Abstract: Speech feature vectors (10) are provided and utilized to develop a corresponding estimated speaker dependent speech feature space model (20) (in one embodiment, it is not necessary that this model (20) have defined correlations with the verbal content of the represented speech itself). A model alignment unit (21) then contrasts this model (20) against the contents of a speaker independent speech feature space model (24) to provide alignment indices to a transformation estimation unit (23). In one embodiment, these alignment indices are based, as least in part, upon a measure of the differences between likelihoods of occurrence for the elements that comprise the constituency of these models. The transformation estimation unit (23) utilizes these alignment indices to provide transformation parameters to a model transformation unit (25) that uses such parameters to transform a speaker independent speech recognition model set (26) and yield a resultant speaker adapted speech recognition model set (27).

Abstract: A method (20) and electronic device (1) for signal separation of mixed signals provided by sensors (11,13), the mixed signals resulting from the sensors (11,13) detecting respective mixed waveforms comprising a plurality of source waveforms originating from waveform generating sources mixed in a mixing environment (10). The method (20) and device (1), in use, provide for configuring (22) communication between a processor (3) and a plurality of the sensors (11,13) in the mixing environment (10), the configuring being effected dynamically depending upon variations in the number of sensors (11,13) in the environment. At a receiving step (23) the processor (3) receives respective mixed signals from the sensors (11,13) and a step of determining (24) un-mixing parameters for the environment based on the number of sensors (11,13) is then effected.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a medicament and method of treating cartilage defect. The invention also relates to an implant for treating cartilage defect.

Abstract: An encoder and associated vector estimation method and system (1) for processing a sequence of input vectors (y0 to yT) each comprising a plurality of elements. The vector estimation system (1) has a digital filter (2) with a filter vector input (3) for receiving said sequence of input vectors (y0 to yT) and a predictor gain input (4) for controlling characteristics of the filter (2). The filter (2) is a Kalman filter and has both a current slowly evolving filter estimate output (6) and a previous slowly evolving filter estimate output (20). The current slowly evolving filter estimate output (6) provides a current filtered estimate value of a slowly evolving component of said sequence of input vectors (y0 to yT) and the previous slowly evolving filter estimate output (20) provides a previous filtered estimate value of the slowly evolving component of said sequence of input vectors (y0 to yT).

Abstract: An encoder and associated vector estimation method and system (1) for processing a sequence of input vectors (y0 to yT) each comprising a plurality of elements. The vector estimation system (1) has a digital filter (2) with a filter vector input (3) for receiving said sequence of input vectors (y0 to yT) and a predictor gain input (4) for controlling characteristics of the filter (2). The filter (2) is a Kalman filter and has both a current slowly evolving filter estimate output (6) and a previous slowly evolving filter estimate output (20).

Abstract: A hinge system for deploying panels or other structures from a satellite or spacecraft has at least two configurations. The panels are held in a substantially stacked disposition in the stowed configuration by the hinge system which connects to each panel and includes an intermediate arm sized to span any necessary space between the two panels in the stowed configuration. A deployment cable is attached to one of the panels and threaded over a series of pulleys disposed on the hinge system and onto a spool in the other panel. When the spool is driven to wind the deployment cable onto it, the tension in the cable pulls on the pulleys, causing the hinge to unfold and then slide into a housing located on one of the panels. This deployed configuration allows the panels to be held aligned and directly adjacent to one another by the tension of the deployment cable.

Abstract: An advanced active element phased array satellite antenna is disclosed. Incorporating these novel antenna systems on a constellation of low Earth orbit spacecraft, allows phone customers worldwide to communicate through a system whose switching intelligence resides on orbit, bypassing traditional land-based networks, and offering a revolutionary expansion of communications potential. The present invention utilizes electronic beam steering is utilized to provide extremely high gain signals. In one preferred embodiment, a satellite (S) includes an Earth-facing array (10) of hexagonal antenna facets (12), mated together along their sides to form a slightly flattened, hemispherical shell. The antenna array (10) is connected to two rectilinear, unfurled, solar panels (P). The antennas (10) transmit and receive signals from terrestrial units located within the footprints (14) of the beams (11).