Abstract: A computer-assisted process for the design and placement of multi-colored patterns on absorbent substrates using a limited number of transparent process colorants is described. Through use of this system, a designer, working with a computer-aided design system, can generate and accurately represent on a computer monitor or similar display a multi-colored pattern, as that pattern would appear on a specified absorbent substrate, using coloring elements comprised of groups of multiple pixels in which process colors have been mixed in a controlled manner to expand the range of available colors, and to compensate for colorant delivery limitations that prevent the application of small, accurately metered quantities of colorant. Actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.

Abstract: A drive control system having constituent devices such as control unit for drive control, servo amplifier for driving motor by receiving a command from the control unit, spindle amplifier, and input and output unit, with these constituent devices connected so as to communicate with each other, in which a memory is provided in each constituent device, the constituent devices are synchronized with each other, a communication unit is provided for transferring memory data between arbitrary constituent devices, and the memory is shared between arbitrary constituent devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the drying process taking place in the dryer section of a paper machine or the like. The total drying efficiency required in the dryer section is first calculated by means of a method known as such, and an optimal drying efficiency distribution is compiled. Using the optimal drying efficiency distribution, the dryer section is divided into two or more imaginary drying segments which differ in their drying action, in at least one of which segments there are at least two dryer units using different forms of energy and/or at least two separately adjustable dryer units using the same form of energy. The total drying efficiency obtained is divided, by means of an optimization method known as such, between the said different drying segments in such a way that a good drying efficiency distribution is achieved in terms of the quality of the web being dried.

Abstract: A method for controlling the serial transport of articles to achieve a predetermined gap between transported articles. First and second articles are transported serially on a transport system. The velocities and positions of the first and second articles are measured during the transporting process. An adjustment for the position of the second article is determined in a periodic operating cycle using the following steps: calculating a current gap between the first and second articles, determining a distance from the second document to the edge of the predetermined gap, and calculating a minimum displacement needed to decelerate the second article to the velocity of the first article.

Abstract: A product management method for securing interests of a just rightful claimant of an intellectual property right is provided. The product management method is a product management method for a display module including a circuit formed by integrating a transistor which is formed using a thin film semiconductor on an insulating substrate, which, in a manufacturing process of the transistor, forms characters, a figure, a symbol, or a numeral, or a combination thereof on any one of thin films constituting the transistor, indicates attribution of an intellectual property right pertaining to the display module according to the characters, the figure, the symbol, or the numeral, or the combination thereof, and secures interests of a just rightful claimant of an intellectual property right.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the age of a purchaser prior to his purchase of age-restricted items from a vending machine. An authorization card is issued to a customer containing a password when the customer presents identification material identifying the customer as being of at least a predetermined age. The customer inputs the authorization card into the vending machine, and a comparison of the password on the card is made to the password stored in a microprocessor in the vending machine. If the passwords match, the vending machine is enabled to accept payment from the customer and to vend the age-restricted product.

Abstract: A mobile device for traversing a ferromagnetic surface. The device includes a frame and at least one surface contacting device attached to the frame. The device also includes a Halbach magnet array attached to the frame, wherein the Halbach magnet array provides a magnetic force to maintain the surface contacting device substantially into contact with the ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process control where some of the controllable parameters are difficult or impossible to characterize. The present invention relates to process control in biotechnology of such systems, but not limited to. Additionally, the present invention relates to process control in biotechnology minerals processing. In the inventive method, an application of the present invention manipulates a minerals bioprocess to find local exterma (maxima or minima) for selected output variables/process goals by using a learning-based controller for bioprocess oxidation of minerals during hydrometallurgical processing. The learning-based controller operates with or without human supervision and works to find processor optima without previously defined optima due to the non-characterized nature of the process being manipulated.

Abstract: A power management architecture for an electrical power distribution system, or portion thereof, is disclosed. The architecture includes intelligent electronic devices (“IED's”) with the capability to monitor and control attached slave devices, and provide capability to communicate between multiple devices in a variety of communication protocols. A master IED in the master/slave architecture performs power management functions on the data received from the slave IED's. Further, the IED's with master functionality provide web server capabilities, allowing a user to view processed data over an open Internet protocol, such as HTTP (“Hyper Text Transfer Protocol”).

