2718 results about "Environmental factor" patented technology

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.

A method of optimizing lifetime of an OLED display element and an OLED display element with optimized lifetime for possible use in a tiled display, while maintaining light output are described. It compensates an OLED operating parameter such as supply voltage and / or on-time of the operating current based on at least one environmental factor which affects aging and on at least one operating factor which is indicative of aging, e.g. by determining the brightness of an OLED display element. To optimize the light output, pre-charge of the aged OLED display elements can be optimized. The knowledge of the working temperature of OLED tiles may be used to regulate the cooling and thus the working temperature, thus improving the lifetime of the display. Furthermore the intensity and contrast of the display illumination may be set within predefined limits to reduce the aging.

A method of optimizing lifetime of an OLED display element and an OLED display element with optimized lifetime for possible use in a tiled display, while maintaining light output are described. It compensates an OLED operating parameter such as supply voltage and / or on-time of the operating current based on at least one environmental factor which affects aging and on at least one operating factor which is indicative of aging, e.g. by determining the brightness of an OLED display element. To optimize the light output, pre-charge of the aged OLED display elements can be optimized. The knowledge of the working temperature of OLED tiles may be used to regulate the cooling and thus the working temperature, thus improving the lifetime of the display. Furthermore the intensity and contrast of the display illumination may be set within predefined limits to reduce the aging.

A solid-state storage system is described with a method for adjusting the frequency of data retention operations. The data retention operation frequency can be increased or decreased according to a variety of environmental factors such as error code frequency, system temperature, altitude, and other operating conditions. These factors can indicate an increased or decreased risk of failure and accordingly provide increased or decreased rates of data retention operations.

The invention pertains to location approximation of devices, e.g., wireless access points and client devices in a wireless network. Location estimates may be obtained by observation / analysis of packets transmitted or received by the access point. For instance, data rate information associated with a packet is used to approximate the distance between a client device and the access point. This may be coupled with known positioning information to arrive at an approximate location for the access point. Confidence information and metrics about whether a device is an access point and the location of that device may also be determined. Accuracy of the location determination may be affected by factors including propagation and environmental factors, transmit power, antenna gain and diversity, etc. A location information database of access points may employ measurements from various devices over time. Such information may identify the location of client devices and provide location-based services to them.

An adaptive timeout value setting is determined for DCE applications, wherein the timeout value setting is adapted and adjusted according to environmental factors and communication conditions between a client / server pair. The adaptive timeout value setting takes into consideration the communication time between a client and a server in each client / server pair in determining and setting a timeout value for each pair. The timeout value for a client / server pair is adjusted in a dynamic fashion so that the client is able to be more adaptive to real environment changes and so that the server's performance is not degraded due to ineffective timeouts. The system and method determines an adaptive timeout value setting in distributed computing environment (DCE) applications for a client / server pair wherein each pair has a client system and a server system. A server response time of the server system is tracked to a remote procedure call from the client system. The remote procedure call includes a binding handle, and the server response time is based on a time of the server system responding to the remote procedure. An optimal timeout value is calculated from the response time, and a timeout value of the binding handle is reset as the optimal timeout value.

A monitoring system and method for monitoring performance of individual powers sources in a distributed power source system. A monitoring module is coupled to each of the power sources, or to each string of serially connected power sources, to monitor and collect data regarding current, voltage, temperature and other environmental factors at the power source. The collected data is transmitted over a power line to a central analysis station for analysis. Data collected from each source indicates malfunction or degradation at the source. Comparison of data collected from adjacent sources filters for environmental factors impacting neighboring sources such as cloudy days for a solar panel. Comparison of data collected from the same source at different times indicates soiling or degradation of the source with time or periodic events such as a moving shade from an adjacent building.

A method and apparatus comprising an active control system for a towed seismic streamer array that enables any relative positional control of any number of towed seismic streamers. The streamer positions are controlled horizontally and vertically using active control units positioned within the seismic array. The three component (x, y, z) position of each streamer element, relative to the vessel and relative to each other is controlled, tracked and stored during a seismic data acquisition run. The present invention enables a seismic array to be maneuvered as the towing vessel maintains course, enables maintenance of specific array position and geometry in the presence of variable environmental factors and facilitates four-dimensional seismic data acquisition by sensing and storing the position of the array and each array element with respect to time.

Methods and systems for obtaining and analyzing data from embedded sensors in electronic products for warranty management. A data collection unit in an electronic product collects and reports data about environmental factors that is relevant about a warranty agreement and transmits the data over a communications link to a data interpretation unit. The data interpretation unit may obtain warranty information from an electronic product and query a database to determine if the electronic product has been exposed to environmental factors outside the ranges that are specified in the warranty agreement. The data interpretation unit may query a database to determine the product grade of the electronic product based on the sensor data and to determine an estimated product value. The data interpretation unit may query a database to determine an estimated warranty cost of an extended warranty based on the condition of the electronic product and historical warranty value.

