Abstract: Processor-implemented monitor and control modules gather operating data from the rectifier units, battery connection units and power distribution units. From these data, statistical operating data are calculated and stored in a database managed by the resident processor within the power system control unit. The system expansion analysis module analyzes the statistical data in view of a set of predetermined warning and alarm threshold parameters, which may be factory specified or user settable. If an alarm or upgrade condition is detected, the system expansion analysis module generates an upgrade notification that is optionally sent in a variety of forms including local audible or on screen notification, remote alarm through network connection to a remote computer, via internet web browser and e-mail message. The system can also optionally initiate automated order processing to place orders for upgrade or expansion equipment and installation services.

Abstract: A device for calculating a time gap between successive transitions of an incident signal includes an input stage which detects and selects transitions of an incident signal and calculates the time gap between each selected transition and an edge of a sampling clock signal. An assemblage of at least three blocks is also included. Each of the blocks includes a storage cell and a counter regulated by the sampling clock signal. In response to each selected current transition, a checking circuit or processor initializes the counter of the first block of the assemblage and stores in the cell of the first block the value of the time gap corresponding to the selected current transition. The contents of a block of the assemblage may then be transferred into a next block. The time interval between two successive selected transitions is determined based upon the counter values and the time gaps.

Abstract: A device for determining a signal running time between a position measuring system and a processing unit. The device includes first and second position signal generators that generate position signals regarding relative chronological position of a first running time measuring signal with respect to first and second data words. A first transmitter that transmits the first running time measuring signal and the first position signal to the position measuring system at the end of transmission of the first data word to the position measuring system. A second transmitter that transmits a second running time measuring signal and the second position signal to the processing unit after the end of transmission of the second data word. A timer that ascertains a length of time between transmission of the first running time measuring signal and reception of the second running time measuring signal by the processing unit and a signal running time generator that determines a signal running time from the length of time.

Abstract: A method for estimating the duration of the interruptions in the supply from the electric mains in an electric appliance having an electronic control, in particular a household appliance, includes the steps of (a) on the occasion of an interruption of the supply voltage of the apparatus, measuring and storing the value of at least one quantity that is characteristic of the operating status of the apparatus; (b) on the occasion of the restoration of the supply voltage, measuring the current value of the at least one characteristic quantity; (c) comparing the stored value and the current value of the at least one characteristic quantity; and (d) estimating, on the basis of the comparison, the duration of the interruption of the supply voltage.

Abstract: A method for predicting extreme changes in numeric time series data includes converting a numeric time series into a sequence of symbols. A prediction method, such as a neural network or nearest neighbor algorithm is used to make the forecast. A numeric time series data is identified with extreme changes in them, and a window of length W that precedes the extreme change is extracted. Those extracts of a time series are built into a matrix (characteristic matrix) for singular value decomposition. The built matrix undergoes singular value decomposition, which reveals the characteristic vectors (symbols) that are indicative of time series that have characteristics that precede an extreme event. To perform forecasting, a window of length W in a new time series is generated and the dot product of the windows is taken against a predetermined number of columns of characteristic matrix, and, forecasting is performed on the new series.

Abstract: A digitizer for use in a measurement system. The digitizer acquires data from an external source, and includes a static random access memory (SRAM) which stores a scan list comprising entries specifying digitizer operations such as switch time, settle time, measure time, looping, and mathematical operation specifications such as scaling, adding, and averaging specifications. The looping specification may include instructions to repeatedly execute one or more entries in the scan list. The digitizer includes a programmable logic element (e.g. an FPGA) coupled to the SRAM which accesses and executes the scan list to acquire analog signals from the source. The digitizer may include an analog-to-digital converter to convert the analog signals to digital signals, as well as a multiplexer to read the analog signals from multiple channels, a signal conditioner to modify the analog signals from the multiplexer, and an amplifier to amplify the analog signals from the signal conditioner.

