Abstract: A control apparatus which controls a controlled system with a transfer function regarded as a secondary delay, comprises an outer loop which performs negative feedback of an output of the controlled system in order to obtain a deviation between the output and a desired value, an inner loop which performs negative feedback of a signal obtained by multiplying a differential value of the output of the controlled system by a first gain to the deviation, and a nonlinear inner feedback loop which uses the differential value of the output of the controlled system and a product obtained by multiplying an absolute value of the deviation e or n-th (n is an integer) power of the absolute value by the second gain to perform positive feedback to the deviation.

Abstract: A manually actuated input device for commanding machine- and/or computer-assisted control operations for kinematic motions of a real or virtual multipart object, including a force/moment sensor with which linear displacements in the form of translational movements in the direction of three axes (X, Y, Z), each standing perpendicular on the other, of a three-dimensional rectangular system of coordinates and/or rotational excursions in the form of rotational motions (A, B, C) about these three axes are sensed and converted into commanded motions of the object to be controlled is characterized by the commanded individual linear displacements and/or rotational excursions of the force/moment sensor being assigned specific kinematic motion patterns of parts of the real or virtual object thereby permitting manipulation or animation thereof as a transforming interlink and by the commanded velocities of the corresponding individual linear displacements and/or rotational excursions of the force/moment sensor being addi

Abstract: An audio information reproducing apparatus (NS) is provided with: a memory (HD) for storing audio information comprising a plurality of unit information, such as a plurality of music compositions; a transmitting device (HO) for transmitting correspondence information, such as music list information or the like, corresponding to each of the plurality of the unit information to an external portion; an obtaining device (HO) for obtaining reproduction control information to control a reproduction manner of each of the plurality of unit information from the external portion, the reproduction control information being generated on the basis of the transmitted correspondence information; and a controlling device (6) for reproducing the plurality of unit information from the memory while controlling the reproduction manner of each of the plurality of unit information in accordance with the obtained reproduction control information.

Abstract: A method for searching, selecting, and playing audio program playlists. A station that is affiliated with a network of associated stations provides a top channel of programming which includes a default playlist. An alternate playlist is prepared as each item in the top channel is received by a listener. If the listener reacts to an item of the default playlist in a prescribed manner, the listener is automatically switched to a sidechannel where the alternate playlist is immediately started. The sidechannel is typically personalized based on a user preference that reflects how the top channel or the sidechannel has been modified. The sidechannel maintains the character of the station on whose top channel it is based. A further sidechannel may be created for a user of a station that reflects an alternate user preference at that respective station.

Abstract: There is provided a system for broadcasting requested pieces of music utilizing an information system in which operators for receiving requests for pieces of music for a broadcast program are eliminated when receiving the requests; classified totals of pieces of music requested by users with personal computers and portable telephones are computed according to predetermined rules; and, for example, pieces of music receiving many votes are selected with one click and broadcasted.

Abstract: A system controls a package assembly line. The package assembly line has a piece feeder and a component feeder. The piece feeder is arranged to feed pieces to a transport of the package assembly line. The component feeder is arranged to feed components to the transport of the package assembly line so that the components and the pieces are combined into packages. The components have corresponding component identifiers thereon. The system includes a memory for storing a piece data file having piece identifiers corresponding to pieces fed by the piece feeder, a detector for detecting a component identifier from a component being fed by the component feeder toward the transport, a comparator for comparing the detected component identifier to a corresponding piece identifier, and a data list re-sequencer for re-sequencing the piece data file if the detected component identifier fails to match the corresponding piece identifier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an identification card personalization device used to create identification cards. The identification card personalization device includes a network adapter that is connectable to a network and either a print mechanism for printing onto a card, a laminating mechanism for laminating a printed card, or both printing and laminating mechanisms. In one aspect of the invention, the identification card personalization device includes a web server for serving data over the network. In another aspect of the invention, the identification card personalization device includes a web client for subscribing tc data on the network.