Abstract: A control system (10) actively limits the power drawn from a main power distribution bus (20) by one or more electric loads (30). The system (10) includes circuitry (14) for determining a maximum permissible current magnitude that may be supplied to the loads (30) based on a signal representative of the voltage magnitude supplied to the loads (30). Additional circuitry (18, 34) limits the power drawn from the main power distribution bus (20) to the maximum permissible current magnitude from exceeding a predetermined maximum power level. As a result, the required design capacity of power generation components and the power distribution system can be reduced in size, weight, and cost.

Abstract: A situation controller for a vehicle. The situation controller includes a processing device and an image monitor coupled to the processing device, for monitoring images associated with one or more items within the vehicle. The situation controller also includes a device for communicating a message relating to the one or more monitored items wherein the content of the message is determined by the processing device based at least in part on the one or more monitored items. Additionally, a controller coupled to the processing device, for controlling at least one function of the vehicle in response to the one or more monitored items within the vehicle, is included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing live display of aircraft flight information collects airline flight information from an airline reservation system and obtains aircraft location information based on secondary surveillance radar interrogation using dual frequencies. A central server integrates the airline flight information with the aircraft location information to produce aircraft flight information and provides live display of the aircraft flight information at an airline terminal.

Abstract: A power distribution control system for a hybrid fuel cell vehicle is provided. The system includes a high voltage energy converter (HVEC) for providing current from an electrical bus to the battery, or from the battery to the bus. As a vehicle load increases, the HVEC temporarily provides current to the bus from the battery. A feedforward signal is input into a fuel cell subsystem so that the fuel cell begins to generate additional current. As additional fuel cell current becomes available, an HVEC controller reduces the amount of current the HVEC provides to the bus from the battery, until there is a zero net current flow to and from the battery. At this point, a state of equilibrium is reached and the fuel cell provides all the current required by the vehicle loads.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for controlling a component in a vehicle in which at least one morphological characteristic of an occupant is measured and a current position of at least a part of a seat on which the occupant is situated is obtained. The component is controlled based on the measured morphological characteristic(s) and the current position of the seat. The component may be an occupant restraint device, such as an airbag whose inflation, deflation and/or deployment direction is/are controlled.

Abstract: An antiskid braking control system includes a wheel factor estimating means for estimating at least a wheel factor such as a side force of a vehicle front wheel and a front wheel slip angle based upon a vehicle state variable, a grip factor estimating means for estimating a grip factor of at least the vehicle front wheel based upon a change of a aligning torque depending upon the front wheel factor, and a control parameter adjusting means for adjusting a control parameter based upon the grip factor estimated.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling an automotive vehicle are disclosed, in which a control amount for securing safety of the vehicle and the control amount for achieving a state intended for by the driver of the vehicle are switched in such a manner as to reduce the shock due to the change in the torque generated from the power train, thereby accomplishing both safety and maneuverability at the same time. A first target value is set for controlling at least selected one of the driving torque, the driving force and the acceleration/deceleration rate. A second target value is calculated in accordance with the drive mode intended for by the driver or the driving environment ahead of the vehicle. In the case where a deviation exceeding a predetermined value develops between the first target value and the second target value, the fluctuations of at least one of the driving torque, the driving force and the acceleration/deceleration rate are suppressed.

Abstract: A lane-keep control system is installed in a host vehicle equipped with an inter-vehicle distance control system. The lane-keep control system is arranged to decrease a threshold to be compared with the vehicle traveling condition for determining the tendency of the lane deviation when the inter-vehicle distance is being executed, so that the deviation avoidance control during execution of the inter-vehicle distance control is started earlier than the deviation avoidance control during inexecution of the inter-vehicle distance is started.

