Abstract: A method of validating functional testing of system circuitry on an integrated circuit chip, the system circuitry configured to perform a plurality of functions, the integrated circuit chip further comprising debugging circuitry under the control of a debug controller, the debugging circuitry comprising at least one debug unit. The method comprises: at the system circuitry, performing one of the plurality of functions; applying a debug configuration to the at least one debug unit; and at the at least one debug unit, monitoring for a characteristic in the system circuitry's performance of the one of the plurality of functions according to that debug configuration, and reporting to the debug controller.

Abstract: A method of identifying anomalies in images produced using an imaging device (70). The method comprises receiving (10), (12) first and second pluralities of candidate anomalies, the candidate anomalies being identified in subsequent images produced with an imaging device. A constellation match (14), (16), (18), (19) is carried out between the first and second pluralities of candidate anomalies to identify a correlation therebetween, represented by a constellation match value. A plurality of constellation match values is determined with a different relative x-y shift between the first and second pluralities of candidate images. If a good correlation is found at a particular x-y shift then the candidate anomalies are common between the first and second images, which is indicative of the first and second images including anomalies.

Abstract: A method of validating functional testing of system circuitry on an integrated circuit chip, the system circuitry configured to perform a plurality of functions, the integrated circuit chip further comprising debugging circuitry under the control of a debug controller, the debugging circuitry comprising at least one debug unit. The method comprises: at the system circuitry, performing one of the plurality of functions; applying a debug configuration to the at least one debug unit; and at the at least one debug unit, monitoring for a characteristic in the system circuitry's performance of the one of the plurality of functions according to that debug configuration, and reporting to the debug controller.

Abstract: A method of functionality testing system circuitry on an integrated circuit chip, the system circuitry comprising a plurality of sub-circuits and the integrated circuit chip further comprising debugging circuitry, the debugging circuitry comprising variability circuitry. The method comprises: at the system circuitry, performing a function by the sub-circuits performing concurrent actions; at the variability circuitry, altering relative timing of the concurrent actions so as to increase the likelihood of one or more errors in the system circuitry's performance of the function; and at the debugging circuitry, recording one or more errors in the system circuitry's performance of the function.

Abstract: An object based file system for storing and accessing objects is disclosed. The file system may be implemented as a method in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The method may include receiving from an application program an object write request. A selected storage node on which to store the object may be selected, including identifying a least busy storage node and/or a least full storage node. The object and the object write request may be sent to the selected storage node. A write success message may be received from the selected storage node. The successful writing of the object may be reported to the application program.

Abstract: An object based file system for storing and accessing objects is disclosed. The file system may be implemented as a method in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The method may include receiving from an application program an object write request. A selected storage node on which to store the object may be selected, including identifying a least busy storage node and/or a least full storage node. The object and the object write request may be sent to the selected storage node. A write success message may be received from the selected storage node. The successful writing of the object may be reported to the application program.

Abstract: An object based file system for storing and accessing objects is disclosed. The file system may be implemented as a method in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The method may include receiving from an application program an object write request. A selected storage node on which to store the object may be selected, including identifying a least busy storage node and/or a least full storage node. The object and the object write request may be sent to the selected storage node. A write success message may be received from the selected storage node. The successful writing of the object may be reported to the application program. An object identifier and object data may be stored in a database.

Abstract: A method of identifying anomalies in images produced using an imaging device (70). The method comprises receiving (10), (12) first and second pluralities of candidate anomalies, the candidate anomalies being identified in subsequent images produced with an imaging device. A constellation match (14), (16), (18), (19) is carried out between the first and second pluralities of candidate anomalies to identify a correlation therebetween, represented by a constellation match value. A plurality of constellation match values is determined with a different relative x-y shift between the first and second pluralities of candidate images. If a good correlation is found at a particular x-y shift then the candidate anomalies are common between the first and second images, which is indicative of the first and second images including anomalies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and process for creating an effective work schedule for a security checkpoint. The process includes the step of analyzing passenger flow to determine the coverage needed to sustain required service levels, generally through simulating the checkpoint to determine required staffing levels. Another step to optimize workforce levels and schedules is to create workforce schedules that are based on optimized person-hours and key variables. The schedule staffs as needed to achieve the required staffing levels and may consider numerous other factors, including acceptable ranges for shift lengths; a maximum number of start times; and a percentage of part-time or seasonal employees. In a particular embodiment, the schedule is formed by using linear programming to solve for a tour assignment matrix (defining a schedule) from a demand matrix representing the needed number of workers and a co efficient matrix representing the availability of workers.