Abstract: A layout apparatus allowing efficient layout editing includes a circuit for selecting a logic gate forming a semiconductor integrated circuit, and a circuit for generating, on the basis of a logic gate, a layout cell of transistors forming the logic gate based on the size information on the transistors forming the logic gate and the type of the logic gate.

Abstract: A secure tracking system and method of tracking for articles which are secure and include authentication and verification of users and user devices for data and information access and input. Each article to be tracked is provided with a unique secure indicia applied to the article and through which chronological histories are generated and maintained from creation of each article until at least the time when article is scrapped or otherwise destroyed. The articles can include manufactured components, assemblies, device and equipment for aircraft, automotive, military and other users, as well as jewelry and works of art.

Abstract: In order to improve the fuel consumption efficiency of the fuel cell vehicles, a control flow is provided, in which, first, it is determined whether the vehicle speed VST is lower than a predetermined speed ISTP (step S01), whether a motor output PMCMD including the driving motor and the motor for driving the air compressor is less than a predetermined motor output ISTPPM (step S04), whether the brake is in the ON state (step S05), and whether the terminal voltage Vst of the power storage unit is higher than predetermined values VISTPH and VISTPL (step S06). When all of the determinations are “YES”, a permission flag for executing the idle stop F_ISTP is set to “1”, and if any of them is “NO”, the permission flag F_ISTP is set to “0”.

Abstract: Control data such as an optimal filter coefficient or the like of an engine mount is obtained by adaptation control or the like with respect to a reference vehicle F provided with a reference engine mount 20k, and the control data is stored in a reference data map storage medium 35 as a reference data map. Mount characteristics of the reference engine mount and a mass-produced engine mount 20m are measured. A correction data map which is a deviation from the reference data map is obtained for the control data of the mass-produced engine mount from a difference between both the mount characteristics, and the correction data map is stored in the correction data map storage medium 36. Both the data map storage media are added to the active control apparatus of the mass-produced vehicle M. Using both the data maps, it is possible to appropriately and actively control the vibration of the mass-produced vehicle without variation.

Abstract: In diagnostic apparatus and method for a motor-driven power-assisted steering system, an abnormality determining section detects a state in which the detected normal/reverse drive current indicates an opposite to a direction of the normal/reverse revolution drive torque and determines whether the state is in excess of a predetermined abnormality determination criterion so as to determine an occurrence in abnormality of the power-assisted steering system, the abnormality determining section comprising a sensitivity reducing section that varies a sensitivity of the abnormality determination criterion in a decrease direction as an absolute value of the detected normal/reverse drive current becomes smaller.

Abstract: This application discloses various methods of braking control and ABS systems based on acceleration comparison methods. The methods and ABS systems can have various embodiments. The preferred embodiments are acceleration sequence comparison method, acceleration difference comparison method, and acceleration sequence and difference comparison method. Various ABS systems can be constructed on the basis of the methods disclosed in this application.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation mechanism consisting of an exhaust gas recirculation passage connected between the exhaust passage and the intake passage of the engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation valve provided in the recirculation passage for controlling an exhaust gas amount to be recirculated. Control parameter(s) of the engine are calculated according to operating conditions of the engine. An amount of change in the intake pressure between when opening the exhaust gas recirculation valve and when closing the exhaust gas recirculation valve, in the fuel-cut operation, is calculated. The abnormality of the exhaust gas recirculation mechanism is determined according to the amount of change in the intake pressure. The engine is controlled by using the control parameter suitable for a closed condition of the exhaust gas recirculation valve during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An object in front of a vehicle is detected. At least one of a steering angle of the vehicle and a yaw rate thereof is detected. First curvature data are generated on the basis of at least one of the detected steering angle and the detected yaw rate. The first curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel. A determination is made as to whether or not the detected object is a stationary object. In cases where the detected object is a stationary object, second curvature data are generated on the basis of the stationary object. The second curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel. The first curvature data and the second curvature data are averaged. Third curvature data are generated in response to a result of the averaging. The third curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel.