Abstract: A process for recording pulse signals of at least two input channels includes sampling the input channels with a predetermined sampling frequency for events which have occurred, and after detection of an event in at least one of the input channels, or after overflow of a counter, storing the present state of all the input channels in a memory register together with a magnitude characterizing a time interval to the last storage operation. The device for recording pulse signals of at least two input channels according to the process includes a clock oscillator, a sampler that samples the input channels, a counter, and a memory. The detection of a first event in one of the input channels or the overflow of the counter, according to which event occurs first, triggers and operation of storage of the states of all the input channels and of the last counter state at the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A circuit generates a test signal useful in verifying the actual delay values of individual delay stages in a digital delay line. In general, the cumulative delay of the delay line defines a window in time having its zero point anchored to the beginning of the delay line. Successive delay stages correspond to successive time bins within the overall time window. The test signal shifts at a known, linear rate in time with respect to a reference signal, which is used to initiate a test cycle. The reference signal synchronizes sampling of the test signal to the beginning of the time window. Samples of the test signal are taken at sample points determined by the actual time delays in the successive delay stages. The observed distribution of test signal edges across the time window may be used to determine the actual delay intervals of the delay line.

Abstract: There is disclosed a consumer transaction facility for performing consumer transactions with customers, such as for example, an automatic teller machine (ATM) and a cash dispenser (CD). In order to consider a customer who is obliged to wait one's turn, a time during a period of time from a time wherein a customer removes the front to a time wherein a successive customer stands the front is measured, and in the event that the measure time is short, a specific message is outputted.

Abstract: A machining time estimation apparatus 20, capable of accurate machining time calculation, comprising a database 22 for storing the actual operation time data of miscellaneous functions, an actual operation time calculation section 21 for calculating the actual operation time of each miscellaneous function to update the data stored in the database 22, and an operation time estimation section 24 for analyzing an NC program, block by block, for calculating the estimated operation time of axis movement on the basis of the result of the analysis, for estimating the operation time of each miscellaneous function by searching the database 22 and for calculating the estimated operation time of each block and the estimated machining time of the whole program on the basis of the estimated operation time of the axis movement and the estimated operation time of the miscellaneous function.

Abstract: A signal processing technique can be effectively used for source separation, signal enhancement, and noise reduction when using a twin microphone system. The class of stochastic signals for which ratio-estimates can be computed from histograms is defined. This class fits real-world signals of interest such as voice signals. Theoretical computation in closed form of the optimal estimator for this class of signals is disclosed. Two practical implementation solutions are disclosed, as is a practical solution to exploit an echoic environment model. Furthermore, two novel techniques for signal demixing are presented. The application of the optimal estimator and the suboptimal estimator to the case of more than two channels is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for calculating and validating the differential time between the broadcasting of an event and the time at which a user responds. The event may include, for example, the announcement of an auction or a contest on a television program. The differential time for each end-user response is calculated by each end-user device. The user response can be reported back to the service provider in a secure and reliable off-line or real-time manner. Each end-user device can include a secure time-keeping device having a secure clock/calendar feature for calculating the differential time between presentation of the event and the user response. A user is prevented from recording a particular event and thereafter replaying the recorded event and responding to the replayed event, to thereby alter the effective response time. Local and global presentation time information are compared to ensure that each user responds to the initial, real-time event and not a replay.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the emission of VOCs in a workstation is disclosed including a sensor to obtain a signal representative of the amount of coating discharged in the workstation, a database for storing data values representative of the signal, a network configured for allowing access to the database and at least one computing device for access to the database over the network and providing a user interface for presenting information representative of at least a portion of the data values. A method for monitoring the emission of VOCs in a workstation is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided to capture and process wire guidance fire control command tones. The method is implemented on a computer, which monitors and displays the wire guidance command tones in real time, showing the tone or signal over time. A user controls the beginning and ending of the capture period. The captured data is stored within the computer. Once data capturing has ended, the full record of the captured data is displayed. The display includes active cursors denoting the start and stop of the recorded event. The cursors may be positioned independently along the data display so as to bracket a tone event of interest. Once the cursors are positioned, the method updates the display to show only the bracketed event. The time duration of the event is also shown as well as a computed frequency for the event. The user may then continue refining the positions of the cursors to accurately identify the event of interest.

