Abstract: The present invention is a multiparameter method of screening for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis-related coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke. This method is used for predicting a total risk of the disease and a disease risk level, determining a primary cause in the disease, assessing a therapeutic efficacy and optimizing the therapeutic targets at the different stages of the disease in different individuals who require the therapy to prevent or to treat the disease. The method of this invention can be used to combine the contributions of atherosclerotic risk factors to the disease and to unite the two major methods for diagnosing the disease: screening the Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level and measuring the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in human blood. The method of this invention is written as an executable computer program named the MMA.exe © 2004, by Xing F. Wang, which provides greater ease and convenience to perform this method.

Abstract: A method implemented in the form of a computer simulation code for evaluating the free energy of binding between polypeptide amino acid residues and one or more molecular fragment types is presented. The basis of the method is a novel weighted Metropolis Monte Carlo approach for sampling the grand canonical ensemble. By making use of the properties of the grand canonical ensemble, the affinity of fragments for binding in the vicinity of each protein residue can be efficiently computed. The binding volume associated to each fragment-residue pair is estimated on the basis of a simple proximity criteria, and a useful affinity mapping of the protein surface can be obtained in this way. The analysis of such data for various fragment types provides valuable information to help identify protein binding sites, as well as to identify key fragments used for building potential drug leads.

Abstract: An image defect inspection apparatus which performs a defect detection for detecting a defect on a surface of a sample by comparing corresponding portions in a captured image of the surface of the sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of processor elements which perform the defect detection in parallel on regions created by dividing the captured image; and a processor unit, which receives defect information in parallel from the plurality of processor elements as information concerning individual defects detected by the processor elements, and outputs the defect information as a set of defect information. Each individual one of the processor elements performs a reexamination on the defect detected by the individual processor element, before sending the defect information to the processor unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the torque imposed on a rotatable shaft. The shaft has at least four paired probes, paired horizontal probes and paired vertical probes. The horizontal probes are positioned 90 degrees apart from the vertical probes. If the shaft moves horizontally, the time of arrival detected by the first horizontal probes will be later than a nominal value and the time of arrival for the second horizontal probes will be earlier than a nominal value with the same amount of error. Combining data from the first and second horizontal probes will then automatically cancel out any error from horizontal motion. Similarly, combining data from vertical probes will eliminate the error due to vertical movement. Because any radial movement is a combination of horizontal and vertical movements, the use of the probes removes errors due to movement in any direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling processes related to the amount of fluid in a container subjected to externally-excited motions. Fluid level sensor measurements in processing tanks on-board boats are confused by ocean waves and swells. A hydrodynamic model of a fluid in a tank can be constructed using non-linear dynamic model algorithms with inputs such as multi-axis accelerations, fluid viscosity, and apparent level measurements. The model can be used to filter-out boat motion disturbances to obtain a corrected level of the fluid in the tank. The corrected fluid level signal can be further processed using a dynamic model of the tank and associated input and output flow rates in a closed loop observer. The methods and systems are especially advantageous for offshore equipment such as cementing and fracturing ships.

Abstract: A structure-borne sound sensor unit, in particular for an agricultural machine, includes a signal converter, which converts a mechanical sensor signal into an electrical sensor signal, and preprocessing electronics, which are connected with the signal converter. The preprocessing electronics include at least one programmable function component, a data input for receiving configuration data, and a programming interface to configure the function component based on the configuration data received. A control unit for a such a structure-borne sound sensor unit, a sensor system, which includes such a control device and such a structure-borne sound sensor unit, and a related method for controlling such a structure-borne sound sensor unit are provided.

