Abstract: A method to estimate motor speed for extended stabilized rotational control of an induction motor at all speeds including slow speeds. The speed estimator supplies real-time motor control feedback information for a variable speed motor drive controller without a mechanical encoder. The speed estimator is based on an optimized fast orthogonal search algorithm with control of the carrier drive frequency to reduce computation time. The reduced processing time provides for an update rate to the motor controller sufficient to maintain motor stability to near zero the motor rated base speed.

Abstract: A method for generating a signal pulse sequence with a predetermined stable fundamental frequency from a sequence of signal pulses whose frequency fluctuates and has the spectral components whose frequency is at least a predetermined multiple of the fundamental frequency. The method includes, feeding the sequence of signal pulses to a digital filter, arranging a passband of the digital filter around the fundamental frequency, blocking, using the digital filter, around a predetermined half the sampling frequency. The method further includes outputting a signed output signal when the digital filter is excited, and generating a clock signal pulse for each change in sign of the output signal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing improved resolution in the measuring the pulse width of digital signals comprising counting the integral number of measuring clock pulses covered by said digital pulse and triggering a chain of cascaded high resolution delay elements from the trailing edge of said measuring clock pulses. Further, the invention measures the delay count obtained from said chain of cascaded delay elements from the trailing edge of the last measuring clock pulse up to the end of said digital pulse, and adds said measured delay count to said integral measuring clock pulse count to obtain the total width of said digital pulse.

Abstract: A method of analysis, analysis system, program product, apparatus, and method of supplying analysis of value incorporating the use of at least one data acquisition device, a central processor, and a communication link that is connectable between the data acquisition device and the central processor. The central processor is loaded with multivariate calibration models developed for predicting values for various properties of interest, wherein the calibration models are capable of compensating for variations in an effectively comprehensive set of measurement conditions and secondary material characteristics. As so configured, the calibration models can compensate for instrument variance without instrument-specific calibration transfer. Measurement results generated by the central processor can be transmitted to an output device of a user interface.

Abstract: A compensation system for calibrating an amplifier having a compensation input including a sigma delta converter, a counter, a memory, adjust logic, a DAC, a pair of compensation capacitors, and a pair of current to voltage (I/V) converters. The converter converts an offset voltage to a bit stream. The counter stores a sum value indicative of the output offset. The memory stores a digital bias value. The adjust logic determines an adjust value based on the sum value and adjusts the stored digital bias value based on the adjust value. The DAC converts the digital bias value to a differential bias current. The compensation capacitors apply a compensation voltage to a compensation input of the amplifier. The I/V converters charge the compensation capacitors using the differential bias current. The adjust logic may use upper and lower thresholds and adjust the digital bias value by one LSB for each compensation cycle.

Abstract: A sensor array is bonded to or molded together with a micro-lens array to form a sensor cartridge. The micro-lenses of the micro-lens array are configured to focus light incident on the sensors, into the sensors. An alignment structure has a mating profile that receives and engages one or more micro-lenses from the micro-lens array to laterally align the cartridge to enable repeatable precise positioning of the cartridge.

Abstract: A tester for a mixed signal semiconductor device having a reconstructed digital tester, and a method of testing a semiconductor device using the same are provided. A digital tester electrically tests a digital device and is controlled by a first controller. A metrology instrument module comprising an analog source generator for applying an analog signal to a semiconductor device, an analog waveform digitizer for analyzing the analog signal into a digital signal, and a personal computer including a second controller forms a part of the digital tester, and the first controller is connected to the metrology instrument module through an interface line.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a decoupling capacitance for an on-chip temperature sensor is provided. A representative power supply waveform having noise is input into a simulation of the on-chip temperature sensor; a difference between a temperature representative input and a temperature dependent output of the on-chip temperature sensor is determined; and an amount of the decoupling capacitance is adjusted until the difference falls below a pre-selected value. A computer system for optimizing a decoupling capacitance for an on-chip temperature sensor is also provided. A computer-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions executable by a processor for optimizing a decoupling capacitance for an on-chip temperature sensor is further provided.

