Abstract: A method for providing construction information service about a structure is provided. The method comprises design data inputting step that inputs design data that comprises two-dimensional drawings that illustrate construction elements of the structure, design data analyzing step that comprises analyzing the drawings to extract geometrical data of the construction elements and reading engineering data of the construction elements, reference data retrieving step that retrieves reference data related to the construction elements from a database, information producing step that produces construction information from the geometrical data and the engineering data analyzed from the drawings and the reference data retrieved from a database, and information outputting step that outputs the construction information.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and machine readable medium for determining optimal values of design parameters of a subsystem to meet design constraints. The subsystem comprises a plurality of circuits. Parameter functions are created for the corresponding circuits. The parameter functions represent a relationship among the design parameters. The design parameters are optimized based on the parameter functions to satisfy the design constraints.

Abstract: A sound intensity prediction system is disclosed that predicts the sound intensity created from a noise event and determines, on a three-dimensional basis taking into account cross winds and a moving noise source, the concentration of acoustic ray end points on land to indicate areas of noise intensification zones and where acoustic rays never touch down to indicate areas of quiet.

Abstract: A method for simulating the final finish of a multi-component finish material comprises submitting or receiving a request describing a desired single or multicolor surface appearance in a finish simulator to generate one or more simulated appearance samples, obtaining feedback on said simulated appearance sample and, if necessary, modifying said sample to simulate said desired surface appearance. The finish simulator comprises a library of finish templates that have been produced and software or processing means to apply rules to adjust the simulated finish for known changes in chemistry, composition, and application conditions.

Abstract: Technique to improve circuit level simulation speed through the block characterization of the RC network based on the AWE (Asymptotic Waveform Evaluation) is proposed. Since the numbers of RC network of the recent VLSI circuit becomes huge, the complexities of them are the most difficult and time-consuming task in the circuit verification. In addition to the increasing size of the RC networks, the accuracy is another big concern in the circuit simulation and verification. To have the speed while maintaining the accuracy in the circuit simulation, abstraction by block characterization is devised, implemented, and benchmarked. It first extracts transfer equation from the complex RC networks by applying AWE, modeled them as simple &pgr;-model, then find effective capacitance. The effective capacitance is modeled as pin capacitance of the input of the block, the transfer equation is modeled as a function of the between pins in the block.

Abstract: A method for modeling junction capacitance of the MOSFET transistor is proposed and implemented for high-speed circuit simulator. A region-based value of the capacitance of MOSFET is proposed, and its regional capacitance value model is more accurate and takes less computation time than the conventional bias independent average capacitance model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for simulating the effect on the frequency response of a transmission line due to the coupling of a second electrical network to the transmission line. It is observed that signals propagating through the second electrical network are reflected at the end of the second electrical network, thereby propagating back to the point of coupling with the transmission line causing partial cancellations of signals present. Thus, the second network effectively operates as a delay line, with an overall effect of creating nulls of various widths and depths in the frequency response of the transmission line. This second delay-line like network is replaced with a significantly simpler configuration.

Abstract: A method for minimizing event scheduling overhead in VHDL simulation were proposed, and the speed-up of the VHDL simulation time can be obtained. It consists of the two ideas. The first idea excludes any events that do not have any effects on VHDL simulation. The second idea is grouping multiple homogeneous events, and treating them as a single event to reduce the burden of scheduling in the simulation. These idea were applied separately as well as in a combined way.

Abstract: Simulation of models within a distributed environment is facilitated. A model is partitioned based on clock domains, and communication between partitions on different processors is performed on synchronous clock boundaries. Further, data is exchanged across the network on latch boundaries. Thus, management aspects of the simulation, such as management associated with the global simulation time, are simplified.

Abstract: An execution engine synchronizes test suite execution to run multiple independent operations concurrently or in parallel. The execution engine operates by stepping through the test suite. At each step it runs the required number of independent operations and waits for their completion. It then checks the results, and continues to the next step of the test suite. If at any step, the actual results are different from the expected results, then the exact sequence that triggered the fault is known. The sequence can be repeated when a correction is provided for the fault. Furthermore, the execution engine allows the user to interactively step through a test case when debugging a fault. A synchronization pattern generator may be incorporated in the system to generate minimal numbers of repetitions of test cases to guarantee varying degrees of interaction coverage.

