Abstract: A method for carrying out a multimodal dialog in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, via which method the interaction between the vehicle and a vehicle user is improved with regard to the provision of a dialog that is as natural as possible. For this purpose, the following acts are performed: sensing an input of a vehicle user for activating a voice dialog and activating gesture recognition.

Abstract: A voice control device includes a user database, a first image capturing module, a voice command module and a management module. The user database stores first user identification data of a first user account. The first image capturing module captures an environmental image. The voice command module is enabled to receive a voice command for controlling the voice control device. The management module is used to detect whether at least one facial image exists in the environmental image, and detect whether the facial image matches with the first user identification data, and when the facial image matches with the first user identification data, the management module logs in the first user account and enables the voice command module.

Abstract: A processor chip circuit is provided, which is used for entering human face information into a database and includes a circuit unit configured to perform the steps of: videoing one or more videoed persons and extracting human face information of the one or more videoed persons from one or more video frames during the videoing; recording a voice of at least one of the one or more videoed persons during the videoing; performing semantic analysis on the recorded voice so as to extract respective information therefrom; and associating the extracted information with the human face information of the videoed person who has spoken the extracted information, and entering the associated information into the database.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller, programmed to responsive to detecting a voice command from a user and a location of the user inside the vehicle via a microphone, authenticate an identity of the user using facial recognition on an image captured, by a camera, of the location of the user; and responsive to a successful authentication, execute the voice command.

Abstract: A system for automated speech recognition utilizes computer memory, a processor executing imaging software and audio processing software, and a camera transmitting images of a physical source of speech input. Audio processing software includes an audio data stream of audio samples derived from at least one speech input. At least one timer is configured to transmit elapsed time values as measured in response to respective triggers received by the timer. The audio processing software is configured to assert and de-assert the timer triggers to measure respective audio sample times and interim period times between the audio samples. The audio processing software is further configured to compare the interim period times with a command spacing time value corresponding to an expected interim time value between commands, thereby determining if the speech input is command data or non-command data.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing system enabling a user to provide easily an instruction on whether to continue speech recognition processing on sound information, the information processing system including: a recognition control portion configured to control a speech recognition portion so that the speech recognition portion performs speech recognition processing on sound information input from a sound collection portion. The recognition control portion controls whether to continue the speech recognition processing on the basis of a gesture of a user detected at predetermined timing.

Abstract: Virtual world content is transmitted from at least one server to at least one client computer by defining a camera position on the client computer and projecting a geometrical shape from the camera position in the direction of a viewing vector. This geometrical shape defines a subsection of the virtual world content, which is then transmitted to the particular client, where it is maintained within a content cache.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for touch free operation of a device is presented. The system can comprise a depth sensor for detecting a movement, motion software to receive the detected movement from the depth sensor, deduce a gesture based on the detected movement, and filter the gesture to accept an applicable gesture, and client software to receive the applicable gesture at a client computer for performing a task in accordance with client logic based on the applicable gesture. The client can be a mapping device and the task can be one of various mapping operations. The system can also comprise hardware for making the detected movement an applicable gesture. The system can also comprise voice recognition providing voice input for enabling the client to perform the task based on the voice input in conjunction with the applicable gesture. The applicable gesture can be a movement authorized using facial recognition.

Abstract: A display drive circuit includes: source amplifiers capable of driving source lines of a display panel connected thereto; preamplifiers capable of outputting first gradation voltages; source circuits each including a division of the source amplifiers, provided that the source amplifiers are divided equally; and resistance arrays. Each source circuit is provided with one of the resistance arrays. Each resistance array divides input first gradation voltages to generate second gradation voltages and provides them to the corresponding source circuit. The worsening of the capability of converging of gradation lines for supplying second gradation voltages to the source circuits can be suppressed without providing gradation-voltage-generation circuits even with a display driver IC having an increased long side length, or more than one display driver IC provided.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an aircraft. A plurality of heterogeneous unmanned vehicles are used to perform an inspection of the aircraft, each unmanned vehicle having one or more sensors. A plurality of portions of the aircraft are assigned to the vehicles for inspection based on functional capability of each vehicle. The unmanned vehicles are configured to cooperatively use the sensors to perform the inspection.