Abstract: An attitude angle detecting apparatus receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of position-fixing satellites with multiple antennas located at specific positions of a mobile unit, determines relative positions of the antennas and detects the heading and attitude of the mobile unit by determining carrier phase ambiguities quickly and accurately. When it is needed to redetermine integer ambiguities after recovery from an interruption of the radio waves from the position-fixing satellites or as a result of a change in combination of the position-fixing satellites, for example, the attitude angle detecting apparatus redetermines the integer ambiguities by using attitude angles and an attitude angle error covariance obtained from previous observation. This enables the attitude angle detecting apparatus to uninterruptedly obtain information on the heading and attitude of the mobile unit.

Abstract: To determine a ride height dimension of a vehicle involves determining a set of spherical co-ordinates in three-dimensional space, for two points related to the vehicle, with respect to a datum point. The vehicle manufacturer designates a reference point and a point related to the vehicle body as the two points that correspond to the ride height specified for the measured ride height dimension. Determining the actual ride height dimension of the vehicle entails computing the dimension from the measured spherical co-ordinates of the two points, for example, as a distance between the points or as a difference in vertical height of the points. Examples of equipment include sensor modules for taking measurements of the co-ordinates of the points and processors for determining the desired ride height dimension from measurements taken by a sensor module.

Abstract: A plant diagnosis system friendly to a user (a plant-operating organization) for identifying an abnormality of an objective plant or machinery thereof, is provided. The plant diagnosis system includes a diagnoser's sub-system including a diagnosis computer and a terminal for a diagnosis expert and is connected via a network to a user's sub-system including a terminal for communicating with the diagnoser's sub-system. The plant diagnosis system provides a simple but repetitively available primary diagnosis and a detailed secondary diagnosis including the expert's judgement, which are selectively available on the user's initiative. The diagnosis computer receives a diagnosis request and plant state variables of the plant or machinery and executes the primary diagnosis and a part of the secondary diagnosis based on the plant state valuables.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing life of manufacturing equipment having a rotary machine, includes: measuring reference time series data for characteristics before deterioration of the manufacturing equipment occurs; finding a reference auto covariance function based on the reference time series data; extracting a reference variation caused by variations of the process condition and power supply from the reference auto covariance function, and calculating a cycle of the reference variation; measuring diagnostic time series data for the characteristics in a sequence to be measured of the manufacturing equipment; finding a diagnostic auto covariance function based on the diagnostic time series data; and determining the life of the manufacturing equipment from the diagnostic auto covariance function using a component with a cycle shorter than a cycle of the reference variation.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis device for an O2 sensor includes an O2 sensor; a heater driving unit driving a heater heating the O2 sensor; and a diagnosis unit controlling the heater driving unit heating the heater, and diagnosing O2 sensor failure after a given amount of time based on an O2 sensor activation status determination using O2 sensor outputs. The diagnosis unit includes a heater controlling unit controlling the heater driving unit; a time measuring unit measuring time that electric current is supplied to the heater, and time used in determining sensor abnormality; an activation status determining unit determining air/fuel ratio changes from a lean to rich state, or from a rich to lean state based on the O2 sensor output; and a failure determining unit determining sensor abnormality based on outputs from the time measuring unit and the activation status determining unit, thereby diagnosing O2 sensor failure without engine operation.

Abstract: A method of objectively and subjectively monitoring noise and correspondingly level or loudness thereof in a product or assembly. The method includes placing a product on the vibration generator. Activating the vibration generator to move or shake the product to simulate usage conditions. A sound recording instrument measures and records the noise emitted by the product or assembly. An objective metric or N10 level is computed from the recorded noise. The objective metric or N10 level is compared to a threshold metric or threshold N10 level. When the objective metric or N10 level exceeds the threshold metric or threshold N10 level, an operator or technician subjectively evaluates the vehicle to determine the source of the noise and performs any repairs necessary along with documenting those repairs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for measurement and display of environmental data, permitting a measuring operator other than operators engaged in environmental data-measuring business to measure environmental data with ease for real-time display of the result of measurement on an operator's own client terminal. The system for measurement and display of environmental data makes entry of a value detected by a sensor, which detects environmental data from the surrounding environment to output the detected environmental data, to a client terminal and then transmits data based on the detected value from the client terminal to a server terminal. Then, the server terminal produces, on the basis of the transmitted data, environmental data capable of being displayed on the client terminal to transmit the environmental data to the client terminal, and the client terminal receives the environmental data from the server terminal to graphically display the environmental data with a display means of the client terminal.