Abstract: A computer system with an appropriate set of instructions to allow the computer system to serve as a translation device for use in a structured interview between an interviewer using a first language and an interviewee in a second language in order to minimize or eliminate that need for a human translator during the acquisition of routine information. Problems addressed include: determination of the appropriate language for use as the second language, the use of a single display screen through the use of a toggle function to toggle from the first language to the second language, delivery of context sensitive audio files while controlling the number of screens to be created and presented to the interviewer, and the creation of a set of discharge instructions. A preferred set of hardware and a mobile cart is discussed.

Abstract: Learning materials of an Ueda Method can be distributed to teachers and learners through a computer network, and a teacher can effectively teach a language using the distributed learning materials of the Ueda Method. The method includes: (A) inputting to a computer predetermined information about our daily life which refers to an advertisement of a company; (B) preparing language learning materials for a learner and language teaching materials for a teacher based on the advertisement; (C) distributing the language learning materials to the learner through a network; (D) distributing to a teacher the language learning materials and the language teaching materials through a network; (E) training a teacher using the language learning materials and the language teaching materials; (F) inputting and registering the trained teacher and a learner in the computer; and (G) the trained teacher teaching a language to a learner through the computer.

Abstract: A method for named-entity (NE) recognition and verification is provided. The method can extract at least one to-be-tested segments from an article according to a text window, and use a predefined grammar to parse the at least one to-be-tested segments to remove ill-formed ones. Then, a statistical verification model is used to calculate the confidence measurement of each to-be-tested segment to determine where the to-be-tested segment has a named-entity or not. If the confidence measurement is less than a predefined threshold, the to-be-tested segment will be rejected. Otherwise, it will be accepted.

Abstract: Natural-sounding synthesized speech is obtained from pieced elemental speech units that have their super-class identities known (e.g. phoneme type), and their line spectral frequencies (LSF) set in accordance with a correlation between the desired fundamental frequency and the LSF vectors that are known for different classes in the super-class. The correlation between a fundamental frequency in a class and the corresponding LSF is obtained by, for example, analyzing the database of recorded speech of a person and, more particularly, by analyzing frames of the speech signal.

Abstract: A described computer network includes a first computer system and a second computer system. The first computer system transmits screen image information and corresponding speech information to the second computer system. The screen image information includes information corresponding to a screen image intended for display within the first computer system. The speech information conveys a verbal description of the screen image. When the screen image includes one or more objects (e.g., menus, dialog boxes, icons, and the like) having corresponding semantic information, the speech information includes the corresponding semantic information. The second computer system responds to the speech information by producing an output (e.g., human speech via an audio output device, a tactile output via a Braille output device, and the like). The semantic information conveyed by the output allows a visually-impaired user of the second computer system to know intended purposes of the objects.

Abstract: An instructional card for a first aid kit that gives instructions for administering first aid by audio means, visual means, written means, graphical means or a combination of means thereof. The instructional card may be identified as corresponding to a pack of first aid supplies to be used to administer the first aid treatment as instructed by the instructional card. Alternatively, the instructional card may be included inside the pack of first aid supplies that are to be used to administer the first aid treatment described by the instructional card.

Abstract: Integrated voice and data channel communications. Browsing and source computing devices establish a first data channel. The browser transmits its data address to the source. The source then correlates that data address to a browse session identifier that may be dialed using a telephone keypad. The source then transmits a calling mechanism along with the browse session identifier to the browser. Upon selection of the calling mechanism at the browser, a voice call is placed using the telephone number supplied with the calling mechanism. Once the voice channel is established, the appended browse session identifier is dialed. The source may use the browse session identifier to correlate the voice call to the browser's data address. The source then establishes another data channel with the browsing computing device. Then, the source may transmit update information to the browser that relates to a concurrent voice conversation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling buffering of an audio stream so that audio can be played continuously without stoppage using a minimum amount of buffering are provided. The method for controlling buffering of data includes (a) determining a buffering period of compressed audio data on the basis of a time stamp which corresponds to a packet division unit, by considering the state of a network, (b) calculating a time period where the compressed audio data is to be stored in a buffer, on the basis of the buffering period that is determined in step (a), (c) buffering the inputted compressed audio data in a decoding buffer for the time period that is calculated in step (b), and (d) decoding the compressed audio data that is stored in the decoding buffer when the time period passes in step (c) and storing the decoded audio data in a composition buffer for synchronization with video data.

