Abstract: Complex distributed systems with basic components (B) which have data processing program modules and/or electronic circuit modules that exchange data with each other have their timing behavior analyzed based on the timing behavior of individual basic components (B) and transformation functions derived from event model classes.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring and displaying a physical quantity such as a heartbeat, an atmospheric pressure or temperature, or the like, includes a clock for counting time, a physical quantity measuring device for measuring the physical quantity to be displayed, a processor for determining a plurality of values based on the measured physical quantity and the counted time, a first display for simultaneously displaying the plurality of values and a second display for magnifying at least one of the values and displaying the magnified value.

Abstract: This portable apparatus comprises a housing having a circuit built-in, and an input key, an ultraviolet receptive opening and a display, which are combined with the housing as one body. An ultraviolet sensor is provided in the interior of the ultraviolet receptive opening. This portable apparatus comprises means for receiving characteristic data about a characteristic of a user's skin against a suntan from the input key and measurement data about an ultraviolet ray quantity from the ultraviolet sensor, for predicting a user's suntanned skin condition from these data, and for generating image data for displaying an image about the prediction of user's suntanned skin condition. The image, which is based on image data generated by this means, is displayed on the display, making it possible for the user to confirm the user's skin condition.

Abstract: Methods, systems and programs in an information processing system comprising one or a plurality of devices managed by a manager device, for decreasing the cost of monitoring measurements, while using conventional techniques for managing problems. The cost saving is achieved when the managed devices conform to the expected quality of service. This saving does not negatively affect the response time required to detect either solid failures or performance problems.

Abstract: Methods, systems and programs in an information processing system comprising one or a plurality of devices managed by a manager device, for decreasing the cost of monitoring measurements, while using conventional techniques for managing problems. The cost saving is achieved when the managed devices conform to the expected quality of service. This saving does not negatively affect the response time required to detect either solid failures or performance problems.

Abstract: In order to improve the reliability of a system, sub-system or component, a method for controlling the operation of a system, sub-system or component, comprises the steps of a) repeatedly recording an operation time of said system, sub-system or component and at least one further parameter relevant to system, sub-system or component aging b) evaluating a usage profile based on said recorded operation time and said at least one further parameter, said usage profile being indicative of the accumulated stress at the time of the evaluation, and c) if a difference between said evaluated usage profile and a nominal usage value at the time of the evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold value, adjusting an operation parameter of said system, sub-system or component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the connecting time of a terminal to a site in a communication environment comprising the terminal, site, and a server. The method comprises the steps of generating authentication code and sending it to the user server; authenticating the user when the user server requests for the main server to authenticate the user; recording the time when the user connects with the site; recording the time when the site is changed to another site.

Abstract: An electronic plumbing device, such as a faucet, has a microprocessor that is programmed to periodically purge stagnant water remaining in the faucet at predetermined time intervals. The microprocessor energizes a solenoid associated with a water valve to initiate the flow of water through the faucet in response to a detector sensing the presence of a user near the faucet. A first timer is programmed into the microprocessor and controls the minimum run time of the faucet for activations initiated by either a user or by the purge feature. A second timer is also programmed into the microprocessor to measure a second predetermined time interval. If the faucet is not used during the second predetermined time interval, the microprocessor will energize the solenoid for the minimum run time to open the water valve and flush out any stagnant water remaining in the faucet from the prior activation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method involves determining at least one calculated parameter based upon at least one determined performance parameter of the user and at least one determined variable physiological parameter of the user. In another embodiment, a method involves identifying at least one of an existence of a non-zero grade of a surface and a value of the grade of the surface based upon at least one determined variable physiological parameter of a user.

Abstract: A real-time data acquisition and storage network for real-time acquisition and storage of analog and digital data from one or multiple network-connected data sources to one or multiple network-connected storage devices during a data recording session, and precise reconstruction of the acquired data from one or multiple of the network-connected storage devices during a playback session. The data source are connected to the network through one or multiple real-time data acquisition network (“R-T DAN”) modules which form one or multiple network-connected data acquisition nodes on the network. Each storage device forms a network-connected storage node on the network so that data acquired at any data acquisition node may be applied to the network and stored at any storage node during a data recording session. The stored data may be retrieved from the storage nodes through the network and routed to the data acquisition nodes for reconstruction of the data during a playback session.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a display unit to be mounted on a wrist of a user includes a display screen, a base, and at least one strap. The display unit is configured such that, when it is worn by the user, the display screen is oriented at an angle with respect to a surface of the user's wrist. In another embodiment, visually-perceptible information indicative of determined values of the instantaneous pace of a user and the average pace of the user are displayed, simultaneously. In another embodiment, visually-perceptible information indicative of the determined values of the at least one variable physiological parameter of the user and the at least one performance parameter of the user are displayed, simultaneously.

