Abstract: A system that automatically captures one or more local news program broadcasts and separates the broadcasts into the individual news stories or segments. The system then compares the stories to historical data concerning the competitive characteristics of the stories for each station and determines the topic (local, national, crime, etc.), talent (newscaster 1, newscaster 2, etc.) and production (live, studio, voice-over-tape, etc.) characteristics of the stories. Other characteristics that affect the popularity and therefor the competitive characteristics of the broadcasts can also be displayed, such as pacing, average story length, news-to-advertisement ratio, broadcast ordering (news then weather then news then sports, etc.), etc.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an operating elevator system for malfunctions related to sequentially perform functions, including the detection of both sequence and timing errors. The method monitors predetermined signals for the detection of user defined unique events starting and stopping conditions, and it follows each state change of all of the pertinent signals which occurs between these two detected conditions. The state changes and their occurrence times relative to the start of the detected event, are compared with a learned binary image of the correct state changes and occurrence times, which correct image was prepared and stored during a learn mode when the elevator was known to correctly perform the sequence to be monitored.

Abstract: A method of integrating an expert system having a knowledge base of elevator trouble-shooting information into the working environment of elevator service personnel, without special training of such personnel, and without compromising the security of the knowledge base. The method includes an interactive initialization procedure which includes successive, successful user and knowledge base initiated communication links between the user and knowledge base, before actual access to the knowledge base is permitted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for correcting a software clock remote from an accurate clock, which include determining the error between the remote software clock and accurate clock, and in addition to periodically downloading the correct time to the software clock, a correction factor is also downloaded which attempts to correct the error.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the servicing of an elevator system based upon the actual usage of its many functions. The usage of predetermined elevator system functions is monitored and data is collected relative thereto. Threshold and limit parameters are provided for the monitored functions, which parameters are periodically compared with the usage data. The reaching of a usage threshold parameter by a monitored function results in predetermined associated maintenance services being added to a maintenance due list. When a monitored function reaches its associated limit parameter, a need for scheduled elevator preventive maintenance is indicated for all of the maintenance services on the maintenance due list.

Abstract: Elevator servicing methods and apparatus which detect and store information relative to user-defined intermittent conditions, or other abnormal operating conditions. The stored information is reproduced for evaluation and analysis in a manner selected by the user, such as on a video monitor and/or a printer.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the performance of an elevator system by using actual elevator traffic conditions as an input to an elevator system simulator. The responses of the actual elevator system and the simulated elevator system to the identical actual traffic conditions are then compared to aid in servicing of the elevator system, or in marketing strategy features for the operative elevator system.