Abstract: A method of providing a user with an extra-terrestrial somatosensory experience includes equipping the user with an underwater breathing apparatus, having the user occupy an underwater environment, such environment providing buoyancy to the user, and while the user occupies the underwater environment, using a computer-implemented virtual reality system to present to the user a virtual reality environment modeling an extra-terrestrial setting. The virtual reality system inhibits visual perception by the user of items outside of the virtual reality environment so that the user experiences the virtual reality environment under a buoyancy condition provided by the underwater environment. The buoyancy condition enhances the experience of the virtual reality environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, inhibitors of cardiovascular diseases and disorders. The present invention also provides therapeutic methods for preventing and/or treating cardiovascular diseases and disorders. Further, the present invention provides methods of identifying inhibitors of cardiovascular diseases and disorders as well as model systems suitable for identifying such inhibitors as well as methods and compositions for detecting and/or diagnosing cardiovascular diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus adapted for use with an assistive energy type golf club which is safe to use, inconspicuous, and able to release sufficient assistive energy at the optimum time during a golf swing to add prescribed incremental velocity to a golf ball.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method that enables an assistive energy type golf club to sense the approach of the club face toward a golf ball, and to trigger the release of the assistive energy at the optimum time to achieve the desired golf ball velocity and distance.

Abstract: Provided are mesh video nodes for wireless mesh networks and methods thereof. A mesh video node includes a wireless interface unit, a multimedia processing unit, an input/output unit, and a control panel interface unit. The mesh video node is configured via a user interface with a communications channel selector and a node selector, where each channel is associated with a predetermined frequency channel, and each node is associated with an internet protocol address. A method of deployment is also provided via a user interface that visually represents link qualities between neighboring nodes.

Abstract: A combat IFF system, for use in a combat exercise or on the battlefield, including a helmet-mounted passive IFF response unit and a weapon-mounted IFF interrogatory unit for each soldier. Infrared (IR) signals are employed for both challenge and response. The IR response signal is a very narrowly-targeted reflection of the relatively narrow IR transmit signal, thereby minimizing interception opportunities. The transmit and response signals are encoded in a transaction that cannot be compromised even when either or both signals are intercepted and decoded by the enemy. The combat IFF system includes biometric anti-spoofing features that prevent any use by an enemy in possession of captured units. Military radio-frequency (RF) spectrum is not required so there are no bandwidth limitations on simultaneous IFF transactions in the battlefield. A combat IFF transaction is completed in milliseconds.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method that enables an assistive energy type golf club to sense the approach of the club face toward a golf ball, and to trigger the release of the assistive energy at the optimum time to achieve the desired golf ball velocity and distance.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an aerial-supported procedure for the detection of landmines, duds or similar explosive bodies using a fluorescence procedure, including aerial-supported geo-referencing of the detected locations by means of a digital terrain model.

Abstract: A method of repairing a defective one of devices mounted on substrate is provided. Devices are arrayed on a substrate and electrically connected to wiring lines connected to a drive circuit, to be thus mounted on the substrate. The devices mounted on the substrate are then subjected to an emission test. If a defective device is detected in this test, a repair device is mounted at a position corresponding to a position of the defective device. At this time, after wiring lines connected to the defective device are cut off, the repair device is electrically connected to portions of the wiring lines, the portions of the wiring lines being located at positions nearer to the drive circuit side than the cut-off positions of the wiring lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein single-color and multi-color protein fragment complementation assays for drug discovery, in particular to identify compounds that activate or inhibit cellular pathways. Based on the selection of an interacting protein pair combined with an appropriate PCA reporter such as monomeric enzymes and fluorescent proteins, the assays may be run in high-throughput or high-content mode and may be used in automated screening of libraries of compounds. Methods are described for constructing such assays for one or more steps in a biochemical pathway; testing the effects of compounds from combinatorial, natural product, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid or other diverse libraries on the protein or pathway(s) of interest; and using the results of the screening to identify specific compounds that activate or inhibit the protein or pathway(s) of interest. The development of such assays provides for a broad, flexible and biologically relevant platform for drug discovery.

Abstract: A method and system for using a natural language generator for automatic assessment item generation is disclosed. The natural language generator includes a document structure generator that produces an abstract document specification defining a structure for an assessment item based on user input. The abstract document specification is input into a logical schema generator, which produces a logical schema specification that creates a more detailed specification for an assessment item. Finally, a sentence generator receives the logical schema specification and creates natural language for the assessment item based on the variables defined in the logical schema specification.