Abstract: A navigation system having a navigation controller includes a voice recognition unit for recognizing a predetermined word from the spoken utterances of a user. It also includes a destination supposition and suggestion unit for predicting an appropriate destination desired by a user, based on a user's speech, and audibly suggests the predicted destination, and destination entry unit. If the suggested destination satisfies a user, the destination entry unit enters into the navigation controller the suggested destination.

Abstract: A method and system of comparing a query and a subject database using a distributed computing platform is disclosed. The databases are divided into data elements having a size within a specified range. All data elements and task definitions are sent to a master CPU of a master-slave distributed computing platform, wherein task definitions comprise at least one comparison parameter, at least one executable comparison element, and a query and a subject data element ID/descriptor. Data elements are sent alternately from query and subject data elements. A task definition is sent for each task from the master CPU to one of a plurality of slave CPUs when all parts of a task definition and data elements referenced by the task definition are available at the master CPU. Data elements are then sent to the slave CPUs for performance of the tasks. Task results for each task are returned to a CPU.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for detecting a genetic marker in a biological sample comprising contacting the biological sample with a nucleic acid probe linked to a detectable moiety, whereby the detectable moiety can be detected by the presence of a chromogenic dye associated with the detectable moiety, obtaining a spectral image of the biological sample using brightfield microscopy, and detecting the presence of the chromogenic dye, thereby detecting the genetic marker in the biological sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for predicting the presence of at least one congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition associated with thrombosis/hemostasis from at least one time-dependent measurement profile. At least one time-dependent measurement on an unknown sample is performed and a respective property of said sample is measured over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile. A set of a plurality of predictor variables are defined which sufficiently define the data of the time-dependent measurement profile. A model is then derived that represents the relationship between the congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition, and the set of predictor variables. Subsequently, the model is utilized to predict the existence of the congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition in the unknown sample.

Abstract: A method for reducing channel skew of a test system which has a plurality of channels and which is used for testing a device connected thereto. The method includes performing system calibration, fine adjusting the test system manually, and recording signal characteristics appearing at the channels during the fine adjusting as eye-shmoo data indicating rising or falling characteristics of signals. Thereafter, system calibration on the test system is performed when a predetermined period has elapsed since the recording, and skew between the channels is then adjusted by performing software processing of the test system using the recorded data. Since the device is not installed in the test system during the test, damage of the test system socket pads may be prevented, so that an error in the test system can be reduced. In addition, time for adjusting channel skew can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for downloading and managing a test tool of a test system is proposed, which is applied to the test system having a test service server and a tested machine. A test tool required for performing a test for the tested machine is available as being downloaded from the test service server through a network, which connects the tested machine and the test service server, so as to examine if the tested machine works properly. As such, the test service server acts as a reservoir for the test tools and is used to activate start-up for the test, allowing the tested machine to be initiated with test conditions and user conditions for using the test tool being inputted to the test tool.

Abstract: A determining method of movement sequence and a positioning apparatus of the invention are arranged in such a manner that, in order to measure positions of plural marks as being measurement targets provided on a wafer within a shorter time, a group including executable movement sequences is generated out of a group of movement sequence candidates, each indicating a measurement order of these marks, and a movement sequence that accomplishes a movement operation between the marks within the shortest time is obtained from the group thus generated.

Abstract: In a method for requesting a repair of a refrigerator through the Internet and a system therefor, and particularly in a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same, a failure of a refrigerator can be quickly and accurately repaired although a user can not recognize the failure of the refrigerator by setting a self-checkup function of a refrigerator, comparing failure relation data sensed by various sensing means to preset reference data stored in a database and transmitting a compared result to a service center or a serviceman through the Internet.

