Abstract: A method for stabilizing machine processes in which the machines are regulated by a machine regulation matrix selected from a plurality of machine regulation matrixes using a detected machine sensor value, set-point values of the machines being stored in each machine regulation matrix. A process is optimized according to a predefined criterion by also using some of the machine sensor values such that a machine regulation matrix which is optimal according to the process optimization is determined from the plurality of machine regulation matrixes and is subsequently used for regulating the machines.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for combining two or more risk models to create a risk model with wider scope than its constituent parts. The method insures that the newly formed risk model is consistent with the component models from which it is formed.

Abstract: A method and system of coordination between CAD drawings for collision checking purposes. By linking to a common data file structure in a central location, collisions can be detected between drawings whether the drawings are in the same computer, elsewhere on a network or, through data communications networks such as the internet, on the other side of the world. This process can be applied to any project where work in more than one CAD drawing is required.

Abstract: An embedded device for playing media files is capable of generating a play list of media files based on input speech from a user. It includes an indexer generating a plurality of speech recognition grammars. According to one aspect of the invention, the indexer generates speech recognition grammars based on contents of a media file header of the media file. According to another aspect of the invention, the indexer generates speech recognition grammars based on categories in a file path for retrieving the media file to a user location. When a speech recognizer receives an input speech from a user while in a selection mode, a media file selector compares the input speech received while in the selection mode to the plurality of speech recognition grammars, thereby selecting the media file.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for constructing a discrete model using a multinomial tree structure with which a required memory capacity can be reduced and a realistic calculation time can be achieved, while ensuring a required calculation accuracy.

Abstract: A computer implemented means for and method of displaying a visual decision tree model in a symbol-based table is disclosed. This visual model includes a plurality of visual objects each of the visual objects being linked to at least one other object to form a decision tree. The invention is characterized in that after the initial object the tree displays only visual objects that depend from objects which have been selected by a user. Thus, the device displays only the path selected.

Abstract: An emergency information storage container stores information which facilitates location by rescue personnel of regular building occupants in the event of an emergency situation, such as a fire or gas leak. The information may include the names of individuals or pets regularly occupying the building and the locations in the building which they regularly occupy. Floor plan information may be provided. The storage container is installed at the building. In the event of an emergency, rescue personnel open the container and use the information stored therein to facilitate rescue efforts. The storage container may be provided in a kit which includes instructions for preparing the emergency information, installing the storage container and storing the information in the container. A method for assisting rescue personnel is also provided.

Abstract: A method of tracking trays through a delivery system. The method comprises: generating an enhanced label, the enhanced label comprising a routing code and a label unique identifier, the enhanced label being applied to the tray; associating a tray with a container, the container having a container unique identifier; and receiving a load container scan, the load container scan associating the container unique identifier with the enhanced label.

Abstract: A hand held or portable device (1) is configured to include a multitude of factors from which sporting success conditions such as applicable to fishing and hunting success may be predicted. In one embodiment, these may include: a lunar information element (2), a solar information element (3), a barometric information element (4), and a temperature information element (5) that provide input (directly or indirectly) to combination elements (6) and a sport success prediction element (7) that may provide a simplistic or other display (8) to a user. A composite barometric-lunar-solar-temperature effect may be calculated for the present or for a remote time and date through a future time forecast element (17).

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing event records. The present invention includes a detection layer, an analysis layer, an expert systems layer and a presentation layer. The layered system includes a core infrastructure and a configurable, domain-specific implementation. The detection layer employs one or more detection engines, such as a rules-based thresholding engine and a profiling engine. The detection layer can include an Artificial Intelligence based pattern recognition engine for analyzing data records, for detecting new and interesting patterns and for updating the detection engines to insure that the detection engines can detect the new patterns. In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a telecommunications fraud detection system. When fraud is detected, the detection layer generates alarms which are sent to the analysis layer. The analysis layer filters and consolidates the alarms to generate fraud cases.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for analyzing and managing information having a spatial component. In specific embodiments, the present invention provides techniques for creating meta models based upon virtual schemas, which can be used to analyze a wide variety of information, including information having a spatial component, as well as information about one or more centric entities, including business entities, technical entities, and governmental entities. Specific embodiments provide systems, methods, computer programs and apparatus for developing and defining meta models suited to the user's particular application requirements, deducing from the meta model(s) meta data, and populating databases with data objects in accordance with the meta data derived from the defined meta model(s). Specific embodiments enable users to analyze information having spatial components in a variety of business, technical and governmental applications.