Abstract: A method for determining the ideal fuel usage value of a locomotive or other off-highway vehicle is disclosed. The time spent in each of a plurality of operating modes is determined and applied to an algorithm for calculating the ideal fuel usage associated with that operating mode. The individual values calculated for each operating mode are summed in accord with the operating modes experienced during a given train run. The sum value represents the ideal fuel usage quantity for the train run.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing environment (210) for a wafer fab, and an SPDA data environment (212) for acquiring processing parameters and metrology data of production runs. A computation environment (214) processes the SPDA data to prepare delta graphs (536, 540 and 542) of the present invention. These delta graphs are then analyzed in an analysis environment (216). An MES environment (218) evaluates the analysis and executes a process intervention if the results of the analysis indicate processing or product quality problems in the process run of the manufacturing environment (210). Additionally, the invention provides for SPDA delta graphs of SPC control charts as well as SPC techniques utilizing process control limits based on delta graphs to identify, analyze and trouble-shoot semiconductor processing problems, in order to improve equipment reliability and wafer yield.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for diagnosing the state of health of a vehicle and for providing the operator of the vehicle with a substantially real-time indication of the efficiency of the vehicle in performing an assigned task with respect to a predetermined goal. A processor on-board the vehicle monitors sensors that provide information regarding the state of health of the vehicle and the amount of work the vehicle has done. In response to anomalies in the data from the sensors, the processor records information that describes events leading up to the occurrence of the anomaly for later analysis that can be used to diagnose the cause of the anomaly. The sensors are also used to prompt the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle at optimum efficiency.

Abstract: A distribution automation remote terminal unit (DA RTU) for electrical power distribution which has remote terminal units for plant units forming the distribution network. The DA RTU is divided into at least two independently operable units with separate power supplies and I/O ports and an inter unit communication means between the units. Preferably one unit is a measurement and protection unit and the other a communications and control unit.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for measuring a round trip response time for a transaction performed by a computer in a network environment. The method comprises the steps of starting a software timer when a transaction is initiated at a browser of the computer, and sending the transaction to a server in the network environment. The server services the transaction, and generates a response to the transaction. When the response is received at the browser the software timer is stopped. The start time is subtracted from the stop time to calculate a round trip response time.

Abstract: A system for accumulating data relating to performance parameters of a data communication system is provided in order to determine average values of these parameters. The system comprises multiple registers used for calculating average values of particular performance parameters, such as bus latency, interrupt latency, receive service routine time, and receive frame copy time. Each of the registers contains an event counter and a timer. The event counter increments upon occurrence of an event relating to the performance parameter accumulated by the corresponding register. The timer is activated by the occurrence of the event, and increments at a predetermined rate until the event comes to an end. The timer resumes incrementing when the next event occurs. As a result, the CPU is enabled to determine an average value of a particular parameter per an event relating to this parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle weight classification system includes a method of classifying weight information. A plurality of zones are defined and are associated with each of the weight classifications. In one example, the upper and lower limits of the zones overlap those of an adjacent zone. The upper and lower limits of the zones preferably also overlap the thresholds of the corresponding weight classifications. Whenever weight information exists within a zone, a value for that zone is increased. The zone having the highest value is determined to be the zone where the weight information should be classified. The weight information is then classified into the classification associated with the zone having the highest value.

Abstract: A system and method for time constrained retrieval of sensor data includes a sensor monitor system coupled to a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is coupled to a device having a variety of variable parameters to be sensed at intervals within a given timeframe. When at least some of the parameter values are relatively stable within the intervals, the sensor monitor system selectively requests parameter values from only a subset of the sensors at one or more intervals. However, preferably, a parameter value is obtained for each parameter at least once within the timeframe. In such a case, a current set of parameter values includes the most recently obtained parameter values for each parameter, regardless of the interval from which each parameter value was obtained.

Abstract: A method and a device for computing sense data, which automatically compute data relating to feelings or senses generated by the human sensations by analyzing signals, such as audio signals, relating to the sensations. In the device, a MP3 decoder storing unit stores digital sound data which has been recorded using MP3 system. A decompression unit decompresses MP3 data which has been decompressed, and outputs as sound pressure value data at each frequency area. A sense data computation unit includes a feeling analysis unit and a rhythm analysis unit. The rhythm analysis unit obtains count of beats per unit time based on the sound pressure value data. The feeling analysis unit obtains a few kinds of feeling parameter values based on the sound pressure value data, determines the kind and level of feelings based on the value of feeling parameter and the count of beats per unit time, and writes the results thereof into a sense data accumulation unit.

