Abstract: In order to test whether a given signal of a complex circuit has the correct behavior, the method makes it possible to obtain in a computer memory a profile of states of other signals for which a state of the given signal is expected in a physical sample of the circuit. In order to minimize the processing time and the memory space required to obtain this profile, the method uses binary decision diagrams. Since the given signal can have more than two states (B, H, Z), the method generates at least two binary decision diagrams, a first binary decision diagram wherein the value at 1 indicates that the signal is in the first or in the second state, and a second binary decision diagram wherein the value at 1 indicates that the signal is in the second or in the third state.

Abstract: A position control apparatus for positioning a control object connected with a motor via a transmission mechanism so as to track a variable position reference varying with time, having a reference generating unit for generating the variable position reference; a control deviation generating unit for generating control deviation of the control object based on the variable position reference and a detected position of the control object or these and a detected rotational position of the motor; a servo control unit for generating a control quantity to make the control object track the variable position reference based on the control deviation and controlling the driving of the motor; a tracking error compensating unit having a first and second compensating unit of different modes for compensating for the control deviation or for correcting the detected rotational position of the motor used for generation of the control deviation so as to suppress tracking error of the control object from the variable position re

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of the present invention provide improved control over the activation and deactivation of a computer program. For example, the computer program may be a screen saver program and/or a password protection program. The computer program is prevented from being activated when the user has not recently provided input to a computer system via an input-output device, but the user is still in the vicinity of the computer system. When no person is detected in the vicinity, the present invention allows the computer program's activation to be controlled using standard known methods. In one embodiment, the present invention provides enhanced screen saver activation and deactivation control without the need to modify existing computer hardware or software. Embodiments of modified computer hardware and software systems are also provided where it is desirable to integrate enhanced screen saver activation and deactivation control into a hardware or software system.

Abstract: A self-organizing control system suitable for nonlinear control of a physical object is described. The control system calculates the entropy production difference between a time differentiation (dSu/dt) of the entropy inside the controlled object and a time differentiation (dSc/dt) of the entropy given to the controlled object from a PID controller that controls the object. The entropy production difference is used to generate an evolving control rule by using the entropy production difference as a performance function for a genetic optimizer.

Abstract: An object tracking system for locating radio-tagged objects within a monitored environment has a plurality tag transmission readers that detect RF transmissions from the tags, and generate output signals representative of the time-of-arrival of first-to-arrive tag transmissions. An object location processor processes the first to arrive signals in accordance with a multilateration algorithm to geolocate a tag. In order to modify the operation of a tag that comes within a prescribed region of the monitored environment (such as passing through a doorway), one or more relatively short range, magnetic field proximity-based, tag-programming ‘pingers’, are placed proximate to the region. A magnetic field receiver on the tag detects the field generated by the pinger and causes the tag to change operation such as increase its RF transmission rate.

Abstract: A problem solver for generating an action sequence executed from an initial state to a goal state in a state space defined by a particular problem is disclosed, that comprises a cognitive distance learning unit learning a cognitive distance that represents a cost acted on the environment of the state space, the cost being spent in an action sequence executed from a first state in the state space to a second state that is different from the first state, and a next action deciding unit deciding a next action contained in the action sequence that has to be executed in a particular state to attain the goal state in the state space based on the cognitive distance learnt by the cognitive distance learning unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the state of a pneumatic actuator having a valve that connects the actuator to a supply pressure and a valve that connects the actuator to an exhaust pressure. The method involves closing the supply pressure and exhaust pressure valves, determining the current state of the pneumatic actuator, and then determining the difference between the current state and a desired state. The appropriate pressure valve to be opened and the period to be opened is then calculated based on pre-determined calibration data for the actuator which permits the end state of the actuator to be predicted. The appropriate valve is then opened for the calculated period to adjust the actuator to the desired state. The process is then repeated until the current state of the actuator is the desired state. A controller unit that uses the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Dynamically scheduling the launch of tasks, each task comprising one or more associated executable actions, each task having an associated next action indicator and an associated next task indicator. Wherein, a first task is launched, an action indicated by the next action indicator associated with the first task is executed, and a task indicated by the next task indicator associated with the first task is launched.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interpretive BIOS machine for controlling the cooking of food in a microwave oven or the conduct of a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream wherein the microwave oven or process stream functionally operates by user independent commands. The interpretive BIOS machine is implemented by a microprocessor or computer having a memory for the storing of a program that contains the operating instruction for the present invention. Data is received into the interpretive BIOS machine from a data entry mechanism. The data is specific code that represents a plurality of desired cooking or process instructions selected by the user of the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention interprets the received data and transforms the data into time duration(s) and scaled power level(s) settings for the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention monitors and adjusts the work performed on a specimen disposed within the microwave oven or process stream.

Abstract: A position detector and cable for use in the same can be provided for reducing the space and cost as well as easing maintenance. A scale unit (1) generates an alarm signal (ALAM) for informing of an error when it occurs associated with generating position pulses (PA, PB and PZ). A signal cable (6) transfers the alarm signal (ALAM) to a connector (7). The connector (7) contains an alarm indicator (31) that lights on in response to the alarm signal (ALAM) output from the scale unit (1) when an irregularity occurs.

Abstract: An interpretive system architecture for a seamless transfer of energy to a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream, or microwave oven. The interpretive system architecture overlays the operational finctions of the process stream or host microwave oven to interpret, control, and implement user independent commands. The interpretive system has at least one interpretive base class for providing operational instance to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system receives an indicia, the indicia being expressive of an externally derived predetermined compiled code disposed on the surface of a specimen, or food package, or associated thereto, the indicia communicating via at least one data entry mechanism to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system interprets the data or code and transforms it into user independent commands.

Abstract: The behavior of a nozzle tip is measured with a jig when the suction nozzle moves vertically and rotatively before the start of production. The nozzle tip displacement is formulated from the results with a component thickness and a mounting angle used as parameters, and the parameters are corrected according to the component thickness and the final mounting angle of the electronic component to be mounted in the production stage.