Abstract: The present invention discloses a night parking-monitoring device. It monitors the state change of a parking space at night by tracking at least a light of a vehicle.

Abstract: A biometric authentication device includes: a biometric sensor that obtains biometric information; a memory; and a circuitry configured to: select an objective user according to density of a predetermined range including a comparison-use part data that is a part of a comparison-use feature data extracted from the biometric information in a class of a registered part data that is a part of a registered feature data; and perform comparing between a registered feature data of a selected objective user and the comparison-use feature data.

Abstract: A method and/or computer program product assists in locating objects using a local physical device and one or more remote physical devices having image capture capability. A local physical device captures one or more reference images of an object, and shares identification metrics associated with one or more reference images of the object with one or more of the remote physical devices. One or more remote physical devices captures one or more images of an area in which the object may be located, and determines, using the identification metrics, whether any of the images captured includes the object. In response to a determination that any of the images captured includes the object, those images are stored and associated with the object. In response to the object being lost by a user, the local physical device reviews the stored images to determine a location of the lost object.

Abstract: A method of tracking a target object in frames of video data includes receiving a first tracking position associated with the target object in a first frame of a video sequence; identifying, for a second frame of the video sequence, a plurality of representation levels and at least one node for each representation level; determining, by a processor, a second tracking position in the second frame by estimating motion of the target object in the second frame between the first frame and the second frame; determining, at each representation level by the processor, a value for each node based on a conditional property of the node in the second frame; and adjusting, by the processor, the second tracking position based on the values determined for each of the nodes and interactions between at least some of the nodes at different representation levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a character recognition method. Same comprises: step 1: reading in a character image; step 2: image preprocessing; step 3: character splitting; step 4: edge extraction; utilizing an edge detection operator to detect edge points of characters; step 5: feature extraction, where the features of each edge point of each character are all expressed with distances running from other edge points of the character to the edge point and are represented by eigenvectors (Pk, Pk, . . . P); step 6: feature processing, mapping the eigenvectors (Pk, Pk, . . . P) into a matrix, T, thus allowing all characters to be identical in eigenvector dimension; and, step 7: template matching recognition.

Abstract: A method for estimating illumination of an image captured by a digital system is provided that includes computing a feature vector for the image, identifying at least one best reference illumination class for the image from a plurality of predetermined reference illumination classes using the feature vector, an illumination classifier, and predetermined classification parameters corresponding to each reference illumination class, and computing information for further processing of the image based on the at least one best reference illumination class, wherein the information is at least one selected from a group consisting of color temperature and white balance gains.

Abstract: A cardiovascular OCT image making method which reduces artifacts includes the steps of: inputting a cardiovascular OCT image; converting coordinates of the inputted OCT image into two-dimensional polar coordinates (? and r); generating a brightness control function of the A-line direction based on the blood wall relative to each ? value; forming a brightness image in the A-line direction based on the blood wall depending on the brightness control function; and forming an OCT image of which brightness is controlled by the brightness image by applying the brightness image formed on the inputted OCT image.

Abstract: An attached matter detector includes a light source configured to irradiate light toward a plate-like transparent member from one surface thereof, an imaging device configured to image reflection light by attached matter on a surface of the plate-like transparent member, a memory configured to previously store flare information obtained by the image device by turning on the light source in a state without having disturbance light and the attached matter on the surface of the plate-like transparent member, and a difference information-obtaining device configured to obtain difference information between a light-up image as an image obtained by the imaging device with the turned-on light source and a light-out image as an image obtained by the imaging device with the turned-off light source, wherein the attached matter on the surface of the plate-like transparent member is detected based on the difference information and the flare information stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first management unit configured to classify and manage feature information of a plurality of objects extracted from image data in units of similar feature information, a second management unit configured to classify and manage the plurality of objects extracted from the image data object by object, an association unit configured to associate classifications of the objects by the second management unit with classifications of the feature information by the first management unit, and an input unit configured to input a correction instruction about the classifications of the objects by the second management unit, wherein the association unit is configured to, if the correction instruction is input, update an association between the classifications of the objects and the classifications of the feature information and the second management unit is configured to correct and manage the classifications of the objects based on updating of the association.

