Abstract: A technique for processing natural language text uses a data structure that includes structure data in the text data. The structure data indicates an autonomous punctuational structure of the text, a punctuational structure that is independent of the lexical content of the text and therefore can be manipulated without considering the meaning of the words in the text. The data structure can be a tree in which each node has a textual type such as a paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word. The data structure could alternatively be parallel data sequences, one with codes indicating the text's characters and the other with codes indicating textual types. The data structure is produced and maintained using a grammar of textual types, indicating for each textual type the textual types of units into which it can properly be divided. During editing, a text sequence is generated by applying rendering rules to the data structure, and the text is presented to the user based on the text sequence.

Abstract: An object is exposed to penetrating radiation at each of a plurality of partial rotations of the object. Radiation transmitted through the object strikes a separate sheet of radiographic film for each exposure to record an entire radiographic image of the object for each angular orientation. The radiographic images are digitized and stored in the memory of a computer. Each digitized image is registered by determining the error of rotation and center of rotation for each digitized image and correcting for the error of rotation by rotation and translation of pixel values. One or more displacement values are selected in correspondence with one or more desired levels of view and the digitized images are displaced according to the selected displacement values. The displaced images are then combined to produce images representative of the selected levels of view. Image planes non-parallel to the film image plane may be selected and interactive image enhancement and manipulation are provided.

Abstract: Data for reproducing music and displaying words are composed of binary-coded digital signals. Such signals are down-loaded via a public communication line, or data corresponding to a plurality of musical pieces or songs are previously stored in an apparatus, and the stored data are selectively processed by a CPU. In the instrumental music data, trigger signals are existent for progression of processing the words data, whereby the reproduction of music and the display of words are linked to each other. The music thus reproduced is utilized as background music or for enabling the user to sing to the accompaniment thereof while watching the words displayed synchronously with such music reproduction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for imaging an object undergoing high energy irradiation, such as a patient being treated by radiation teletherapy, the apparatus employing an array of ion chambers in a detector, the detector being rotatable with respect to the object, the image being obtained by acquiring projection data from each of the ion chambers at a sequence of predetermined orientations, the projection data for each location being reconstructed into an image by convolution filtering or other reconstruction technique, and subsequently employed in a back-projection of all projection data, which may then be displayed on a video monitor. The detector employs a liquid fluorocarbon as the ionizing medium in the plurality of ion chambers.

Abstract: A method of reducing image artifacts in tomographic, projection imaging systems due to periodic motion of the object being imaged includes the acquisition of a signal indicative of the periodic motion. This signal is used to identify a quiescent period in the periodic motion so that the acquisition of projection data may be coordinated to be centered within the quiescent period. The sequence of the angles at which projection data is acquired is controlled so that the primary axis of periodic motion is perpendicular to the axis of projection at the center of the quiescent period. Multiple periodic signals may be coordinated by awaiting their best alignment over a fixed number of cycles of one of the periodic motions.

Abstract: A computer tomography apparatus has an x-ray source with a focus, with the focus being periodically deflected during data acquisition, specifically during mean value formation of the signals obtained by the radiation detector. The mean value formation is not undertaken simultaneously for all detector elements, but instead is undertaken chronologically offset from detector element to detector element. A memory in which the analog measured values available at the end of an interval would be stored is thus not needed.

Abstract: A computer method for rapidly identifying and displaying discrepancies in vehicle titles comprises the steps of automatically identifying the discrepancies inherent in individual title transaction records and identifying contextual discrepancies which may be determined by comparison of title transaction records.

Abstract: A method of determining a desired image signal range comprises the steps of carrying out differentiation processing on image signal components to positions located along each of a plurality of lines on a recording medium having a radiation image recorded thereon, which lines include lines extending across an image part corresponding to a radiation blocking material. Absolute values are found from the values resulting from the differential processing of the image signal components, which absolute values exceed a threshold value. The area of the recording medium is divided into a plurality of small blocks, and processing of the image signal is conducted on the basis of the small blocks.

Abstract: The present invention enables visualizing, identifying and ordering speed reduction gearing configurations, particularly enclosed worm gear configurations, by a system comprising a mechanical display and a digital computer, which cooperate in a novel manner. The mechanical display includes sequences of adjustable slide media, each having at least a stationary base component and a rotatable disk component of sufficiently large size for convenient visual and manual access. The digital computer includes a host computer and a plurality of dedicated terminals that communicate with the host computer through telephone lines. Each of the terminals contains a programmed read only memory which guides the terminal user, through a sequence of inquiries, to automatically telephone the host computer, to transmit input data from the mechanical display to the host computer, and to display the result data received from the host computer for confirmation or rejection by the user.

Abstract: A natural language processing system for processing an original text by applying grammar rules, includes a grammar rule control table for holding information on applicability of the grammar rules to the original text, the information containing dictionary information associated with words appearing in the original text, and means for determining application or non-applicability application of each grammar rule based on the applicability information. The application conditions for applying each grammar rule are collectively evaluated or examined based on the information on the applicability of the grammar rules contained in the dictionary information and information on the text type, sentence type and domain of subject of the original text, and the result is stored in the grammar rule control table.

Abstract: A goods layout planning method for making a layout for a quantity of goods arranged on gondolas in a store by using a terminal device including a display and a processor. Rules regarding goods layouts are stored in a knowledge base. The effort to make layout plans for goods can be simplified and the efficiency thereof improved by using sales data for each of the goods, attributes of goods, attributes of gondolas, and the rules with respect to the goods layouts.