Abstract: A cold-state emission-reducing strategy wherein a diagnostic apparatus examines for possible malfunctions of a control unit during cold start. The diagnosis judges that the strategy is faulty if the cumulative amount of fuel injection is equal to or smaller than a predeterminable threshold value for a faulty judgement. Thus, the abnormality of the cold-state emission-reducing strategy is accurately and easily detected, by merely calculating the cumulative amount of an injection pulse width for the injector or the cumulative amount of fuel flow during a predeterminable cumulating time period after engine start, and comparing the calculated cumulative amount with the predeterminable judgement threshold.

Abstract: In a method and a circuit for installation-exchange protection of at least two measuring sensors for detecting physical/chemical variables of an exhaust gas in a system for exhaust-gas aftertreatment in an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, voltage signals of the at least two measuring sensors are read in such that the read-in voltage signals are digitized and the digitized voltage values are buffer-stored. The buffer-stored voltage values each are buffer-stored as a copy. The voltage values buffer-stored as a copy are evaluated on the basis of characteristic voltage variables. During the process it is checked whether an exchange of the at least two measuring sensors has occurred and that, as a function of the test result, the buffer-stored voltage values are each buffer-stored as copies in a crosswise manner.

Abstract: A traffic management system comprises a road network on a physical layer and at least a packet switched control network on a traffic control layer. The vehicle traffic formed on the physical layer by a plurality of vehicles traveling along a plurality of road sections of the road network is mapped into a packet traffic constituted by a plurality of packers routed along a plurality of packet routing links. Packet control units of the packet switched control network are adapted to control the packets on a respective packet routing link in the traffic control layer to correspond to or simulate a respective vehicle on a corresponding road section on the physical layer. The traffic management system thus treats each vehicle as a packet and can monitor, control, or simulate the traffic on this physical layer by the packet traffic in the traffic control layer.

Abstract: A remote consumer service center calculates traveling routes for a car and selects a geo area that covers the traveling routes. The geo area is defined by two boundary points, and divided by a pair of 2D grid number into multiple geo zones each respectively defined with a pair of 2D index. The remote consumer service center sends the boundary points, the pair of 2D grid number, and multiple pairs of 2D indexes of traveling zones corresponding to the traveling routes to an On-Board Unit of the car wirelessly. The On-Board Unit rebuilds a 2D grillwork according to the boundary points and the pair of 2D grid number, and then displays on a display together with multiple traveling grids and a current grid, enabling the driver to find the forward direction himself. The remote consumer service center can synchronously display a monitoring 2D grillwork to guide the car moving.

Abstract: To provide a navigation system for a moving body useful to carry out delivery service operation. A delivery history is included in customer information, and a route guide including at least one past delivery destination point is generated. A method of navigating a movable body for a delivery service is also included.

Abstract: A message containing a message identifier is received in a vehicle. The message identifier is compared with information associated with the vehicle. If message identifier and the vehicle information correspond in some manner, the message is reported to a vehicle operator and may be relayed to other vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle data bus system includes locating means which comprise a locating computing unit and a locating sensor system which contains at least one GPS receiver with associated GPS antenna and gyro data acquisition means, and a data bus via which connects a plurality of bus users in data communication with one another. The locating means contain a locating module which is embodied as one of the bus users and is configured to receive at least wheel speed data and forward/backward direction of travel data via the data bus, to acquire at least vehicle position data, direction of travel angle data, travel speed data and altitude position data as well as to output this acquired data onto the data bus. For this purpose, the locating module contains the location computing unit, the GPS receiver and a gyroscope or means for the bus-end reception and evaluation of gyro data of a travel dynamics/traction control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a geospatial database access and query method, and more particularly to a map and Inertial Measurement Unit/Global Positioning System (IMU/GPS) navigation process. With the location information provided by an IMU/GPS integrated system, the geospatial database operations, such as database access and query, are sped up. With the map data from a geospatial database, the navigation performance and accuracy are enhanced. The present invention also supports real time mapping by using IMU/GPS integrated system as the positioning sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for using petrophysical data from a plurality of wells, in a plurality of reservoir regions, containing a plurality of reservoir rock types, in the context of a three-dimensional geological model, for identifying dimensionless capillary pressure functions and using these dimensionless capillary pressure functions for determining reservoir fluid volumes, fluid contacts, the extent of reservoir compartmentalization, and an improved estimate of reservoir permeability. The present invention is directed to the method and finished product of same.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for separating two or more subsets of polypeptides within a set of polypeptides. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining a sequence comparison signature for each amino acid sequence in a set of amino acid sequences, wherein the sequence comparison signature includes pairwise comparison scores for the amino acid sequence compared to each of the other amino acid sequences in the set; (b) constructing a distance arrangement including the sequence comparison signatures related according to the distance between each of the sequence comparison signatures; and (c) identifying a first and second cluster of sequence comparison signatures in the distance arrangement, wherein the first cluster includes sequence comparison signatures for polypeptides having a similar protein fold or biological function, the protein fold or function being different compared to a protein fold or function of polypeptides having sequence comparison signatures in the second cluster.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for quantitative protein design and optimization.