Abstract: A learning unit generates a function table indicating the relationship between the class number and position information of an object and the probability of appearance of the object for each small area image pattern of a code book, calculates a sharing matrix indicating the commonality of a feature amount between the classes, makes a tree diagram in which the classes with a similar feature amount are clustered, and calculates the weight of each node in the tree diagram for each small area image pattern. The recognition processing unit compares image data captured by a camera with the code book, selects the closest small area image pattern, extracts the class related to the node with the smallest weight among the nodes with a weight equal to or greater than a threshold value, and votes the position information of the small area image pattern for the class, thereby recognizing the object.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and quantifying wrinkles in a composite structure by processing infrared imaging data. Temperature versus time profiles for all pixels in the field of view of an infrared camera are calculated, enabling thermal signatures to be produced. By comparing the thermal signature of the part under test with the thermal signature of a reference standard representing a similar part having wrinkles of known size and shape, the presence of wrinkles can be detected. The wrinkle wavelength can be determined by measuring the infrared image and applying a transfer function. If the geometric information acquired using infrared thermography does not reach a certain quality factor (for a quality prediction) or is incomplete, an ultrasonic transducer array probe running wrinkle quantification software can be rotated into position and scanned over the wrinkle area. The ultrasonic imaging data can be combined with the infrared imaging data to enable an improved quantification of the wrinkle geometry.

Abstract: A gravity-adaptive card separation mechanism, which keeps the friction forces of stacked hard cards basically consistent. The mechanism is arranged on a storage box for storing stacked hard cards, and is used for separating the hard cards individually.

Abstract: A card reader may include a card passage; a pulling-out prevention member; and a turning mechanism structured to turn the pulling-out prevention member between the closing position and the open position. The pulling-out prevention member may include a card abutting part. The card abutting part may be formed with an abutting face structured to abut with a front end of the card having been inserted into the card reader when the pulling-out prevention member is located at the closing position. The abutting face may be set to be an inclined face which is inclined to the rear side as going to the second direction side when viewed in the width direction of the card in a case that the pulling-out prevention member is located at the closing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a patient and marking containers of biological products or test tubes (13) associated with said patient before collecting said biological products to be analyzed is described, comprising a high security portable hardware device (1) for processing and storing the patient's data capable of associating the patient's personal data and biometric data, a reading and patient biometric recognition device (2) of said portable hardware device, a personal computer (4) interacting with an operator and connected to a local communications network (50) for exchanging information with remote data storage means (3), one or more computerized labeling machines (5) of test tubes (13), each comprising a printer (11) of barcodes onto labels (10) adapted to receive printing commands after comparing expected and detected specimens (13) accommodated in a positioning and recognition device (12) supported by said labeling machine (5) and applying said labels (10) to said test tubes (13).

Abstract: A calibration target is disclosed. The calibration target is created such that a color patch is sensitive to drop weight changes.

Abstract: An image processing device allows for easy removal of a process medium stuck in the conveyance path while protecting the image processing unit from the outside. In many embodiments, the device includes a conveyance path for conveying process media in a specific conveyance direction, an image processing unit having an ejection surface (process surface) disposed facing the conveyance path, and a first cover and a second cover disposed along the conveyance path and covering the conveyance path. Typically, the first and second covers open and close by pivoting on first and second pivot pins disposed in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction, and the first and second pivot pins are disposed adjacent the conveyance path upstream and downstream of the portion of the conveyance path facing the ejection surface.