Abstract: An interactive and menu driven microcomputer-based system is disclosed which provides financial institution management and quality control personnel with a powerful tool to help manage and control MICR encoded document rejects to reduce the rate of such rejects to a minimum. The reject analysis system's dedicated microcomputer is linked to a bank's mainframe computer either directly or indirectly by utilizing a mainframe generated item processing magnetic tape file. The microcomputer-based system may, for example, include a PC having a keyboard and a CRT display, a tape drive, a hard disk, an extended RAM memory, and a printer for generating advisory letters and other hard copy documents. The microcomputer-based system also includes a MICR reader and analyzer which permits rejected checks to be analyzed for their MICR quality. The system displays a daily summary report showing the total document items processed, the number of rejected items, as well as the rejected percentage.

Abstract: A centralized system of accumulating cash value for consumers based upon point-of-sale transactions with multiple merchants is disclosed wherein for each transaction, the consumer's account number (such as the Social Security number) and birthdate are transmitted to a central system along with data identifying the merchant and a credit value determined by the merchant. At the central location, a cash value for that consumer is incremented by the credit value and a bill value for that merchant is similarly incremented. Periodically, the merchants are billed for the accumulated bill value. Also, at selected intervals, consumers are given access to their respective accumulated cash values by either a check in that amount or through a funds dispensing electronic terminal access or the like. Preferably, the intervals are selected to correspond to birthdates of the consumers.

Abstract: A computerized gaming apparatus is disclosed in which a card game, such as poker, is electronically simulated on a plurality of individual player consoles. Each of the player consoles is interconnected with a central computer unit which simulates and controls the game, and at the same time, tabulates and displays all betting information for each participant. Each of the player consoles displays all of the player's own cards and either the up-cards of the other players, or the number of cards drawn by the other players (depending upon whether stud or draw poker is being played). The console also allows each player to input certain data to the central computer at specified times during the game.

Abstract: A position and seal or packing wear indicator for mechanical flow controlling devices such as valves and blowout preventers. For blowout preventers the system includes ultrasonic sensors for each ram and annular blowout preventer of a blowout preventer stack. Each of the ultrasonic sensors is positioned within the wall structure of the valve or blowout preventer and is recessed with respect to the inner wall surface such that a desired echo thereof occurs at the plane of the inner wall surface, thereby rendering the electronic signal processing system capable of accurately and positively sensing the precise positions of the flow controlling devices at all times. Electrical signals from the ultrasonic sensors are converted by an electronic signal conditioner to a usable interface format for transmission through a multi-conductor cable system to a remotely located computer. The computer includes software which generates on its CRT a graphical display of the respective positions of the flow controlling devices.

Abstract: An improved method for inputting Chinese characters into computers and the keyboard arrangement therefor wherein the Chinese characters, of which the numbers are enormous and the structures are complicated, are reduced to obtain only a few rules for inputting Chinese characters and the 244 radicals are allocated on a standard keyboard.The present inputting method is based on "stroke orders". The manner in which the characters are input conforms with general writing habits such that the method is easy and convenient for an operator to learn fast.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for rapid processing of the data records of many moving and nonmoving objects on a playfield only part of which is displayed and for determining collisions between objects. A search pipeline using a synchronous state machine searching a linked list of the records organized by approximate position on the playfield implements the search function. A lookahead cycle in the state machine is provided to continue searching for the next object which is to be visible while the graphic data from a previously found object is being loaded into a line buffer.

Abstract: A sales data registration and payment settlement apparatus includes a number of register terminals for registering sales data of each article to be to be purchased by a customer, and for transmitting the sales data and total sales amount data for each customer to an electronic cash register (ECR) located away from the register terminals. The ECR includes a number of memories for storing data, transmitted from the register terminals when the sales related data for each customer is fully compiled, a printer, and a control unit for driving the printer on the basis of the sales data and total sales amount data for each customer, so that these data items are printed on a receipt. A register terminal associated with each customer arriving at the ECR is designated by way of corresponding call keys on the ECR.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microcomputer and method for selecting foodstuffs and maintaining a record of the nutritional values of foodstuffs eaten. The apparatus has a memory for receiving and retaining a data base of information regarding foodstuffs, accessing keys for accessing from the memory foodstuff identifying information regarding a selected class of foodstuffs from among those in the data base, a display for displaying a plurality of lines of information for a correponding plurality of foodstuffs accessed from the memory, selection keys for selecting from the display of a plurality of lines of information that foodstuff identifying and nutritional value information which relates to a specific foodstuff, and a register for registering the information selected from the display regarding a specific foodstuff and for accumulating over an interval of time the information regarding additional selected foodstuffs.

Abstract: A billiard ball tracking system is disclosed. According to the present invention, the system may be used to either instruct a player to improve his playing capabilities or to rate the comparative skills of two competing players. The system according to the present invention is provided with means to indicate a selected layout of cue ball and object balls and means for indicating a preferred shot. Once a player has designated a particular object ball and the desired movement of the ball on the playing surface of a pool table, the system will calculate the optimum paths of cue ball and playing ball in order for the playing ball to be pocketed as designated by the player. In the most preferred embodiment of the present system, the system will, through the use of a laser tracking system, accurately track the changing position of all of the playing balls on the playing surface of the pool table.