Abstract: A method of correcting light proximity effects includes the steps of: compressing design data of a circuit pattern (step S1); generating a projection image which is formed during a process of transferring a pattern onto a wafer, the projection image being generated according to the design data (step S2); predicting the size of the transferred pattern, said prediction being performed from the projection image (step S3); calculating the difference between the predicted size of the transferred pattern and the pattern size designated by the design data (step S4); correcting the compressed design data by an amount equal to the above-described difference (step S5); judging whether the correction amount is within an allowable range (step S6); expanding the corrected data after the correction amount has fallen within the allowable range (step S7); and outputting the resultant data (step S8).

Abstract: A method of predicting component crack behavior in a nuclear reactor provides access to a crack growth behavior model over a global network. A user inputs water chemistry and material characteristics of a particular nuclear reactor and can perform crack growth rate predictions by accessing the behavior model over the computer network. A crack growth prediction profile or crack growth based result is output over the network according to an analysis by the behavior model.

Abstract: An aspheric screen (12) for visual display apparatus, the aspheric screen (12) being such that it is not a surface of revolution about an axis, and the aspheric screen (12) being such that it comprises first and second parts (6, 8) which are separated from each other by a third part (10), the first and second parts (6, 8) being such that they are curved in cross section and if connected together then they would form a surface of revolution, and the third part (10) being such that it is straight in cross sectional view and is a short cylindrical center section.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of jury science conducted over a data processing network and in particular to using the Internet to apply a multi-discipline methodology and system to understand legal issues and the judicial process, consideration of those issues, to the understanding of how and why jurors and judges make decisions, and to understanding how, by including the understanding of the impact of this process, justice may be achieved. By applying jury science to the Internet for the first time, this methodology may be applied in a cost affective manner, free from logistical constraints.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-program product is provided for answering a natural language query in an automated manner. The answer is drawn from a body of textual information. Concepts in the body of textual information in a domain are expressed as a set of semantic headers. The semantic headers represent formalizations of select concepts in the information domain, and are created on the basis of expected queries. Moreover, queries are reduced to a canonical form. The answering process comprises the step of matching the formalized query, or translation formula, to one or more semantic headers. The pieces of text which correspond to those semantic headers are returned to the user as answers. The generality of a translation formula can be controlled. Steps can be taken to make the translation formula more general or less general. A user can clarify a translation formula if necessary. If the user provides a term that is not immediately recognized, then the user will be presented with a number of options.

Abstract: A user interface is provided for use with a machine which can use a number of natural language instructions to reach one of a plurality of possible machine states. In order to provide information to a user to enable them to more efficiently achieve the current machine state using natural language instructions, the current state of the machine is determined and used to generate information to inform the user of a natural language instruction which can be input to a machine to achieve the current state of the machine.

Abstract: A data collection and automatic database population system which combines global positioning system (GPS), speech recognition software, radio frequency (RF) communications, and geographic information system (GIS) to allow rapid capture of field data, asset tracking, and automatic transfer of the data to a GIS database. A pre-defined grammar allows observations to be continuously captured along with GPS location and time, and stored on the field mobile unit. A mobile unit's location is tracked in real time or post processed through wireless RF transmission of location information between the mobile unit and a central processing station. The captured data is electronically transferred to a central processing station for quality assurance and automatic population of the GIS database. The system provides for automatic correlation of field data with other GIS database layers. Tools to generate predefined or user defined reports, work orders, and general data queries allow exploitation of the GIS database.

Abstract: There is disclosed a technique for link adaptation, suitable for a packet switched mobile communication system, in which a command or request to change the mode of a codec in a transmitter is sent only responsive to a desired change in such mode.

Abstract: A speech encoding method includes generating information representing characteristics of a synthesis filter, and generating an excitation signal for exciting the synthesis filter, the excitation signal including a pulse train generated by setting one or more pulses at a predetermined number of pulse positions selected from a plurality of pulse position candidates adaptively changed in accordance with the characteristics of the speech signal. A speech decoding method includes inputting the excitation signal to a synthesis filter for reconstructing a speech signal.