Abstract: A method and structure for measuring the minimum lock frequency of a delay locked loop (DLL) within a programmable integrated circuit device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The device is temporarily configured such that one DLL is programmed as a ring oscillator (RO) and connected directly to the input terminal of a second DLL (the DLL under test). Optionally, the RO is connected to the DLL under test through a divider to provide a lower DLL drive frequency. To test the DLL, the RO frequency is decreased until the DLL under test fails to lock. The frequency of the RO at that point is measured by comparing its output signal to the known frequency of an external clock source using two counters, and decremented until the DLL locks successfully. The lock frequency of the DLL under test is then computed from the ratio of the counter values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data collection and retrieval system that puts data produced by real-time and non-real-time data sources into parallel “streams” or data files. Real-time data points are stored with time stamps in data files and non-real-time data points with time stamps are stored in other data files. Real-time data points are stamped with the times at which their data were collected. Non-real-time data points are stored in time-sequential order, the sequence time being the time of relevance rather than the time of collection. By referencing the streams that contain data points relevant to a given period, header files facilitate coordinated retrieval of data from multiple parallel streams. The time stamps allow the data points to be merged together into one coordinated, time-sequential data stream for analysis. The parallel stream data collection and retrieval technique allows operators to add or delete data sources without shutting down the process being monitored.

Abstract: The invention detects loft time and/or speed of a vehicle and/or person during activities of moving and jumping. A loft sensor detects leaving the ground and returning to the ground. A microprocessor subsystem converts the sensed information to determine a loft time. A display shows the recorded loft time to a user of the system. A speed sensor can detect speed for selective display to the user, and height may also be determined during airtime.

Abstract: An integral data logging system for a jet injector includes at least one electrical switch that changes state (e.g. from OFF to ON) during an injection procedure. The switch(es) are connected to an electrical circuit having a microprocessor, a clock and an electronic memory. When a switch changes state, this information along with the applicable date and time is recorded in the electronic memory. A communications link is provided to upload the stored data to a remote computer for subsequent manipulation and analysis to determine compliance with a prescribed dosing regimen. In one implementation, the injection duration is logged by using a trigger release switch and an end-of-stroke switch. The end-of-stroke switch is configured to change state after the drive bar of the injector transits through the injector tube. The injection duration is indicative of dose amount and can be used to distinguish between valid and invalid injections.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method involves, in response to movement of a user during at least one footstep taken by the user, generating a signal that experiences changes during a time period that the foot is airborne during the at least one footstep. At least one change in the signal generated after the foot has become airborne and before the foot contacts a surface is identified that is indicative of the foot being airborne during the at least one footstep. In another embodiment, a method involves generating a signal in response to movement of a user during at least one footstep taken by the user. The signal is monitored to determine when the signal has experienced a minimum degree of smoothness for at least a given period of time. In response to determining that the signal has experienced the minimum degree of smoothness for at least the given period of time, it is identified that the foot of the user is airborne.

Abstract: A clockless time-of-flight interval timer includes a tapped delay line register comprising N buffers that each contribute a substantially identical incremental time delay. A latched version of a START pulse associated with an output of transmitted energy from a laser is propagated through the tapped delay line. A DATA signal representing a detected pulse returned from a target is coupled to a block of four comparators each having a different signal threshold. The output of each comparator block is provided as input to one of four channel registers, each register comprising N D-type flipflops separately but synchronously triggerable by tapped incrementally delayed outputs from the N buffers. Channel register outputs are multiplexed and decoded and interfaced with a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines first signal time over threshold (FOT) information and total time over threshold (TOT) information from the channel registers.

Abstract: A method and system of time-to-intercept determination for a radiation source using passively-sensed irradiance data. The invention provides a plurality of noise reduction features to reduce the noise present in the data and improve the accuracy of the time-to-intercept computation. The method includes reducing data noise by defining an acceptable noise level and eliminating any excessively noisy data from the time-to-intercept computation. The method further includes constantly updating the time-to-intercept computation by using irradiance values that are advanced in time. Other features of the present invention includes averaging of irradiance values over a time interval, filtering of the irradiance data received by the method, and triggering at a predetermined time-to-intercept. The invention also includes a time-to-intercept system and processor implementing the above method.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for measuring end-to-end response time for a transaction performed by a computer is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of monitoring messages inbound from and outbound to a given application in a computer. A start time is assigned when a first message is inbound towards the given application. A stop time is assigned when a second message, sent in response to the first message, is outbound from the given application. The end-to-end response time is calculated by subtracting the start time from the stop time.