Abstract: We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for resolving conflicting changes encountered when reconciling parallel user changes to two synchronized trees of folders and files. According to one embodiment, these conflicts are presented to the user as an interface that requires an indication from the user to the winner of the conflict. According to another embodiment, since certain conflicts cannot be resolved independently, they have to be combined and presented to the user as a single conflict. According to yet another embodiment, after the user has indicated which operations are the winners of all or some of the conflicts, the winning operations are applied to the file tree with which they are in conflict.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional modeling technique and system for knowledge based management, comprises a perceptual engine of relations and concepts; a logical engine of relations and concepts; an inference engine of relations and concepts. The engines operatively connect to a data analysis engine for analyzing an information source, such as a text, sound, video, images, measurement and control data as to its information and knowledge content.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one characteristic of a product of an industrial batch process. The method comprising the steps of creating a hierarchical knowledge tree describing the process. Following the creation of a knowledge tree a learning process occurs. This leads to the creation of a global model. During the execution of a batch process, the global model is applied to dynamically target subsequent phase parameters based on already executed phases.

Abstract: A method for hierarchical visualization of multi-dimensional data is provided. A first dimension-reduction process is applied to a multi-dimensional data set to obtain a first visualization. A subset of the multi-dimensional data set associated with a selected region of the dimension-reduced first visualization is selected. A second dimension-reduction process is applied to the selected subset of the multi-dimensional data set to obtain at least one additional visualization.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing event records. The present invention includes a detection layer, an analysis layer, an expert systems layer and a presentation layer. The layered system includes a core infrastructure and a configurable, domain-specific implementation. The detection layer employs one or more detection engines, such as, for example, a rules-based thresholding engine and a profiling engine. The detection layer can include an AI-based pattern recognition engine for analyzing data records, for detecting new and interesting patterns and for updating the detection engines to insure that the detection engines can detect the new patterns. In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a telecommunications fraud detection system. When fraud is detected, the detection layer generates alarms which are sent to the analysis layer. The analysis layer filters and consolidates the alarms to generate fraud cases.

Abstract: A modular optimizer, for use in determining a configuration of a production line with one or more component placement machines, is configured to learn a foreign optimizer module associated with a component placement machine type foreign to the modular optimizer. The modular optimizer includes an adapting estimator which estimates an output value, such as a placement cycle time measure, for the foreign optimizer module. The estimated output value may be used in determining the configuration of the production line.

Abstract: The invention may involve using an artificial intelligence engine to provide beauty advice. Beauty advice may include a recommendation for a product. The recommended product may be complementary to a second product. The second product may be a user-selected product. A notification of the recommended product may be provided to the user.

Abstract: An image production method has steps of: a detecting one or more descriptive regions exclusive of a background portion of a manuscript; calculating an image characteristic value of said descriptive region; selecting one from a plurality of previously defined layout patterns based on said determined image characteristic value, the layout pattern including information at least about a position of the descriptive region; and producing an image by laying out an image of said manuscript descriptive region or images of an illustration and said manuscript descriptive region according to the decided layout pattern.

Abstract: A system and method to interact with networked objects, via a computer using utterances, speech processing and natural language processing. A Data Definition File relates networked objects and a speech processor. The Data Definition File encompasses a memory structure relating the networked objects, including grammar files and a natural language processor. The speech processor searches a first grammar file for a matching phrase for the utterance, and to search a second grammar file for the matching phrase if the matching phrase is not found in the first grammar file. The system also includes a natural language processor to search a database for a matching entry for the matching phrase; and an application interface to perform an action associated with the matching entry if the matching entry is found in the database. The system utilizes context-specific grammars, thereby enhancing speech recognition and natural language processing efficiency.

Abstract: A method and system for forecasting using pattern recognition and extension software. Models of the present invention select patterns from a library that match historical data and extend them into the future to make forecasts that can be used with a variety of predictive technologies.

