10278results about How to "Improve automation" patented technology

A home automation system and method for automatic control of controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry / exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry / exit sensors, room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors. This control is accomplished by assigning each room to one of a plurality of room occupancy states, and to one of a plurality of room modes for creating desired room atmospheres using the controlled objects, which both dictate how the controlled objects are controlled by the central controller. The room modes travel from room to room as the occupant moves throughout the home, and multiple occupants can be using different room modes as they move about the home. The controlled objects also have controlled object states, which are used by the central controller to control the controlled objects.

An enhanced natural language information retrieval technique tokenizes an incoming query, comparing the tokenized representation against a collection of query templates. Query templates include a first portion having one or more query patterns representative of a query and in a form suitable for matching the tokenized representation of an incoming query. Query templates also include one or more information retrieval commands that are designed to return information relevant to those query patterns in its first portion. The enhanced natural language information retrieval technique selects those query templates that are determined to be most relevant to the incoming query (via its tokenized representation) and initiates one or more information retrieval commands associated with the selected query templates.

A method for managing UV irradiation for treating substrates in the course of treating multiple substrates consecutively with UV light, includes: exposing a first UV sensor to the UV light at first intervals to measure illumination intensity of the UV light so as to adjust the illumination intensity to a desired level based on the measured illumination intensity; and exposing a second UV sensor to the UV light at second intervals to measure illumination intensity of the UV light so as to calibrate the first UV sensor by equalizing the illumination intensity measured by the first UV sensor substantially with the illumination intensity measured by the second UV sensor, wherein each second interval is longer than each first interval.

The present invention provides a bar-code driven, completely automated, microplate-based analyzer system for performing chemical, biochemical or biological assays. The analyzer is a modular, bench-top instrument that compactly integrates subsystems for sample dispensing, liquid handling, microplate transport, thermal incubation, vortexing, solid phase separation and optical reading. An internal processor is included for automating the instrument, and a user interface to facilitate communication with the operator via a touch-sensitive liquid-crystal display (LCD), and communicating with a remote network via multiple protocols. The analyzer includes firmware resident within the processing system and the user interface allows the operator to select pre-defined assay batch protocols and the user interface is configured in such as way so as to restrict an operator from programming the firmware.

A multi-modal multi-lingual mobile device that facilitates intelligently automating an action. The device can automatically synchronize a user schedule based upon a user state, intention, preference and / or limitation. The device can employ sensors to automatically detect criteria by which to automatically implement an action. Moreover, the system can interrogate a user thus converging upon a user intention and / or preference. An analyzer component can intelligently evaluate the compiled criterion in order to automatically perform an action. The multi-modal multi-lingual mobile device can automatically facilitate identification of an individual. Other actions that are automatically performed can include modifying personal information manager data, translating languages into a language comprehendible to a user, etc. Implementation of these actions can be based at least in part upon an environmental factor, a conversation, a location factor and a temporal factor.

Methods and apparatus for genome analysis are provided. A microfabricated structure including a microfluidic distribution channel is configured to distribute microreactor elements having copies of a sequencing template into a plurality of microfabricated thermal cycling chambers. A microreactor element may include a microcarrier element carrying the multiple copies of the sequencing template. The microcarrier element may comprise a microsphere. An autovalve at an exit port of a thermal cycling chamber, an optical scanner, or a timing arrangement may be used to ensure that only one microsphere will flow into one thermal cycling chamber wherein thermal cycling extension fragments are produced. The extension products are captured, purified, and concentrated in an integrated oligonucleotide gel capture chamber. A microfabricated component separation apparatus is used to analyze the purified extension fragments. The microfabricated structure may be used in a process for performing sequencing and other genetic analysis of DNA or RNA.

Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display. The intuitive GUI Software provides the user the ability to easily manage and assemble a series of images, animations and transitions as a single broadcast quality program to be displayed on a remote display device. Another application software system is capable of automating the production of audio narration reports. The disclosed audio concatenation engine automates the creation of audio narration using prerecorded audio segments to minimize the requirement for live, on-air personnel to record audio narration segments.