Abstract: A timer control circuit includes timers that perform count operations. A signal selection circuit selectively passes underflow signals supplied from the timers, based on control signals. A flip-flop is supplied with an output of the signal selection circuit section as a toggle signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rapidly and accurately displaying the frequency of statistically occurring events, which method provides a display value after only a short period even in the case of low frequencies. The smoothing required for a high-resolution display when events occur at a low frequency is carried out with relatively little delay. It does not prevent a rapid change to higher display values when the frequency of events rises rapidly. Said method is therefore especially suitable for displaying statistically occurring immission and for traffic monitoring and control.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a system for a time-bucketing data collection module is disclosed. The time-bucketing data collection module may be configured to retrieve information from remote network devices and to collate (or sort) the retrieved information into time interval bins (or time-buckets) to assist in the maintenance of a network. The sorted information is then utilized by a threshold calculation module of the time bucketing data collection module to calculate a baseline value, defining a normal operating range for a performance parameter, for the time interval. Subsequently, the calculated baseline value is used to calculate a revised threshold value by the threshold calculation module. The revised threshold value is then forwarded to a threshold comparator configured to compare incoming information (or data point values) with the updated thresholds. If the incoming information exceeds an updated threshold, an alarm is generated by an alarm module of the time-bucketing data collection module.

Abstract: A system that is adapted for determining the delay time between an initiating event and a response to that event. The system includes an optical sensor which is preferably a photo resistor having a resistance inversely proportional to the intensity of a warning light in its proximity. The output of the photo resistor is an analog signal that can be fed to an analog input device such as a strip chart recorder for display versus time. The initiating event signal can also be displayed so that, by comparing the signals, the delay between the initiating event and the changing of the warning light from off to on can be measured and compared to a specified value.

Abstract: A time interval analyzer includes a trigger circuit that receives an input signal and that outputs a trigger signal at a triggering level upon occurrence of a first event. A first counter receives the input signal and, when it is activated, increments a count at each occurrence of an event. A second counter receives the input signal and, when it is activated, increments a count at each occurrence of an event. A control circuit receives the trigger signal from the trigger circuit and outputs a control signal to each of the first counter and the second counter that controls activation of the first counter and the second counter so that only one of the first counter and the second counter is activated at a time.

Abstract: A feeding system for cultured species including: (a) providing (i) a sensor able to detect feed particles passing through a sample area, and (ii) a control unit, including computer data storage age media in communication with the sensor, and (b) detecting and discriminating feed particles that pass through the sample area; wherein the control unit is able to process information obtained from the sensor and regulate subsequent feed output based on algorithm parameters, said algorithm parameters determine the instantaneous feed rate of the cultured species to adjust and match the preferred feed values meted to the cultured species at any given time.

Abstract: A circuit generates a test signal useful in verifying the actual delay values of individual delay stages in a digital delay line. In general, the cumulative delay of the delay line defines a window in time having its zero point anchored to the beginning of the delay line. Successive delay stages correspond to successive time bins within the overall time window. The test signal shifts at a known, linear rate in time with respect to a reference signal, which is used to initiate a test cycle. The reference signal synchronizes sampling of the test signal to the beginning of the time window. Samples of the test signal are taken at sample points determined by the actual time delays in the successive delay stages. The observed distribution of test signal edges across the time window may be used to determine the actual delay intervals of the delay line.

Abstract: A handwash monitoring system and method for providing an alert when a person must wash their hands. A badge worn by a person is activated to register at least one of a visual, audible or tactile alarm by a beacon placed where contamination may occur when the badge enters the range of the beacon. The person must wash their hands according to visual and audible prompts issued by a base unit in a wash area to clear the badge alarm.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for monitoring a VDT operation which allow flexible control over a VDT. A VDT operation monitoring apparatus for putting a VDT in a rest state when a preset operating time passes, with which an operator can select “start operation”, “continue operation” or “stop operation” while the operating time is being measured. This allows a flexible action to be taken when the operator is replaced or when the operating time is to be changed. When a measured time agrees with the operating time, the VDT is put in a rest state and the operator is instructed to take a rest.

Abstract: Process variables (s1, s2) are detected and processed cyclically in a controller (BG). Process variables (s_(x)) from the adjacent cyclically determined process variables (s_(n−1), s_(n)) are determined as being event-related as a function of the time (t_(x)) of the event within the cycle. The calculation also includes derivatives of the process variable (s).

Abstract: A system includes a processor, a voltage regulator and a circuit. The processor uses a first supply voltage to furnish a first indication of a second supply voltage to be received by the processor. The voltage regulator furnishes the second supply voltage in response to both the first indication and a second indication that the first supply voltage is valid. The circuit provides the second indication and regulates a timing of the second indication to prevent the voltage regulator from furnishing the second supply voltage until a predefined interval of time has elapsed after the first supply voltage becomes valid.

