Abstract: A system and method for tracking, monitoring and learning prisoner or parolee behavior involves obtaining prisoner or parolee data and monitoring data for at least one individual prisoner or parolee, storing the prisoner or parolee data and monitored data into a database, learning prisoner or parolee behavior from the prisoner or parolee data and the monitored data in the database, and updating the prisoner or parolee data and the monitored data in the database. Expert system (i.e. including but not limited to fuzzy logic, reinforcement learning, neural networks, artificial intelligence, etc.) algorithms are executed for determining and analyzing deviated behavior by the prisoner or parolee. A parole level is assigned to the prisoner or parolee and it is determined whether the prisoner or parolee is to be moved up or down a parole level depending on whether the prisoner or parolee behavior does not constitute or does constitute prisoner or parolee violations.

Abstract: A bar code (10) has primary information (46, 48, 50, 51) encoded in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and secondary information (13,21,36) encoded in another direction (e.g., vertically) in single (11) or multiple tracks (35) in selected ones of the vertical bars (11) of a bar code (10). Using a non-linear, variable amplitude scanner, all of the primary bars are scanned in the one direction to obtain all of the primary information and all of those vertical bars having secondary information are scanned in the other direction to obtain all of the secondary information. The one direction which is perpendicular to the vertical primary bars (11), is determined by first rotating the scan path axis (86,87) until both start (46) and end (48) code bars are read thereby placing the scan path entirely within the total bar code, and, then, further rotating the scan path (88,89) to determine the direction of the minimum crossing width (Lsc 80) of the total bar code (10).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that optimize the combustion process in various reactors, furnaces, and internal combustion engines. Video cameras are used to evaluate the combustion flame grade. Depending on the desired form, standard or special video devices, or beam scanning devices, are used to image the combustion flame and by-products. The video device generates and outputs image signals during various phases of, and at various locations in, the combustion process. Other forms of sensors monitor and generate data signals defining selected parameters of the combustion process, such as air flow, fuel flow, turbulence, exhaust and inlet valve openings, etc. In a preferred form, a neural networks initially processes the image data and characterizes the combustion flame. A fuzzy logic controller and associated fuzzy logic rule base analyzes the image data from the neural network, along with other sensor information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that optimize the combustion process in various reactors, furnaces, and internal combustion engines. Video cameras are used to evaluate the combustion flame grade. Depending on the desired form, standard or special video devices, or beam scanning devices, are used to image the combustion flame and by-products. The video device generates and outputs image signals during various phases of, and at various locations in, the combustion process. Other forms of sensors monitor and generate data signals defining selected parameters of the combustion process, such as air flow, fuel flow, turbulence, exhaust and inlet valve openings, etc. In a preferred form, a neural networks initially processes the image data and characterizes the combustion flame. A fuzzy logic controller and associated fuzzy logic rule base analyzes the image data from the neural network, along with other sensor information.

Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held, portable code reading and processing system within an elongated tubular housing forms a wand that transduces coded data into selected speech or music. A simple-to-use reading and processing system can be used as part of a learning and activity game. In one form, a scanning guide is hingedly attached to a book. When the guide is folded over a page of the book, a path is created across the coded data to enable children and others to easily scan the coded data with the hand-held wand. A contact switch at or near the scanning end of the system is actuated by the scanning guide to activate the code reading and processing system. An energy-saving power shutdown feature turns off the code reading and processing system when no coded data are scanned in a given time period. The contact switch and the automatic power shutdown system act in concert as a safety system to prevent small children from staring at the light source for prolonged periods of time.