Abstract: A method for object class definition for a plurality of objects, the method including evaluating each of a plurality of features for each of the objects, thereby resulting in a feature value for each object-feature combination, performing cluster analysis on the objects to identify clusters of the objects having common features, calculating an average feature value for each feature in each of the clusters, and expressing a predefined statement associated with any of the cluster features in any of a positive, negative, and intermediate form corresponding to the cluster feature's average feature value.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system (10) for task scheduling. The system (10) models an enterprise in terms of products, tasks and resources used to make them, and constraints imposed in scheduling tasks. A scheduling engine, comprised of a genetic algorithm (13) and a schedule builder (14), operates on the model to produce candidate schedules. The schedule builder (14) uses graph theory techniques to solve tightly constrained scheduling problems. Each candidate schedule is evaluated and used to generate an improved schedule in accordance with genetic processing, until a best schedule is produced.

Abstract: A genetic algorithm is used to balance a line of pick and place machines. The genetic algorithm uses a modularized chromosome string having at least three parts indicating 1) a division of parts between the pick and place machines, 2) a layout of a first pick and place machine, and 3) a layout of a second pick and place machine, respectively. A heuristic layout generator cycles with the genetic algorithm to create simulated layouts from populations of chromosome strings produced by the genetic algorithm. The heuristic layout generator is also modularized, having separate modules corresponding to the three parts of the chromosome string.

Abstract: To provide a method of and an apparatus for displaying a structure optimizing result which are capable of displaying rigidity values calculated on the basis of an initial wall thickness value, an optimum wall thickness value, and a standard wall thickness value in such a manner that a change between two of these rigidity values is clearly indicated. The structure optimizing result is displayed wherein an actual rigidity value of a structure is calculated on the basis of an inputted initial value of a wall thickness of each component of the structure. An optimum value of the wall thickness of each of the components is calculated on the basis of a sensitivity analysis result in order to make the calculated actual rigidity value close to a required rigidity value of the structure and the calculated result is displayed.

Abstract: A method infers a target path in a target system from a cue path. The method learns a target state machine, target probability density functions and an occupancy matrix of the state machine from training target paths. Cue probability density functions are learned from a training cue path and the target occupancy matrix. A cue path is analyzed using the cue probability density functions and the target state machine to produce hidden states of the cue path. The target path is synthesized from the hidden states of the cue path and the target probability density functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interface to enhance a negotiation between an user agent and a partner agent includes viewing the negotiation on-line and to modify parameters of an agent in negotiation.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for establishing a collaborative work group. A collaborative work group identifier is generated in response to a request from a first device. Further, the collaborative work group identifier is transmitted to other devices. To this end, the first device and the other devices are established as a collaborative work group using the collaborative work group identifier.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides computer-implemented methods and systems for alleviating an abnormal behavior, such as a behavior associated with a fear, abnormal activity, or obsession. It has been found that behaviorally abnormal self-sustaining behaviors may be unlearned or diminished through directed forms of computer-implemented interaction. The computer-implemented interaction is generally directed to reduce the neurological representations of inputs and actions associated with the abnormal behavior. The interaction will typically comprise strategically and repeatedly presenting computer-implemented stimuli including context related to the abnormal behavior. The computer-implemented stimuli are then repeatedly presented and altered over time in a manner that alleviates the abnormal behavior. For example, the content of the computer-implemented stimuli may change to gradually vary in their ability to trigger an episode in the person.

Abstract: A method and system for performing trade-off studies using multi-parameter choice is disclosed. Candidates, each having one or more criteria associated therewith, are entered into the system via an input interface such as a keyboard. In addition, test rationale may be entered and associated with candidates and criteria to facilitate human comprehension of test data and results. Criteria are weighted using pair-wise comparisons to minimize errors introduced by the judgment of test engineers. Then candidates are evaluated using pair-wise comparison techniques. Sensitivity checks are performed on evaluated criteria. Processed candidates and criteria are then made available to a system operator in formats that are selectable by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an education system and, more particularly, to a multimedia electronic education system and method wherein a learner can download and execute a lecture file or take a lecture in real-time, then lecture notes can be prepared and re-played during off-line time. According to the present invention, a lecturer and a plurality of learners can simultaneously connect on-line with one another and bi-directionally transfer multimedia information in real-time. The contents of a real-time lecture or presentation can be recorded and stored in a file, which in turn can be edited and modified. Events can occur on scheduled time upon playing the contents back by setting functions including the assignment of the permission to speak for questions and answers, chatting by means of voice and texts, and sharing a screen, and start times, end times or durations of all events employed in the contents during the progression of the lecture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for viewing medical images on a handheld computer. After medical images are obtained, they could be either be transferred directly to a handheld computer or indirectly via a computer. The medical images could also be transferred from one handheld computer to another handheld computer. A conversion of medical images is performed to convert the image from a standard format to an appropriate format for the selected handheld computer. One or more interactive tools are provided for displaying the one or more converted medical images on the handheld computer. An exemplary embodiment is provided that shows the conversion of a DICOM format medical image so that it could be displayed and viewed on a personal digital assistant. The advantage of the present invention is that it allows one to obtain, view and analyze medical images completely wireless and mobile on a personalized handheld computer.

