Abstract: A tuning system for tuning a speech recognition system includes a transmitter for sending a user response to a speech recognition system. The user response is based at least in part on a test stimulus that may be generated by the control system. A receiver receives a recognized response from the speech recognition system; this recognized response is based at least in part on the associated user response. An adjustment module adjusts at least one parameter of the speech recognition system based at least in part on at least one of the test stimulus, the associated user response, and the recognized response.

Abstract: A network based processing element for processing audio information improves the understanding of speech or music for intended listeners based on an identifier. The processing involves performing a media enhancement function, where a parameter affecting the utilization or performance aspects of the media enhancement function are dependent upon the identifier. A “media enhancement server” (MES) is included, whereby the audio of a telephone call, video call, multimedia program or other stream to be heard by a specific listener is processed using a personalized audio enhancement parameter to enhance the audio signal such that the listener will enjoy a benefit, such as better comprehension of the information, reduced listening effort, and more listening comfort during the call. The personalized parameters are stored and retrieved based upon the identifier, and used within the MES. The audio portion of the call or stream could be speech, music, or a combination.

Abstract: A tuning system for tuning a speech recognition system includes a transmitter for sending a user response to a speech recognition system. The user response is based at least in part on a test stimulus that may be generated by the control system. A receiver receives a recognized response from the speech recognition system; this recognized response is based at least in part on the associated user response. An adjustment module adjusts at least one parameter of the speech recognition system based at least in part on at least one of the test stimulus, the associated user response, and the recognized response.

Abstract: Systems and methods of integrating solar energy into a Rankine cycle power generation system can enhance efficiency of the system. Solar heat can be collected in an array of solar heat collectors. The solar heat collectors can use solar energy to heat a single phase thermal transfer fluid, which can be circulated in a solar heat system. The solar heat system includes a closed loop working fluid heater fluidly coupled to the solar heat collectors that transfers heat energy from the thermal transfer fluid to a working fluid of the power generation system. Thus, the working fluid is preheated before it enters the boiler of the power generation system. The solar working fluid heater can be connected in a regeneration portion of the Rankine cycle downstream of other working fluid heaters, or upstream of at least one working fluid heater. The solar heat input can reduce the fuel consumption of the boiler.

Abstract: A method to integrate collected solar thermal energy into the feedwater system of a Rankine cycle power plant is disclosed. This novelty uses a closed loop, single phase fluid system to collect both the solar heat and to provide the heat input into the feedwater stream of a regenerative Rankine cycle. One embodiment of this method of integrating solar energy into a regenerative Rankine power plant cycle, such as a coal power plant, allows for automatic balancing of the steam extraction flows and does not change the temperature of the feedwater to the boiler. The concept, depending on the application, allows for the spare turbine capacity normally available in a coal plant to be used to produce incremental capacity and energy that is powered by solar thermal energy. By “piggybacking” on the available components and infrastructure of the host Rankine cycle power plant, considerable cost savings are achieved resulting in lower solar produced electricity costs.

Abstract: A combined cycle power generation system can be combined with a solar Rankine power generation system such that the integrated system has improved power generation efficiency over two stand-alone systems. Relatively high temperature, low pressure reheat from the combined cycle power generation system can be used, through, for example, a superheater, to raise the temperature and pressure of a working fluid in a solar Rankine power generation system. The resulting integrated system has enhanced efficiencies as compared with stand-alone systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity using both solar energy and a gas turbine includes (a) a gas turbine electric generator; (b) a solar energy collector array; (c) a vaporizer for vaporizing a working fluid liquid, such as water, using thermal energy derived from the solar energy collector array; (d) one or more superheaters for superheating working fluid vapor produced in the vaporizer; and (e) a working fluid vapor turbine electric generator, such as a steam turbine electric generator, the working fluid vapor turbine electric generator being driven by the superheated working fluid vapor. The apparatus is configured such that all of the working fluid vapor exiting the one or more superheaters is that which is produced in the vaporizer.