Abstract: A field instrument and system for obtaining pressure, flow and temperature data from a facility. The field instrument includes an enclosure having an opening therein. An integrated analog sensor is sealingly contained within the opening. The field instrument further contains an external analog sensor. An analog to digital converter converts the analog signals to digital readings. An external digital sensor is also provided, with the digital output being communicated through a second opening within the enclosure. A control member that receives, stores and processes the digital readings is positioned within the enclosure. A communication module is included to transmit the digital readings to a remote computer. The communication module allows for two way communication between the field instrument and remote computer. The remote computer may be a server that allows for access by many users. The communication module also allows for locally accessing the digital readings via a serial port to a local terminal.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for testing a system having a transient response that is longer than the intervals between stimulations, using a sequence of stimuli containing a small jitter. The timing sequence (called a q-sequence) is constrained by time-domain and frequency-domain rules. The system-response can be recovered from noise, despite response superposition, using deconvolution with a recovery sequence. The acronym QSD means “q-sequence deconvolution”. The invention is especially applicable to signal processing of evoked-responses, including those used for disease screening.

Abstract: Methods and systems for validating translated geometry. In one embodiment, the methods and systems validate a three-dimensional computer model of a part or assembly translated from a primary CAD system to an alternate CAD system. In this embodiment, a Z score is calculated that represents the accuracy of the translated geometry. Calculation of the Z score requires a geometric property of the master model in the primary CAD system and the same geometric property of the translated model in the alternate CAD system. In one embodiment, the geometric property is the volume of the respective models. In another embodiment, the geometric property is the area of the respective models. Once the Z score has been calculated, it is compared to a pre-selected pass/fail criteria to determine whether the translated geometry is sufficiently accurate to use for manufacturing the corresponding part or assembly.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus for a system has at least one analog and at least one digital element, in particular an electronic system. The simulation apparatus has an apparatus for solving differential algebraic equation systems based on a one-step method for automatically producing a data record with a simulation event. A detector is provided for automatically determining that a threshold value has been exceeded within one time step in the simulation event. The detector determines whether the simulation event is greater at the end of the respective time step than a predetermined tolerance of the respective threshold value. The detector automatically reduces the time step if the tolerance is exceeded, until the tolerance is undershot, in order to determine the point at which the threshold value is exceeded. A transformation device uses values calculated previously for this purpose. It is thus possible to simulate mixed digital-analog systems particularly efficiently.

Abstract: A procedure automatically resolves vertical differences commonly found when merging and combining Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from different collection and production systems. These systems may employ technologies used in single pass Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR), LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR), and photogrammetry, as well as DEMs derived from contour based elevation data and GPS point data. This procedure employs sophisticated software checking routines for automatically identifying horizontal and vertical datums used by the differing systems as well as any geoid models employed by them. Normally, all of these sources use different vertical datums and may use different horizontal datums. A preferred embodiment of the present invention automatically recognizes the vertical datums, including those that are associated with the geoid models and the 3-D datums that conventional GIS does not support at present.

Abstract: A method is taught for increasing the steady-state verification speed of analog and mixed signal design through increased simulation speed, model abstraction by probing an existing component model or actual device and formal comparison of distinct component models.

Abstract: A system and method for statistical design of an ultrasound probe and imager system, and an associated graphical user interface for selecting input parameters to be used in an ultrasound simulation. The process and computer code allow the performance of a probe and imager combination to be specified and jointly optimized in image quality terms. The designs produced optimize both the image quality and other CTQ (critical to quality) parameters, such as the distribution of regulatory power indices and mechanical index. These CTQs indirectly affect image quality through their effect on patient dose. The Transducer Design Advisor incorporates a graphical user interface for facilitating selection of a parameter set to be used in the simulation. The user selects a desired parameter set by navigating across and interacting with a succession of windows. The user specifies various geometric characteristics of the transducer and how the user wants to simulate the imager system.