Abstract: An intelligent portable communications device and its operation method according to a user's schedule are provided. The operation method is formed of the steps of recording the schedule, continuously determining if it is necessary to alert the user, determining if the user has a scheduled event if alerting the user is necessary, determining if the user can be called during a scheduled event, automatically performing a response corresponding to the recorded schedule for the call if the user cannot be alerted, and alerting the user if the user can be alerted, or if the user does not have the scheduled event. Therefore, even though the user has not manipulated the portable communications device before a scheduled event, the user is not disturbed, a noise interruption can be prevented, and the caller can be led to conform to the user's schedule through the automatic response function.

Abstract: Hybrid fiber/coax networks employ the existing cable plant used for cable TV and transmit data signals in a frequency bandwidth above that which is used for cable TV. As this cable plant was deployed in a tree and branch topology, data transmissions may be susceptible to noise, variable transmission loss and frequency dispersion, particularly in the upstream direction. Further, due to the tree and branch topology, homes at the far end of the network experience much greater loss than do the homes that are near to the headend/ONU. The present system, which uses point-to-point data links between intelligent network elements located in the feeder/distribution network to provide reliable, secure, bi-directional broadband access. Digital signals are terminated at the intelligent network elements, switched and regenerated for transmission across additional upstream or downstream data links as needed to connect a home to a headend or router.

Abstract: An autonomous device behaving adaptively to a user includes a sensing unit; a recognition unit for recognizing user's command, a current user-related status, and a current user-unrelated status based on the sensed signals; a pseudo-personality-forming unit for establishing a pseudo-personality based on the result of the preceding recognition; a pseudo-emotion-forming unit for establishing pseudo-emotions based on the result of the preceding recognition and the pseudo-personality; an autonomous behavior-establishing unit for selecting autonomous behavior based on the result of the preceding recognition, the pseudo-personality, and the pseudo-emotions; a new behavior pattern generation unit for generating new patterns of autonomous behavior, linked to the autonomous behavior-establishing unit; a commanded behavior-establishing unit for constituting commanded behavior in accordance with the user's command; a behavior control unit for controlling behavior by combining the autonomous behavior and the commanded beh

Abstract: A toy learning apparatus using a cyber community and a method thereof comprising a cyber community having a cyber character which grows by learning in online, and a toy which grows by receiving experience of the cyber character or experience of a user's learning can increase the interest of the user, promote the sale of the toy and supply the program update of the toy, contents and various kinds of information smoothly by connecting the actual toy and the cyber character which acts in the cyber community.

Abstract: An operating system includes means for interacting with a user, means for storing information, the information being organized using nuclear trees, means for interacting with underlying hardware, and means for initiating an application to run on the underlying hardware.

Abstract: An integrated cellular network structure that is programmable to solve partial derivative differential equations in order to control a phenomenon of diffusion or a propagation of electric drive pulses for robot actuators. Such structure includes analog and digital portions interconnected with each other; the analog portion having a matrix array of analog cells arranged to receive data from an I/O interface, and the digital portion having first and second memory arrays for storing a desired configuration and the initial state of such analog matrix array, respectively.

Abstract: A method for assessing a condition of an organism having body waves corresponding to states of the organism. The method may include the step of recording signals corresponding to a body wave, output by a portion of the organism in a first state, to provide a first record. In a similar manner, signals may be recorded during a time period in which the organism is in a second state, to provide a second record. The first and second records, may be processed by applying feature expansion procedures thereto. The results of the feature expansion procedures may be evaluated to identify first selected feature expansion procedures effective to distinguish values of the first signals corresponding to the first state from values of the first signals corresponding to the second state.

Abstract: An internet-mediated technique permits the collaboration of parents, educators and advertizing sponsors to motivate student utilization of interactive computer practice sessions with automated assessment and customized presentations for students.