Abstract: A fund raising method is provided whereby an independent contractor contacts, or is contacted by, a fund raising customer. The independent contractor thereafter provides initial information to the customer. The fund raising company provides an informational pamphlet to the customer that includes sample products, catalogs and a complete description of the program. The customer distributes the information to others who buy products from the program. The orders are tallied and entered into the central computer and processed by the fund raising company. The fund raising company then issues a credit towards end products for a substantial portion of the entire amount, if not the entire amount, of the order. The fund raising company tracks the performance of the independent contractors. The customer may then order end products from the company. These orders are also processed through the fund raising company and end products are delivered to the customer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on-line store which allows a customer to order services of other providers while maintaining a consistent customer experience and control over the customer. Additionally, the invention relates to a system for enabling configuration of an information handling system which includes a configurator, a checkout module, a service activation module, and a database. The configurator configures the system with options selected according to user input. Payment options, obtaining payment and delivery information are presented by the checkout module. The service activation module enables a user to activate a service and a database receives and supplies information to the configurator, the checkout module and the service activation module.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying potential undesirable applicants for rental of properties, particularly residential apartments, and for increasing the collection rate for monies owed by defaulting tenants. The system and method may be provided by an entity which may also be a debt collection service and who maintains a tenant default database as well as a debt receivable database and screening reports database. Users of the system and method, such as apartment complex managers and other landlords, may make entries of irresponsible or defaulting tenants and make queries of applicants for apartment rentals or rentals of other property so as to avoid undesirable tenants. Data entry and retrieval may be carried out via a communications network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A method of making mass solicitations and referrals includes the steps of creating a network of financial advisors on behalf of a financial services network, obtaining a plurality of referrals for the financial advisors, providing the referrals to the group of financial advisors and providing specific disclosure information regarding the relationship between the financial advisors and the financial services network.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for delivering a physical item such that an indirect address code (IAC) (102) is added to a physical item (112), subsequently evaluated into a deliverable address (118), and associated to the item to enable in delivery of the item. An efficient and secure method of delivery of a physical item is thereby achieved.

Abstract: An improved system and method for the production of transformers, such as small, simple pad mounted distribution transformers is described. An external user (101), e.g., a customer or a field sales person, is permitted to orchestrate the entire negotiation and production process (104) to meet his or her specific requirements. The user is able to submit orders, review scheduling, and receive confirmation of the manufactures of the transformer over a network (102), such as the INTERNET. In the background, the manufacturing process (106) is preferably automated (105) to minimize the cycle time and the number of people required to satisfy the user's requirements. The transformer ordering system can be integral in designing and ordering high quality distribution transformers. In a preferred embodiment, it uses interactive tools (101, 103, 105) to assure quick and knowledgeable design and ordering of distribution transformers.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently transmitting data in wireless communication networks is disclosed. Support data may be strategically provided to user equipment (UE) to reduce the amount of data transmitted over the network.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for flow composition model searching by holding in a repository (120) records (130) of flow composition models containing information representative of predetermined flow composition model characteristics thereof, specifying (200) information representative of desired ones of the predetermined flow composition model characteristics, and retrieving from the repository flow control model records matching the specified information. The FCM characteristics may include Message Flow, Work Flow and Connector characteristics. The specified information may include wild card characters. This provides the advantage that a new specification of flow characteristics, derived from the general model FCM, is used. Hence using it enables the application of search, reuse, compare, etc., on any present and future FCM realization.

Abstract: The specification describes a system and method for providing a network using postal routed node topology. The system provides links between databases, General Mail Facilities (1), Post Offices (2), and letter carriers. This allows for individuals to receive up to date information regarding mail delivery. It also allows users to communicate directly with the Post Office (2) regarding their mail delivery.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide for a user to request information over a network (702) and receive the requested information (708) through one or more information channels. A user, through a client device, may access, through a network, a web page that is hosted on a server. The server, while providing primary information, may further provide an opportunity for the user to request secondary information (710). The user may request access to the secondary information, while maintaining access to the primary information. Included in the request may be a channel selection (704), and associated channel selection information, through which the user wishes to receive the information.