Abstract: An object based file system for storing and accessing objects is disclosed. The file system may be implemented as a method in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The method may include receiving from an application program an object write request. A selected storage node on which to store the object may be selected, including identifying a least busy storage node and/or a least full storage node. The object and the object write request may be sent to the selected storage node. A write success message may be received from the selected storage node. The successful writing of the object may be reported to the application program. An object identifier and object data may be stored in a database.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and process for creating an effective work schedule for a security checkpoint. The process includes the step of analyzing passenger flow to determine the coverage needed to sustain required service levels, generally through simulating the checkpoint to determine required staffing levels. Another step to optimize workforce levels and schedules is to create workforce schedules that are based on optimized person-hours and key variables. The schedule staffs as needed to achieve the required staffing levels and may consider numerous other factors, including acceptable ranges for shift lengths; a maximum number of start times; and a percentage of part-time or seasonal employees. In a particular embodiment, the schedule is formed by using linear programming to solve for a tour assignment matrix (defining a schedule) from a demand matrix representing the needed number of workers and a co efficient matrix representing the availability of workers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and process for creating an effective work schedule for a security checkpoint. The process includes the step of analyzing passenger flow to determine the coverage needed to sustain required service levels, generally through simulating the checkpoint to determine required staffing levels. Another step to optimize workforce levels and schedules is to create workforce schedules that are based on optimized person-hours and key variables. The schedule staffs as needed to achieve the required staffing levels and may consider numerous other factors, including acceptable ranges for shift lengths; a maximum number of start times; and a percentage of part-time or seasonal employees. In a particular embodiment, the schedule is formed by using linear programming to solve for a tour assignment matrix (defining a schedule) from a demand matrix representing the needed number of workers and a coefficient matrix representing the availability of workers.

Abstract: A stay comprises an inclined casing and a bundle of substantially parallel taut reinforcements lodged in the casing and individually anchored in a first and a second anchoring region. According to the invention, the casing and some of the reinforcements are installed by applying substantially uniform tension values to the reinforcements, then several iterations of the following steps are formed: compacting the installed reinforcements, at least at one end of the casing; slipping a further group of reinforcements along inside the casing, in a space left available by the compacted reinforcements; and tensioning each reinforcement of the further group between the first and second anchoring regions so that all the installed reinforcements exhibit substantially uniform tension values.

Abstract: Data can be processed in automatic test equipment by dividing the test sites into groups and processing each group using a corresponding processor in a group of processors. Sections of the test equipment can communicate via a tester bus to a particularly designed multi-stream switch. The multi-stream switch can communicates with a plurality of processors via a plurality of processor busses. Each of the processors can run a separate instance of test software without interfering with software running on any other of the processors. The inventive protocol can be embodied essentially in hardware that can be adapted to an existing infrastructure without requiring substantial modifications of existing hardware or software.

Abstract: A cementitious panel with a low density core that can include at least one lightweight particulate aggregate filler, at least one binder, and at least one air entraining agent. The core of the cementitious panel can further comprise a rheological admixture, a standard weight aggregate filler, and/or synthetic and/or natural fibers. The method of forming such a cementitious panel involves forming a cementitious slurry, covering a reinforcing mesh with a portion of the cementitious slurry, forming a core by mixing together at least one lightweight particulate aggregate filler, and at least one air entraining agent, and introducing the core on top of the slurry covered mesh.

Abstract: A stay comprises an inclined casing and a bundle of substantially parallel taut reinforcements lodged in the casing and individually anchored in a first and a second anchoring region. According to the invention, the casing and some of the reinforcements are installed by applying substantially uniform tension values to the reinforcements, then several iterations of the following steps are formed: compacting the installed reinforcements, at least at one end of the casing; slipping a further group of reinforcements along inside the casing, in a space left available by the compacted reinforcements; and tensioning each reinforcement of the further group between the first and second anchoring regions so that all the installed reinforcements exhibit substantially uniform tension values.

Abstract: The present invention generally an apparatus and a method for filling tanks with acetylene gas. The invention includes filling a first tank to a first level, thereafter filling a second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention further includes restricting the flow of gas to the second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention also includes a first and a second transportable source of compressed acetylene.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously filling or discharging a plurality of acetylene cylinders. One embodiment provides an acetylene cylinder filling/dispensing assembly comprising a manifold connected to a plurality of acetylene cylinders for simultaneously filling or discharging the plurality of acetylene cylinders, the manifold having an acetylene gas inlet/discharge coupling connectable to an acetylene gas supply to deliver acetylene gas from the acetylene gas supply to the plurality of acetylene cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention generally an apparatus and a method for filling tanks with acetylene gas. The invention includes filling a first tank to a first level, thereafter filling a second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention further includes restricting the flow of gas to the second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention also includes a first and a second transportable source of compressed acetylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and process for creating an effective work schedule for a security checkpoint. The process includes the step of analyzing passenger flow to determine the coverage needed to sustain required service levels. The coverage is generally determined through simulating the security checkpoint to determine required staffing levels. Another step to optimize workforce levels and schedules is to create workforce schedules that are based on optimized person-hours and key variables. The schedule staffs as needed to achieve the required staffing levels. The schedule may consider numerous other factors, such as acceptable ranges for minimum and maximum shift lengths; a maximum number of start times; and a percentage of part-time or seasonal employees. Saving from the present invention may then be determined by comparing baseline worker-hours to optimized worker-hours.