Abstract: A system and associated method for building a knowledgebase for a software system. The knowledgebase has multiple problem-solution records for problems that may occur in the software system. A user of the knowledgebase requests a solution to a problem by submitting a problem description and payment information. The payment information is separately verified and the knowledgebase is searched for a problem-solution record that has the same problem description provided by the user. A solution of the matched problem-solution record is presented to the user and the user provides a feedback rating how effective the solution is in solving the problem. The feedback may be another solution for the problem or evidences supporting the feedback. If the feedback is evaluated to be valuable, the knowledgebase may be updated with the feedback. An author of an existing valuable solution and/or the user who provided another solution is rewarded.

Abstract: A system and associated method for building a knowledgebase for a software system. The knowledgebase has multiple problem-solution records for problems that may occur in the software system. A user of the knowledgebase requests a solution to a problem by submitting a problem description and payment information. The payment information is separately verified and the knowledgebase is searched for a problem-solution record that has the same problem description provided by the user. A solution of the matched problem-solution record is presented to the user and the user provides a feedback rating how effective the solution is in solving the problem. The feedback may be another solution for the problem or evidences supporting the feedback. If the feedback is evaluated to be valuable, the knowledgebase may be updated with the feedback. An author of an existing valuable solution and/or the user who provided another solution is rewarded.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatic optical inspection of a substantially two-dimensional pattern using digital image processing techniques are described. In a first processing step, all regions of a digitized stored image derived from the two-dimensional pattern are scanned for edges or lines, that is, transitions between regions having optically different characteristics. The scanned edge regions are marked in the image storage. In a subsequent second processing step all non-marked regions of the image storage are scanned and tested for the presence of permissible grey levels. A meander-shaped scanning track is used for scanning the edge or lined regions. The apparatus for implementing this method includes special latch circuitry for eliminating the further processing of marked regions, thus increasing the overall speed at which the two-dimensional pattern can be optically inspected.