Abstract: Start and stop signals are obtained from a user, with associated start and stop times, as well as circuit simulation results. The simulation results are utilized to determine which of the components in the circuit are active components, which are any components that have an active output signal. Active output signals obtain a state between the start and stop times in response to a state change of the start signal. The user output equipment is utilized to provide the active components and the active output signals to the user. Signal activity is presented in a graphical form that shows the active path circuit, and active value changes that cause output signals to become active. The user may select time values at which signals become active to see in a graphical manner the propagation of a start signal state change through the circuit.

Abstract: A method for optimizing decoupling capacitance in a phase locked loop is provided. A representative power supply waveform having noise is input into a simulation of the phase locked loop; an estimate of jitter is determined; and an amount of the decoupling capacitance is adjusted until the jitter falls below a pre-selected value. Further, a computer system for optimizing decoupling capacitance in a phase locked loop is provided. Further, a computer-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions adapted to optimize decoupling capacitance in a phase locked loop is provided.

Abstract: A method for optimizing decoupling capacitance in a delay locked loop is provided. A representative power supply waveform having noise is input into a simulation of the delay locked loop; an estimate of jitter is determined; and an amount of the decoupling capacitance is adjusted until the jitter falls below a pre-selected value. Further, a computer system for optimizing decoupling capacitance in a delay locked loop is provided. Further, a computer-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions adapted to optimize decoupling capacitance in a delay locked loop is provided.

Abstract: An accurate grammar analyzer based on a so-called POST (part-of-speech tagged) parser and a learners' model for use in automated language learning applications such as the template-based ICALL (intelligent computer assisted language learning) system.

Abstract: A system and method of foreign language training by making questions and sentences within a limited time are disclosed. Through the disclosed method, the learner at the user end can perform real-time foreign language sentence-making training. The disclosed system includes at least: a central message control module, a sentence-making setting control mode, a sentence-making input determination module, and a sentence pattern database. The disclosed method includes at least the steps of: using a sentence-making setting control module to complete practice settings through, using a sentence-making problem generating module to generate output practice sentences, using a sentence-making input determination to carry out a sentence-making practice process, and the learner completing the sentence-making practice process.

Abstract: A new, more efficient memory translation algorithm facilitating the acquisition of a most appropriate translation in a target language from among those of nearly narrowed-down candidates of translation by separately applying the so-called dimension reducing functions of a template automaton and the LSI (latent semantic index) technique. Both the template automaton and the LSI principle play an important role in implementing an efficient process of narrowing down an efficient solution space from among the many example sentences of the databases in a target language by exploiting their respective unique search space reduction function. Once developed into a fully operational system, an expert editor rather than an expert translator can tune up the translation memory system, markedly widening the range of available experts who can utilize the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web-based/computerized system and method for converting selected text between languages. Specifically, under the present invention, a user can designate a source language and a destination language using a computerized device (e.g., personal computer, handheld device, etc.). Once designated, an updatable language dictionary corresponding to the designated languages will be accessed (e.g., downloaded or referenced) at a remote source and used to convert selected text between the languages.

Abstract: An accurate grammar analyzer based on a so-called POST (part-of-speech tagged) parser and a learners' model for use in automated language learning applications such as the template-based ICALL (intelligent computer assisted language learning) system.

Abstract: A method of document management utilizing document corpora including gathering a source corpus of documents in electronic form, modeling the source corpus in terms of document and domain structure information to identify corpus enhancement parameters, using a metalanguage to electronically tag the source corpus, programming the corpus enhancement parameters into an intelligent agent, and using the intelligent agent to search external repositories to find similar terms and structures, and return them to the source corpora, whereby the source corpus is enhanced to form a unicorpus.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a collection of calls at one or more call center stations. The method includes receiving lexical content of a telephone call handled by a call center agent and identifying one or more features of the telephone call based on the received lexical content. The method also includes collectively analyzing the stored features along with the stored features of other telephone calls and reporting results of the analyzing.

