Abstract: A uniform, centralized system for converting all existing systems into one unique, universal system which allows for tracking those titles for articles of value, such as motor vehicles, boats, land, antiques, etc., in a congruent and continual manner. The system provides a centralized computer data base(s) operating in a "client-server" computer environment for use in creating a title history file, and for assigning a singular registration number and identification number from the VIN (or other) identifying number with those numbers being coded, and creating a coded title and registration number and for storing relevant data on the item. The centralized data base is connected to various authorized agents such as insurance agents and car dealers, and to governmental agents such as department of motor vehicles and tax collecting entities. In this way, all relevant data on an item can now be is maintained on a centralized system which is accessible to all who need the information.

Abstract: A process control system uses a performance model, in conjunction with an economic model, to meet either performance or economic objectives. The system operates either automatically, on-line, in "real time" or manually off-line, in "real time" to optimize the process to meet a selected objective. The performance model uses neural networks to determine the interrelationships of each of a set of independent variables (controllable inputs to the process) to each other and their relationship to a set of dependent variables (outputs of the process). The performance model is used to optimize the process to meet performance objectives. The economic model is used in conjunction with the performance model to meet economic objectives.

Abstract: In a grammar checking system which includes first tagging a sentence as to parts of speech and recovery of underlying spellings, a system for the correction of inflections includes identifying typical example of words which do not follow normal rules either as to pluralization, past tense, past participle, comparative formation and superlative formation, with this unique list of incorrect words forming the basis for suggesting suitable replacement words the system first performs a conventional spell check to detect mispellings by dictionary lookup system. Thereafter correct words are suggested based on an English dictionary and on the root forms and the morphological features derived from the incorrect words in the compendium.

Abstract: Turntable (10) has a turntable bottom (19) and a turntable wall (20) which together define a locating space (21) in which the hub (7) of an information disc is engageable, and in which it is centered by means of a centering member (12) and clamped by magnetic clamping means. At the circumference of the locating space a centering wall (26) is provided, which wall has an inwardly sloping surface (27). The dimensions of the various parts, the field strength of the magnetic means and the coefficients of friction of the cooperating materials of the hub and the turntable are selected in such a way that, once an information disc has reached a position in which the free end of the centering member (22) has engaged the centering hole (17) of the information disc, the outer wall (28) of the hub (7) is situated above the sliding surface (27) of the turntable.

Abstract: An automated health benefit processing system. The system includes a database and three processors. The database includes, for each geographic area and for each medical procedures for which a benefit is payable, the benefit payable to an insured if the procedure is prescribed and performed, a list of providers available to perform the designated procedure, and each provider's charge for performing the designated procedure. The first processor generates a treatment plan concerning the insured that specifies the identity of the insured and the medical procedures to be performed on the insured. The first processor also accesses the database to retrieve the information stored in the database under the medical procedures to be performed and to append this information to the treatment plan. The second processor generates a treatment record specifying the medical procedures actually performed by a provider and the provider's actual charge therefor.

Abstract: A method for reconciling multiple schedules having time slots on a computer system including a processing unit, system memory, display device, and input device. An interval is selected which is common to the schedules and derived schedules are created for each schedule using the common interval. The derived schedules are then synchronized by matching like time slots of the derived schedules. Empty time slots are inserted into each derived schedule to correspond to time slots in the schedules that conflict. The resulting schedules are displayed on the display device for user reconciliation.

Abstract: A problem solving expert system is provided which is particularly useful in managing the health care of individual patients. A description of a problem (e.g., medical condition) and a proposed solution therefor (e.g., medical procedure) is entered via a user interface. A topical library is searched to identify information relevant to the problem and proposed solution. Access to the identified information is available in either a full text or synopsis format, to assist a user in assessing the appropriateness of the proposed solution. An inference engine provides a recommendation to the user as to the appropriateness of the proposed solution based on information entered via the user interface and rules associated with the inference engine. A user can interact with the inference engine in either a structured or guided mode.

Abstract: A system for reducing afterglow induced artifacts by filtering out afterglow using recursive filters that are tailored to match the intensity and decay time of the scintillating detectors that produce the afterglow.

Abstract: In ordering products, a customer selects a product from a product list stored in a remote computer system via a communication line. A sensor detects the customer size information and transmits it to the remote computer, thus enabling the remote computer to select a product having an appropriate size. Subsequently, on a monitor display, product image is superimposed on the customer body image. The fit evaluation is automatically performed by the local computer system. Depending on the fit of the product, the customer tries different products until placing an order.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an electronic data entry and processing system useful to influence and advance the practices of community police officers (CPOs) engaged in community policing. The system may be implemented on a standalone personal computer or on a hand-held computer unit, and it may be used in standalone mode or as part of a system. The system includes a variety of tools, enacted from a main menu screen, that are utilized by the CPO in implementing the community policing philosophy. Each of the tools are logically grouped according to a function practiced by the CPO, such as documentation; investigation; resources; or miscellaneous use. The tools are cross-linked with one another at various points to logically interrelate the tools as they would be used by the CPO in practice.