A solid-state storage system is described with a method for adjusting the frequency of data retention operations. The data retention operation frequency can be increased or decreased according to a variety of environmental factors such as error code frequency, system temperature, altitude, and other operating conditions. These factors can indicate an increased or decreased risk of failure and accordingly provide increased or decreased rates of data retention operations.

The present invention is a composition for forming seals. The composition includes a base material and a hydrogel. The base materials is preferably an elastomer or a thermoplastic. Seals formed with the composition are particularly suited for use in a wellbore environment. The inclusion of hydrogel in the seals allows the seals to be manipulated or altered through certain environmental factors. For instance, temperature, oil / water ratio, pH and the electronic field may all be used to alter the characteristics of the hydrogel. In this way, the seal may be caused to swell in response to a specific stimulus, thereby preventing or sealing a leak without requiring additional work or input from the operator.

An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifiying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided. The methods involve comparing signals from nanostructure sensing devices that have not been exposed to the chemical species of interest with signals from nanostructure sensing devices that have been exposed to the chemical species of interest. Nanostructure sensing device array structures that can measure and subtract out environmental factors are also disclosed.

The present invention provides portal friendly user interface widgets that can detect environmental factors in a portal page and automatically adjust the markup they produce based on the detected environmental factors. Each portal friendly widget comprises: a system for detecting at least one environmental factor in a portal page; and a system for automatically adjusting markup produced by the portal friendly widget based on the at least one detected environmental factor.

A system coupled to one or more vending machines, such as soft drink vending machines, via a wireless data link can acquire operational vending data, for example sales data, hardware status, and product temperature. The system can compile data from multiple vending machines dispersed across a geographic area such as a city or state. The system can include software that refines the vending operations of one or more such vending machines based on analysis of acquired data, taking into consideration other information such as market, business, seasonal, or environmental factors. Refining vending operations can include adjusting product offerings, relocating vending machines, replicating favorable conditions, and addressing unexpected sales variations.

An irrigation scheduler modifies output of a preprogrammed irrigation schedule of an installed irrigation controller to at least partially improve irrigation of the corresponding landscape. Preferred embodiments accomplish this task using a microprocessor programmed to: (a) derive a first set of information from the output of an irrigation controller used to control an operation of an irrigation valve; (b) receive a second set of information comprising at least one of an environmental factor and a meteorological factor; and (c) use the first set of information and the second set of information to interfere with reception of the output by the valve.

A system for coordinating the timing of a data strobe with data supplied by a memory module to the memory controller read data FIFO of a processor-based system, providing multiple calibration modes. A calibration PDL (programmable delay line) is used to reiteratively test the time taken for a test data strobe to traverse a portion of the memory controller circuit, and to generate a calibration value based upon the time taken. The calibration procedure may be initiated in any one of several modes, including: according to a predetermined schedule; implemented in software; in response to changes in environmental factors such as temperature or voltages sampled at one or more locations; in response to a software-driven trigger; or in response to a user-initiated trigger, communicated to a system of the invention either by input via a user interface to the processor-based system or by a software command.

A patient is diagnosed and a regimen of treatment is prescribed in a system which tests the patients, receives test results from a patient, including DNA test results. A database of human genome data correlating human health disorder with DNA genetic tests is accessed. A database of environmental factors which correlate known human health disorders with environmental conditions is accessed. Risk factors including genetic risk and environmental risk are developed, and from these, a composite risk factor is developed. This is used to access a database of prescribed drug therapy.

A method for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring involves metabolic heat measurement and algorithm to correct interferences from environmental factors, and physiological or pathological conditions of subjects.

An in-vehicle gaming system may be played by a driver alone, or simultaneously or individually by a driver and / or one or more other users. The in-vehicle gaming system may be activated or controlled by, for example, touch, voice, or gesture. Gameplay is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on environmental factors such that the driver is not distracted from driving the vehicle. Game content is generated based at least in part on environmental factors and user data.

A method for predicting the trajectory of an aircraft is disclosed. It yields the arrival / departure times for a plurality of aircraft with respect to a specified system resource and is based upon specified data and other operational factors pertaining to the aircraft and system resource. This process comprises the steps of: (a) collecting and storing the specified data and operational factors, (b) processing, at an initial instant, the specified data that is applicable at that instant to the aircraft so as to predict an initial trajectory encompassing arrival / departure times for each aircraft, (c) upgrading these initial trajectory predictions for effects of: (1) environmental factors (weather, turbulence), (2) actions of the Air traffic Control system (e.g., stacking incoming aircraft when runway demand is greater than availability), and (3) secondary assets (e.g., crew availability / legality, gate availability, maintenance requirements), (d) communicating these trajectory predictions to interested parties and (e) continuously monitoring all trajectories, and, as necessary, updating the predictions.

