and address generating unit for generating address responsive to the provided clock. An I/O control memory is used to store pin status of an integrated circuit under test corresponding to each of the generated address; and a timing diagram memory is used to store fitting value of the integrated circuit. Moreover, the system includes an I/O manipulating unit for directing signal into and out of the integrated circuit according to the stored pin status of the I/O control memory, and for comparing the signal out of the integrated circuit under test and the fitting value from the timing diagram memory. Further, feedback control unit is configured to control the address generation of the address generating unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fouriers Tseng
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Patent number: 6411946Abstract: Neural computing techniques are used to optimize route selection in a communication network, such as an ATM network. Output measurements of the network are used to provide optimal routing selection and traffic management. Specifically, link data traffic is monitored in the network to obtain traffic history data. An autoregressive backpropagation neural network is trained using the traffic history data to obtain respective predicted traffic profiles for the links. Particular links are then selected for carrying data based on the predicted traffic profiles. A cost function, limits on network parameters such as link cost and cell rate, and other quality of service factors are also considered in selecting the optimal route.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Aloke Chaudhuri
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Patent number: 6408290Abstract: One aspect of the invention is the construction of mixtures of Bayesian networks. Another aspect of the invention is the use of such mixtures of Bayesian networks to perform inferencing. A mixture of Bayesian networks (MBN) consists of plural hypothesis-specific Bayesian networks (HSBNs) having possibly hidden and observed variables. A common external hidden variable is associated with the MBN, but is not included in any of the HSBNs. The number of HSBNs in the MBN corresponds to the number of states of the common external hidden variable, and each HSBN is based upon the hypothesis that the common external hidden variable is in a corresponding one of those states. In one mode of the invention, the MBN having the highest MBN score is selected for use in performing inferencing.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Bo Thiesson, Christopher A. Meek, David Maxwell Chickering, David Earl Heckerman
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Patent number: 6408289Abstract: An elastic robot body in which a number of actuators are integrated. If the actuators are triggered individually or in groups, they exercise a force on the material of the body, so that the latter changes its shape. Integrated sensors or switches measure the momentary position of the body. An imitation hand, comprising such a body, can move its sections in a human fashion.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: MRI Devices Daum GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Rudolf Daum
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Patent number: 6396663Abstract: A projection serves to space the air bearing surface apart from the surface of a recording disk when the recording disk stands still. The contact area can be reduced between a flying head slider and the surface of the recording disk. When the flying head slider inclines downstream around the tip end of the projection in response to a reverse rotation of the recording disk at the beginning of the rotation, the flying head slider allows a rugged surface to contact the surface of the recording disk at the outflow end thereof. The effect of meniscus or adsorption cannot be intensified between the lubricating agent or oil and the air bearing surface, namely, the flying head slider. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably avoid failure in starting the recording disk to rotate. Less torque of the spindle motor allows the recording disk to normally start rotating.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Yoshiharu Kasamatsu
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Patent number: 6385766Abstract: A method for automated installation of software packages in a computer system includes loading an operating system onto the computer system. The operating system is provided with a hook for initiating a windows-based install of prescribed software packages during an operating system setup (OS setup). At least one prescribed software package and a corresponding windows-based software package installer are loaded onto the computer system. The operating system setup is then executed. Lastly, the windows-based install of the at least one prescribed software package is initiated in response to the hook, the windows-based install being carried out according to the corresponding software package installer.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Dell USA L.P.Inventors: Bobby G. Doran, Jr., Bill Hyden, Terry Wayne Liles
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Patent number: 6385765Abstract: Software for, and a method of using a computer for, specifying and verifying synchronous and asynchronous concurrent systems. The method comprises specifying software in a design language possessing a formal semantics; simulating the design in accordance with its formal semantics; verifying that the design satisfies predetermined requirements; generating test cases and; generating software code. The method includes the steps of inputting by a graphical editor and a textual editor a formal design of the software, inputting desired properties as formulas in temporal logic, and verifying automatically if the formal design satisfies the desired properties.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: The Research FoundationInventors: Rance Cleaveland, Scott A. Smolka, Philip M. Lewis, Y. S. Ramakrishna
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Patent number: 6381742Abstract: A software package manager uses a distribution unit containing components for a software package and a manifest file that describes the distribution unit to manage the installation, execution, and uninstallation of software packages on a computer. Information in the manifest file pertaining to a software package is stored in a code store data structure upon installation of the package. The manifest file also contains information that permits the software package manager to resolve any software dependencies upon installation. The software package manager uses the code store data structure to locate the required components when the software is executed and to remove the components appropriately when the software is uninstalled.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jonathan A. Forbes, Jeremy D. Stone, Srivatsan Parthasarathy, Michael J. Toutonghi, Michael V. Sliger
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Patent number: 6370686Abstract: A generic way of publishing globally available functionality that can be shared across applications. Utilizing an Installer Registry, an Installer, Descriptors and a Publish Component Table, related components can be retrieved using an qualifier. A request for a listing of related components, which includes a qualifier, is received from an application. The installer retrieves all the related components, matching the qualifier, from the Publish Component Table. The installer then retrieves the features associated with the components and presents the list of components to the application. The application then selects a specific component and the installer then determines the product associated with the selected component by using the feature and component information retrieved from the Publish Component Table. Once the product information is retrieved, the present invention searches the Installer Registry, using the product, feature and component information as a token, and returns a keypath for that token.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: John C. Delo, Malcolm S. Haar, Jeffrey E. Larsson, Chetan A. Parulekar
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Patent number: 6370683Abstract: Computer software for generating flowchart images of a source program. The computer software includes a first program which reads an input program source code as an input and generates a coded output file containing codes that a second program uses to create the shapes of the flowchart or list the copybooks and called programs used in the input program source code being flowcharted. Each line of the source program input is checked character for character for ‘reserved words’ of the source program language. When a ‘reserved word’ is found then a shape code is created. A single program flowchart can be created or by selecting a key word “AUTO”, multiple program flowcharts can be created. The coded output file contains first, second, and third fields. The first field contains a three character shape identifier (the computer software includes 25 predefined shape identifiers). The second field contains a view number and a shape position.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventor: Arnold Sobers
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Patent number: 6367075Abstract: A computer program product and apparatus builds a set of uninstall instructions from a set of installation instructions so that one or more installations of computer updates can be removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Marimba, Inc.Inventors: Louis P Kruger, Anson Mah, Sami Shaio