Abstract: A method is provided of determining the how information from any information system changes over time. WebPages A through WebPages Z with nodes A through Z, are located, where A through Z are integers. Timestamp values for each of a node from A through Z are retrieved. Timestamp values from A are subtracted to create a denominator time value. A distance between the nodes A through Z is determined by calculating a number of edges in the digraph to create a numerator value. The numerator value is divided by the distance to provide a velocity value.

Abstract: A monitor device is attached onto or inside a shipping crate for pharmaceutical shipments and monitors the temperature and/or humidity within the crate in transit to identify whether the contents are safe or compromised. A keyboard/display on the device provides an ID code that the recipient enters into a computer web page to communicate this ID code to the shipper or to a third-party agency. If the ID code represents a safe shipment, the shipper or third-party returns an acceptance message. If there has been a compromise, a different ID code is presented, and the web page instead returns a message to return the crate. A return envelope can be included for the recipient to return the monitor device to the shipper.

Abstract: A method of estimating a change of a variable over a measurement window, comprising the steps of taking multiple samples of the variable during the measurement window, defining a weight to be associated with each sample, the weight varying as a function of position of the sample within the measurement window, processing the samples taking account of their weight to form an estimate of the change in the variable.

Abstract: A method of forming an assembly from a plurality of components, the plurality of components each having a component volume and a respective locus point, is described. The method includes selecting a target volume by defining a target volume and respective locus point. The method further includes determining a solution group of components comprising a list of components having a component volume positioned at least one of within the target volume and a predetermined distance from the target volume. The method further includes displaying the solution group of components forming an assembly.

Abstract: A method for simulating a partial differential equation to perform image and signal processing. The method utilizes quantum and classical lattice gas processes to simulate the partial differential equation. The lattice gas processes may be run on a type I quantum computer, type II quantum computer or a classical computer. A system for simulating and solving a partial differential equation comprising a quantum computer and a classical processor.

Abstract: An analytical model creation system can create a desired analytical model by adding a given shape change to an existing analytical model. The system includes an adjacent partial analytical model interlocking section for performing an interlocking change process. The interlocking change process is performed on the existing analytical model as a combined analytical model comprising a plurality of partial analytical models. The process assumes any one of the partial analytical models in the combined analytical model to be a change-targeted partial analytical model. The process allows a partial analytical model adjacent to the change-targeted partial analytical model to reflect a shape change given to the change-targeted partial analytical model. The process thereby makes a shape change to the adjacent partial analytical model in interlock with the shape change.

Abstract: A plurality of simulators operable to decentrally execute arithmetic operations based on a plurality of simulation models which are respectively assigned to the simulators under the control of a management device. A notifying section is operable to provide a notification so as to relate information regarding one of the simulation models displayed on a display of the management device to one of the simulators which executes an arithmetic operation based on the one of the simulation models. The management device and the simulators are connected with each other via a network.

Abstract: A method is presented for adjusting the steady-state gains of a multivariable predictive control, planning or optimization model with uncertainty. The user selects a desired matrix relative gain criteria for the predictive model or sub-model. This is used to calculate a base number. Model gains are extracted from the predictive model and the magnitudes are modified to be rounded number powers of the calculated base number.

Abstract: A ground-based system for simulating dynamic suborbital-flight environments occurring during substantially complete suborbital-flights by a flight vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for determining accurate optical property values of turbid media. In one embodiment, the method includes (a) providing a light source, having a first wavelength and a known illumination power, sequentially at a plurality of specific illumination positions on a first surface of the specimen; (b) for each specific position of the light source, obtaining light emission measurements from a second surface of the specimen that is opposite the first surface, wherein the light emission measurements are obtained for a plurality of surface positions of the second surface; and (c) for each specific illumination position of the light source at the first surface of the specimen, determining one or more optical properties for the specimen based on the specific illumination position of the light source, the first wavelength of the light source, the known illumination power of the light source, and the obtained light emission measurements for such each specific illumination position.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that can reduce an operation time for mesh generation and also reduce erroneous determination on a contact section. A memory stores a contact determination criterion of parts corresponding to a combination of part kinds of parts as CAD data. A processing unit subjects an extracted combination of the parts to the contact determination, based on the contact determination criterion stored in the memory, and highlights the combination of the parts determined to contact to each other, on a displaying unit.

