Abstract: A method of providing information assistance services includes generating a plurality of service requests for a plurality of request elements that are generated from a single client request received by a processor. The service requests are sent to both software application service providers that are executed by the processor and remote service providers that are connected to the local processor through a data network. The processor receives a plurality of service responses from the service providers, generating at least one output message element corresponding to the service responses, and sending the output message data to at least one output device that is operatively connected to the processor to produce a response to the client request.

Abstract: An electronic device for checking a fastening state of screws includes a receiving member, a cover, an electric screwdriver, a processor, and a warning unit. The receiving member receives a mountable device. The cover includes a number of screw guiding members, the screw guiding members guides the screws into screw holes on the mountable device. The electric screwdriver fastens the screws into the screw holes on the mountable device. The processor predefines an order of the electric screwdriver fastening the screws in response to operations of an operator; in a process of the electric screwdriver fastening the screws into the screw holes on the mountable device received in the receiving member, checks whether the fastening order is the same as the predefined order; and when the fastening order is not the same as the predefined order, controls the warning unit to output a warning message.

Abstract: A method for speech recognition of partial proper names is described which includes natural language processing (NLP), partial name candidate generation, speech recognition and post processing. Natural language processing techniques including shallow and deep parsing are applied to long proper names to identify syntactic units (for example, noun phrases). The syntactic units form a basis for generating a candidate list of partial names for each original full name. A partial name is part of the original name, with some words omitted, or word order changed, or even word substitution. After candidate partial names are generated, their phonetic transcriptions are incorporated into a model for a speech recognizer to recognize the partial names in a speech recognition system.

Abstract: An in-vehicle infotainment system, smart home information access and device control unit, or mobile system presents summarized information to a user based on a user preference model that is associated with the user. The system modifies the presentation of information to the user based on environmental context data about the vehicle and user context data about the activity of the user. During presentation of the information, the system modifies the content and presentation of the summarized information in response to multi-modal input requests from the user.

Abstract: A method for sign language recognition includes receiving, with an input device, an input based on a plurality of hand movements and postures of a user that correspond to a sequence of signs, extracting a plurality of features from the input corresponding to the plurality of hand movements and postures, identifying, a start of the sequence of signs in the input based on a first set of features in the plurality of features and a first Hidden Markov Model (HMM) stored in the memory and identifying a first sign in the input based on a second set of features in the plurality of features and a second HMM stored in the memory. The method also includes generating an output corresponding to the first sign from the input.

Abstract: A method for speech recognition of partial proper names is described which includes natural language processing (NLP), partial name candidate generation, speech recognition and post processing. Natural language processing techniques including shallow and deep parsing are applied to long proper names to identify syntactic units (for example, noun phrases). The syntactic units form a basis for generating a candidate list of partial names for each original full name. A partial name is part of the original name, with some words omitted, or word order changed, or even word substitution. After candidate partial names are generated, their phonetic transcriptions are incorporated into a model for a speech recognizer to recognize the partial names in a speech recognition system.

Abstract: A speech recognition method includes providing a processor communicatively coupled to each of a local speech recognition engine and a server-based speech recognition engine. A first speech input is inputted into the server-based speech recognition engine. A first recognition result from the server-based speech recognition engine is received at the processor. The first recognition result is based on the first speech input. The first recognition result is stored in a memory device in association with the first speech input. A second speech input is inputted into the local speech recognition engine. The first recognition result is retrieved from the memory device. A second recognition result is produced by the local speech recognition engine. The second recognition result is based on the second speech input and is dependent upon the retrieved first recognition result.

Abstract: Compositions for directed self-assembly (DSA) patterning techniques are provided. Methods for directed self-assembly are also provided in which a DSA composition comprising a block copolymer is applied to a substrate and then self-assembled to form the desired pattern. The block copolymer includes at least two blocks of differing etch rates, so that one block (e.g., polymethylmethacrylate) is selectively removed during etching. Because the slower etching block (e.g., polystyrene) is modified with an additive to further slow the etch rate of that block, more of the slow etching block remains behind to fully transfer the pattern to underlying layers.

Abstract: We report a new class of single-ion electrolyte including pendant lithium perfluoroethyl sulfonates. Embodiments may be based on, for example, aromatic poly(arylene ether)s, polyphenylenes, or polyarylene sulfides. The microporous polymer film saturated with organic carbonates exhibits a nearly unity tLi+, state-of-the-art conductivities (e.g. >10?3 S cm?1 at room temperature) over a wide range of temperatures, high electrochemical stability, and outstanding mechanical properties, which enables the membrane to function as both ion conducting medium and separator in the batteries.

