Abstract: An imminent icing condition enunciator employs an infrared sensor with a focusing element to receive ambient infrared energy from a surface, particularly a road surface, and the output of the sensor is processed to provide an indication of imminent icing to the operator of, for example, an automobile or other vehicle. The device is suitably mounted to a vehicle, within a mirror enclosure so as to provide an unobstructed view of the roadway surface.

Abstract: Method and system for analyzing hair, predicting achievable end colors and recommending hair color agents based on recipient specific input. Includes methods for (a) identifying an achievable end hair color based upon at least one starting hair value of a recipient; (b) for identifying a hair coloring agent based upon at least one starting hair value of a recipient; and (c) for outputting an image for a hair color analyzing system. Also includes (d) a method for providing a hair coloring product to a consumer comprising the steps of: (i) identifying achievable end hair colors for the consumer, (ii) depicting the achievable end colors to the consumer, (iii) allowing the consumer to select a desired end hair color, and (iv) recommending to the consumer a hair coloring agent to achieve said desired end hair color.

Abstract: A set of hybrid least squares multivariate spectral analysis methods in which spectral shapes of components or effects not present in the original calibration step are added in a following estimation or calibration step to improve the accuracy of the estimation of the amount of the original components in the sampled mixture. The “hybrid” method herein means a combination of an initial classical least squares analysis calibration step with subsequent analysis by an inverse multivariate analysis method. A “spectral shape” herein means normally the spectral shape of a non-calibrated chemical component in the sample mixture but can also mean the spectral shapes of other sources of spectral variation, including temperature drift, shifts between spectrometers, spectrometer drift, etc. The “shape” can be continuous, discontinuous, or even discrete points illustrative of the particular effect.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting the presence of an abnormal level of one or more proteins in the clotting cascade from at least one time-dependent measurement profile. At least one time-dependent measurement on an unknown sample is performed and a respective property of said sample is measured over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile. A set of a plurality of predictor variables are defined which sufficiently define the data of the time-dependent measurement profile. A model is then derived that represents the relationship between the abnormality and the set of predictor variables. Subsequently, the model is utilized to predict which protein or proteins in the clotting cascade are at an abnormal level, with the prediction being a more informative prediction than clot time alone.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for matching paint on a vehicle, having the steps of receiving in a central computer, from a remote terminal, vehicle identifying information relating to a specific vehicle and a first set of paint color data from a portion of the body of the vehicle. The central computer includes a processor, an electronic storage means in which a database is stored. The database includes vehicle identifying information for a plurality of vehicles, paint color data associated with respective vehicle identifying information, and paint formulations associated with paint color data. A first process by software in the computer determines a first best match paint formulation which relates submitted vehicle identifying information and submitted paint data to a paint formulation. The software in the computer determines a first best match paint formulation which is transmitted to the remote terminal.

Abstract: A method of properly correcting a base line. A concept of flexibility of a base line is introduced as an input index and a gravitation is presumed between the base line and signal data which is measured, thereby constructing a method of correcting the base line which changes gentler than a change in signal with respect to time in a peak area and which is sensitive to an area where a value of the signal data is small. A base line like a natural and smooth curve which isn't easily influenced by a local change in signal such as noise or the like can be set by an input of the flexibility.

Abstract: A system method, and computer program product for visualizing and interactively analyzing data relating to chemical compounds. A user selects a plurality of compounds to map, and also selects a method for evaluating similarity/dissimilarity between the selected compounds. A non-linear map is generated in accordance with the selected compounds and the selected method. The non-linear map has a point for each of the selected compounds, wherein a distance between any two points is representative of similarity/dissimilarity between the corresponding compounds. A portion of the non-linear map is then displayed. Users are enabled to interactively analyze compounds represented in the non-linear map.

Abstract: The present invention mainly relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of a solute in a solvent. Disclosed is an apparatus or method for determining the concentration of a solute in a solvent of a solution in a container having a time-varying volume by analyzing two signals received from the solution, comprising: measuring the quantity of the two received signals, converting the two signals into two electro-optical or electrical signals, performing a mathematical transformation on the two electro-optical or electrical signals, and determining the ratio of the transformation components of the two electro-optical or electrical signals. The present invention can be used in various applications of determining the ingredient concentration of a fluid, such as a gas or liquid. Particularly, the present invention finds applications in blood analysis in a human body for measuring, for example, the glucose, triglycerol, cholesterol, or oxyhemoglobin concentrations of the blood.