Abstract: One or more queues store data information such as packets or data flows for later transmission to downstream communication devices. A real-time clock tracks current time and an advancement of a moving time reference, which is displaced with respect to the current time of the clock by an offset value. Thus, as current time advances, the moving time reference also advances in time. Upon servicing a queue, a time stamp associated with the serviced queue is also advanced in time. To monitor a rate of outputting data from the one or more queues, a processor device at least occasionally adjusts the offset value so that the moving time reference and values of the time stamps advance in relation to each other. Consequently, by tracking a relative time difference between current time of the real-time clock and a relative advancement of time stamps, a rate of outputting data information from the queue is monitored over time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes steps of: (a) identifying an average foot contact time of a user during a first outing; (b) identifying an average pace of the user during the first outing; (c) defining a relationship between foot contact times of the user and corresponding paces of the user, wherein the relationship is based upon the average foot contact time and the average pace identified during the first outing, and wherein no other average foot contact times and no other average paces identified during any different outings by the user are used to define the relationship; and (d) calibrating at least one device that monitors activity of the user in locomotion on foot based upon the defined relationship between foot contact times of the user and corresponding paces of the user.

Abstract: A living body data management system graphically displays reference growth range data obtained as average growth ranges of body weights and heights of infants during a period spanning from birth to under the age of seven, based on body weight data and height data collected from a number of infants. The system displays the reference data as growth curve graphs (H, W) on a graph display means, and further displays a subject's acquired data over the growth curve graphs (H, W), thereby enabling a user to visually comprehend the growth status represented by the acquired data by contrasting the acquired data with the growth curve graphs (H, W) at a glance.

Abstract: A process data capture and reporting system captures process data values at sensors. A client computer appends absolute-value time stamps to the values to complete records, which are uploaded to a server. The server writes the records to a persistent database. At a later stage, the server retrieves selected records, and performs a very fast conversion of the time stamps to a calendar format with “granular” values for units such as day, month, or minute. The conversion is performed in an optimised manner with use of look-up tables in memory. This minimises processor overhead, and is thus very advantageous where data volumes are high and/or near real time reporting is required.

Abstract: A timing control device and method for minimizing timing uncertainties due to skew and jitter, wherein a device for the compensation of timing errors in multiple channel electronic devices comprises at least one register having a plurality of channels comprising: a clock for providing a clock signal; a reference signal generator for generating reference signals for deskewing the registers. For each register, a corresponding feedback loop is associated for the relative alignment of the register's timing. The feedback loop comprises a device for detecting a deviation from a predetermined level of probability of reading by the register of a desired symbol on a boundary of two reference channel symbols in a sequence, and a set of delay devices which use the detected values of probability to generate a feedback signal.

Abstract: A time-series model learning unit reads in the time-series data sequentially, learns the parameters of a time-series model and stores the learned parameters in a complexity and parameter storage device. A loss function calculating unit reads in sequentially from the storage device with regard to each item of the input time-series data one at a time and calculates the values of a loss function. A complexity calculating unit sums the loss values to sequentially calculate complexity as fitting error that results when a time-series model is fit to the input time-series data. Complexity is stored in the storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for determining a propagation time of a signal transmitted from a first location to a second location as a request signal and received as a response signal by the first location via a channel. In an example embodiment, a method comprises the step of determining the propagation time of the signal based on a local counter value that represents the time between transmission of the request signal and reception of the response signal, a remote counter value that depends on the request signal and being known to the first location, and a determinable time-delay value. The remote counter value represents an inter-time-delay between the reception of the request signal and the start of transmission of the response signal at the second location.

Abstract: A method for signaling a departure time comprising calculating a route between a departure point for a transport means and an arrival point and the required time for the journey. On the basis of a desired arrival time, a departure time for a user is established and is timely signaled to the user. The method can be carried out by a mobile data processing unit whereby appointment planner software can output not only the appointment which is to be observed but also the departure time to be followed in order to be on time for the appointment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for estimating utilization of an electronic system component. Trace information that includes start times and completion times of operations resulting in access to the system component is gathered for a period of time. Using the start times and completion times of the trace information a total of time expended by the operations is generated. A component-occupancy value that indicates a ratio of the total time to the length of the period of time is then generated to indicate the occupancy of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for overload-free driving of an actuator, in which an activation counter is incremented or decremented each time an activation request signal occurs, in which, depending on each occurrence of an activation request signal, a drive signal for the actuator is generated if the counter reading of the activation counter is less than or greater than a predetermined maximum or minimum counter reading, in which the counter reading is in each case decremented or incremented if the time since the last generation of a drive signal or since the deactivation of the drive signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined or predeterminable interval time or if the time since the last decrementing of the activation counter is greater than or equal to the interval time.