Abstract: A field device electronics with a sensor unit for capacitive fill level measurements in a container, wherein the field device electronics is connected over appropriate signal paths with the sensor unit, wherein the field device electronics produces a voltage signal for driving the sensor unit and receives and evaluates a measurement current from the sensor unit. According to the invention, an analog/digital converter digitizing the analog measurement current, a microprocessor and a memory unit are present, wherein the microprocessor utilizes predetermined program routines to perform the production of the voltage signal and the evaluation of the measurement current and a compensation of interference parameters and a determination of the parameters of the sensor-container arrangement which are to be determined, with the associated programs being stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: A system and method to range a distance to a source of CPD (Common Path Distortion) on a two-way cable system, comprising a local CPD source and a cross-correlator. The local CPD source generates a local distortion signal from a downstream signal, wherein the downstream signal includes multiple carriers of TV channels. The source of CPD in the cable system mixes the carriers of the TV channels to create an upstream actual distortion signal. The cross-correlator performs a cross-correlation between the local distortion signal and the upstream actual distortion signal to create a cross-correlation plot, and the distance to the source of CPD is determined from the round-trip time.

Abstract: An electric power meter is disclosed. The meter comprises means for digitally sampling voltage and current. The meter further comprises means for storing the digitally sampled voltage and current. The meter further comprises means for performing power calculations upon the digitally sampled voltage and current, and converting the calculations and the digitally sampled voltage and current into at least one network protocol. The meter further comprises means for interfacing with an external network. A system for modifying the functionality of the electric power meter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A calibration circuit (20, 50) and method (60) for calibrating the bias current of a VCO (10, 40) to minimize phase noise. The calibration circuit (20, 50) monitors the average voltage at the common-mode node of the VCO (10, 40) while varying the bias current over a predetermined range. The calibration circuit (20, 50) identifies the bias current associated with the minimum average common-mode voltage and utilizes this bias current for calibrating the biasing transistor of the VCO (10, 40).

Abstract: A method of compressing values of a waveform of a monitored electrical power signal. The method includes acquiring data representative of periods of the waveform, decomposing the waveform of the power signal into a plurality of components over a plurality of periods of the waveform, compressing the values of at least some of the components over a plurality of periods, and storing these values and extents.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for performing diagnostics in a medical imaging system during the normal operating mode of the imaging system including firing a diagnostic vector with a probe, collecting signal data based at least in part on the diagnostic vector, and processing the signal data to determine a diagnostic status. The diagnostic status indicates an operating condition of at least one component of the medical imaging system.

Abstract: Noise discrimination in signals from a plurality of sensors is conducted by enhancing the phase difference in the signals such that off-axis pick-up is suppressed while on-axis pick-up is enhanced. Alternatively, attenuation/expansion are applied to the signals in a phase difference dependent manner, consistent with suppression of off-axis pick-up and on-axis enhancement. Nulls between sensitivity lobes are widened, effectively narrowing the sensitivity lobes and improving directionality and noise discrimination.

Abstract: A method for measuring a frequency translation device under test by using a vector network analyzer and a reference frequency translation device that includes measuring the network characteristics of the reference frequency translation device by using the vector network analyzer, measuring the network characteristics of a circuit including the reference frequency translation device and the frequency translation device under test by using the vector network where the reference frequency translation device has an operation complementary to the frequency translation device under test, and removing the network characteristics of the reference frequency translation device from the measured network characteristics of the circuit.

Abstract: A food waste monitoring system and related methods are disclosed. The food waste monitoring system may include a local food waste monitoring device that is coupled to an electronic scale for weighing food waste. The monitoring device may capture and record the weight of food waste as well related information, such as the type of food wasted, the reason for the food becoming waste, the user weighing the food waste, and the type of container the food waste is weighed in. The system may also include a host device in communication with the local monitoring device that provides remote configuration and control of the local monitoring device.

Abstract: A valve tester system is disclosed that comprises a valve tester assembly for rotating a valve stem of a valve. The valve tester assembly may include a support, a rotation element mounted on the support for rotating a valve during a rotation event, a control element for controlling aspects of the rotation event of the valve by the rotation element, and an element for detecting a location of the valve tester assembly during the rotation event of the valve. In some embodiments of the invention, the element for detecting the location of the valve tester assembly includes a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver. In some embodiments, the GPS receiver is integral with the control element.

