Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating on-line web pages are provided. An information provider who operates a web site may provide a local mass-storage medium such as a CD-ROM disk or DVD disk to prospective users of the web site. The disk may work in conjunction with the user's network connectivity software and the web site to quickly display high quality images and web pages. The system of the present invention provides communication between the user's computer and the web site so that the data and images presented to the user may be updated through the on-line connection. Since the images may reside on the customer's computer, the display of images is much faster than if the images were transferred across a communications network. Three-dimensional images, videos, movies, or audio-visual presentations may be viewed by the user. Simulation of high-speed broadband network connectivity may assist in marketing high-speed network services.

Abstract: A thermometer that rapidly predicts body temperature based on the temperature signals received from a temperature sensing probe when it comes into contact with the body. The logarithms of the differences between the temperature signals in a selected time frame are determined. A line is fit through the logarithms and the slope of the line is used as a system time constant in predicting the final temperature of the body. The time constant in conjunction with predetermined additional constants are used to compute the predicted temperature. Data quality in the time frame is monitored and if unacceptable, a different time frame of temperature signals is selected for use in prediction. The processor switches to a monitor mode if data quality over a limited number of time frames is unacceptable. Determining the start time on which the measurement time frame for prediction is based is performed by summing the second derivatives of temperature signals over time frames.

Abstract: A process for X-ray registration and differencing results in more efficient compression. Differencing of registered modeled subject image with a modeled reference image forms a differenced image for compression with conventional compression algorithms. Obtention of a modeled reference image includes modeling a relatively unrelated standard reference image upon a three-dimensional model, which three-dimensional model is also used to model the subject image for obtaining the modeled subject image. The registration process of the modeled subject image and modeled reference image translationally correlates such modeled images for resulting correlation thereof in spatial and spectral dimensions. Prior to compression, a portion of the image falling outside a designated area of interest may be eliminated, for subsequent replenishment with a standard reference image.

Abstract: A digitizing stylus for use with a tablet for measuring the angle between a gravity vector and the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the stylus for calculating pitch angle and barrel rotation of the stylus includes a housing having an electrolytic solution. A plurality of electrodes are disposed within the housing and extend into the electrolytic solution. The electrodes generate an output signal based upon the distance the electrodes extend into the electrolytic solution. A sensor is interconnected to the plurality of electrodes for sensing changes in the output signals for computing pitch angle and rotation of the stylus.

Abstract: A system for computer cursor control, interactive draw graphics, and interactive data entry in which changes in the angular orientation of a computer mouse device as well as changes in its location of a flat surface are used to control the angular orientation of a cursor or pointer on a computer display screen, the angular orientation of objects and text on a computer scene, and/or values or variables in computer applications programs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a real-time method for minimizing the expected, controllable unit cost over a future drilling interval by simulating the values of selected operating variables and lithologies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a real-time method for determining when a drill bit that is being used in drilling operations should be replaced, given the objective of minimizing the total expected, controllable costs of a well. The basis of the bit replacement decision is a direct comparison of the total expected, controllable unit cost of the current bit in the borehole to the total expected, controllable unit cost of a replacement bit over a specified interval of analysis.