Abstract: An integrated die cast system is provided comprising a die casting machine, a servo-controlled ladle, a servo-controlled sprayer, a pick and place robot, an integrated controller, and a programming pendant. The die casting machine includes a die casting machine controller. The servo-controlled ladle includes a molten material ladle and a servo-motor arranged to cause the ladle to transfer molten material to an injection chamber of the die casting machine. The servo-controlled sprayer includes a sprayer assembly and a servo-motor arranged to orient the sprayer assembly proximate a die cavity of the die casting machine. The pick and place robot is arranged to access a die cavity of the die casting machine. The integrated controller is in communication with the die-casting machine controller, the servo-controlled ladle, the servo-controlled sprayer, and the pick and place robot.

Abstract: A block finder operates on one-dimensional digitized text, to group together those portions which are likely to contain related subjects matter, and to mark the grouped portions so that, at a later step of natural-language processing, only that block within which a word is found is searched for a related words or words. The block finder (210) extracts two-dimensional symbols, such as paragraph symbols (314), from the text, and stores the text in a grid of cells of a “two-dimensional” memory. All of the grid locations are classified as text (T) or space (white or W). Prefiltering (316) of the text deletes white spaces between sentences. Boundaries of the block are identified by examining each cell, and at least some of its adjoining cells, and identifying as an edge those boundaries between cells in which a transition between T and W occurs. This results in a list of unit-length boundary edges with top, bottom, left or right attributes.

Abstract: Product data from a manufacturing process is analysed using techniques adapted from the study of chaos. Future values of a series of product data are predicted and an attractor structure is determined from the product data. This enables the manufacturing process to be monitored, controlled and analysed. Action can be taken to modify the manufacturing process using the results from the prediction and attractor structure to reduce costs and improve performance and efficiency.

Abstract: A usage based pattern authenticator for monitoring and reporting on user usage patterns in an operating system using a set of security rules and user usage patterns. This computer system security tool authenticates users at the operating system level in multi-user operating systems. It supports system administrators in limiting the ability of unauthorized users to disrupt system operations using a neural network and set of rules to track usage patterns and flag suspicious activity on the system. The data collection mode collects and stores usage patterns of authenticated users. The training mode trains an artificial neural network and sets the interconnection weights of the network. The production mode monitors and reports on usage patterns, and optionally performs automatic responses when confronted with non-authenticated users.

Abstract: Solving a quadratic programming problem involved in training support vector machines by sweeping through a set of training examples, solving small sub-problems of the quadratic programming problem. Each of these sub-problems has an analytic solution, which is faster that the numerical quadratic programming solutions used in the prior art. In one embodiment, training examples with non-optimal Lagrange multipliers are adjusted, one at a time, until all are optimal (e.g. until all examples fulfill the Kuhn-Tucker conditions). In another embodiment, training examples with non-optimal Lagrange multipliers are paired and then adjusted, until all are optimal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting cells in a table. The table includes individual cells and joined cells. The joined cells including two or more individual cells forming a rectangular region within the table. The cells have one or more user manipulatable properties and each cell may contain data. The method includes selecting a starting cell, identifying a current cell including defining a previous cell along a path between the starting cell and the current cell, and determining a selection of cells based on the starting, current and previous cells.

Abstract: A system for determining schedules and processing other optimization problems includes a local optimization engine and a global optimization engine. The local optimization engine operates based on heuristics, and includes a prioritizer, a constructor, and an analyzer to make large “coherent” moves in the search space, thus helping to avoid local optima without relying entirely on random moves. The global optimization engine takes the individual schedules produced by the local optimization engine and optimizes them using Linear Programming/Integer Programming techniques.

Abstract: A method of displaying clustered data points in detail and in context within a data set. The method includes the step of identifying one or more clustered sets of data points within a data set. The data set includes a plurality of data points. The method also includes the steps of determining a respective data range segment for each cluster of data points, where each data range segment has a boundary and a scale interval, and displaying the data points in each segment such that each segment is mutually distinguishable. Where two or more data range segments are determined, the scale interval value for one of the data range segments is modifiable to differ from one or more of the other data range segments.

Abstract: A universal machine translator of arbitrary languages enables the semantic, or meaningful, translation of arbitrary languages with zero loss of meaning of the source language in the target language translation, which loss is typical in prior art human and machine translations.