Abstract: A system for measuring pitting corrosion in metal using a digital camera having a lens and an output unit for identifying the color of a metal coupon on a gray scale and providing an output in the midrange of the scale when non corroded and different output after exposure to a corrosive environment. A computer is connected to the output of the camera to display the photographs to permit observation of the gray scale output based upon a minimum and maximum threshold inputs which are adjustable based on an observation of pitting. The points of interest on the coupon representing observed pitting are recorded and summed to calculate an estimated corrosion area corresponding to pitting the said coupon as a percentage of the total coupon area.

Abstract: The present invention describes non-invasive online system for discrete measurements of phase levels in a converter or pyrometallurgical furnace in smelting and conversion processes, applying mechanical waves generated by a transducer placed in the direction of the axis orthogonal to the plane of the phases, for applying mechanical waves that travel in a longitudinal direction into the converter or pyrometallurgical furnace, and a detector or sensor mechanical waves receive a signal (echo pulses) reflected by the different interphases returning a fraction of the power to the transducer that generated it. The propagation time measurement of the signal, from the moment it is emitted by the transducer up to the moment in which the various echoes are received allows to determine the position of the different interphases relative to the transducer.

Abstract: Based on a plurality of defects' position-coordinates and attribute detected by an inspecting apparatus, defects that are easily detectable by an observing apparatus are selected. With these selected defects employed as the indicator, the observing apparatus detects and observes the defects. Moreover, creating a coordinate transformation formula for representing a correlated relationship in the defects' position-coordinates between both the apparatuses, the observing apparatus transforms the defects' position-coordinates so as to observe the defects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying the presence of a defect in vibrating machinery. An exemplary method comprises analysis of frequency spectrum vibration data of the machine. The method comprises deriving a harmonic activity index based on estimates of the energy associated with the frequency spectrum and the energy associated with the defect's harmonic series. The method may comprise deriving a value K by estimating a value M indicative of the energy of the defect's harmonic series and dividing M by the number of spectral lines corresponding to the defect's harmonic series. The method may further comprise deriving a value R by estimating a value Q indicative of the energy in the frequency spectrum data and dividing Q by the number of spectral lines of the frequency spectrum data. The method further comprises deriving the harmonic activity index based on the estimated K and R. Related systems for executing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method and program for calculating a fluid flow volume within a conduit having an operably connected flow meter is disclosed. The system includes a controller having a backplane. A flow meter module is operably connected to the backplane of the controller and to the flow meter. A program embedded within the controller is also operably connected to the flow meter. The program includes a plurality of segments for sensing a characteristic of the fluid for determining the flow volume of the fluid. The controller, in cooperation with the flow meter module, monitors the dynamic fluid density of the fluid in the conduit. The controller utilizes the dynamic density to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the fluid flow volume through the conduit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for determining the moisture content of a medium forming a dielectric of a measuring conduit of a probe, which apparatus includes an electronic evaluation unit, a signal generator providing a pulse signal to one end of the measuring conduit, a receiver for receiving a reflected signal returned to the one end of the measuring conduit and a time measuring device for determining the time elapsed between the supply of the signal and the return of the reflected signal, the electronic evaluation unit is arranged in close proximity to the one end of the measuring conduit and provided with temperature compensating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optimizing a route of a vehicle including planning an initial route using rules to estimate navigation system performance and to enhance accuracy of the navigation system and then utilizing a navigation performance prediction tool to evaluate possible success of the initial route. If the initial route is deemed a failure, estimated error may be recalculated based on the initial route and then the estimated error may be utilized to evaluate possible success of the initial route. If the initial route is deemed a failure, the rules may be used to designate at least one error correcting maneuver to be added to the initial route to reduce error and then the estimated error of the initial route including the error correcting maneuver may then be recalculated using the navigation prediction process. The possible success of the initial route including the error correcting maneuver may then be evaluated.