Abstract: Initial values including measurement conditions are set at pre-measurement executed prior to main measurement. An area on a sample of a cell population wider than that for the main measurement is two-dimensionally scanned at a high speed in accordance with the set initial values to acquire statistic data of the cell population. Measurement conditions used for the main measurement are determined based on the acquired statistic data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for predicting the presence of at least one congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition associated with thrombosis/hemostasis from at least one time-dependent measurement profile. At least one time-dependent measurement on an unknown sample is performed and a respective property of said sample is measured over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile. A set of a plurality of predictor variables are defined which sufficiently define the data of the time-dependent measurement profile. A model is then derived that represents the relationship between the congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition, and the set of predictor variables. Subsequently, the model is utilized to predict the existence of the congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition in the unknown sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the generation of virtual libraries of compounds. These compounds are generated in silico. The present invention encompasses methods for tracking the addition of fragments, use of reagents, and transformations performed. Further, methods for interfacing the information necessary to generate libraries of compounds with instrumentation that conducts the actual synthesis of the compounds are provided. Also provided are methods for the in silico docking of the library compounds to identified target molecules of interest.

Abstract: Gene expression can be quantitatively analyzed by hybridizing fluor-tagged mRNA to targets on a cDNA micro-array. Comparison of gene expression levels arising from co-hybridized samples is achieved by taking ratios of average expression levels for individual genes. In an image-processing phase, a method of image segmentation identifies cDNA target sites in a cDNA micro-array image. The resulting cDNA target sites are analyzed based on a hypothesis test and confidence interval to quantify the significance of observed differences in expression ratios. In particular, the probability density of the ratio and the maximum-likelihood estimator for the distribution are derived, and an iterative procedure for signal calibration is developed.

Abstract: A biochemical information processing apparatus includes a storage means storing biochemical information, input means for accepting input of data, reaction scheme detection means for detecting a chemical reaction scheme involving a compound, based on the data, and display means for displaying a reaction scheme diagram of the chemical reaction scheme. The storage means includes a compound information file, an enzyme information file, and a relation information file. The relation information file stores a list showing the relation among compound numbers of compounds, enzyme numbers of enzymes with either pertinent compound being a substrate, and enzyme numbers of enzymes with either pertinent compound being a product. The reaction scheme detection means includes a first process portion for preparing canonical data of the compound from the data and searching the compound information file based thereon to read out a compound number.

Abstract: A computer-implemented statistical technique is provided for normalizing the response curves of multiple measurement methods. The end result is a group of response curves, one for each measurement method under consideration, which depend on a common independent variable—the actual physical property being measured by the methods. The results are provided as a collection of equations, curves, and/or tables (a “nomogram”) to facilitate conversion of measured values from one method to measured values from a second method. In the technique, data is provided for each of the methods being normalized. The input data includes measured values from common samples which are analyzed by two or more of the methods under consideration. The technique also requires assumptions or approximations of the true physical property values for each of the samples used to generate the data. Still further, the technique requires assumptions of the mathematical form of the response curves (e.g., linear, sigmoidal, etc.

Abstract: A microprocessor has a control unit with a housing surrounding the control unit. The invention also relates to a chip card having such a microprocessor that is protected against manipulations. At least one sensor indicates ambient states and is connected to the control unit and is provided in a region of the housing of the microprocessor. The control unit is configured in such a way that it can be placed in an inactive state if a measurement signal that indicates a predetermined ambient state is and/or is not fed to the control unit from the sensor.

Abstract: A method of using a computer processor to analyze electrical signals and data representative of a first molecule to determine conformational free energy of the first molecule so as to determine whether the first molecule is more stable than a second molecule, wherein both molecules have a predefined connectivity and exist in a predefined environment, includes generating a set of data representative of low-energy minimum conformations of the first molecule derived from connectivity of the first molecule, a potential energy function, and a conformational search method.

Abstract: A method of properly correcting a base line. A concept of flexibility of a base line is introduced as an input index and a gravitation is presumed between the base line and signal data which is measured, thereby constructing a method of correcting the base line which changes gentler than a change in signal with respect to time in a peak area and which is sensitive to an area where a value of the signal data is small. A base line like a natural and smooth curve which isn't easily influenced by a local change in signal such as noise or the like can be set by an input of the flexibility.

Abstract: For identifying components in a chromatographically analyzed sample, a chromatogram is produced and identification tables corresponding to presences and absences of specified components are preliminarily stored. Peaks corresponding to the specified components in the chromatogram are identified, and presences and absences of these specified components in the sample are thereby determined. A specified one of the identification tables is automatically selected according to the result of this determination of presences and absences, and components corresponding to individual peaks in the chromatogram are identified by using the selected identification table.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying lanes in images generated from DNA sequencing and fragment analysis is described. One example method includes a computer implemented method of determining the locations of lanes of separated samples. Each lane corresponds to a sample being separated by flowing the sample through a media. The method includes the following elements. Place some samples on the media. Cause the samples to separate into the lanes. Create a digital image of the lanes. Fit some curves to the lane images. Each curve corresponds to a lane formed from a separated sample.