Abstract: A programmable system for testing relays and controlling systems is provided. In one embodiment the present disclosure provides a programmable device capable of, for example, testing relays. The device includes a signal generator for generating signals to test relays. The device includes a memory location, and a first program stored in the memory location. The first program supports relay testing. The device includes a versioned program to support relay testing, and a processor in communication with the signal generator and the memory location. The device also includes a routine that is operable by the processor to install a versioned program in the memory location replacing the first program.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing critical defects in analog integrated circuits. The method for analyzing critical defects, among other possible steps, may include fault testing a power field effect transistor (120) portion of an analog integrated circuit (115) to obtain electrical failure data. The method may further include performing an in-line optical inspection of the analog integrated circuit (115) to obtain physical defect data, and correlating the electrical failure data and physical defect data to analyze critical defects.

Abstract: A testing device and method for testing a printed circuit board (PCB) for a remote keyless entry fob includes a battery simulator cell to simulate the effects of a remote keyless entry fob battery. The battery simulator cell is located in an upper portion of a testing device housing and is preferably a brass or copper mass of the same size, shape and mass of a typical battery. The lower portion of the housing has a mount for the PCB. At least one circuit board locator is mounted to the upper portion of the housing to apply pressure to the PCB to retain the PCB in the correct position during testing, and to ensure the proper distance between the PCB and the battery simulator cell. A receiving antenna is located proximate the test device for receiving a signal.

Abstract: In a fall detection device, when a first composite vector value of a first acceleration component obtained from a three-axial acceleration sensor is greater than a rotating fall determining value, or smaller than a free fall determining value, a possibility of a fall is determined. When a second composite vector value of a second acceleration component obtained after a determining time interval is greater than the rotating fall determining value, and an angular difference of each testing surface is greater than an angular difference determining value, it is determined to be in the middle of a fall. Further, when a third composite vector value of a third acceleration component obtained one more time is smaller than the free fall determining value, it is determined to be in the middle of a fall.

Abstract: A system for determining an indication of animal joint mobility includes a mounting apparatus configured to hold a first condyle of the joint stationary in a position such that a second condyle of the joint can pivot about the joint, a pendulum configured to be coupled to the second condyle and configured such that a portion of a weight of the pendulum is disposed below a pivot axis of the joint such that the pendulum and second condyle can oscillate about the pivot axis, an angular displacement indicator associated with the pendulum, an angular displacement recorder configured to store indicia of the angular displacement, as indicated by the angular displacement indicator; of the pendulum over time, and a processor coupled to the angular displacement recorder and configured to use the angular displacement indicia to determine a first value associated with momentum decay of oscillations of the pendulum and to use the at least one value to determine a second value associated with a coefficient of friction of t

Abstract: System and method providing surveillance of an asset such as a process and/or apparatus by providing training and surveillance procedures that numerically fit a probability density function to an observed residual error signal distribution that is correlative to normal asset operation and then utilizes the fitted probability density function in a dynamic statistical hypothesis test for providing improved asset surveillance.

Abstract: Brings response time of a Web server and the like closer to a targeted value. A controller controlling the average response time elapsed between reception by information processing apparatus of a processing request and response of information processing apparatus to the processing request. The controller including: a section for obtaining a response time goal which is a target value of the average response time; a section for calculating a predicted response time which is a predicted value of the average response time at the time point when a predetermined reference period has elapsed from setting an operation mode in the information processing apparatus, the operation mode being any of a plurality of operation modes which provide different throughputs; and a section for setting the operation mode in the information processing apparatus if predicted response time calculated by the predicted response time calculating section is less than goal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for automatically adjusting drug infusion rate to optimize treatment therapy. The implantable medical device can communicate with a database or algorithm controlled by a caregiver or physician. Thus, the caregiver may request a therapy change (e.g., infusion rate versus time, pump clock settings, etc.) or a therapy management module may automatically activate the therapy change at some future time for convenience, or for technical or clinical reasons.