Abstract: A bit allocation processing section allocates quantization bits to each subband on the basis of the information of each SMR input from a psychoacoustic model processing section by using a bit allocation table that associates the sound information amount (SMR) of each audible sound with a bit allocation count, thereby allocating the quantization bits indicated by the bit allocation table to each subband. By performing this processing once for each subband, bits can be allocated to each subband. This makes it possible to eliminate the necessity to perform a loop process and shorten the arithmetic processing time required for bit allocation processing.

Abstract: In order to prevent degradation of speech recognition accuracy due to an unknown word, a dictionary database has stored therein a word dictionary in which are stored, in addition to words for the objects of speech recognition, suffixes, which are sound elements and a sound element sequence, which form the unknown word, for classifying the unknown word by the part of speech thereof. Based on such a word dictionary, a matching section connects the acoustic models of an sound model database, and calculates the score using the series of features output by a feature extraction section on the basis of the connected acoustic model. Then, the matching section selects a series of the words, which represents the speech recognition result, on the basis of the score.

Abstract: When a received character data is decoded by a decoder 10, a word division circuit 21 divides the data into word units, and a voice storage circuit 22 outputs a voice data corresponding to the divided character data, and a D/A converter 30 converts it into an analog signal, and it is output from a speaker 40 as voice. Thereby, the character data is output as voice. An output from the decoder 10 is stored in a memory 50, and is displayed on an LCD 60 as a character. The LCD 60 receives a byte number of a word for every word from the word division circuit 21, and highlights it for every byte number.

Abstract: A method and software are disclosed for providing a simulated interactive conversation in which searchable information is stored in a database in the form of text and/or oral recorded statements along with stored images of selected individuals or animated characters to whom questions are posed by the user through a user interface. The database is then searched, based on the wording of the question, for an appropriate response which is then provided to user either in text form or orally with lip sincing of said image.

Abstract: A customer service center (10) includes a server (12) connected to a computer network (18). The server (12) contains a speech recognition system (14). An operator station (16) is capable of connecting to the server (12). A microphone (19) is connected to the operator station (16). A codec (20) is connected to the microphone (19) and the operator station (16).

Abstract: A data recognition system and method which allows a user to select between a “default recognition” mode and a “constrained recognition” mode via a user interface. In the default recognition mode, a recognition engine utilizes predetermined default recognition parameters to decode data (e.g., handwriting and speech). In the constrained recognition mode, the user can select one or more of a plurality of recognition constraints which temporarily modify the default recognition parameters to decode uncharacteristic and/or special data. The recognition parameters associated with the selected constraint enable the recognition engine to utilize specific information to decode the special data, thereby providing increased recognition accuracy.

Abstract: Copyright information is stored as property information of a file in a header portion of the file. The copyright information is composed of copy generation restriction information of a file. With a predetermined encrypting key kc, the copyright information is encrypted. When the file is accessed, the copyright information is extracted from the header portion. Unless the user who accesses the file has the encrypting key kc, he or she cannot decrypt the copyright information. Thus, A/V data stored in the file cannot be read. When a file is copied, the generation restriction information is rewritten and stored as copyright information. Thus, the copy generation can be restricted. When the A/V data itself is encrypted with another encrypting key kd and the key kd is encrypted with the key kc along with the copyright information, the copyright of the file can be more securely protected.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of data collection and utilization and, in particular, to a method and system for the electronic collection and utilization of product warranty registration information. A registration system and method centrally receives product registration information and communicates the information to third parties with associated consumer identifiers stripped of all personal consumer information to provided a secure and confidential way to register products and gain the maximum support and service from manufacturers and service providers. The registration system may also be linked to external product information sources to provide product notices, such as recall and safety notices, to consumers.