Abstract: A survey is placed into an envelope containing an address label and a tracking indicia. The address label indicates an old address of a recipient. The envelope containing the survey is routed through a delivery system. The delivery system is configured to sense the tracking indicia as it passes through the elements of the delivery system thus tracking the movement of the envelope through the delivery system. The envelope containing the survey is sent through the delivery system to the plant supporting the old address. The recipient, however, no longer resides at the old address and now resides at a new address. The envelope containing the survey is forwarded through the delivery system to the plant supporting the new address. Once the recipient receives and completes the survey, survey is sent to the system operator for analysis.

Abstract: A method for processing a value-added electronic transmission, which includes obtaining user identification information (110), conveying software (120) to the user, where the software enables the user to selectively send electronic transmissions to intended recipients via a mediation site, and associating with the mediation site at least one value-added processing service, including carrier indication, sender indication, transmission identification, guaranteed delivery, address verification, address correction, archiving, and transmission security. The method further includes billing the user (140) for service rendered through the mediation site.

Abstract: In the redirection process, items (110a-111n) are sent through a delivery system (130) directed to a recipient (155) at a first address (150) served by a first address plant (140). The recipient (155), however, no longer desires to have items (110a-110n) delivered to the first address (150) served by the first address plant (140), but now desires to have items delivered to an alternative address (160). Items are collected at the first address plant (140) and are held for a period of time specified by the recipient (155). Once this period of time for holding and collecting has expired, the items (110a-110n) are placed in a package (115). This package (115) is then sent through the delivery system (130) to an alternative address plant (145). Once the package (115) is received at the alternative address plant (145), the package (115) is delivered to the recipient (155) at the alternative address (160).

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a networked digital displayed thinking systems and display writing tools and, more particularly, to displayed thinking systems capable of writing, reading, storing, recalling, updating, and tele-conferencing displayed thinking concepts using a digital network format. A displayed thinking system according to the present invention could be made from a digital paper technology so that it could digitally display information and could be flexible enough to roll up into a container such as a movie screen does today. This system may also include a networked server that may be attached to the digital display board and may control what information would be displayed on it. This server would be able to receive information from the users and convert them into digital cards that could be displayed on the screen. The system may also include a set of user interfaces that may be networked into the server also.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a business transaction including delivering a business message, comprising providing in a first transaction the business message to a first workflow process; transferring the business message from the first workflow process to a second process wherein the transfer is not part of the first transaction; wherein the business message is transferred to the second process using a protocol; and wherein transferring the business message to the second process will be successful even if the first workflow process abnormally terminates.

Abstract: There is provided a method for generating an adaptive usage environment descriptor that considers a usage environment of a digital item. In a description of multimedia contents based on usage environment descriptor and user preference descriptor of the multimedia contents, a “PrecedencePreference” is defined in respective usage environment descriptor of the digital item, or an “AlternativePreference” is defined in descriptors of the digital item, or the “AlternativePreference” and the “PrecedencePreference” are simultaneously defined in a description of an adaptation condition to adaptively modify and describe the digital item.

Abstract: A method and system for the online dissemination of dietary nutritional information includes providing an Internet host station (12) with at least one database that is connectable via the Internet to a remote station (14) via an Internet connection (15). The host station (12) includes a plurality of documents (20, 22, 24, 26) relating to health and nutrition information, including information relating to numerous natural dietary products and ingredients. Publications (30, 32, 34) cited by the documents can be quickly accessed by hyperlinked reference numerals for ascertaining the accuracy and legitimacy of the documents to thereby increase the confidence of consumers and medical professionals with respect to the health benefits associated with dietary products and ingredients.

Abstract: A decison flowchart of a triage protocol is provided for a medical condition of a patient. The flowchart includes a plurality of decision blocks. Each decision block relates to one or more patient symptoms and/or considerations. A plurality of exit points are provided in the flowchart. Each exit point is associated with a respective decision block. Each exit point is reached upon the presence or absence of a symptom or consideration in the respective decision block. Each exit point recommends an action to be taken by the patient. The exit points may be customized. More specifically, the recommended action at selected exit points may be individually selected from a plurality of selectable actions. Thus, the decision flowchart may provide different recommended courses of action for a patient having the same symptoms and/or considerations based upon individual selections. The recommended action becomes an exit message for the respective exit point.