Abstract: A radar target with delayed reply means. The radar target contains devices for: (a) receiving a radar signal which has a frequency of from about 0.5 to about 94 gigahertz, (b) phase coherently amplitude modulating a continuous wave light emission with the radar signal with the frequency of from about 1 to about 94 gigahertz, (c) delaying an amplitude modulated light pulse for at least about one radar pulse width, (d) detecting the delayed modulated amplitude modulated light pulse, (e) converting a detected amplitude modulated light pulse into a converted radio frequency pulse, (f) modulating the converted radio frequency pulse, thereby producing a delayed modulated radio frequency pulse, and (g) transmitting the delayed modulated radio frequency pulse.

Abstract: A semi-spherical system holding mechanism 8 such as to cover the head portion of the user is provided in the upper portion of a user holding mechanism 9 such as chair, sofa, or the like. A display apparatus 7 is fixed in the system holding mechanism 8. In the display apparatus 7, a video image displayed on a display panel 14 is enlarged by a lens 13, so that a virtual image is formed. The virtual images which are observed by the right and left eyes of the user are arranged at the same position in a space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for using video input to control speech recognition systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, gestures of a user of a speech recognition system are detected from a video input, and are used to turn a speech recognition unit on and off. In another embodiment, the position of a user is detected from a video input, and the position information supplied to a microphone array point of source filter to aid the filter in selecting the voice of a user that is moving about in the field of the camera supplying the video input.

Abstract: A semi-spherical system holding mechanism 8 such as to cover the head portion of the user is provided in the upper portion of a user holding mechanisms 9 such as chair, sofa, or the like. A display apparatus 7 is fixed in the system holding mechanism 8. In the display apparatus 7, a video image displayed on a display panel 14 is enlarged by a lens 13, so that a virtual image is formed. The virtual images which are observed by the right and left eyes of the user are arranged at the same position in a space.

Abstract: A non-volatile electron beam-addressed light-valve produces a flickerless, all-at-once visible light output which is then converted into a flickerless projected infrared scene suitable for testing an infrared imaging seeker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting buried explosives which exude vapors of the explosive chemical to the surface. A biological sensor that is applied on the surface produces a detectable signal when it is contacted by the explosive chemical, producing an identifiable pattern for pin-pointing the explosive. The biological sensor is a genetically altered organism.

Abstract: The invention provides an oven which can be used to rapidly heat and cool a workpiece. In one embodiment, the oven includes a first duct which defines an initial leg of an enclosed air flow path and which has an inner panel and a heat exchanger. This first duct has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of which is connected to a temperature-controlled air supply. The oven also includes a second duct which defines a final leg of the enclosed air flow path and which has an inner panel spaced from the first duct's inner panel to define an oven cavity. The oven also has a connecting conduit connecting the outlet end of the first duct to the second duct and which defines an intermediate leg of the enclosed air flow path. In a preferred embodiment, the first duct is the lower of the two ducts and includes a plurality of holes through at least the inner panel of the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aircraft survivability equipment training. The disclosure is particularly directed to the use of such an apparatus and method for multiple player training aircraft with a central controller. The threats are simulated by the central controller and transmitted to each player aircraft via encoded data packets. Additionally, electronic counter measures, counter measures and weapons initiation are simulated. A predictive threat intervisibility engine provides a realistic training situation by predicting each player aircraft's "line of sight" to an updated threat list and local terrain data, as the aircraft travels. Defeated threats are determined by the central controller based on simulated electronic counter measure models, simulated weapon systems activated from weapon controls, simulated counter measures activated by counter measure controls and aircraft dynamic data from the player aircraft's navigation system.

Abstract: Device to simulate the flow of a fluid for calibrating a laser velocimetric device. This device, able to simulate the flow of a fluid in order to calibrate a laser beam velocimetric chain, comprises a mobile element (8) for simulating the flow of a fluid intercepting at least one laser beam (34, 40) of the velocimetric chain, means (16) for moving the mobile element (8), and means (24) for controlling the movement means (16) so as to apply to the simulation element (8) a movement with a speed varying according to a distribution of speeds selected by an operator.

Abstract: A radar target simulator for generating simulated targets used in testing a radar system. Simulated targets are generated out of the radar system noise. The radar system includes a radar receiver coupled to a receive antenna. The simulator has an input for sampling a transmitted output signal from the radar system. A first reference oscillator is provided for generating a first reference signal, and a first mixer is coupled to the first reference oscillator for mixing the first reference signal with the sampled signal from the radar system to provide a simulated target signal. A laser is coupled to the first mixer for generating a light output signal that corresponds to the simulated target signal. A plurality of selectable delay paths that each have a different predetermined delay length are coupled to the laser. A photodetector is coupled to the plurality of delay paths for convening the light output signal derived from a selected one of the delay paths into a radio frequency (RF) simulated target signal.