Abstract: Downloadable identification labels which are downloaded from a world wide computer network to a remote computer and printed on paper using a printer. Each label is printed with the contact information of a central lost and found registry and attached to one or more personal possessions. The labels can also be printed with an identification code, notification that a reward will be paid for a possession which is returned to the owner, sponsor advertising and a warning that the possession has been indelibly marked with identification indicia such as the internet address of the lost and found registry. The central lost and found registry stores, on a database, information about lost possessions and owner contact information as well as information about found possessions and finder's contact information. If a match is found between a lost possession and found possession the registry communicates the contact information of the finder to the owner so that the possession may be recovered by the owner.

Abstract: In order to charge a fee according to a using condition of a treating apparatus, i.e. measuring or analyzing apparatus, the treating apparatus is connected to a terminal on a user's side and a server on a seller's side through an internet. The cost of the measuring or analyzing apparatus is charged according to the using condition through the internet, i.e. based on a measured rate system. The measuring or analyzing apparatus is transferred to the side of the user, but the user can start using the apparatus with a small sum of money.

Abstract: An interactive computerized system and process for querying a customer regarding identification for both customer and equipment, such as an automobile, information, as well as problems related to such equipment and desired repairs and maintenance for the equipment, then compiling and processing the acquired information and thereafter preparing and printing work orders for the customer, the service advisor and the mechanics.

Abstract: A method of reviewing patient conditions and assessing treatment protocols is disclosed. In specific implementations, the method comprises determining both the patient's subjective medical condition and objective medical condition, and then combining information about the subjective and objective conditions to generate a treatment index. This treatment index is used to determine appropriate treatment frequency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reasonable and sensitive life support services. Meters in a customer house 1 are continuously connected to a common meter-reading center 2 by an automatic meter-reading system provided by a lifeline provider. The common meter-reading center 2 is made to have an intermediary device 2 which detects an abnormality from meter-reading results and notifies a support company, thus intermediating between the customer 1 and the support company 3. Since the intermediary device 2 is continuously connected to the meters, the meter-reading results can be frequently (e.g. once an hour) collected and analyzed. Therefore time lag between occurrence of an abnormality and detection of the abnormality can be reduced and delays in response can be prevented. By sending a list of treatments to be done from the intermediary device 2 to a PC in the customer house 1 or portable terminals of support members sent to a scene, appropriate treatments can be performed by non-professionals.

Abstract: A method for searching for medical information executed by one or more computers comprising the steps of formulating a request for medical information concerning an individual or group of individuals, transmitting a record request to a record facilitator, the record facilitator determining which patient record sources to investigate, a record query being sent from the facilitator to the patient record sources which are appropriate, receiving a patient record report back from the patient record sources, and normalizing and augmenting the patient record report before forwarding it back to the requestor.

Abstract: A tele-health information system for patient groups, particularly for members of a company, has a server, which contains the personal data and medical data of a patient and which is connected to a data input device and a data output device. The server has a variable data input device enabling an inquiry about different location-variable data request stations and different data transmission systems and has an intelligent data output device producing a data output that is adapted to the type of the data request station, or corresponding to a user request.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purchasing an airline ticket, includes entering into a computer information describing a flight desired by a consumer, including a target price, and performing a search on an airline reservation system database for flights corresponding to the desired flight information. The method determines whether a flight found during the search has a fare that is at least equal to the target price, and if so books the flight to hold it for the consumer for a predetermined period of time to allow the consumer to effect payment. The consumer is informed by e-mail notification of the seat reservation and instructing the consumer regarding payment requirements to effect purchase of the airline ticket. If a flight having the target price or better is not found, the method continues to periodically perform the search over a predetermined number of days into the future, and inform the consumer by e-mail of the ongoing results of the search.

Abstract: A method of constructing a system by collecting information and know-how is presented. The method includes the steps of storing information including development situations, know-how, and knowledge in a solution bank by a unit of a solution pattern, and obtaining contents corresponding to a desired system so as to construct the desired system by accessing the solution bank from a computer in which the desired system is to be constructed.