Abstract: Upon making an input selection request to a player, an idle time for an expected command input from the player is calculated, and further, an elapsed time after making the input selection request is counted. If no command input is given from the player within a lapse of the idle time, expression of a character image being displayed is changed, and further, the idle time is shortened for the next input selection request.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying computer system performance signatures and for identifying the cause of undesirable performance signatures, particularly with respect to both application-based and computer system-based parameters. Respective parametric information data is matched with corresponding parameters found in a stored plurality of reference signatures. If a match is found between the behavior of a computer system under study and a reference signature, the present invention provides information about the cause(s) of the reference signature, such that appropriate remedial measures can be taken. If a match is not found (according to predetermined matching rules), then the present invention may provide additional prompts to request additional information or test data such that the signature of computer system being tested can be further refined so that the signature of the target computer system might more closely match a reference signature.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering messages where the importance of a message is determined by analyzing the message body in conjunction with message attributes. Message body refers to the text in the body of the message, whereas message attributes convey information about the message. In another embodiment, analysis of the user's current computing environment provides additional input to the filtering system. This allows for preferentially weighting messages of user's current interests. Analysis includes computation of feature vectors and subsequent input to a discriminant function. The discriminant function provides a test statistic which is compared to a threshold. If the test statistic exceeds the threshold, the incoming message is passed by the filtering system and may be displayed to the user. In another embodiment, message body and attributes are used to anticipate significant events in a time series, such as streaming financial data.

Abstract: The invention is based on a method for determining the remaining running time of an electric drive mechanism until a mechanical limit stop has been reached, wherein surfaces to be closed are moved into mechanically limited end positions by means of the drive mechanism. After the position of the surface to be closed is detected relative to a mechanical limit stop, the time difference between two incremental pulse generators 25 near the limit stop is determined, and the remaining running time 26 of the electric drive mechanism until the mechanical limit stop is reached is calculated.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and an apparatus for the rapid analysis of data from imaging, spectroscopic, scanning probe, or sensor methods. By application of mathematical transform analysis such as wavelet transform algorithms to one or multi-order data sets obtained from individual samples or sample arrays, the analytical features of the data are preserved while undesired noise is removed, thereby reducing the integration time by more than 10-fold in subsequent measurements. The reduction in integration time enables the high-throughput measurement of combinatorial libraries and rapid dynamic processes, while still providing a signal-to-noise level suitable for a reliable measurement.

Abstract: A PAUSE POINT signal is generated in a target processor when execution of an original code sequence is to be terminated and a new code sequence is to be executed. A pause point sync marker is generated in a program counter trace stream as a result of the PAUSE POINT signal. The sync marker includes a plurality of packets, the packets identifying that the sync marker is has been generated as a result of the PAUSE POINT signal. The pause point sync marker identifies the program counter address at the time of the generation of the PAUSE POINT signal and relates the PAUSE POINT signal to a timing trace stream. The PAUSE POINT signal is generated during a pause in the processor instruction execution while instructions from the original code sequence are stored in the pipeline flattener and before the new code instructions have been entered in the pipeline flattener.

Abstract: A method for calibrating cables attached to a time measurement device is disclosed. Such a method may utilize a system including a calibration device that generates a plurality of synchronized measurement signals that are communicated to a time measurement device by a set of cables. By determining the relative arrival time of a common reference event of each of the measurement signals, the time measurement device can determine any skew that exists between each of the cables that input the measurement signals. The skew can then be used to compensate for varying cable skew in future time measurements. In one embodiment, the method can also be used to determine the arming latency of the time measurement device and by delaying the measurement signals in relation to the arming signals and observing the delay which causes complete synchronization of the measurement signals.

Abstract: A sequence of events detection system for use in a process control system uses sequence of events detection cards to detect and store indications of events and the times at which these events take place within the process control network. The sequence of events reporting system includes a stable master time source that is used to periodically time synchronize secondary clocks within each of the nodes of the process control system. Free running counters are located within each of the sequence of events detection cards at each node and these free running counters are used to mark each event with a counter value when the sequence of events detection card first detects the event.