A method and system for modifying computer program logic with respect to a predetermined aspect, comprising (a) before run time: analyzing compiled computer program logic of a module for processes involving the predetermined aspect before run time, substantially without decompilation or reference to computer program source code; and storing a set of modifications relating to computer program logic modifications of the module relating to the predetermined aspect; and (b) at run time: based on the stored set of modifications, selectively transferring program control from the module to a separate logical structure, executing modified logical operations with respect to the predetermined aspect, and subsequently returning program control to the module. The predetermined aspect may be, for example, a data type, algorithm type, or interface specification. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined aspect is date related data, and more particularly, to logical operations relating to date related data which are flawed. The system preferably operates in a mainframe environment, wherein the compiled computer program constitutes one or more load modules, executing under an operating system, wherein the computer program logic modifications preferably comprise program flow control diversions in an original object module, which selectively transfer logical control to a separate object module to effect modifications to the computer program logic, followed by a return of control to the original object module.

A method for protecting data against power analysis attacks includes at least a first phase of executing a cryptographic operation for ciphering data in corresponding enciphered data through a secret key. The method includes at least a second phase of executing an additional cryptographic operation for ciphering additional data in corresponding enciphered additional data. An execution of the first and second phases is undistinguishable by the data power analysis attacks. Secret parameters are randomly generated and processed by the at least one second phase. The secret parameters include an additional secret key ERK for ciphering the additional data in the corresponding enciphered additional data.

The present invention relates to an article fabrication system having a plurality of material deposition tools containing one or more materials useful in fabricating the article, and a material deposition device having a tool interface for receiving one of the material deposition tools. A system controller is operably connected to the material deposition device to control operation of the material deposition device. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating an article using the system of the invention and a method of fabricating edible foodstuffs.

The disclosed electrochemical screening and early diagnostic device for malignant tumor comprises: an immune detection chip (1) connected to a time-resolution multichannel potentiostat (2) that connects to a data process and display system (3) by an interface. Wherein, the chip (1) comprises eight working electrodes fixed different antigen films and Ag wire (a), Ag / AgCl reference electrode (b), a carbon-pair electrode (c), and an insulation film (d). This invention needs low cost, has intelligence and fit to fast detection.

Methods and apparatus for genome analysis are provided. A microfabricated structure including a microfluidic distribution channel is configured to distribute microreactor elements having copies of a sequencing template into a plurality of microfabricated thermal cycling chambers. A microreactor element may include a microcarrier element carrying the multiple copies of the sequencing template. The microcarrier element may comprise a microsphere. An autovalve at an exit port of a thermal cycling chamber, an optical scanner, or a timing arrangement may be used to ensure that only one microsphere will flow into one thermal cycling chamber wherein thermal cycling extension fragments are produced. The extension products are captured, purified, and concentrated in an integrated oligonucleotide gel capture chamber. A microfabricated component separation apparatus is used to analyze the purified extension fragments. The microfabricated structure may be used in a process for performing sequencing and other genetic analysis of DNA or RNA.

Apparatus and method for determining at least one parameter, e. g., concentration, of at least one analyte, e. g., urea, of a biological sample, e. g., urine. A biological sample particularly suitable for the apparatus and method of this invention is urine. In general, spectroscopic measurements can be used to quantify the concentrations of one or more analytes in a biological sample. In order to obtain concentration values of certain analytes, such as hemoglobin and bilirubin, visible light absorption spectroscopy can be used. In order to obtain concentration values of other analytes, such as urea, creatinine, glucose, ketones, and protein, infrared light absorption spectroscopy can be used. The apparatus and method of this invention utilize one or more mathematical techniques to improve the accuracy of measurement of parameters of analytes in a biological sample. The invention also provides an apparatus and method for measuring the refractive index of a sample of biological fluid while making spectroscopic measurements substantially simultaneously.