A method of improving and strengthening the performance of metal and protecting the metal against degradation and suppression thereof by controlling ultrasonic impact is disclosed. The method addresses the problems of degradation of metal properties during prolonged service under external forces, thermodynamic fluctuations and negative environmental factors. The method also relates to the technologies oriented to protect against (prevent) and to suppress the danger of materials failure due to unfavorable change in performance over time. The well-known methods of “combating” metal degradation cover a wide range of technologies from metallurgical alloying during melting, casting, welding and application of coatings to various thermal treatments and effects on the surface. The invention provides a new versatile method of addressing degradation problems in all these cases.

A method for predicting the trajectory of an aircraft is disclosed. It yields the arrival / departure times for a plurality of aircraft with respect to a specified system resource and is based upon specified data and other operational factors pertaining to the aircraft and system resource. This process comprises the steps of (a) collecting and storing the specified data and operational factors, (b) processing, at an initial instant, the specified data that is applicable at that instant to the aircraft so as to predict an initial trajectory encompassing arrival / departure times for each aircraft, (c) upgrading these initial trajectory predictions for effects of (1) environmental factors (weather, turbulence), (2) actions of the Air traffic Control system (e.g., stacking incoming aircraft when runway demand is greater than availability), and (3) secondary assets (e.g., crew availability / legality, gate availability, maintenance requirements), (d) communicating these trajectory predictions to interested parties and (e) continuously monitoring all trajectories, and, as necessary, updating the predictions.

A smart window includes a windowpane, at least one sensor and a wireless signal transceiver. The sensor is disposed on the windowpane and configured for detecting an environmental factor and accordingly outputting a sensing signal. The wireless signal transceiver is disposed on the windowpane and electrically connected to the sensor. The wireless signal transceiver is configured for further transmitting the sensing signal from the sensor. A smart window system includes the aforementioned smart window. The smart window and the smart window system adopt wireless communication manner to transmit the sensing signals, and thereby the smart window system has an overall modulation to an environmental factor.

A system or method (collectively “classification system”) is disclosed for classifying sensor images into one of several pre-defined classifications. Mathematical moments relating to various features or attributes in the sensor image are used to populated a vector of attributes, which are then compared to a corresponding template vector of attribute values. The template vector contains values for known classifications which are preferably predefined. By comparing the two vectors, various votes and confidence metrics are used to ultimately select the appropriate classification. In some embodiments, preparation processing is performed before loading the attribute vector with values. Image segmentation is often desirable. The performance of heuristics to adjust for environmental factors such as lighting can also be desirable. One embodiment of the system is to prevent the deployment of an airbag when the occupant in the seat is a child, a rear-facing infant seat, or when the seat is empty.

The invention provides a method of confirming motion parameters, an apparatus for the same, and a motion assisting device. The invention obtains and utilizes the motion data of a recognized object sampled at each of the sampling time, comprising the acceleration of the recognized object sampled by a tri-axial accelerometer, the angular velocity of the recognized object sampled by a tri-axial gyroscope, and the angle of the recognized object corresponding to a three-dimensional geomagnetic coordinate system sampled by a tri-axial magnetometer. Feedback calculation is utilized to obtain an actual acceleration at each sampling time from the motion original time to the motion end time, and the actual acceleration is obtained by reducing the acceleration of gravity from the acceleration sampled by a tri-axial accelerometer. The invention reduces the complexity of the system, and the accuracy is less affected by environmental factors, particularly light.

A method for automatically navigating potential websites for predictive browsing based on user activities along with efficiency of verifying content updates. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of websites and its associated attributes that a user visits can be recorded and stored in a storage engine. The potential sites can be predicted by a predictive engine component based upon a past browsing history and various environmental factors that are recorded in the storage engine. A dynamic content detection engine component examines each potential websites and detects if the site has been updated. The predictive engine enables the user to navigate to the potential websites thereby permitting the user to browse websites faster.

A neurological profile associated with introversion / extroversion levels, simultaneous visual element processing capability, and / or dynamism processing capability, etc., is determined to select market categories and stimulus material targeted to the particular neurological profile. The neurological profile is determined using information such as user input, user activity, social and environmental factors, genetic and developmental factors, and / or neuro-response data. The neurological profile can be matched with corresponding neurological profile templates to select market categories and stimulus material.

A digital content distribution scheme allows for monitoring of a wide range of data, such as system and behavior events of audiences and playback devices, as well as environmental factors, such as those present at the playback venue. More “static” data may be considered, such as subscriptions, settings, bandwidth, and the like. Based upon the data considered, real or near-real time changes in the content provided to audiences may be made. The changes may be based upon predictions of audience interest made by prediction engine. The techniques may also allow for time-shifting and adaptation of content based upon playback times.

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.