Abstract: A method for switching on an inductive load, in particular an ignition coil, whose current is intended repeatedly to reach a predefined variable end value at a respectively predefined variable time, includes measuring the time interval between the switching-on action and reaching at least one predefined intermediate value. This time interval and the at least one predefined intermediate value are used to calculate the anticipated time from switching on until the end value is reached. A following switching-on action is carried out at the calculated time before the respectively predefined time.

Abstract: A method for determining usage time for a plurality of modes of a mobile device wherein a self learning table within the mobile device includes a plurality of storage locations for storing current usage values and each of the storage locations has an association with a zparticular mode of the terminal.

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 potentiometric measuring probe contains an electrolyte (110) as well as a primary reference element (106) and a secondary reference element (108) that are arranged so that the front (148) of an electrolyte deficiency advancing from an opening (112) of the measuring probe arrives at the secondary reference element before it arrives at the primary reference element. The potential difference existing between the primary reference element and the secondary reference element is monitored, and when a predefined tolerance criterion is found to be violated, the elapsed operating time from the point when the measuring probe was put into operation is determined and used as a basis for calculating the remaining operating time of the measuring probe.

Abstract: The utilization of a central processing unit during a sampling time interval is determined by measuring a time quantum within the sampling time interval during which a central processing unit clock signal is active within a processor core of the central processing unit. The total number of cycles of the central processing unit clock signal that are applied to the processor core and the period of the central processing unit clock signal are used to determine the time quantum. The utilization may then be expressed in terms of a ratio of the time quantum to the total time interval.

Abstract: In the present invention, several timer functions (e.g. delay on make, delay on break, recycle, single shot, etc.) are expressed in terms of a series of timer subfunctions, and code segments are developed for each identified subfunction. A program of a timer is established to include a plurality of subfunction code segments and a subfunction ordering table for determining the ordering of execution for the subfunction code segments. The ordering of subfunctions of the subfunction ordering table may be selectable in accordance with a model number input received at a program builder system adapted for use in programming the programmable timer. In one embodiment, the programming method provides for reprogramming of a timer including a control circuit having a one-time programmable processor.

Abstract: A method of inspecting and recording inspection data of machine components, the method including selecting a machine component among a plurality of machine components for inspection; identifying predefined areas of the selected machine component for inspection; identifying a fixed set of conditions allowed to be reported for the select machine component; inspecting the predefined areas of the select machine component; and recording inspection data as continuous numerical values to quantify entry for subsequent querying over a chosen set of machine components.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of relating characteristics gleaned by monitoring application transaction flows (and the decomposition thereof) to produce performance metrics useful to characterize the efficiency and performance of web transactions used in a web-based application. These metrics can assist application designers and developers in reorganizing their application content, programs, and transports to provide improved service to their consumer. Events are generated and composed into predefined activities on a web transaction basis. The performance metric is then derived that entails a relationship between at least two different activities that gives insight into the performance characteristics of the web transaction. By using the derived performance metrics, designers and developers of web pages can judge the effects of changes to their application relative to efficiency and performance. Different applications can also be compared and contrasted using these metrics.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and evaluating the performance of a network accessible application comprises one or more load servers, each of which is capable of simulating the load imposed upon the application server by one or more clients. The load servers are configured to execute a particular sequence of server requests in order to evaluate the operation of the server under the specified load. Various performance metrics associated with the operation of the network and the application server are measured during the testing of the server, and these metrics are stored for later access by an analysis module. The analysis module identifies those portions of the test data which are statistically significant and groups these significant parameters to suggest possible relationships between the conditions of the load test and the observed performance results.

Abstract: The method is for generating production information, such as capacity, reliability, or capacity utilization information, while hybrid-automated monitoring a production machine. An evaluation status model having a number of main statuses and an interpretation status model having a number of operating statuses are set up, with precisely one time account corresponding to each main status and transitions between operating statuses being established in accordance with events that can be picked up on the production machine. After that, operating statuses are assigned to main statuses and the time account of the main status applicable at a particular time is increased during the operation of the production machine by an amount that corresponds to the time period in which the production machine is in the main status concerned. Moreover, the number and sequence of changes in status are stored as a history.