Abstract: Power quality detection, monitoring, reporting, recording and communication in a revenue accuracy electrical power meter is disclosed. Transient events are detected by monitoring the wave shape of the electrical power and comparing deviations to a known threshold. Sags and Swells are detected by computing root mean square value over a rolling window and comparing the computed value with a known threshold. Harmonic frequencies and symmetrical components are quantified by a known algorithm and compared with a known threshold. Incoming waveforms are stored to memory. All recorded and computed data is moved to non-volatile storage via direct memory access transfer in the event that a power quality event jeopardizes the operating power of the meter. Further, the meter provides a power supply utilizing high and low capacitive storage banks to supply sufficient energy to survive short duration power quality events which jeopardize the meter's operating power.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of sequential unique marking comprising providing a multi-die handling device with a plurality of devices therein, reading an ID code on the multi-die handling device, retrieving a tray map file corresponding to the ID code, determining a tray matrix of the multi-die handling device, retrieving data from the tray map file, the data comprising unique characters correlating to each device of the plurality of devices and marking each device with the data

Abstract: In a wafer inspection and sampling system, wafer defects are detected and stored in a data store as defect data. Information is also provided, representative of clusters of defects on the wafer. A statistically based sampling of the defects is made to obtain a set of sampled defects. Subsequent detailed inspection and analysis of the sampled defects produces additional data which facilitate an understanding of process errors.

Abstract: In a wafer inspection and sampling system, wafer defects are detected and stored in a data store as defect data. Information is also provided, representative of clusters of defects on the wafer. A statistically based sampling of the defects is made to obtain a set of sampled defects. Subsequent detailed inspection and analysis of the sampled defects produces additional data which facilitate an understanding of process errors.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating non-linearity of the high-velocity type manifested in heterodyne interferometer position data includes receiving a plurality of groups of digital position values. A plurality of groups of digital phase values from a measurement channel are received. A first group of the digital position values and digital phase values are digitally processed to generate a plurality of block data values. The plurality of block data values are digitally processed to generate at least one quasi-static non-linearity parameter. A second group of the digital position values are compensated based on the at least one quasi-static non-linearity parameter.

Abstract: A system (10, 12, 34) for calibrating an apparatus (10) for aligning components (20) relative to a desired line of sight. The system includes a first mechanism (70) for generating a command designed to move a line-of-sight of one of the components (20) to a first position, the line-of-sight moving to a second position in response thereto. A second mechanism (36, 38, 74, 78) automatically compensates for a variation between the first position and the second position via a scale factor (78).