Abstract: In the invention, an information processing apparatus comprises: a document data receiving unit configured to receive document data of a plurality of pages to be printed; a setting information receiving unit configured to receive special duplex printing in which a page layout manner differs on a first side and a second side in setting information used for performing printing; and a print data generating unit configured to produce print data in which the pages are laid out on the first side in a first layout manner and on the second side in a second layout manner different from the first layout manner as the print data for causing a printing apparatus to print the document data received by the document data receiving unit, when the special duplex printing is set in the setting information received by the setting information receiving unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an opaque, transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is preferably an infrared ink comprising an infrared phthalocyanine dye, an infrared phosphor, and a quantum dot energy transfer compound. The infrared ink can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: A compact form factor integrated circuit card. In one embodiment, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is disclosed. In one embodiment, the SIM card has overall dimensions optimized for a particular application; e.g., 12.30 mm (±0.10 mm)×8.80 mm (0.10 mm)×0.67 mm (+0.03/?0.07). In another embodiment, the SIM card has overall dimensions of 11.90 mm (±0.10 mm)×8.80 mm (±0.10 mm)×0.70 mm (maximum). Multiple complementary SIM card adapters and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable, non-visible identification device that provides reliable, tamper proof, friendly-force identification and intruder detection. The device is integrated as a part of the wearer's uniform and includes a user input surface for periodic entry of a unit- or user-defined pass code. A timeout capability prevents the device and its identification signal from being used if the pass code is not entered within the specified time period. The preferred embodiment uses non-visible optical identification signals for 1-way identification using standard tactical equipment, making the device useful in the field during operations or at temporary security control points away from established bases. Alternative embodiments use radio-frequency, visible and reflective identification signals. All embodiments use identification signaling methods which are effective at safe stand-off distances to minimize the threat to security personnel.

Abstract: An RFID tag is attached to a metal member including a slit, the RFID tag including conductive members attached to a surface of the metal member at corresponding sides of the slit in a width direction of the slit through an isolator; and an IC chip that receives power through the conductive members. When a frequency of radio waves is f, the power induced between the sides the slit is Wa, voltage induced between the sides of the slit is V, an area of each of the conductive members is S, thickness of the isolator is d, a dielectric constant of the isolator is ?r, a dielectric constant of vacuum is ?0, and a minimum value of the power required for the IC chip to operate is Wmin, an inequality Wmin?Wa?4?f·S·?0·?r·V2/d is satisfied.

Abstract: A non-contact IC label includes a magnetic sheet, a gap retention member including a dielectric material, and a communication section provided between the magnetic sheet and the gap retention member. The communication section includes an IC chip and a first antenna section and a second antenna section which are connected to the IC chip. The magnetic sheet has a first magnetic face facing the gap retention member, and the IC chip, the first antenna section and the second antenna section are provided on the first magnetic face of the magnetic sheet.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a substrate, a first patterned layer deposited on the substrate in a first region, and a second patterned layer deposited on the substrate in a second region. The first patterned layer encodes first information in first symbols that are detectable by an optical sensor. The second patterned layer encodes second information in second symbols that are detectable by a non-optical sensor. The second information is distinct from the first information and the second region at least partially overlaps the first region.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a deformable structure in which a neural network comprising a plurality of deformation sensors, e.g. nanowire sensors, and distributed in-situ processing circuits. The circuits generate a signal characterizing features of the local deformation of the structure and/or a command signal corresponding to the detected deformation. The structure may be a wearable sleeve that conforms to deformations of a user's skin, part of an electronic device, such as a touch sensitive screen, or an object in itself. The apparatus can provide a user interface, wherein a command corresponding to a current shape of the structure is generated and acted upon by a integrated or remote device, or a device for monitoring a user's position or movement e.g. for replication by a robotic device. The apparatus may have machine learning capability to improve the matching of commands with determined shapes of the deformable structure.

Abstract: A system is described herein which uses a neural network having an input layer that accepts an input vector and a feature vector. The input vector represents at least part of input information, such as, but not limited to, a word or phrase in a sequence of input words. The feature vector provides supplemental information pertaining to the input information. The neural network produces an output vector based on the input vector and the feature vector. In one implementation, the neural network is a recurrent neural network. Also described herein are various applications of the system, including a machine translation application.