Abstract: A data indicator is disclosed which comprises a non-volatile memory (26), control circuitry (24) by which data can be read from and written to the memory, a timer (28) and/or an event detector (30), means such as a terminal (20) for connection to an electrical supply of a host apparatus and an interface (32) through which data can be exchanged with the memory (26). In use, the event detector (30) detects when the host apparatus is switched on and in dependence on the detector output the control circuitry (24) maintains a cumulative history of host apparatus activation which is stored on the memory (26). The data indicator can store other data relating to the host apparatus, e.g. a service interval, and can supply this in conjunction with the actuation history, making it conveniently possible e.g. to establish whether the host apparatus requires servicing. (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting occurrences of semantic temporal events based on observations extracted from input data and event models. The input data is fed into the system from some data source. Based on specified event to be detected, multiple-layer models corresponding to the event are retrieved. The models are used to determine the types of temporal observations to be extracted from the input data. The extracted temporal observations are then used, in combination with the multiple-layer models of the event, to detect the occurrences of the event.

Abstract: A data reduction circuit serves as a post-processor for digitized waveform data, providing reduced data sets for subsequent processing. Preferably, the data reduction circuit receives one or more potentially long sequences of digital waveform data and provides as output sets of sequence numbers corresponding to transitions in the digitized waveforms. In this manner, a processor concerned with the location of waveform transitions is relieved from the burden of processing the sequences just to identify the transition points. In some embodiments, the data reduction circuit cooperates with a waveform digitizer that produces digitized sequences of comparator waveforms in a laser-based distance measuring circuit. Transition points in the digitized waveform correspond to return reflections of emitted laser pulses and may be used to identify laser pulse flight time.

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: An N-clock system, for use for example in a ranging receiver using a Kalman filter. The clock system uses N clocks (to save power by using some clocks that consume less power) with a schedule for switching from one clock to another (so that only one clock is on at any instant of time). It uses an N-clock model that, in case of an application using clock 1 for time interval &Dgr;t1, clock 2 for time interval &Dgr;t2, . . . , and clock N for time interval &Dgr;tN, provides a state update equation for updating the N-clock system state (the state components being typically time and fractional frequency). The state update equation results from propagating the state of the assembly of N clocks (providing a single output, i.e. acting as a single clock) forward from interval to interval until the entire interval of &Dgr;t1+&Dgr;t2+ . . . +&Dgr;tN is covered.

Abstract: An execution time measurement device in a control unit comprising a free running counter to be updated according to time, means to push stack for working out stack data from the time-of-day value of the free running counter at the time of activation and for pushing it, means to memorize data structure of stack for memorizing the pushed stack data structure, and means to pull stack for calculating the execution time of control operation based on the time-of-day value of the free running counter upon termination of the control operation and the stack data pulled from the means to memorize data structure of stack.

Abstract: A multi-stage byte lane selectable bus. In a preferred embodiment, the bus in performance monitor mode includes a plurality of byte lanes and a selection mechanism. The selection mechanism acquires, from a plurality of signals, a subset of those signals, which are desired to be monitored, and places this subset of signals on the byte lanes that are input to the PMU. The number of the plurality of signals that potentially may be monitored is greater than the number of byte lanes and is also greater than the number of PMU counters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of calculating the pressure drops created by a given fluid in a circuit having a determined thermal profile. The method includes making up a database (BD) giving the rheology of various fluids at least according to the temperature; segmenting a thermal profile (2, 3) into sections (4, 5, 6, 7) and determining a representative temperature value (T1, T2, T3, T4) for the fluid in each section; using the database for determining the rheology of the fluid in each section at the representative temperature; and calculating and adding up the pressure drops in each section considering the rheology determined.

Abstract: A time interval analyzer for measuring time intervals between events in an input signal includes a trigger circuit that receives the input signal and that outputs a time trigger signal at a first triggering level upon occurrence of a first input signal event. A time counter receives a time base signal and increments a time count at each period of the time base signal. The time count is calibrated to a predetermined reference time. A processor circuit is in communication with the trigger circuit and the time counter so;that the processor circuit receives the time trigger signal and reads the time count from the time counter. The processor circuit is configured to read the time count upon receiving the time trigger signal at the first triggering level so that the time count read by the processor circuit indicates the time at which the first input signal event occurred with respect to the predetermined reference time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes a step of: (a) with at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot on a surface, determining an amount of force exerted by at least one foot of the user on the surface during at least one footstep taken by the user. In another embodiment, a method includes steps of: (a) with at least one sensor supported by a user, monitoring movement of the user while the user is in locomotion on foot; and (b) determining a cadence of the user based upon an output of the at least one sensor. In another embodiment, a method includes steps of: (a) with at least one sensor supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot, monitoring movement of the user while the user is in locomotion on foot; and (b) determining a stride length of the user during at least one footstep taken by the user based upon an output of the at least one sensor.

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.