Abstract: In a speech recognition system capable of identifying particular words, input speech signals can be processed to detect certain patterns and word combinations. The recognition of these speech patterns and word combinations allow the speech recognition system to replace a number-driven menu, automated attendant systems. Once the speech recognition system recognizes the input speech signal, it confirms the accuracy of the identified speech pattern or word combinations with the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting cluster shape features in two and three-dimensional images in a single scan is provided. The images, consisting of one or more classes, may be unbounded in one of their dimensions. As an image is scanned, each cluster fragment is assigned with one or more cluster labels. These labels are used to merge the cluster fragments into larger cluster fragments. An enhanced Hoshen-Kopelman algorithm is employed to determine the cluster shape features for the merged cluster fragments. Cluster label reuse is employed to enable the processing of substantially large images including unbounded images. After completing the scanning of an image section, cluster shape features data are outputted for completed clusters that extended into the section previous to said section. Optionally, cluster shape features of cluster fragments and completed clusters that extend into the said section can also be outputted.

Abstract: A locator device for monitoring the location of subjects, usable in conjunction with a database system connected to a wireless network, wherein the database system causes a polling signal to be sent periodically to each of the subject's locator devices in the area. The locator device includes a wireless transceiver to receive the polling message and, in response, query a location determination device for the current location of the device. This location is then sent back through the wireless network to the database. The database determines from a record on that particular subject where that subject is supposed to be at that time. If the subject being monitored is not within the area where he or she is supposed to be, then the database may automatically contact law enforcement officials.

Abstract: A computer data backup method where copying of data blocks from one medium to another is deferred until a data structure, e.g. a bit map, is generated defining those data blocks that in fact contain data. The data structure is then read to copy to the backup medium the data-containing blocks as defined by the data structure. Since the data structure is generated before the copying is effected, a range of contiguous data-containing blocks is determinable such that all the blocks of that contiguous range may be copied as a single continuous operation. The magnitude of required backup storage is reduced by eliminating the copying of empty blocks in general unless the number of empty blocks between two ranges of contiguous data-containing blocks is less than a predefined number.

Abstract: In a contention type of communication network, the collision backoff time period during which retransmission of collided messages may not be attempted is computed as a multiple of a time slot S such that B+2A.ltoreq.S<2B+2A, where A is the maximum interstation propagation delay of the communication medium and B is the intrastation propagation delay of the network stations. The collision backoff time period is timed from the point at which the medium becomes quiescent following collision and transmission of the jam signal.