Abstract: A target simulator device for the simulation of infrared targets as input to entrance optics. A voice coil of an audio loud speaker including a cone portion and two electrical input connections has a physical projection one end of which is coupled to the cone portion and the other end approximate to and in front of a shield aperture. A black body radiation source is placed behind the aperture and a frequency compensated amplifier electrically coupled to the input connections such that collimated signal-modulated black body energy that is proportional to the total range of frequencies input is observed by an infrared sensitive detector aligned with the radiation emanating from the aperture.

Abstract: A range extinction simulator system that simulates an outdoor laser test range in a relatively small area, which provides for a computer controlled, electronic laser range simulator used to test laser rangefinders. The system evaluates a laser rangefinder's output energy and programs a laser transmitter to fire into the rangefinder at a specific optical power level needed to simulate a return signal from a target for a given range, atmospheric attenuation, and target reflectivity. This invention allows laser rangefinders to be tested without the necessity of a long distance (typically outdoor) laser range. The system provides for a significant cost savings over current test systems and improves the ability to perform varied tests on laser rangefinders.

Abstract: A digital laser range finder emulator receives N-bits of range-to-target a in a parallel format and generates N-bits of serial data representative of the range-to-target data and an external synchronization pulse whose presence is indicative of valid serial data. First and second clock pulses are generated such that the second clock pulse is delayed with respect to the first clock pulse. Control logic, responsive to the first clock pulse, generates validity logic while control logic, responsive to the second clock pulse, generates transmit logic. The parallel format range-to-target data is converted into the serial data in response to the first clock pulse. The serial data is then output in response to the transmit logic. A gate, responsive to the second clock pulse and the validity logic, generates the synchronization pulse when the second clock pulse and validity logic occupy a common logic state.

Abstract: A range imaging system, and a method for calibrating such a system are based on the principles of projective geometry. The system comprises four subsystems: (1) a laser and a cylindrical lens or vibrating mirror for producing a planar beam of light; (2) an electronic camera equipped with a lens and an appropriate interference filter; (3) an electronic circuit for height (depth) measurements and video image generation; and (4) a scanning mechanism for moving the object with respect to the light beam and the camera so as to scan an area of the object surface. The system is calibrated by determining the position in the electronic image of the object surface at three different heights. The range image is generated from these three known heights from either a previously determined look-up table, or from a calculation based on the invariance of the cross-ratio, a well known ratio from projective geometry.

Abstract: A software controlled generic radar display system using a microcomputer ing a high performance graphics card that drives a high resolution color monitor which displays the radar sweep, compass rose, front panel symbology and diagnostic information. A target generator provides simulated target information that is displayed on the monitor in standard PPI format.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for static and dynamic testing of the boresight alignment of an electro-optic system, the system having a line-of-sight sensor responsive to first radiation from a target for sensing the location of the target and setting the direction of a target vector to correspond to the location of the target, and having a line-of-sight illuminator for directing an illumination beam of second radiation at the located target. The apparatus comprises a main optic for receiving the second radiation from the electro-optic system and focusing the second radiation about a focal point in a focal plane substantially perpendicular to a principal radiation path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aiding a navigator to identify a light pattern or beacon, comprising a microprocessor connected to a memory for storing beacon data in coded form, a keyboard for calling up codes from memory and a display unit simulating the light pattern or beacon for enabling comparison with an actual light pattern or beacon. The apparatus is particularly useful to the identification of maritime navigation marks such as light beacons.