Abstract: A method and a device for displaying a structure of a compound provide a graphic display and a related character display, affording improved operational characteristics. Stereo structural data obtained from a database is stored in a display buffer provided with a designated area for setting a display mode, thereby displaying graphically a stereo structure of said compound corresponding to the display mode set in said designated area and displaying characters representing said structure of said compound corresponding to said display mode set in said designated area.

Abstract: A blood clot detector includes a pressure transducer on an aspiration line to provide output voltage data to a microprocessor corresponding to the vacuum level during aspiration. The microprocessor integrates the vacuum readings over time during the aspiration cycle to provide a pressure integral for each test sample aspiration. A pressure integral is determined for an unclotted aspiration and used as a reference for comparison with the pressure integrals of each test sample aspiration to determine whether a blood clot has interfered with the test sample aspiration. A valve is provided across an analytical line and an aspiration line to provide selective communication between the aspiration line and the analytical line or to prevent such communication. Communication between the aspiration line and the analytical line permits transfer of a test sample from the aspiration line to the analytical line if the test sample is considered acceptable for sample analysis.

Abstract: A chromatograph is provided for accurately identifying components of a sample even with the use of a moving average method for noise reduction. A eluding solution is supplied to a column by a pump. In a sample injector, the sample injected into the column is separated into components by the column, and converted to an electric signal by a detector. A detected output signal is subjected to data processing in a data processor. The output signal is sampled at regular intervals and subjected to moving average processing in the detector. A sample injection signal from the sample injector is sent to the detector which generates a data processing start signal that is delayed by a time equal to a delay resulting from the moving average processing for the signal. The data processing start signal is sent to the data processor which starts the data processing in response to this signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for predicting the presence of at least one congenital or acquired imbalances or therapeutic condition associated with thrombosis/hemostasis from at least one time-dependent measurement profile. At least one time-dependent measurement in a sample is performed and a respective property of sample is measured over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile. A set of a plurality of predictor variables are defined which sufficiently define the data of the time-dependent measurement profile. A model is then derived that represents the relationship between the congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition, and the set of predictor variables. Subsequently, the model is utilized to predict the existence of the congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition in a sample.

Abstract: Explicit representation of molecular shape of molecules is combined with neural network learning methods to provide models with high predictive ability that generalize to different chemical classes where structurally diverse molecules exhibiting similar surface characteristics are treated as similar. A new machine-learning methodology is disclosed that can accept multiple representations of objects and construct models that predict characteristics of those objects. An extension of this methodology can be applied in cases where the representations of the objects are determined by a set of adjustable parameters. An iterative process applies intermediate models to generate new representations of the objects by adjusting said parameters and repeatedly. retrains the models to obtain better predictive models. This method can be applied to molecules because each molecule can have many orientations and conformations (representations) that are determined by a set of translation, rotation and torsion angle parameters.

Abstract: A method of properly correcting a base line. A concept of flexibility of a base line is introduced as an input index and a gravitation is presumed between the base line and signal data which is measured, thereby constructing a method of correcting the base line which changes gentler than a change in signal with respect to time in a peak area and which is sensitive to an area where a value of the signal data is small. A base line like a natural and smooth curve which isn't easily influenced by a local change in signal such as noise or the like can be set by an input of the flexibility.

Abstract: The invention pertains to transmission to a remote station, by means of transmission channels (generally radio transmission channels), of seismic data acquired by a data collection equipment comprising a plurality of acquisition units, each being suited to acquire, to store and preferably to compress the data to be transmitted.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus are provided for the generation and representation of combinatorial chemical libraries produced by a series of chemical reaction stages, each stage involving a multiplicity of simultaneous chemical reactions utilizing a set of potential synthons. The disclosed method and apparatus are implemented when one or more of the potential synthons are omitted from certain reactions during one or more of the reaction stages.

Abstract: Systems and methods using a neural network based portable absorption spectrometer system for real-time automatic evaluation of tissue injury are described. An apparatus includes an electromagnetic signal generator; an optical fiber connected to the electromagnetic signal generator; a fiber optic probe connected to the optical fiber; a broad band spectrometer connected to the fiber optic probe; and a hybrid neural network connected to the broad band spectrometer. The hybrid neural network includes a principle component analyzer of broad band spectral data obtained from said broad band spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for instrument determination of measured variable L(t) which changes with time, the intention being to determine the maximum value of L(t) in a region with a linear reaction profile, and the time as well as the duration of the reaction time window being variable with the linear region and depending on the nature of the reaction and the reaction conditions. Specifically, the present invention relates to the determination of protein concentrations with the aid of light scatter, which is produced by specific antibodies, in homogeneous solutions. In particular, the invention relates to reactions which take place slowly and have a largely linear profile over a relatively long time, the rate of formation of antigen-antibody complexes in the linear section of the reaction (V.sub.MaxLin) being determined as the measured variable.