Abstract: A deep structured semantic module (DSSM) is described herein which uses a model that is discriminatively trained based on click-through data, e.g., such that a conditional likelihood of clicked documents, given respective queries, is maximized, and a condition likelihood of non-clicked documents, given the queries, is reduced. In operation, after training is complete, the DSSM maps an input item into an output item expressed in a semantic space, using the trained model. To facilitate training and runtime operation, a dimensionality-reduction module (DRM) can reduce the dimensionality of the input item that is fed to the DSSM. A search engine may use the above-summarized functionality to convert a query and a plurality of documents into the common semantic space, and then determine the similarity between the query and documents in the semantic space. The search engine may then rank the documents based, at least in part, on the similarity measures.

Abstract: Programmable devices, hierarchical parallel machines and methods for providing state information are described. In one such programmable device, programmable elements are provided. The programmable elements are configured to implement one or more finite state machines. The programmable elements are configured to receive an N-digit input and provide a M-digit output as a function of the N-digit input. The M-digit output includes state information from less than all of the programmable elements. Other programmable devices, hierarchical parallel machines and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for generating digital models of nitrogen availability based on field data, weather forecast data, and models of water flow, temperature, and crop uptake of nitrogen and water is provided. In an embodiment, field data and forecast data are received by an agricultural intelligence computing system. Based on the received data, the agricultural intelligence computing system models changes in temperature of different soil layers, moisture content of different soil layers, and loss of nitrogen and water to the soil through crop uptake, leaching, denitrification, volatilization, and evapotranspiration. The agricultural intelligence computing system creates a digital model of nitrogen availability based on the temperature, moisture content, and loss models.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to a knowledge-driven data quality solution that is based on a rich knowledge base. The data quality solution can provide continuous improvement and can be based on continuous (or on-going) knowledge acquisition. The data quality solution can be built once and can be reused for multiple data quality improvements, which can be for the same data or for similar data. The disclosed aspects are easy to use and focus on productivity and user experience. Further, the disclosed aspects are open and extendible and can be applied to cloud-based reference data (e.g., a third party data source) and/or user generated knowledge. According to some aspects, the disclosed aspects can be integrated with data integration services.

Abstract: A predictive tracking method and apparatus utilizing objective and subjective data in order to predict user states is provided herein. For example, some such embodiments may allow a user to track their mood or health symptoms in relation to retrieved data regarding their environmental in order to reveal patterns that can help forecast and proactively manage mood or health symptoms.

Abstract: Embodiments include processing a data structure representing a dependency matrix having columns representing respective first components and rows representing respective second components. Aspects include assigning each cell of the matrix a value indicative of the level of dependency or indicative of an unknown dependency of a pair of first and second components forming the cell and assigning each component of the first and second components an affiliation vector indicative of the strength of affiliation of the component to N predefined initial clusters of cells of the matrix. Aspects also include determining a probability model using the affiliations vectors parameters and estimating the parameters of the probability model for a plurality of different numbers of clusters starting from the initial number N of clusters. Aspects further include computing a score for the parameters of the probability model estimated and selecting the parameters of the probability model with the highest computed score.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to provide pipe analysis, annulus analysis, or one or more combinations of pipe analysis and annulus analysis with respect to one or more pipes in a wellbore. The analysis can include application of clustering and classification methods with respect to the status and the environment of the one or more pipes in the wellbore. In various embodiments, the clustering and classification can be used in characterizing borehole annular material including cement bond quality evaluation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A diagnosis support apparatus which provides information for supporting medical diagnosis obtains known medical information of a diagnosis target held in a database as “already-input” information, and has a selection unit that selects non-input information to be presented as medical information, other than the already-input information. A similar-case obtaining unit obtains, using the already-input information and the presentation non-input information, a case including the presentation non-input information from a case database, as a case similar to that of the diagnosis target, and a presentation unit presents the presentation non-input information and the similar case.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for optimizing a user experience are provided. The method includes optimizing a user experience using clusters, user preferences, or a combination thereof. Clusters may be created based on, for example, user behaviors, or actions, exhibited by a user. User preferences may be established for each cluster in order to further customize the clusters. The clusters may be continuously monitored such that if changes are necessary they may be immediately applied such as a user exhibited different behavior and requiring association with a new cluster. This information, or clustering, may be utilized to predict user satisfaction such that more positive user experiences are encountered and negative user experiences are, to the extent possible, avoided, or at least lessened.