Abstract: An integrated risk management tool includes a persistent object database to store information about actors (individuals and/or groups), physical surroundings, historical events and other information. The risk management tool also includes a decision support system that uses data objects from the database and advanced decision theory techniques, such as Bayesian Networks, to infer the relative risk of an undesirable event. As part of the relative risk calculation, the tool uses a simulation and gaming environment in which artificially intelligent actors interact with the environment to determine susceptibility to the undesired event. Preferred embodiments of the tool also include an open “plug-in” architecture that allows the tool to interface with existing consequence calculators. The tool also provides facilities for presenting data in a user-friendly manner as well as report generation facilities.

Abstract: Analog processors such as quantum processors are employed to predict the native structures of proteins based on a primary structure of a protein. A target graph may be created of sufficient size to permit embedding of all possible native multi-dimensional topologies of the protein. At least one location in a target graph may be assigned to represent a respective amino acid forming the protein. An energy function is generated based assigned locations in the target graph. The energy function is mapped onto an analog processor, which is evolved from an initial state to a final state, the final state predicting a native structure of the protein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods for the classification of plant embryos by the application of one or more classification algorithms to analyze digitized images and absorption, transmittance, or reflectance spectra. The methods are generally applicable and emphasize the importance of acquiring and using as much image and absorption, transmittance, or reflectance spectral information as possible, based on objective criteria. The present invention allows automated selection of embryos most suitable for further culture and rejection of those seen as less suitable.

Abstract: A diabetes care management system for managing blood glucose levels associated with diabetes comprising a computing device and an insulin delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polyolefin production and to reducing volatile organic content (VOC) associated with the polyolefin. Techniques include the construction and implementation of a purge column model to calculate or estimate the VOC content in the polyolefin exiting the purge column. The techniques facilitate the design and operation of the polyolefin manufacturing process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an intelligent system and method for monitoring a generator reactive power limit using machine model parameters. The intelligent system and method for monitoring a generator reactive power limit using machine model parameters can calculate a maximum reactive power limit corresponding to over-excitation and a generator terminal voltage corresponding to under-excitation, estimate a correct field current even when system variable are changed, and monitor the generator reactive power limit by using machine model parameters and a one-machine infinite bus, to thereby supply a maximum or minimum reactive power to a power system within an allowable generator reactive power limit and prevent a generator trip caused by the reactive power limit and a power failure over a wide area.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a model of a system includes one or more event-driven blocks and one or more time-driven blocks. The model is executed in part by receiving an entity from a event-driven block, and in response to receiving the entity, generating a time-varying data signal descriptive of the entity. The data signal is passed to one or more time-driven blocks, which generate one or more results at least in part from the data signal, and display at least some of the one or more results.

Abstract: A domain-adapted portable machine translation device for closed captions using dynamic translation resources and a method thereof are provided. The device and method improve translation performance with respect to various specialized domains by automatically recognizing style and domain of a caption sentence, dynamically constructing specialized translation module and knowledge, and performing automatic translation with optimal translation resources suitable for a corresponding sentence. Not only does the domain-adapted portable machine translation device for closed captions exhibit improved translation performance for sentences in various domains, but it can also be freely linked with various media devices through input/output terminals.

Abstract: System, method and program product for transcribing an audio file included in or referenced by a web page. A language of text in the web page is determined. Then, voice recognition software of the language of text is selected and used to transcribe the audio file. If the language of the text is not the language of the audio file, then a related language is determined. Then, voice recognition software of the related language is selected and used to transcribe the audio file. The related language can be related geographically, by common root, as another dialect of the same language, or as another language commonly spoken in the same country as the language of the text. Another system, method and program product is disclosed for transcribing an audio file included in or referenced by a web page. A domain extension or full domain of the web page and an official language of the domain extension or full domain are determined.

Abstract: A speech recognition system includes distributed processing across a client and server for recognizing a spoken query by a user. A number of different speech models for different natural languages are used to support and detect a natural language spoken by a user. In some implementations an interactive electronic agent responds in the user's native language to facilitate an real-time, human like dialogue.

Abstract: A method for searching for a Chinese character using a tone mark and system for executing the method is provided. The method includes: receiving a search term from a user; verifying a type of said received search term based on at least a portion of said received search term wherein the type includes at least one phonetic Chinese language or at least one Chinese character; and providing a search result based, at least in part, upon the verified type in response to the user's search request wherein the search result include dictionary definition of at least one Chinese character associated with the received search term.