Abstract: A calibration information calculation unit 340 calculates the first coordinate positions of feature points included in images obtained by an image sensing apparatus at timings from an instruction unit 350 using position data, on world coordinate system, of a plurality of feature points held by a world coordinate holding unit 310 and the measured values of a position/posture sensor 130 input to a data management unit 330 at the timings. The unit 340 receives the second coordinate positions, which are acquired by an image coordinate acquisition unit 320, of the feature points included in the images obtained by the image sensing device at the timings. The unit 340 calculates calibration information using the first and second coordinate positions.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a plurality of weighing installations of the kind having a working configuration of at least one working load cell (14) with a fixed side and a load-bearing sides, a support (16) for the fixed side, and a load (12) operatively mounted on the load-bearing side, comprises portable apparatus moveable between installations to be calibrated, and fixed apparatus at each installation. The portable apparatus includes a reference load cell (30) and a fluid ram (32), the fixed apparatus includes anchorage means (22) fast with the working load cell support (16), and the reference cell and the ram are removably connectable between the anchorage means and the load-bearing side of the working load cell to apply calibrating loads to the working load cell in its working configuration. As many rams and reference cells may be provided as there are working load cells for any weighing installation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for independently adjusting or calibrating the characteristics of multiple drivers for output buffer circuits without significantly increasing the associated necessary circuitry is disclosed. A central control logic circuit initiates the calibration process of the drivers. A serial communication link is provided between the control logic and each of the output drivers. The serial link reduces the number of lines that are required to communicate between the central control logic and the multiple output drivers. The output drivers can be calibrated one at a time, and a handoff is made from one driver to the next to start the calibration of the subsequent driver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing semiconductors according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a test system comprising an outlier identification element configured to identify significant data in a set of test results. The test system may be configured to provide the data in an output report. The outlier identification element suitably performs the analysis at run time. The outlier identification element may also operate in conjunction with a smoothing system to smooth the data and identify trends and departures from test result norms.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated circuit testing apparatus having a first test circuit producing a signal for determining at least one of an operating reference signal and a substrate coupling effect on a plurality of components within the integrated circuit; a second test circuit producing a signal for determining at least one of a cross-talk effect on the plurality of components and the accuracy of an interconnect capacitance extraction value; a third test circuit producing a signal for determining at least one of an effect of system noise on the operational speed of the plurality of components and a maximum degradation expected for a logic path between the plurality of components; and a fourth test circuit producing a signal for determining an effect of power supply noise on a signal propagation delay within the plurality of components. Methods of operating such a testing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable testing apparatus operable with a force applying apparatus for testing loading characteristics on an integrated circuit assembly coupled to a circuit board. Included is a housing assembly having a size and shape to simulate an integrated circuit assembly to be tested; a loading element coupled for movement relative to the housing assembly and engageable with a load detecting system for transferring forces thereto in response to forces applied by a force applying apparatus; an interposer which mates the housing assembly to a circuit board; and, a load detecting system associated with the housing assembly for providing signals representative of characteristics of loading forces applied thereto by a force applying apparatus, whereby the load delivery characteristics of a force applying apparatus can be determined. A method of testing is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing a socket are disclosed. The resistance values of the contactor pins of the socket can be precisely measured, and the measurement is made automatic so as to decrease the expense and manpower. The method includes the following steps. That is, a calibration PCB is formed into a closed circuit, and all the resistance values forming a closed circuit loop for respective channels are extracted and stored (first step). A socket-installed PCB is formed into a closed circuit, and all resistance values forming a closed circuit loop for respective channels are extracted and stored (second step). Differences between the resistance values of the respective channels of the calibration PCB and the resistance values of the respective channels of the socket-installed PCB are calculated (third step). The differences thus calculated are displayed to a screen for the respective channels (fourth step).

Abstract: A TL1 usage model generator arranged to provide a statistically accurate usage model based upon a particular user profile is described. The TL1 usage model generator is connected to a translator arranged to expand the usage model provided the by TL1 usage model generator into a fully meshed file. Coupled to the translator, a TL1 sequence generator uses the fully meshed file to automatically generate a random sequence of TL1 commands that is provided to an execution engine configured to read the random sequence of TL1 commands. The execution engine, in turn, sends the random sequence of TL1 commands to the system under test (SUT) the results of which are forwarded to and written in a result data base used by a post processor to verify the validity of the system response.

Abstract: A method for testing I/O ports of a computer motherboard under test. A non-volatile memory on the computer motherboard under test is provided with a test code for initializing the computer motherboard and testing its I/O ports, in which the test code includes a plurality of test routines corresponding to the I/O ports to be tested. Upon power-up or reboot, the computer motherboard under test is booted from the test code in the non-volatile memory. One of the I/O ports is selected from an interactive display menu, and then a CPU on the computer motherboard under test executes the corresponding test routine for the selected I/O port to test it. If there is an abnormal signal pin in the selected I/O port, a failure message is displayed to indicate which signal pin of the selected I/O port is not operating correctly. Otherwise, a pass message is displayed.