Abstract: When a voice encoding apparatus embeds any data in encoded voice code, the apparatus determines whether data embedding condition is satisfied using a first element code from among element codes constituting the encoded voice code, and a threshold value. If the data embedding condition is satisfied, the apparatus embeds optional data in the encoded voice code by replacing a second element code with the optional data. When a voice decoding apparatus extracts data that has been embedded in encoded voice code, the apparatus determines whether data embedding condition is satisfied using a first element code from among element codes constituting the encoded voice code, and a threshold value. If the data embedding condition is satisfied, the apparatus determines that optional data has been embedded in the second element code portion of the encoded voice code and extracts this embedded data.

Abstract: A decoding apparatus is provided. The decoding apparatus has a first decoding part for decoding a code word obtained by encoding an input signal using a Code-Excited Linear Prediction encoding method. A second decoding part decodes a code word obtained by encoding a signal with an encoding method other than the Code-Excited Linear Prediction encoding method. A rising-transition detection and notification part has a detection part that detects the existence of a rising-transition of amplitude of the input signal based on time variation of a gain of excitation vectors obtained by the first decoding part, and a notification part that notifies the second decoding part that the rising-transition of the amplitude exists.

Abstract: A highly accurate technique for recognizing spoken digit strings is described. A spoken digit string is received and analyzed by a speech recognizer, which generates a list of hypothesized digit strings arranged in ranked order based on a likelihood of matching the spoken digit string. The individual hypothesized strings are then analyzed in order beginning with the hypothesized string having the greatest likelihood of matching the spoken string to determine whether they satisfy a given constraint. The first hypothesized string in the list satisfying the constraint is selected as the recognized string.

Abstract: To improve the performance and the recognition rate of a method for recognizing speech in a dialogue system, or the like, it is suggested to derive emotion information data (EID) from speech input (SI) being descriptive for an emotional state of a speaker or a change thereof based upon which a process of recognition is chosen and/or designed.

Abstract: When a user issued voice command does not match grammars registered in advance, the voice command is identified as a sentence (step S305). This sentence is compared with the registered grammars to calculate a similarity (step S307). When the similarity is higher than a first threshold value (TH1), the voice command is executed (step S315). When the similarity is equal to or lower than the first threshold value (TH1) and higher than a second threshold value (TH2), command choices are displayed for the user and the user is permitted to select a command to be executed (step S319). When the similarity is equal to or lower than the second threshold value (TH2), the command is not executed (step S321). Furthermore, once a command has been executed it is added as a grammar, so that it can be identified when next it is used.

Abstract: A speech recognition method and apparatus is disclosed in which outputs a confidence score indicative of the posterior probability of an utterance being correctly matched to a word model.

Abstract: A speech processing unit assigns priority either to voice guidance processing or to speech recognition processing to be carried out previously, when a speech input requesting for the speech recognition processing is accepted while the voice guidance processing is being carried out. It can solve a problem of a conventional speech processing unit in that when a user operates a speech input button requesting for the speech recognition processing, the currently output voice guidance is interrupted, or the voice guidance scheduled to be output is not produced, thereby hindering the user from obtaining truly necessary information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for modifying a speech input to generate a desired speech output. A voice recognition unit analyzes the speech input and generates a textual output. The output is used by a speech synthesis unit to generate an output speech signal using speech characteristics and parameters stored in a database. The database may be preconfigured to store speech characteristics of a variety of types. A training unit allows the user to enter speech samples which are used to generate inputs to the database. The training unit acquires the speech samples and generates speech units, such as diphones, which may be modified to achieve a desired result. In one embodiment, the modified speech output is applied to an STU program, and feedback is provided indicating the error rate.

Abstract: A method for estimating mean opinion score or naturalness of synthesized speech is provided. The method includes using an objective measure that has components derived directly from textual information used to form synthesized utterances. The objective measure has a high correlation with mean opinion score such that a relationship can be formed between the objective measure and corresponding mean opinion score. An estimated mean opinion score can be obtained easily from the relationship when the objective measure is applied to utterances of a modified speech synthesizer.