Abstract: A method of communicating speech comprising time-warping a residual low band speech signal to an expanded or compressed version of the residual low band speech signal, time-warping a high band speech signal to an expanded or compressed version of the high band speech signal, and merging the time-warped low band and high band speech signals to give an entire time-warped speech signal. In the low band, the residual low band speech signal is synthesized after time-warping of the residual low band signal while in the high band, an unwarped high band signal is synthesized before time-warping of the high band speech signal. The method may further comprise classifying speech segments and encoding the speech segments. The encoding of the speech segments may be one of code-excited linear prediction, noise-excited linear prediction or ? frame (silence) coding.

Abstract: An encoder, decoder, encoding method, and decoding method enabling acquisition of high-quality decoded signal in scalable encoding of an original signal in first and second layers even if the second or upper layer section performs low bit-rate encoding. In the encoder, a spectrum residue shape codebook (305) stores candidates of spectrum residue shape vectors, a spectrum residue gain codebook (307) stores candidates of spectrum residue gains, and a spectrum residue shape vector and a spectrum residue gain are sequentially outputted from the candidates according to the instruction from a search section (306). A multiplier (308) multiplies a candidate of the spectrum residue shape vector by a candidate of the spectrum residue gain and outputs the result to a filtering section (303).

Abstract: A noise suppressor detects a peak position in the frequency spectrum of an input speech signal, and masks frequency components in the spectrum as a function of the peak position. The masking process attenuates or removes frequency components near the peak position if their magnitudes are significantly lower than the magnitude of the spectrum at the peak position. This noise suppressor effectively removes irregular noise from the spectrum while leaving enough of the spectrum to reproduce the speech signal clearly.

Abstract: A system and method for processing of audio and speech signals is disclosed, which provide compatibility over a range of communication devices operating at different sampling frequencies and/or bit rates. The analyzer of the system divides the input signal in different portions, at least one of which carries information sufficient to provide intelligible reconstruction of the input signal. The analyzer also encodes separate information about other portions of the signal in an embedded manner, so that a smooth transition can be achieved from low bit-rate to high bit-rate applications. Accordingly, communication devices operating at different sampling rates and/or bit-rates can extract corresponding information from the output bit stream of the analyzer. In the present invention embedded information generally relates to separate parameters of the input signal, or to additional resolution in the transmission of original signal parameters.

Abstract: A system and method that integrates automated voice recognition technology and speech-to-text technology with automated translation and closed captioning technology to provide translations of “live” or “real-time” television content is disclosed. It converts speech to text, translates the converted text to other languages, and provides captions through a single device that may be installed at the broadcast facility. The device accepts broadcast quality audio, recognizes the speaker's voice, converts the audio to text, translates the text, processes the text for multiple caption outputs, and then sends multiple text streams out to caption encoders and/or other devices in the proper format. Because it automates the process, it dramatically reduces the cost and time traditionally required to package television programs for broadcast into foreign or multi-language U.S. markets.

Abstract: A mass-scale, user-independent, device-independent, voice messaging system that converts unstructured voice messages into text for display on a screen is disclosed. The system comprises (i) computer implemented sub-systems and also (ii) a network connection to human operators providing transcription and quality control; the system being adapted to optimise the effectiveness of the human operators by further comprising 3 core sub-systems, namely (i) a pre-processing front end that determines an appropriate conversion strategy; (ii) one or more conversion resources; and (iii) a quality control sub-system.

Abstract: A mass-scale, user-independent, device-independent, voice messaging system that converts unstructured voice messages into text for display on a screen is disclosed. The system comprises (i) computer implemented sub-systems and also (ii) a network connection to human operators providing transcription and quality control; the system being adapted to optimise the effectiveness of the human operators by further comprising 3 core sub-systems, namely (i) a pre-processing front end that determines an appropriate conversion strategy; (ii) one or more conversion resources; and (iii) a quality control sub-system.

Abstract: A technique for improved score calculation and normalization in a framework of recognition with phonetically structured speaker models. The technique involves determining, for each frame and each level of phonetic detail of a target speaker model, a non-interpolated likelihood value, and then resolving the at least one likelihood value to obtain a likelihood score.