Abstract: A computer implemented method measures a performance of surveillance system. A site model, a sensor model and a traffic model are selected respectively from a set of site models, a set of sensor models, and a set of traffic models to form a surveillance model. Based on the surveillance model surveillance signals are generated. Performance of the surveillance system is evaluated according to qualitative surveillance goals and the surveillance signals to determine a value of a quantitative performance metric of the surveillance system.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample of wafers includes identifying F failure metrics applicable to at least one pattern on each wafer within the sample. Z spatial and/or reticle zones are identified on each wafer, where Z and F are integers. Values are provided for each failure metric, for each zone on each wafer. A point is defined for each respective wafer in an N-dimensional space, where N=F*Z, and each point has coordinates corresponding to values of the F failure metrics in each of the zones of the corresponding wafer. The sample of wafers is partitioned into a plurality of clusters, so that the wafers within each clusters are close to each other in the N-dimensional space. A plurality of clusters is thus identified from the sample of wafers so that within each individual cluster, the wafers have similar defects to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying failures of semiconductor integrated circuit dies using a unique input vector created from die level characterization data to classify wafer (process related) and die level (defect related) patterns. The failure classification may then be used to assign the appropriate yield loss by die. The classification results produced by the plurality of classifiers are examined with a preference towards assigning a wafer level failure classification to failure data for a die when any of the plurality of failure classification results indicates a presence of a wafer level failure.

Abstract: A method is provided for the automated determination of the indirect and direct extent of damages in objects resulting from a failure of technical components integrated in a production cycle. The invention involves the detection of the components that are affected by a failure, a determination of the number of clients and/or users dependant on each affected component, and a determination of the point in time of the expected renewed availability of each affected component. The extent of the resulting indirect and indirect monetary damages is determined on the basis of this information.

Abstract: A system for automatic multivariable calibration of an engine controller. The system may take inputs which include actuator setpoints, sensor measurements, performance requirements, and so forth. There may be an algorithm to compute engine calibration parameters for the controller. Each of the actuators may be separately stepped through to experimentally obtain actuator input and sensor output data. Algorithmic processing of the experimentally obtained data may be performed to calculate parameters of a model of an engine. A model based control design algorithm may then be invoked to obtain the calibration parameters for a controller. The calibrated controller may be tested with real or simulated engine conditions. The performance related to the parameters may be analyzed and determination of the acceptability of the data be made. If not acceptable, the parameters may be reprocessed. If acceptable, the calibration parameters may be downloaded to the engine controller for application and use.

Abstract: A system and method operates to analyze a data stream, for example, a stream of download times for accessing information through a computer network. The system and method are capable of identifying abnormalities in the data stream compared to previous data in the data stream. More particularly, the system and method is capable of dynamically analyzing a data stream to detect abrupt, severe abnormalities as well subtle changes that occur over time.

Abstract: Complex event evaluation systems and methods are disclosed. A mathematics model for complex events and corresponding factors, and calculates a critical level of respective complex events according to weightings of respective factors in the mathematics model are provided. If several complex events occur simultaneously, a priority of respective complex events is calculated according to the historic occurrence of respective complex events. The critical level and priority of respective complex events are provided to users for decision making. Additionally, the mathematics model is established and adjusted according to the feedback scores for complex events.

Abstract: A method and system separates components in individual signals, such as time series data streams. A single sensor acquires concurrently multiple individual signals. Each individual signal is generated by a different source. An input non-negative matrix representing the individual signals is constructed. The columns of the input non-negative matrix represent features of the individual signals at different instances in time. The input non-negative matrix is factored into a set of non-negative bases matrices and a non-negative weight matrix. The set of bases matrices and the weight matrix represent the individual signals at the different instances of time.

Abstract: A reliability buffering technique applies a reliability time buffer to a project planning model having activities. The reliability time buffer is placed before an associated downstream activity to provide a buffered downstream activity. The reliability buffer is provided having a time duration value and an activity time precedence relationship, including a lead or lag value, with at least one upstream activity. The time duration value and the activity time precedence relationship are generated so as to reduce the overall schedule delay resulting from possible time delays that occur in the one or more upstream activities and to increase the overall project schedule advance from possible schedule advances in the one or more upstream activities.