Abstract: Compositions for directed self-assembly (DSA) patterning techniques are provided. Methods for directed self-assembly are also provided in which a DSA composition comprising a block copolymer (BCP) is applied to a substrate and then self-assembled to form the desired pattern. The block copolymer includes at least two blocks and is selected to have a high interaction parameter (?). The BCPs are able to form perpendicular lamellae by simple thermal annealing on a neutralized substrate, without a top coat. The BCPs are also capable of micro-phase separating into lines and spaces measuring at 10 nm or smaller, with sub-20-nm L0 capability.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method of generating language models for speech recognition includes identifying a plurality of utterances in training data corresponding to speech, generating a frequency count of each utterance in the plurality of utterances, generating a high-frequency plurality of utterances from the plurality of utterances having a frequency that exceeds a predetermined frequency threshold, generating a low-frequency plurality of utterances from the plurality of utterances having a frequency that is below the predetermined frequency threshold, generating a grammar-based language model using the high-frequency plurality of utterances as training data, and generating a statistical language model using the low-frequency plurality of utterances as training data.

Abstract: Embodiments of an interface system that enables a call center agent to access and intervene in an interaction between an automated call center system and a caller whenever necessary for complex application tasks is described. The system includes a user interface that presents the agent with one or more categories of information, including the conversation flow, obtained semantic information, the recognized utterances, and access to the utterance waveforms. This information is cross-linked and attached with a confidence level for better access and navigation within the dialog system for the generation of appropriate responses to the caller.

Abstract: Compositions for directed self-assembly (DSA) patterning techniques are provided. Methods for directed self-assembly are also provided in which a DSA composition comprising a block copolymer is applied to a substrate and then self-assembled to form the desired pattern. The block copolymer includes at least two blocks of differing etch rates, so that one block (e.g., polymethylmethacrylate) is selectively removed during etching. Because the slower etching block (e.g., polystyrene) is modified with an additive to further slow the etch rate of that block, more of the slow etching block remains behind to fully transfer the pattern to underlying layers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shredder with a shredder housing and a shredder mechanism received in the housing, the shredder mechanism enabling the at least one article to be shredded to be fed into cutter elements and a motor being operable to drive the cutter elements in a shredding direction. The shredder also includes at least one shock absorbing element configured to connect the shredder mechanism and shredder housing. The shock absorbing element has a first leg connected to the shredder mechanism, a second leg connected to the shredder housing, and a resilient section interconnecting the first and second legs in a spaced apart relation, so that the shock absorbing element may at least reduce vibrations transmitted from the shredder mechanism to the shredder housing during operation of the shredder.

Abstract: A method of interaction with an in-vehicle information system includes receiving first and second inputs from an operator with first and second input devices, respectively. The method further includes identifying a service request corresponding to the first input, and a parameter of the service request with a value that is included in the second input with a controller in the in-vehicle information system. The controller executes stored program instructions to perform the identified service request with reference to the identified parameter.

Abstract: A method of providing information assistance services includes generating a plurality of service requests for a plurality of request elements that are generated from a single client request received by a processor. The service requests are sent to both software application service providers that are executed by the processor and remote service providers that are connected to the local processor through a data network. The processor receives a plurality of service responses from the service providers, generating at least one output message element corresponding to the service responses, and sending the output message data to at least one output device that is operatively connected to the processor to produce a response to the client request.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method of generating language models for speech recognition includes identifying a plurality of utterances in training data corresponding to speech, generating a frequency count of each utterance in the plurality of utterances, generating a high-frequency plurality of utterances from the plurality of utterances having a frequency that exceeds a predetermined frequency threshold, generating a low-frequency plurality of utterances from the plurality of utterances having a frequency that is below the predetermined frequency threshold, generating a grammar-based language model using the high-frequency plurality of utterances as training data, and generating a statistical language model using the low-frequency plurality of utterances as training data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shredder with a shredder housing and a shredder mechanism received in the housing, the shredder mechanism enabling the at least one article to be shredded to be fed into cutter elements and a motor being operable to drive the cutter elements in a shredding direction. The shredder also includes at least one shock absorbing element configured to connect the shredder mechanism and shredder housing. The shock absorbing element has a first leg connected to the shredder mechanism, a second leg connected to the shredder housing, and a resilient section interconnecting the first and second legs in a spaced apart relation, so that the shock absorbing element may at least reduce vibrations transmitted from the shredder mechanism to the shredder housing during operation of the shredder.

Abstract: Representation-neutral dialogue systems and methods (“RNDS”) are described that include multi-application, multi-device spoken-language dialogue systems based on the information-state update approach. The RNDS includes representation-neutral core components of a dialogue system that provide scripted domain-specific extensions to routines such as dialogue move modeling and reference resolution, easy substitution of specific semantic representations and associated routines, and clean interfaces to external components for language-understanding (i.e., speech-recognition and parsing) and language-generation, and to domain-specific knowledge sources. The RNDS also resolves multi-device dialogue by evaluating and selecting among candidate dialogue moves based on features at multiple levels. Multiple sources of information are combined, multiple speech recognition and parsing hypotheses tested, and multiple device and moves considered to choose the highest scoring hypothesis overall.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt is prepared by ring opening of osthol under basic condition. The compound of formula (I) or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt has activity of selectively inhibiting tumor cells and lower toxicity, and can be used for preparing anti-tumor drugs.