Abstract: A portable, conveniently usable, and inexpensive non-contact bar code verifier permits testing of bar code labels at some arbitrary but constant distance from the verifier. Means are provided for analog analysis of bar code label contrast levels, and for derivation of new, instructive indices characterizing the readability and print quality. Additionally, a new method for determination of absolute bar code label dimensions is disclosed. The method of calibration for arbitrary scanning distance and angle standardizes not only the verifier's ability to measure absolute dimensions at unknown distances, but also its ability to discern contrast under arbitrary lighting conditions and scanning equipment. This is accomplished by employing calibration standards of known characteristics. Bar code verification information may be stored and/or employed for a variety of control and analytical functions as recognized in the art.

Abstract: A method for extracting open-issue data from a textual specification using a computer is disclosed. The method includes searching for predetermined trigger token morphemes in an enhanced text corpus based upon the textual specification and constituted of respective enhanced sentences so as to electronically mark respective ones of the enhanced sentences based upon the presence of predetermined trigger token morphemes. Linguistic analysis can then be executed upon each remaining unmarked sentences to detect an interrogatory construct in respective ones of the remaining sentences. Sentences marked based either upon the presence of the trigger token morpheme or upon the presence of the interrogatory construct constitute the open-issue data extracted from the textual specification undergoing analysis.

Abstract: A two level document processing method which prepares a downstream document on the basis of an upstream document associated with software. The upstream document is one used by users of a software product or the like, and the downstream document is one used by designers of the software product or the like. The downstream document is prepared by comparing the upstream document with an upstream deletion document including information which is particular to the upstream document and is unnecessary for the downstream document (steps SA1-SA4), by continuing to search a deletion candidate to be eliminated from the upstream document until the last one, and by performing deletion/non-deletion of the deletion candidate from the upstream document in accordance with the results of the search (steps SA7-SA16). This makes it possible to improve efficiency of preparing a document, to refine the document, and to exploit potential information.

Abstract: A security trade settlement device is provided. The device comprises a database having a plurality of delivery instruction sets, a database receiver for receiving an identifier, a database searcher for searching the database, and a database transmitter for transmitting the retrieved instruction set corresponding to the identifier. The device preferably also comprises a participant transmitter for transmitting the identifier and a participant receiver for receiving and outputting the retrieved, transmitted delivery instruction set. The database preferably also includes a plurality of account information sets which include a custodian delivery instruction set specified by the institution. In other aspects, the invention comprises methods of operating the database and the security trade settlement communication device.

Abstract: An election terminal apparatus includes an integral-type display/input unit constituted by a liquid crystal display unit and a tablet unit for input data. The display unit displays a first screen including icons corresponding to candidates. A voter operates the tablet unit to designate a candidate for whom he/she wants to vote. The election terminal apparatus discriminates the candidate designated by the voter, and causes the liquid crystal display unit to display an image for allowing the voter to input the candidate name or the like with handwriting. When the voter handwrites the candidate name or the like on the table unit, the election terminal apparatus performs character recognition with respect to the handwritten pattern. When a candidate specified by the recognized characters coincides with the candidate designated first, the election terminal apparatus increments the vote count of the candidate by one.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing secure access and execution of application software stored on a first computer by a second computer using a communication device while a communication link is maintained between the first and second computers. More specifically, a secure software rental system is disclosed. The system enables a user in a remote location using a personal computer and a modem to connect to a central rental facility, transfer application software from the central rental facility to the remote computer, and execute the application software on the remote computer while electronically connected to the central rental facility. When the communication link between the central rental facility and the remote computer is interrupted or terminated, the application software no longer executes on the remote computer. This is accomplished by integrating header software with the application software.

Abstract: A portable timing device stores selectable user, client and activity data. The device has a memory which stores user selected information relating to a user, client and activity along with corresponding start and stop times. The system communicates with a central billing computer over an appropriate two way port which reads and writes to the memory in the device.

Abstract: Goods which come in different sizes, shapes, numbers, etc. are packed in assemblies which comprise a tray and a plurality of open-top box-like modules which sit snugly side-by-side in the tray. Each module is prepacked and contains only one size, shape etc. goods. At its destination the loaded assembly, usually along with other loaded assemblies, becomes the display package for the different size, shape, etc. goods. The method of the invention utilizes a lap-top computer working with a mainframe by which the order is placed and immediately gives pricing information. In the case of a custom or tailored order of different numbers of various sizes of goods, the computer is able to indicate whether the order will make up a complete shipment of packing assemblies, with the correct number of pre-filled modules to fill the trays with none left over.

Abstract: In a grammar checking system which includes first tagging a sentence as to parts of speech, underlying spelling is recovered by removing the effects of capitalization of a word so that appropriate inflection and or spelling can be suggested by the system. In order to determine the underlying spelling the system determines whether a noun is a proper noun through the utilization of a part of speech tagger and the utilization of part of speech trigram probabilities, with capitalized and uncapitalized versions of the word having different trigram probabilities. The system also establishes whether a word is an ordinary word as opposed to a proper noun or other intrinsically capitalized word. With the system further determining which of two interpretations of the word is the best one.

Abstract: The various transportation logistics tasks, such as order processing, order fulfillment, transportation of goods and tracking, are assigned to individual client/server objects which make up the building blocks of the computerized logistics management system. A tokenized message handling scheme allows client and server objects to share information, even where the respective data types do not match. An external processing manager provides script handling services to other client applications, allowing those applications to modify the performance of other program objects and to communicate with the outside world.