Abstract: Semi-supervised random decision forests for machine learning are described, for example, for interactive image segmentation, medical image analysis, and many other applications. In examples, a random decision forest comprising a plurality of hierarchical data structures is trained using both unlabeled and labeled observations. In examples, a training objective is used which seeks to cluster the observations based on the labels and similarity of the observations. In an example, a transducer assigns labels to the unlabeled observations on the basis of the clusters and certainty information. In an example, an inducer forms a generic clustering function by counting examples of class labels at leaves of the trees in the forest. In an example, an active learning module identifies regions in a feature space from which the observations are drawn using the clusters and certainty information; new observations from the identified regions are used to train the random decision forest.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for monitoring a computer system to predict failed or degraded operational states and respond with an alarm or corrective action. Resource collection and consumption are analyzed to derive velocity and acceleration. A hidden Markov model with the resource collection and consumption data as observation spaces predicts computer system state spaced indicative of a failed or degraded computer system operating state.

Abstract: A dictionary used by a spoken language understanding (SLU) system is improved by providing weightings for entities in the dictionary that represent the likelihood each entity belongs to an entity class represented by the dictionary. A classifier model may be trained using a seed list containing sample entities that belong in the entity class and a background entity list containing samples that do not belong in the entity class. Clicked URLs from search logs, search result URLs, and attributes from an entity graph may be used as features of the sample entities to train the classifier model. The classifier model may be used to weight entities from a candidate dictionary. The entity weightings are used to generate an improved dictionary for use in the SLU system.

Abstract: Contextual adaptation of documents automatically replaces words for synonyms that appear within context or topic whey they are being used. A machine learned topic modeling, trained by a set of documents representative of a target user is executed to determine topics of an input document, and to determine words in the document to replace based on determining the relevance of the words to the topics in the documents. An output document is generated based on the input document with the replaced words.

Abstract: A system is provided that implements a more systematic process for obtaining business knowledge that is more efficient and timely. The process automatically reads business documents and produces a business ontology. In one implementation, the process dissects documents into sentences or collection of words that most resembles a sentence. Natural language processing algorithms may be used to identify the role of term within a sentence. Terms and associations resulting from the document analysis are used to specify a business ontology which can be then used to provide input to a software design process, among other business uses.

Abstract: A satellite support and administration system includes a web based portal to allow widespread user access to advanced satellite technology at extremely low costs. The system supports the sequential launch of increasingly sophisticated satellites having limited life spans. Each satellite is equipped with a powerful array of sensors for space based measurement of scientifically and commercially important phenomena. A ground based platform supports and encourages the development of software and custom applications to operate experiments utilizing the processors and sensor array on the satellite.

Abstract: A thermal control system for a building is disclosed, which includes a regression model: Given a forecast temperature outside the building, the regression model predicts how much an HVAC system will cost to run during a day, for a given set of time-varying target temperatures for all the thermostats in the thermal control system. The thermal control system may also include an optimizer, which invokes multiple applications of the regression model. Given a forecast temperature outside the building, the optimizer predicts an optimal set of time-varying target temperatures for all the thermostats in the thermal control system. Running the HVAC system with the optimal set of time-varying target temperatures should have a reduced or a minimized cost, or a reduced or minimized total energy usage. The optimizer works by running the regression model repeatedly, while adjusting the time-varying target temperature for each thermostat between runs of the model.