Abstract: A speech recognition system in which a user may correct a recognition error resulting from speech recognition more efficiently and easily. Speech recognition means compares a plurality of words inputted from speech input means with a plurality of words stored in dictionary means, respectively, and determines a most-competitive word candidate. Word correction means has a word correction function of correcting the words constituting a word sequence displayed on a screen. Competitive word display commanding means selects one or more competitive words having competitive probabilities close to the competitive probability of the most-competitive word candidate and displays the one or more competitive words adjacent to the most-competitive word candidate. Competitive word selection means selects an appropriate correction word from the one or more competitive words.

Abstract: A method, and a system to execute this method is being presented for the identification and separation of sources of an acoustic signal, which signal contains a mixture of multiple simultaneous component signals. The method represents the signal with multiple discrete state-variable sequences and combines acoustic and context level dynamics to achieve the source separation. The method identifies sources by discovering those frames of the signal whose features are dominated by single sources. The signal may be the simultaneous speech of multiple speakers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training an acoustic model are disclosed. A training corpus is accessed and converted into an initial acoustic model. Scores are calculated for a correct class and competitive classes, respectively, for each token given the acoustic model. From this score a misclassification measure is calculated and then a loss function is calculated from the misclassification measure. The loss function also includes a margin value that varies over each iteration in the training. Based on the calculated loss function the acoustic model is updated, where the loss function with the margin value is minimized. This process repeats until such time as an empirical convergence is met.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a speech processing solution that utilizes an original speech recognition grammar in a speech recognition system to perform speech recognition operations for multiple recognition instances. Instance data associated with the recognition operations can be stored. A replacement grammar can be automatically generated from the stored instance data, where the replacement grammar is a statistical language model grammar. The original speech recognition grammar, which can be a grammar-based language model grammar or a statistical language model grammar, can be selectively replaced with the replacement grammar. For example when tested performance for the replacement grammar is better than that for the original grammar, the replacement grammar can replace the original grammar.

Abstract: A speech recognition system includes distributed processing across a client and server for recognizing a spoken query by a user. A number of different speech models for different natural languages are used to support and detect a natural language spoken by a user. In some implementations an interactive electronic agent responds in the user's native language to facilitate an real-time, human like dialogue.

Abstract: An intelligent query system for processing voiced-based queries is disclosed, which uses a combination of both statistical and semantic based processing to identify the question posed by the user by understanding the meaning of the user's utterance. Based on identifying the meaning of the utterance, the system selects a single answer that best matches the user's query. The answer that is paired to this single question is then retrieved and presented to the user. The system, as implemented, accepts environmental variables selected by the user and is scalable to provide answers to a variety and quantity of user-initiated queries.

Abstract: An electronic appliance includes a speaker which outputs a first sound wave based on a first voice signal generated from the electronic appliance, and a microphone to detect a second sound wave on which a sound wave generated for control of the electronic appliance is superimposed to output a second voice signal. A first waveform generator generates a first waveform signal based on the first voice signal, and a second waveform generator generates a second waveform signal based on the second voice signal. A waveform shaping unit outputs a third waveform signal in which the first waveform signal is enlarged in a time axis direction, and a subtracter subtracts the third waveform signal from the second waveform signal.

Abstract: An emotion recognition system for assessing human emotional behavior from communication by a speaker includes a processing system configured to receive signals representative of the verbal and/or non-verbal communication. The processing system derives signal features from the received signals. The processing system is further configured to implement at least one intermediate mapping between the signal features and one or more elements of an emotional ontology in order to perform an emotion recognition decision. The emotional ontology provides a gradient representation of the human emotional behavior.

Abstract: A user of a wireless device, such as a mobile phone, can make purchases or obtain information via a network, such as the Internet, using both voice and non-verbal methods. Users can submit voice queries and receive non-verbal replies, submit non-verbal queries and receive voice replies, or perform similar operations that marry the voice and data capabilities of modern mobile communication devices. The user may provide notification criteria indicating under what conditions a notification should be sent to the user's wireless device. When purchasing opportunities matching the selected notification criteria become available, the user is notified. The user can respond to the notification, and immediately take advantage of the purchasing opportunity if he so desires. Mixed-mode interactions can also be used by sellers to more advantageously control the marketing of distressed, time sensitive, or other merchandise/services.