Abstract: A speaker of encoded speech data recorded in a semiconductor storage device in an IC recorder is to be retrieved easily. An information receiving unit 10 in a speaker retrieval apparatus 1 reads out the encoded speech data recorded in a semiconductor storage device 107 in an IC recorder 100. A speech decoding unit 12 decodes the encoded speech data. A speaker frequency detection unit 13 discriminates the speaker based on a feature of the speech waveform decoded to find the frequency of conversation (frequency of occurrence) of the speaker in a preset time interval. A speaker frequency graph displaying unit 14 displays the speaker frequency on a picture as a two-dimensional graph having time and the frequency as two axes.

Abstract: An automated prescription transcription and dispatch service using voice recognition and a customizable, user-friendly telephony interface is provided. A doctor or other medical personnel can call a prescription services system, and provide spoken prescription information. The call can be placed directly to the prescription services system using the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Voice-over-IP (VoIP) connection, or can be forwarded to the prescription services system from a telephone number corresponding to a pharmacy. The system prompts the user through audible menus to provide prescription and patient information. The spoken information is digitized, recorded, and stored in the prescription services system, and then transcribed into textual format. The transcribed prescriptions are then transmitted to the doctor or medical personnel via variety of communication methodologies, such as fax, e-mail, XML, and electronic data interchange, for confirmation, review, and record keeping purposes.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for determining who is the speaking person in video data. This may be used to add in person identification in video content analysis and retrieval applications. A correlation is used to improve the person recognition rate relying on both face recognition and speaker identification. Latent Semantic Association (LSA) process may also be used to improve the association of a speaker's face with his voice. Other sources of data (e.g., text) may be integrated for a broader domain of video content understanding applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically recognizing and processing verbal data associated with medical treatment diagnosis and related billing, compliance and reporting procedures in the healthcare industry are provided. A method for completing and generating a claim form comprises providing an interactive voice interface for receiving and analyzing one or more verbal inputs to a computing system. The system interprets the one or more verbal inputs to fill one or more corresponding fields in an electronic form. The system continues to receive and analyze verbal inputs until the electronic form is completed. The system associates the content of the electronic form with one or more industry codes. The industry codes identify at least the nature of one or more services associated with the one or more verbal inputs. The system then arranges the codes in a predetermined manner to generate a claim for reimbursement that can be processed by a medical claims processing facility.

Abstract: A system for implementing a recording plan based upon the presence of a client includes a client monitor and a plan manager. The client monitor generates a presence message signifying the presence of a client on a network associated with the system. The presence message comprises a presence type and a client identity. The plan manager receives the presence message from the client monitor and, in response, retrieves a plan template based upon the client identity and the presence type. The plan manager creates a recording plan associated with the client based at least in part upon the plan template.

Abstract: Travelers are boarded onto a commercial passenger aircraft at a departure airport and the aircraft then files to an arrival airport with no checked-in luggage on board. Luggage which belongs to the travelers and cannot be carried onto the aircraft is transported by cargo carrier to a location where the luggage can be retrieved by the travelers after they have landed at the arrival airport.

Abstract: This invention teaches a system and method for managing and monitoring the purchase and maintenance of sophisticated office equipment. In the preferred embodiment, consumers, vendors, and administrators are software linked, preferably by an internet, such that the administrator can interface between the consumer and vendor to assist the consumer in reviewing available equipment from multiple vendors prior to the sale. After the sale, the administrator provides an interface between the consumer and vendors to monitor the equipment and manage vendor performance on behalf of the client.

Abstract: Product transactions between a store and a customer are expedited and smoothed by enabling a menu available at the store at the time of transaction to be known beforehand, and consequently enabling transaction time to be shortened by enabling a product to be ordered immediately on arrival at the store, thereby enabling sales productivity to be increased for the store, and eliminating the need for long waiting times for the customer to purchase a product and also preventing the customer's expectations concerning the menu from being disappointed.

Abstract: A facility for generating information in response to the occurrence of events is described. The facility detects the occurrence of one of a plurality of defined events. The facility matches the detected event occurrence against a set of scenario. Each scenario specifies one or more matching rules, content, and a set of recipients. The facility aggregates the content specified by the subset of the set of scenarios whose matching rules are satisfied by the event occurrence for the recipients specified by this subset of scenarios.