Abstract: An electronic assistant, incorporates electronic functions in a personal object that the user finds indispensable. Examples of personal objects include a cane, a walking stick, a walker, a wheelchair, a personal transportation vehicle, a purse, a key holder, a watch, a pendant, a hearing aid, an eyeglass frame, or a crutch. Electronics may include a PDA, a cell phone, a navigation module, a biosensor module, and an emergency alert module. The navigation module might include a GPS, an altimeter, an electronic compass, and/or a stored map. Biosensors may be directly incorporated into the personal device or communicate with a receiver therein if the biosensor is required to be attached directly to the user's body or surgically implanted. The emergency alert module may include an emergency button, and an emergency notification sequence stored in the electronic assistant capable of calling for assistance through the cell phone.

Abstract: A genetic algorithm is used to balance a line of pick and place machines. The genetic algorithm uses a modularized chromosome string having at least three parts indicating 1) a division of parts between the pick and place machines, 2) a layout of a first pick and place machine, and 3) a layout of a second pick and place machine, respectively. A heuristic layout generator cycles with the genetic algorithm to create simulated layouts from populations of chromosome strings produced by the genetic algorithm. The heuristic layout generator is also modularized, having separate modules corresponding to the three parts of the chromosome string.

Abstract: Briefly, an alarm system monitors conditions of an independent person, yet one requiring some supervision, such as an elderly person living alone at home. The system monitors a variety of independent signals and combines them to recognize subtle cues that may indicate there will be a need for intervention by a supervisor.

Abstract: sets or evaluation on sets among the evaluated neural networks may cause potentially worthwhile architectures to be rejected prematurely, obviating the advantages realizable by a directed trial and error process. It is an object of this invention to provide a method for improving neural network architectures via an evolutionary algorithm that reduces the adverse effects of the noise that is introduced by the network initialization process. It is a further object of this invention to reduce the noise that is introduced by the network initialization process. It is a further object of this invention to provide an optimized network initialization process. It is a further object of this invention to reduce the noise that is introduced by the use of randomly selected training or evaluation input sets.

Abstract: The present invention is a telephone memory aid that is focused on how to capture information during a telephone call and allow entry of information by the user or other party into a database that may be used in future calls. In future calls, the telephone memory aid would allow the user to call or be called by a desired second party and see all of the stored personal information related to the second party. This might include name, date of last call, topics that were discussed in the last telephone call, names of family members, vacation plans, hobbies, and similar such information. The purpose is to improve the conversation flow and communications between the parties of the telephone call.

Abstract: A modular optimizer, for use in determining a configuration of a production line with one or more component placement machines, is configured to handle precedence constraints. The precedence constraints may be of the form A B MT, which specifies that part A must be placed on a designated assembly board before part B if either part is to be placed by a machine type MT. A given set of precedence constraints includes at least a first class of constraints that apply to only one component placement machine type and a second class of constraints that apply to more than one component placement machine type. Assignment of constraints to the different classes is based on decisions of a part splitter module of the modular optimizer regarding which parts are assigned to which machine types. Each of the constraints in the first class of constraints associated with a given machine type are handled in a corresponding machine module of the modular optimizer.

Abstract: A method for delivering an audio and/or video message to an individual. The method includes the steps of: receiving the message; detecting the presence of an individual; and if an individual is detected, delivering the message to the individual. Preferably, the message is recorded when received and associated with either a group of individuals, such as a family, or a particular individual whose facial image data is stored in a memory. If a facial recognition system detects someone from the group of individuals or the particular individual, the message is delivered to the individual by way of a video monitor and/or speaker. The method also preferably locates an individual who is associated with a message in a room in a structure and delivers the message to the room in which the individual is located.

Abstract: A modular optimizer, for use in determining a configuration of a production line with one or more component placement machines, is configured to learn a foreign optimizer module associated with a component placement machine type foreign to the modular optimizer. The modular optimizer includes an adapting estimator which estimates an output value, such as a placement cycle time measure, for the foreign optimizer module. The estimated output value may be used in determining the configuration of the production line. In addition, the modular optimizer periodically calls the foreign optimizer module, and for a given one of the calls compares a resulting output value generated by the foreign optimizer module to the corresponding estimated output value generated by the adapting estimator.

Abstract: A combined calendar/diary application leverages several input mechanisms to enrich the historical record kept by a user. First, the application classifies events sensed by sensors and software monitors to capture and classify data indicative of events of significance to the user. It then requests additional information from the user to create a diary entry. Second, on the basis of the same event data, it may add the classification data to the diary as indicia of financial, emotional, or other states of the user or environment. Third, the system augments appointment using other data, including user input. Fourth, data is extracted from other sources for direct inclusion in the diary database. For example, contemporaneous news data from an Internet news feed may be added. Fifth, the application may periodically prompt the user for diary entries. Sixth the application may support deliberate diary-entry procedure as is done with current diary applications.

Abstract: A code compaction based on macro substitutions is presented wherein the choice of possible macro substitutions is guided by an evolutionary algorithm process. In a preferred embodiment, a random population of sets of macro substitutions are generated and a compaction effectiveness is evaluated for each set. This random population is partitioned into pairs of “parents”, and each pair of parents produce a pair of “offspring”. The effectiveness of the compaction provided by each of the offspring is evaluated, and a “survival of the fittest” algorithm is applied to identify the individuals that have the best compaction effectiveness. These preferred individuals are partitioned into pairs of parents who produce pairs of offspring, and the most compaction-effective individuals are selected to be parents for the next generation. This process continues until subsequent generations show insignificant improvement, and the best individual is selected as the solution.

Abstract: A genetic algorithm is used to search for optimal configurations of a computer controlled pick and place machine, which places parts on printed circuit boards. Configurations include: assigning grippers to pipettes of the machine; assigning parts, destined for the printed circuit boards, to feeders of the machine; assigning parts to pipettes; and determining time intervals and orders in which parts are to be placed. The genetic algorithm is applied to chromosome strings representing parameters for determining machine configuration. A heuristic layout generator generates machine configurations from the chromosome strings.

Abstract: This invention describes a practice for the hot pressing and/or hot working of rare earth element-containing alloy powders using open-to-the-air presses. The rare earth-containing powder is pressed into a compact at ambient temperatures using a solid lubricant only on the die wall. This compact is then hot pressed in an open air press utilizing a heated die flooded with argon.

Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly wherein a permanent magnet is encapsulated in a metallic housing that hermetically seals the permanent magnet. The metallic housing is formed from two stainless steel parts that are joined by a continuous impervious seam weld. The stainless steel parts take the form of a retainer having a cup portion and a plate welded to a flanged portion of the retainer. The permanent magnet is disposed within the cup portion. The permanent magnet assemblies can be welded to the internal surface of a metallic frame of a dynamoelectric machine to provide field and frame assembly for the machine.

Abstract: A method of coiling a flat strip, including the steps of advancing and supporting the strip, forming a partial loop on the leading end thereof while continuing to advance the strip toward an upcoiling nest where the coiling is completed, shearing the advancing strip when the coil attains a predetermined size, completing the coiling of the sheared end thereof, and ejecting the finished coil.