Abstract: An optical range simulator device (10) for testing the ranging function of a laser rangefinder (14) receives output pulses from the rangefinder (14) and delivers these to an optical fibre delay line (11,12). The output of the delay line (11,12) and the input of the fibre delay line (11,12) are interconnected by an optical bridging means (15,17,22) which collects at least a portion of each pulse delivered by the output of the delay line (11,12) and recirculates that pulse portion to the input end of the delay line, the remaining portion of each pulse at the output end of the delay line (11,12) being returned to the rangefinder (14) so that for each output pulse received from the rangefinder (14) a simulator device (10) delivers a series of successively delayed return pulses to the rangefinder (14), these delayed return pulses being representative of ranges successively augmented by the range distance represented by the delay line (11,12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating laser Doppler velocimeters having one or more intersecting beam pairs. These velocimeters measure fluid velocity by observing the light scattered by particles in the fluid stream. Moving fluid particulates are simulated by fine taut wires that are radially mounted on a disk that is rotated at a known velocity. The laser beam intersection locus is first aimed at the very center of the disk and then the disk is translated so that the locus is swept by the rotating wires. The radial distance traversed is precisely measured so that the velocity of the wires (pseudo particles) may be calculated.

Abstract: A test system (10) for a laser rangefinder (12, 14) having signal transmission and reception paths comprises a thick lens collimator (20) which receives energy (18) from a transmitter (12) for input through an optical fiber (32). The fiber has a partial reflector (34) and a full reflector (38) to simulate sites of targets, and the reflected energy is transmitted back through collimator (20) to a receiver (14). Partial reflection of energy is provided by gold (64) placed on a surface (53) of one of two aligned and spaced termini (32a, 32b) of fiber (32).

Abstract: An eye-safe compact laser simulator for simulating a laser spot on or off axis. The simulator used to test laser range and spot receivers.

Abstract: An event scoring apparatus using a video multiplexer and method are created y using a plurality of video cameras to cover limited fields of view of a given area. The cameras are distributed to cover the area. The video output of the cameras is used as input to a video multiplex circuit which multiplexes the camera video signals to form a composite signal containing the desirable information from each camera and generated the sync signal for the slave camera. By counting horizontal lines of video and video sync levels, selected lines of video are combined to form a composite video image. The composite video image permits both a target and a strike event to be recorded in at least two locations within the composite video. A scoring systems inputs the multiplexer output to determine the miss distance and direction from the target. A programmable read only memory permits one of the camera video inputs to be a gray level which is inserted between consecutive camera lines of actual real time video signal.

Abstract: A test device for determining the extinction value of a laser range finder having a laser transmitter and a laser receiver characterized by the device having an optical shield for shielding an unattenuated laser beam from the transmitter, a filter chamber containing attenuation filters being disposed in the optical beam path, a scatter unit having a dispersion disk having a scattering range for diffusely scattering the laser light, an optical coupling unit for coupling light into the laser receiver and at least one light waveguide line of a specific length having one end disposed in the scatter range of the dispersion disk and the other end for releasing the light traveling in the waveguide into an optical beam so that the laser light pulses from the transmitter are both attenuated and scattered prior to being coupled into the receiver. The test device enables checking the system sensitivity of laser range finders.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an improved laser altimeter for a flight simulator which will allow measurement of the height of the simulator probe above the terrain directly below the probe tip.A laser beam 22 is directed from the probe 13 at an angle .theta. to the horizontal to produce a beam spot 20 on the terrain. The angle .theta. that the laser beam 22 makes with the horizontal is varied so as to bring the beam spot into coincidence with a plumb line 18 coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the probe 13. A television altimeter camera 30 observes the beam spot and has a raster line aligned with the plumb line 18. Spot detector circuit 26 coupled to the output of the TV camera monitors the position of the beam spot relative to the plumb line 18. An error signal is produced by computer 28 driving, via a servo motor 23, the laser beam optics so as to cause the beam spot to come into coincidence with the plumb line 18.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using one laser range finder to calibrate another imilar range finder. The range finder under test receives a simulated return pulse from the transmitter of the second range finder. An external trigger initiates the transmitter of the range finder under test and a short time later initiates the transmitter of the second range finder. The transmitted beam of the second range finder is directed into the receiver of the range finder under test and it halts the range readout thereof. This range readout is compared to the reading on an external timer arranged to measure the time interval between the emission of the transmitted beams of the two range finders.

Abstract: A method of providing a user with an extra-terrestrial somatosensory experience includes equipping the user with an underwater breathing apparatus, having the user occupy an underwater environment, such environment providing buoyancy to the user, and while the user occupies the underwater environment, using a computer-implemented virtual reality system to present to the user a virtual reality environment modeling an extra-terrestrial setting. The virtual reality system inhibits visual perception by the user of items outside of the virtual reality environment so that the user experiences the virtual reality environment under a buoyancy condition provided by the underwater environment. The buoyancy condition enhances the experience of the virtual reality environment.