Abstract: A security apparatus and a method for determining the distance between a computer (72) and a token (70) carried by a user (52) for allowing the user (52) to access the computer (72). The computer (72) is connected to a first transeiver (16) having at least one antenna for emitting and detecting a radio frequency (RF) signal, and to a microphone (76) for detecting an audio signal (24). The computer (72) is also connected to a counter (26) for measuring a time interval (28) between a transmitted RF signal (20) and audio signal (24) from the token (70). The token (70) is connected to a second transceiver (30) having at least one antenna for emitting and detecting a RF signal (20) and a loudspeaker (74) for emitting an audio signal (24).

Abstract: The invention detects the loft time and/or speed of a vehicle, such as a sporting vehicle, during activities of moving and jumping. A loft sensor detects when the vehicle leaves the ground and when the vehicle returns to the ground. A microprocessor subsystem converts the sensed information to determine a loft time. A display shows the recorded loft time to a user of the system. In addition, a speed sensor can detect the vehicle's speed for selective display to the user. The invention is particularly well-suited to sporting activities such as snowboarding where users loft into the air on ski jumps and catch “air” time but have no quantitative measure of the actual time lapse in the air. Therefore, users in skiing can use invention to record, store, and playback selected information relating to their sporting day, including the total amount of “air” time for the day and information such as dead time, i.e., time not spent on the slopes.

Abstract: Action coordination profiles are part of a platform data processing technology that is distinct from but often complementary to the statistical method. It uses repeated measures or time series data to measure interactions (longitudinal associations, temporal contingencies) between and among variables or sets of variables for individuals. The interaction measures show how individual complex systems may control and regulate themselves, of how two or more individual systems may interact, of how complex systems may be controlled or affected by their environments including treatments, and of how individual systems may control or affect their environments. The systems can be object of investigation such as brains, organisms, patients, economies, investment markets, populations, machines, or processes. The actions can be physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, mental, or social. This invention can be used to help inform the process of building mathematical models.

Abstract: A thermal management of a computer system may be advantageously obtained by predicting temperature variations based upon past temperature readings. Such a system may, in preferred embodiments, filter the past temperature data to provide a more precise value, allow for a floating trip level that will change with the rate of temperature change and even allow for prediction of the amount of time left before a system shutdown may occur.

Abstract: An interactive dive apparatus for use by a scuba diver to determine a maximum dive duration, including an input interface for inputting dive specific parameters including a J-factor for adjusting a no-stop time calculation to compensate for various environmental and physiological parameters, a clock for determining an elapsed dive time, and a depth sensor for detecting a present depth and a maximum depth. The depth sensor tracks diver dwell time in each of plural predetermined depth ranges, and a CPU determines a no-stop time in accordance with the user inputted dive specific parameters and the detected dwell time. The interactive dive apparatus further includes a display screen for displaying at least the no-stop time, elapsed dive time duration and the current depth.

Abstract: A portable system for reminding a patient and keeping track of the prescription and use of medications. The system comprises a portable unit and a software application program loaded in a PC-type computer. The portable unit consists mainly of a compact portable housing which contains an LCD display; audible alerts; pushbutton controls; battery power; and electronic circuitry to receive, store and display data. The portable unit can be programmed with dosage information regarding the particular medication, track when a particular medication has been taken, and sound an alarm when time to take another dose. The portable unit also checks for contraindications and warns of adverse reactions the patient would have with a particular drug or if a particular drug cannot be mixed with another drug presently being taken by the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating an operating time of a measuring machine, includes: a part program storing unit storing a part program; a command analyzing unit extracting commands relating to movement of a measurement probe from the part program stored in the part program storing unit, calculating operating times required for the measuring machine to implement the respective extracted commands, on the basis of movement parameters for the movement of said measurement probe, and summing up the calculated operating times to calculate a total operating time from a start of measurement to an end of measurement; and a displaying unit displaying the total operating time thus calculated by the command analyzing unit.

Abstract: There is described a method and system for calibrating measurements, in particular for calibrating a high resolution counter against an accurate real time calibrated clock signal. The method comprising obtaining the calibrated low resolution clock measurement and the corresponding high resolution counter measurement and calculating a range of possible corrections to the counter measurement to align it with the clock measurement. The correction range is adjusted to make it consistent with a previously stored correction range and a value is taken from it to calibrate the counter measurement. If the calculated range and the stored range are inconsistent then only the calculated range is used. A further measurement of the clock or counter is taken to double check.