Abstract: A voice control method is provided, which includes the following steps. First, a sound signal is received, wherein the sound signal includes a voice signal and a predetermined signal. Next, and electronic device is used to filer the predetermined signal to acquire the voice signal from the sound signal. Next, the voice signal is compared with several sample signals. Finally, the electronic device implements a corresponding action according to the result of the voice comparison. When the voice comparison is successful, the electronic device implements a corresponding control command according to the corresponding sample signal of the voice signal. On the other hand, when the voice comparison fails, the electronic device displays a predetermined string on the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods of creating and utilizing audio-marking of specific information items for pointing at the existence of Additional Information and Processes (AIPs) related to such information items and, when required, activating preset links to such specific AIPs. The invention describes processes and methods that enable authorized creation, insertion and activation of Audio-based Marking-Signals (“AMSs”) in association with streaming or playing of audio-related information files, containing the Marked Information Items (MIIs), for enabling precise identification and activation of identified accessible links to AIPs related to the MIIs. Users of the system and methods, who operate communication devices and are able to sense the AMSs, can correlate the AMS existence and type to a specific MII, and, if interested, activate links to specific MII-related AIPs, using short command messages for receiving the relevant information or activating relevant processes.

Abstract: A sound encoder multiplexes a plurality of codes into a sound code in an order determined by a multiplexing order determination unit (12), and a sound decoder demultiplexes the sound code into a plurality of codes one by one in an order determined by a demultiplexing order determination unit (14).

Abstract: A sound encoder multiplexes a plurality of codes into a sound code in an order determined by a multiplexing order determination unit (12), and a sound decoder demultiplexes the sound code into a plurality of codes one by one in an order determined by a demultiplexing order determination unit (14).

Abstract: A sound encoder multiplexes a plurality of codes into a sound code in an order determined by a multiplexing order determination unit (12), and a sound decoder demultiplexes the sound code into a plurality of codes one by one in an order determined by a demultiplexing order determination unit (14).

Abstract: A sound encoder multiplexes a plurality of codes into a sound code in an order determined by a multiplexing order determination unit (12), and a sound decoder demultiplexes the sound code into a plurality of codes one by one in an order determined by a demultiplexing order determination unit (14).

Abstract: A sound encoder multiplexes a plurality of codes into a sound code in an order determined by a multiplexing order determination unit (12), and a sound decoder demultiplexes the sound code into a plurality of codes one by one in an order determined by a demultiplexing order determination unit (14).

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an acoustic signal encoding device comprising: a coefficient table (17) having described therein coefficients representable in the form of a matrix with 2 rows by N columns simulating head-related transfer characteristics to be applied when a multi-channel signal is reproduced, a first signal outputting unit (12) for downmixing a N-channel frequency domain signal to have a 2-channel downmixed signal outputted therethrough in accordance with the coefficient table (17), and a second signal outputting unit (14) for generating subsidiary information to be used to reconstruct a multi-channel signal based on the 2-channel downmixed signal, thereby making it possible for the downmixed signal to be filtered in accordance with a desired transfer function, and thus enabling the acoustic signal decoding device to reproduce the original multi-channel spatial information simply by reproducing the first coded signal, and the original multi-channel signal by reproducing the first coded signal with the ai

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the individual, location-independent design of pictures, cards and similar items, especially postcards. In contrast to conventional methods, systems and appliances for creating cards, photos and similar items, the invention creates the possibility of viewing and selecting the virtually finished product created individually by the user; only after this is the payment and output function activated. The method according to the invention is furthermore characterized by the integrated method for portrait recording by means of a video stream.

Abstract: A managed service may include first logic to receive identification information from a mobile device and send an authorization to a transaction device indicating that the mobile device is identified, the identified mobile device to participate in a transaction with the transaction device. The first logic may receive payment information from the mobile device during the transaction and send payment to the transaction device on behalf of the mobile device during the transaction. The managed service may include second logic to determine whether the identity information is valid by comparing the identity information to stored identity information and generate the authorization when the identity information is valid. The second logic may process the payment information on behalf of the mobile device, allocate a debit or a credit to an account maintained on behalf of the mobile device, and send the payment to the first logic.

Abstract: There is a great need for an approach to facilitate hair and makeup preparations and selection and purchase of accessories, despite the unavailability a wedding dress. The methods of the current invention present a solution though the use of a substantially similar stand-in for the top portion of a wedding gown. This stand-in hereafter will be referred to as the portable practice garment (PPG). One embodiment of the current invention is a method for selling a wedding dress that includes also selling a PPG that is substantially similar to the top portion of the dress. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of selling wedding dresses to retailers that includes also selling PPGs that are substantially similar to the top portions of the dresses. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of selling wedding dresses to brides-to-be that includes selling a PPG that is substantially similar to the top portion of the dress.