EBPP systems and processes which employ a common document model / data model to accommodate the interests and preferences of billers, customers, financial institutions, other EBPP organizations and others in the context of EBPP specifically and electronic commerce more generally. The common document model / data model allows the biller to outsource billing activities to the EBPP organization while retaining control over the billing information or how or where bills will be presented. Billers are incentivized to use the system because they avoid the expense and effort of building a customized system in house, but get the same advantages of an in house system while leveraging the expertise of an outside EBPP organization who operates across a range of industries, customers, geographical locations and financial fields. The systems also allow billers enhanced opportunities to build brand and customer relationships not offered in paper-based billing systems. Customers are incentivized to use the system because they can pay all or most all of their bills in one place, the place of their choice with bills presented how they choose, and because they may communicate more effectively with billers if and when things go wrong rather than wasting inordinate time on the telephone attempting to sort things out with uninformed people as is often the case in paper based billing systems where the relevant data never seems to catch up with the biller's customer service personnel. The result is a ubiquitous EBPP presence that makes everyone's life easier and better by reducing bill generation and payment burdens.

A fast food restaurant and method of operating a fast food restaurant, the restaurant having an order and staging station for drive through customers. The order and staging station has a plurality of order stalls for customer vehicles, each order stall having an order panel with a menu display and a touch screen or voice or speech activator for self-service menu item selection and order placement. The order panel also has a payment acceptor and an order status reporter. The customer vehicle remains in the order stall until the customer is notified that the order is ready for pickup at a delivery station.

A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for automating the finding and serving of CAD design data is disclosed. One or more embodiments of the invention increase the level of access and automation possible with design data. One or more embodiments of the invention provide a server comprised of various components including an information extraction component, a search component, and a conversion component. The various components provide users with enhanced access to drawing and design data. One or more embodiments of the invention also provide programmable, scriptable components that can query, filter, manipulate, merge, and translate design drawing data using the Web browser interface. Further, Web site administrators can use the present invention to dynamically index and publish design drawing data.

A method and device is disclosed for high speed, automated sequencing of nucleic acid molecules. A nucleic acid molecule to be sequenced is exposed to a polymerase in the presence of nucleotides which are to be incorporated into a complementary nucleic acid strand. The polymerase carries a donor fluorophore, and each type of nucleotide (e.g. A, T / U, C and G) carries a distinguishable acceptor fluorophore characteristic of the particular type of nucleotide. As the polymerase incorporates individual nucleic acid molecules into a complementary strand, a laser continuously irradiates the donor fluorophore, at a wavelength that causes it to emit an emission signal (but the laser wavelength does not stimulate the acceptor fluorophore). In particular embodiments, no laser is needed if the donor fluorophore is a luminescent molecule or is stimulated by one. The emission signal from the polymerase is capable of stimulating any of the donor fluorophores (but not acceptor fluorophores), so that as a nucleotide is added by the polymerase, the acceptor fluorophore emits a signal associated with the type of nucleotide added to the complementary strand. The series of emission signals from the acceptor fluorophores is detected, and correlated with a sequence of nucleotides that correspond to the sequence of emission signals.

A method and system of automatically analyzing data, cleansing and normalizing the data, identifying categorical variables within the data set, eliminating co-linearities among the variables and automatically building a statistical model is provided.

A system for the extraction, collection, processing and transplantation of cell subsets, including adult stem cells and platelets, in particular for tissue repair in regenerative medicine, comprises a set of disposable fluid-transport elements that are pre-connected or that include aseptic connectors for making interconnections between them in an aseptic manner or are adapted to be aseptically connected. The set usually includes three kits of disposable sterile elements, a collection kit, a processing kit, and a transplantation kit packaged in a blister pack on a support such as a tray, having one compartment for receiving each inter-connectable kit of the set. The set includes an extracting device, for example including a needle for bone puncture or vein puncture, for extracting bone marrow or other sources of cell subsets from a patient.

A method of verifying the authenticity of a packaged product involves providing a package that includes a product, a packaging material covering at least one surface of the product, and at least two fluorescent materials, which (a) each can be disposed in or on the packaging material, (b) each can be disposed in or on at least one surface of the product, or (c) can be separated so that at least one of them is disposed in or on the packaging material and at least one of them is disposed in or on at least one surface of the product. The package is exposed to excitation radiation including one or more wavelengths in the range of from about 250 to about 400 nm, the luminescent radiation emitted by said fluorescent materials is spectroscopically detected in the wavelength range of about 300 to about 475 nm, and an intensity versus wavelength plot of the emitted radiation over at least a portion of the range of wavelengths detected is compiled. This compiled plot is compared against a previously measured, stored emitted radiation intensity versus wavelength plot from an authenticated standard so as to determine whether the packaged product is authentic.