Abstract: An Internet-based clinical trial management center (FIG. 1) that communicates with a base of users (12), participating in a clinical trial and enables the users to access and manage data (49), as well as obtain the products of data processing (40), according to each user's role in the clinical trial. The management center (40) captures data from different data sources, that is, user-operational devices, and transforms the data into a common format for storage in a database (49). Data processed by the management center (40) is converted from the common format to one suitable for a receiving device operated by the user (12) who is to receive the data. At a workflow level, the management center implements a clinical data interchange pipeline (CDIP) to allow data to be transported in a flow in a given direction and intercepted throughout its flow for processing by applications having different formats and transport protocols in a seamless manner.

Abstract: A system, method, and user interface for performing maintenance of procedure clinical edit data and associated clinical code editing rules. The system includes a health insurance company and at least one health care provider. The health insurance company includes a computer system with a graphical user interface tool for generating a plurality of health care procedure clinical code editing rules and clinical edit data, and a component for sending at least a portion of the generated plurality of health care procedure clinical code editing rules to a recipient over a data network. The health care provider includes a computer system coupled to the data network for receiving the sent plurality of health care procedure clinical code editing rules and for presenting the received plurality of clinical code editing rules for review. The health care provider also includes a means for entering a claim for one or more performed health care procedures based on review of the plurality of clinical code editing rules.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering comprehensive health care to a patient is provided. The system and method include forming a cooperative relationship between a medical doctor and at least one alternative health care provider. The cooperative relationship motivates the medical doctor and the alternative health care providers to cooperate to serve the patient. The medical doctor and the alternative health care providers consult with patients in a common facility that enables a patient to selectively consult either the medical doctor or the alternative health care providers to address the patient's needs. Together, the patient and medical doctor or alternative health care provider formulate a regimen for the patient to achieve complete health. In addition, a computer system is provided that enforces business rules of the cooperative relationship and allows the patient to repeatedly visit the medical doctor or one of the alternative health care providers for following and refining the patient's regimen.

Abstract: An integrated system provides patients with secure, real-time access to their Personal Health Record and an Enterprise Health Information System (PHR and EHIS, respectively). Access may be provided by way of the Internet and via a Personal Health Portal (PHP) web page. From the secure PHP web page, patients can view information created and maintained by their health care providers and their affiliated staff. The patients can also request services and information from their health care providers and affiliated staff, directly access EHIS-related services, such as scheduling an appointment, scheduling, paying a bill, enrolling in a class, completing insurance and other forms, and viewing information and Internet services that are relevant to their particular health status.

Abstract: A system for storing medical records (15) which is comprised of a global communications network (12), a personal computer or terminal (14) linked to the global communications network (12) including a first connection port and a portable data access device connected to the first connection port is disclosed. The portable storage device preferably contains a processor, a memory, and an input device. An electronic patient record (15) is also disclosed. The patient record is carried by the portable data access device and may be updateable via the global communications network (12), the personal computer (14), or the input device acting in communication with the storage device. The patient record (15) contains personal patient information, such as disease/treatment history, and health insurance/medication information. The storage device may also generate patient reminders instructing a patient to schedule appointments. The input device is used to log into the portable device or terminal (14).

Abstract: The present invention allows a user to track nutritional intake values and assists a user in maintaining nutritional intake goals. The invention looks up the nutritional values of foods, adds foods or food combinations to a temporary memory, maintains a daily diary of nutritional intake, generates the average nutritional intake for a selected number of days, and stores nutritional goals. In addition, the present invention allows the user to create custom meal totals, representing user-included food items and their corresponding nutritional values that the user consumes in a meal. Further, the present invention compares nutritional goals with the averages of actual nutritional intake.

Abstract: An online system using a computer network for accepting applications for the appointment of an agent by an insurance carrier. The system interacts with the agent, a general agent contracting with the agent and licensing staff of the insurance carrier. In one implementation, the system is adapted to perform at least the following steps: receiving an appointment application for the appointment of an agent by an insurance carrier via the computer network, the appointment application including agent data, a state the agent is seeking an appointment, and a product the agent wishes to solicit; transmitting a request for additional information about the agent from an external database via the computer network; and receiving the additional information from the external database via the computer network. By way of example, the additional information may be license information and/or securities registration information for the agent.