Abstract: A method for determining an expected consumption value of a motor vehicle for a predetermined driving situation—includes detecting actual consumption values and storing these values upon each occurrence of the predetermined driving situation, and further estimating the expected consumption value on the basis of the stored consumption values. Furthermore, a check is made whether the expected consumption value satisfies a predetermined significance criterion. If this is the case, the expected consumption value is used for a range determination for the motor vehicle; if this is not the case, an estimated value for the expected consumption is determined and used for range determination for the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for providing maintenance to an asset is disclosed. In one embodiment, a database having asset information from a plurality of disparate sources is accessed. Asset information in the database is utilized to generate an asset report. The asset report is utilized to track an asset including its location and operation. Scheduling information regarding the asset is utilized such that the manufacturer can provide a scheduled/unscheduled maintenance program for the asset.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating execution of one or more data integration projects in multiple environments or an environment that undergoes changes. Each project has a set of project parameters, which are bound to environment variables. Each environment has a corresponding environment representation with environment variables and corresponding values. Each project is mapped to an environment representation. Values of environment variables are provided to projects with corresponding parameters. When one or more projects are changed to a different environment with a different corresponding environment representation, the environment variable values of the new environment representation are provided to the projects. When an environment change is reflected in the environment representation, the changed variable values are provided to mapped projects.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for regulating an amount of power on a power grid using a datacenter. This allows demand to be more closely brought into alignment with supply. For example, when supply exceeds demand by a predetermined level, the datacenter may increase consumption, causing demand to increase, and when demand exceeds supply and/or comes within a predetermined threshold of supply, the datacenter may decrease consumption, causing demand to decrease. In this way, the datacenter can be utilized as a regulatory tool on the grid. It may be appreciated that given the technology used by and/or operations performed by datacenters, datacenters are uniquely situated to achieve these ends as compared to other (large) energy consumers, such as manufacturing facilities that cannot shift around and/or shut-down operations swiftly.

Abstract: Techniques to provide and deploy a business process are disclosed. A business process source filed stored in a memory is received. The business process source file, as stored in memory, is provided as an input to an in-memory compiler. A business process class file stored in the memory is received as output from the in-memory compiler. The business process class file, as stored in memory, is provided to a business process engine class loader.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the network traffic health of an inventory management system that includes an autonomous vehicle and a plurality of access points. The autonomous vehicle interacts with access points in an inventory management system, and network traffic information related to network connectivity between the autonomous vehicle and the access points is obtained. The autonomous vehicle or the access points transmit(s) the network traffic information to a computer system that can generate a graphical user interface that represents the network traffic information for the inventory management system. The network traffic information can include a variety of information about the interactions between autonomous vehicles and access points, such as roam time of the autonomous vehicles between access points as the autonomous vehicles navigate within the inventory management system.

Abstract: The disclosure includes technology for estimating journey destinations based on crow-sourced popularity factors. The technology includes an example system including a processor and a memory storing instructions that when executed cause the system to: receive location data; determine a current route associated with a user based on the location data; determine one or more crowd-sourced popularity factors; estimate one or more destination estimations along the current route based on the one or more crowd-sourced popularity factors; and suggest the one or more destination estimations to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for piece-picking or piece put-away within a logistics facility. The system includes a central server and at least one mobile manipulation robot. The central server is configured to communicate with the robots to send and receive piece-picking data which includes a unique identification for each piece to be picked, a location within the logistics facility of the pieces to be picked, and a route for the robot to take within the logistics facility. The robots can then autonomously navigate and position themselves within the logistics facility by recognition of landmarks by at least one of a plurality of sensors. The sensors also provide signals related to detection, identification, and location of a piece to be picked or put-away, and processors on the robots analyze the sensor information to generate movements of a unique articulated arm and end effector on the robot to pick or put-away the piece.

Abstract: Automatically suggesting content, for example, documents, contacts information, tasks, calendar items, and the like, for inclusion into an electronic collaborative workspace is provided. Given a short description of a given project or collaborative workspace, an initial project membership list, and identification of local or external content repositories, content associated with the project or workspace may be retrieved and recommended to one or more users for inclusion into the project or collaborative workspace. Thus, the time and effort required for initially populating an electronic workspace with needed content is dramatically reduced.