A guide for controlling the orientation of a medical device includes a cannula having a lumen therein for the medical device, and a guide member having a passage therein for receiving and directing the medical device, the guide member being movably mounted in the cannula for movement. The guide member can be magnetically responsive to an externally applied magnetic field, or can be magnetically responsive to an externally applied magnetic field when a magnetic medical device is in the passage, and / or it can be mechanically responsive.

A light emitting assembly includes a metal substrate for dissipating heat from the assembly. The metal substrate includes an electrically insulating layer or coating on at least one side. Circuit traces are applied to the electrically insulating layer using either thick or thin film techniques. At least the ends of the circuit traces include a metallic section to which leads of light emitting elements are soldered or wire-bonded. A metallic section is provided adjacent the light emitting element to transfer heat to the underlying substrate and / or to reflect light from the element away from the substrate. A clear finish retards tarnishing of the reflecting metallic section.

There is provided a rule-set generator and a method of automated configuration of a security gateway. The method comprises setting-up an initial rule-set; obtaining log records of communication events corresponding to the initial rule-set so as to obtain a sufficient amount of log records; transforming the obtained log records into respective rules, wherein source, destination and service fields in each rule correspond to source, destination and service values in respective obtained log record, and the action in all rules is defined as “Accept”, thus giving rise to a transformation-based rule-set; and processing the transformation-based rule-set so as to generate an operable rule-set by processing the transformation-based rule-set.

A fluid handling structure includes: an actuation area (03, 08) to control fluid flow within the structure; and a plurality of actuation components (09, 11, 12, 13) within the actuation area (03, 08); wherein the actuation area (63, 68) is constructed and arranged to activate or control each of the plurality of actuation components (09, 11, 12, 13). A fluid handling structure comprising: a fluid channel (204); and a deformable material (202); wherein the fluid channel is bounded, at least in part, by the deformable material (202). A fluidic device comprising: at least one channel (403) defining a path for the travel of an electromagnetic wave. A method of performing a function with an instrument, the method comprising: associating an insert with the instrument, the insert comprising one or more of program code, data, or commands, which enable performance of the function.

A substrate is provided that facilitates immobilization of nucleic acid molecules, including DNA molecules and RNA molecules. Also provided is a device that includes the substrate, which, for example, can be a chip. In addition, methods of using the substrate are provided, including, for example, methods of sequencing a DNA molecule anchored to the substrate, and methods for conducting the process of sequencing using such devices.

A system and method are disclosed for private cloud computing and for the development and deployment of cloud applications in the private cloud. The private cloud computing system and method of the present invention include as components at least a cloud controller, a cloud stack, Service Registry, and a cloud application builder.

The invention comprises a robotic microscope system and methods that allow high through-put analysis biological materials, particularly living cells, and allows precise return to and re-imaging of the same field (e.g., the same cell) that has been imaged earlier. This capability enables experiments and testing hypotheses that deal with causality over time intervals which are not possible with conventional microscopy methods.

The invention discloses a multi-task layered image retrieval method based on a depth self-coding convolution neural network. The method is characterized by mainly comprising a multi-task end-to-end convolution neural network for deep learning and training recognition, a rapid visual segmentation detection and positioning method of a region-of-interest secondary screening module based on an RPN network, a coarse search of a full-graph sparse hash code, an area sensing semantic feature and matrix h accurate comparison and search based on the maximum response, and a region-of-interest selectivitycomparison algorithm. According to the method, the end-to-end training can be achieved, the interest region with higher quality can be automatically selected, the automation degree and the intelligent level of search by images can be effectively improved, and the image retrieval requirements of the big data age can be met by using little storage space at a high search speed.

A method of optimising real cellular, wireless communication networks comprising the steps of providing location-referenced values of subscriber traffic for area elements; transmitting a reference signal of constant transmission power; providing a cell-referenced value of the power received from the reference signal; providing a model of the communication network having an original model network configuration, and iteratively optimising the model network configuration by accumulating and weighting the subscriber traffic values of the area elements and by locally adjusting the model network configuration, to provide an optimised model network configuration.