Abstract: A system used by a underwriter for evaluating life insurance applications. The system provides graphical user interfaces (screens) that are used to select conditions applicable to the insurance applicant, and to select ratings associated with those conditions. The ratings can be manually entered by an underwriter or entered automatically when selected at a screen. Ratings are displayed individually and as a total rating. The ratings may be manually adjusted by the underwriter. The system automatically calculates (using a mortality table) the life expectancy of the applicant based the total rating, and the life expectancy is recalculated when a rating is adjusted by the underwriter. The life expectancy is displayed side-by-side to ratings information on the screens so that the underwriter can visually determine the impact of ratings and adjustments to ratings on the life expectancy of the applicant.

Abstract: A system and method for, by means of a mobile terminal, wireless hotel search and selection, reservation/booking, check-in, room access control, check-out and payment services for hotel customers is disclosed. The mobile terminal (1) comprises a mobile telephone and processing unit (23), operating with wireless applications, for wireless communication (2) with a hotel search and reservation server (12) and a reservation/IT system (7) of a selected hotel, and a short-range wireless device (25) for wireless communication (10) with wireless devices (9,16) of door locks (32) and user locating arrangements, respectively. By means of the wireless application of the mobile terminal (1), the user reserves a hotel room. A hotel room key token is transferred from the reservation/IT system (7) to the wireless device (35) of the mobile terminal, and hence to the wireless door lock (9,32).

Abstract: The computerized on-line system with user (115), Internet (110), and host (105) is used for purchasing partially anonymous products. The full identity of the products are not provided until after the products are actually purchased.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel system and method for bench marking (3) an industry affinity group member against other comparable members, by efficiently gathering information characterizing each member, calculating indicators for each member based upon the data characterizing each member, by comparing the values for the indicators for one member to values for indicators for similar members, and by providing to a user (4) the results of the comparison, and it provides a novel database of information including company (5) information and associated employee status information. In addition, the invention provides means for automatically identifying, offering and selling member improvement products and services to the user (4) based upon the bench mark comparisons. Also available is a peer group forum enabling the user to get self help improvements.

Abstract: In a production planning method, among those production step types the product procurement periods of which satisfy the desired time of delivery, allocation to production steps with longer product procurement periods is performed, in order from orders with shorter desired times of delivery; or, in a production planning method, expectation values and request values are compared, and allocation is performed; or, in a production planning method, bottleneck steps are considered, and production space and production periods are allocated. It is possible to provide a production planning method and system which are objective even for products subject to trends in popularity and demand for which fluctuates, and conventional production planning for which relied on human experience and intuition and was not thought to be adequately handled by a computer system. Also, allocation of production space upon receipt of an order can be performed efficiently and promptly.

Abstract: An on-line system and method for tracking the performance of a vendor. The system comprises a purchaser terminal and a vendor terminal. A processor is coupled to the purchaser terminal and to the vendor terminal via Internet. The system also comprises scheduling data storage means which is coupled to the processor and which stores scheduling data, including a date. The processor is configured to generate and transmit to the vendor terminal, on the date stored in the scheduling data storage means, a notification message. The notification message requires a knowledgeable person at the vendor terminal to indicate whether a deadline has been or will be met. The processor is also configured to receive, in response to the notification message, a response message from the vendor terminal, and to distribute the response message to interested parties.

Abstract: A system to allow self-scheduling of appointments via an electronic network. The electronic network is configured to permit secure access thereto by a service recipient. The system comprises a self-scheduling server coupled to the electronic network for secure communications therewith. The self-scheduling server is adapted to receive appointment scheduling requests from the service recipient securely via the electronic network The self-scheduling server includes a processor which is coupled to a rule base, to a scheduling database, and receives the appointment scheduling requests. The processor is operable upon the appointment scheduling requests to authorize the appointment scheduling request to send appointment schedule information to the scheduling database for inclusion therein and to send an appointment acknowledgment to the service recipient securely via the electronic network.