Abstract: A method for developing a product is provided, wherein the method includes developing a three-dimensional product design, translating the three-dimensional product design into a two-dimensional product design, wherein the two-dimensional product design includes at least one product structure having at least two structure sections, obtaining a rigidly malleable material to create the at least one product structure, wherein the rigidly malleable material is obtained based on the two-dimensional product design, generating the at least one product structure by shaping the rigidly malleable material based on the two-dimensional product design such that the at least one product structure includes the at least two structure sections separated by at least one forming groove and at least one forming tab, the at least one forming tab having a forming tab height and a forming tab width and hand forming the product structure based on the at least one forming groove.

Abstract: A method is provided of simulating a system. The method defines equations modeling the system using terms having characteristics encapsulated within the term. Next, the method performs symbolic processing on the established equations for simplification. Additionally, the method performs system processing on the established equations for efficient simulation. Aspects of some embodiments of the described invention include a method of symbolically processing a set of equations, a method of eliminating an integral in a Pantelides algorithm, and a method of tearing block equation blocks.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring the validity of a parameter calculated by an anemometric unit of an aircraft may employ a first section for taking into account n first data, each dependent on the parameter being monitored and n being greater than or equal to 1. A second section takes into account p second data that each depends on a value obtained from a data source external to the anemometric unit, where P is greater than or equal to 2. A calculator calculates, for each of the second data, a difference between this second datum and a first datum of the same type. A comparator compares the absolute value of each of the calculated differences with a threshold value. A deducing section deduces from the comparisons that the monitored parameter is invalid if the absolute values of two of the various differences are greater than the corresponding threshold values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for designing a frequency-shifting isolator system that includes selecting, an impact absorption envelope; a geometry for the isolator mount system; and an elastomeric dampening material formed in the selected geometry. The isolator mount system is preferably configured to shift frequencies at predetermined displacements upon impact, at or before the system attains resonance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of simulating the deformation of a viscoelastic material in which filler is blended to a matrix made of rubber or resin, the method including the steps of dividing the viscoelastic material into a finite number of elements to form a viscoelastic material model, a step of performing deformation calculation of the viscoelastic material model based on a predetermined condition, and a step of acquiring a necessary physical amount from the deformation calculation, where the step of dividing the viscoelastic material into a finite number of elements includes a step of dividing at least one filler into a finite number of elements to form a filler model, and a step of dividing the matrix into a finite number of elements to form a matrix model.

Abstract: A design support method capable of verifying correct processing operation of software for controlling a paper transport mechanism by using a computer includes a displaying step of displaying a simulation screen relating to transport of virtual paper on a display unit of the computer, a jam setting step of presetting a condition for causing a paper jam with respect to the virtual paper, a jam causing step of causing the paper jam in accordance with the condition preset in the jam setting step, a selecting step of, when the paper jam is caused by the jam causing step, selecting a sheet of virtual paper, the sheet being subjected to the paper jam, by an instruction from a user, and a deleting step of deleting the sheet of virtual paper selected by the selecting step from the simulation screen.

Abstract: A system and method for designing stamping tools that produce parts of desired dimensions. The system and method compensate for post stamping deviations from the desired dimensions in the shape of the tools used to produce the parts. The compensated tools result in nearly ideal parts.

Abstract: A process for constructing a three-dimensional geologic model of a subsurface earth volume wherein resolution scales of multiple diverse data types, including seismic data, are accounted for by generating multiple frequency passband models and combining them together to form the complete geologic model. Preferably, a model is generated for each of a low-frequency passband, a mid-frequency passband, and a high-frequency passband. When integrating seismic data into the modeling process, the seismic-frequency passband constitutes the mid-frequency passband model. The process further contemplates updating tentative frequency-passband models through optimization of assigned rock property values in each tentative model according to specified geological criteria. Such optimization is carried out by perturbation of the rock property values in a manner wherein the frequency content of each model is maintained.

Abstract: Mask shops typically use carbon to repair any clear defects identified on a mask, irrespective of the type of mask. However, carbon can have different characteristics than the original patterning material on the mask. Therefore, a mask that is repaired using carbon may not optically perform as if it were defect-free. An automated method of repairing a clear defect on an attenuated phase shifting mask (PSM) provides an optimized plug size/shape. In this method, a repair solution to the clear defect can be simulated, thereby allowing the repair decision for an attenuated PSM to be advantageously made at the same time that inspection is done and before actual repair. Simulation can include performing model-based OPC on the repair solution.