Abstract: This invention presents a multi-beam baseband processor for making post-beamformation adjustments to the complex (in-phase/quadrature) pre-detection scan line samples acquired from a receive beamformer of an ultrasound imaging system. Specifically, the invention includes a programmable finite impulse response (FIR) filter and a programmable complex multiplier. The programmable filter performs signal shaping and sample-rate conversion. The signal shaping capability may be used to compensate for transducer and analog signal path responses, to increase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by rejecting out-of-band noise frequencies, to operate as a matched filter to the transmitted waveform shape, and to act as both a smoothing and anti-aliasing filter during rate-conversion operation.

Abstract: A process for tracking and monitoring the operation of a unit for manufacturing a product and/or a near-infrared spectrometer fed with the product. The process includes periodically recording spectra arising from the near-infrared spectrometer, mathematically transforming the spectra, computing at least one quality criterion, intercomparing two sets of spectra after transformation, and tracking the evolution of this criterion over time. The process finds its application in the chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, cosmetological, and agro-food industries.

Abstract: A detection signal from a multi-wavelength detector provided in a liquid chromatograph is stored in a data storage part, and a chromatogram is formed from the stored data with respect to a specific wavelength, to detect a peak from the chromatogram. The spectrum at a top of the peak to be identified or a known spectrum of a component to be identified is used as a reference spectrum, to calculate the degree of coincidence between the spectrum at each position of the chromatogram peak and the reference spectrum as fraction purity at each position of the chromatogram peak. The calculated fraction purity values are classified in colors, for example, and displayed on a display part. Thus, it is possible to readily decide whether the measured peak consists of a single component or at least two components, and which time range consists of a single component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing output emission data corresponding to output emissions from a source of emissions includes a sensing emission monitoring system that senses the output emissions directly from the source of emissions and a predictive emission monitoring system that predicts the output emissions from the source of emissions. The sensing emission monitoring system provides a first set of output values indicative of the output emissions, while the predictive emission monitoring system provides a second set of output values indicative of the output emissions. The system checks the operating state of the sensing emission monitoring system and generates output emission data from the first set of output values if the sensing emission monitoring system is operable and from the second set of the output values if the sensing emission monitoring system is inoperable.

Abstract: In a concentric cylinder macromolecule represented by a combination of B(2,1)n (n=1, 2, . . . ), each layer thereof has a conductivity of metal and hence there is obtained a concentric cylinder having a high conductivity. In graphite, the layers are bonded with each other by a weak van der Waals force and a two-dimensional band structure can be assumed. In a multi-layer cylinder, since the number of hexagons in the radial direction varies between the layers, the layers are much more independent of each other. There are accordingly implemented a semiconductor having a narrow band gap and a semiconductor having a relatively wide band gap; consequently, the macromolecule can be broadly adopted for various functional devices.

Abstract: A method for standardizing a spectrometer generating an optical spectrum from a sample, comprising generating at least one optical spectrum from at least one standardization sample each having a chemical composition resulting in the optical spectrum showing a characteristic pattern in a predetermined frequency range, comparing information relating to the pattern(s) to corresponding information relating to at least one reference pattern previously defined as the desired standard response from the at least one standardization sample, determining, based on the comparison, standardizing parameters describing the transition of the pattern(s) of the generated spectrum or spectra to the reference pattern(s) and storing said standardizing parameters in the spectrometer or a computer connected thereto, so that the spectrometer, when presented to an unknown sample, will, using the standardization parameters, generate an optical spectrum substantially identical to that which would be generated in a corresponding spectro

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a computer to collect chemical signals directly from a chemical sensor. This method first converts output signals received from the chemical sensor into digital signals by using a transforming circuit and an analog-to-digital converter in cooperation with a control computer program executed in the computer; transfers the digital signals to the computer and processes the digital signals in the computer in accordance with the type of the chemical sensor used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the determination of spectral samples is disclosed wherein spectral measurements are taken, normalization of the spectral measurements takes place, and a bilinear modeling is performed to extract spectral data. Once this data is derived, the interference quantitization levels are determined using multiple linear regression analysis, and are then removed from the sample readings in order to determine a more precise level of analyte spectra, such as analyte levels of glucose in serum or whole blood.