Abstract: A method for simulating analog behavior of a circuit in a simulation system includes representing the circuit as a hierarchically arranged set of branches, which includes a root branch and a plurality of other branches logically organized in a graph. The hierarchically arranged set of branches includes a first branch that has one or more subcircuits and a second branch that also has one or more subcircuits. The first branch and second branch are interconnected in the graph through a third branch at a higher hierarchical level in the graph than the first and second branches.

Abstract: A clock generator circuit generates a sequence of clock signals equally phased from each other from a master clock signal. The clock generator is formed by inner and outer delay-locked loops. The inner delay-locked loop includes a voltage controlled delay line that delays a reference clock applied to its input by a plurality of respective delays. Two of the clock signals in the sequence are applied to a phase detector so that the signals at the outputs of the delay line have predetermined phases relative to each other. The outer delay-locked loop is formed by a voltage controlled delay circuit that delays the command clock by a voltage controlled delay to provide the reference clock to the delay line of the inner delay-locked loop. The outer delay-locked loop also includes a phase detector that compares the command clock to one of the clock signals in the sequence generated by the delay line. The outer delay-locked loop thus locks one of the clock signals in the sequence to the command clock.

Abstract: A method for translating the string literals in a database script from a source language (i.e. English) into a target language (i.e. Chinese). The invention comprises a Conversion Program (CP) and a Field Expansion Program (FEP). The CP copies a database script in a source language and runs the FEP, which analyzes the database script and determines the maximum width of the fields. The user may then adjust the field length as necessary. The CP then substitutes labels for the string literals in the new database script, which creates a message file. The CP uses a pre-existing data file to translate the source language string literals into the target language string literals. The translated message file is called a label file. The CP then uses the label file to substitute the target language string literals for the labels in the database script.

Abstract: An automatic conversation apparatus includes a speech recognizing unit receiving a speech signal and outputting characters/character string corresponding to the speech signal as a recognition result; a speech recognition dictionary storing unit storing a language model for determining candidates corresponding to the speech signal; a conversation database storing plural pieces of topic specifying information; a sentence analyzing unit analyzing the characters/character string outputted from the speech recognizing unit; and a conversation control unit storing a conversation history and acquiring an answer sentence based on an analysis result of the sentence analyzing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an information transmission system capable of transmitting target information via voice, as well as to an information encoding apparatus and an information decoding apparatus for use with the system. The information encoding apparatus (31) converts input text information to an intermediate code in accordance with a predetermined encoding method, and outputs a voice derived from voice information based on the intermediate code and supplemented with music arrangement information. The voice is transmitted either directly or via a broadcasting or communicating medium to a receiving side. The information decoding apparatus (34) on the receiving side receives the generated voice, recognizes a voice waveform from the received voice, and reproduces the original target information by decoding the intermediate code based on the recognized voice waveform.

Abstract: A recognizing target vocabulary comparing unit calculates a compared likelihood of recognizing target vocabulary, i.e., a compared likelihood of registered vocabulary, by using the time series of the amount of characteristics of an input speech. An environment adaptive noise model comparing unit compares the time series of the amount of characteristics with one recognizing standard pattern or with two or more combined recognizing standard patterns one-by-one to obtain a likelihood that respective environment adaptive noise models coincide with the time series of the amount of characteristics. A rejection determining unit determining unit determines whether or not the input signal is a noise by comparing the likelihood obtained by the recognizing target vocabulary comparing step with the likelihood obtained by the environment adaptive noise model comparing step.

Abstract: A method and a related system to index voicemail documents by training a language model for a speaker or group of speakers by using existing emails and contact information on available repositories.

Abstract: An audible command can be utilized to both permit identification of the speaker and to permit subsequent actions that comprise a corresponding response to the audible command when the identity of the speaker correlates with that of a previously authorized individual. Such identification can be supplemented with other identification mechanisms. Hierarchical levels of permission can be utilized, with or without confidence level thresholds, to further protect the device against unauthorized access and/or manipulation.