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A method and system for providing efficient menu services for an information processing system that uses a telephone or other form of audio user interface. In one embodiment, the menu services provide effective support for novice users by providing a full listing of available keywords and rotating house advertisements which inform novice users of potential features and information. For experienced users, cues are rendered so that at any time the user can say a desired keyword to invoke the corresponding application. The menu is flat to facilitate its usage. Full keyword listings are rendered after the user is given a brief cue to say a keyword. Service messages rotate words and word prosody. When listening to receive information from the user, after the user has been cued, soft background music or other audible signals are rendered to inform the user that a response may now be spoken to the service. Other embodiments determine default cities, on which to report information, based on characteristics of the caller or based on cities that were previously selected by the caller. Other embodiments provide speech concatenation processes that have co-articulation and real-time subject-matter-based word selection which generate human sounding speech. Other embodiments reduce the occurrences of falsely triggered barge-ins during content delivery by only allowing interruption for certain special words. Other embodiments offer special services and modes for calls having voice recognition trouble. The special services are entered after predetermined criterion have been met by the call. Other embodiments provide special mechanisms for automatically recovering the address of a caller.

A method and system for providing efficient menu services for an information processing system that uses a telephone or other form of audio user interface. In one embodiment, the menu services provide effective support for novice users by providing a full listing of available keywords and rotating house advertisements which inform novice users of potential features and information. For experienced users, cues are rendered so that at any time the user can say a desired keyword to invoke the corresponding application. The menu is flat to facilitate its usage. Full keyword listings are rendered after the user is given a brief cue to say a keyword. Service messages rotate words and word prosody. When listening to receive information from the user, after the user has been cued, soft background music or other audible signals are rendered to inform the user that a response may now be spoken to the service. Other embodiments determine default cities, on which to report information, based on characteristics of the caller or based on cities that were previously selected by the caller. Other embodiments provide speech concatenation processes that have co-articulation and real-time subject-matter-based word selection which generate human sounding speech. Other embodiments reduce the occurrences of falsely triggered barge-ins during content delivery by only allowing interruption for certain special words. Other embodiments offer special services and modes for calls having voice recognition trouble. The special services are entered after predetermined criterion have been met by the call. Other embodiments provide special mechanisms for automatically recovering the address of a caller.

A navigation interface display system generates a navigation element that organizes television programming data in an easy-to-use manner. The navigation element employs a hierarchical display protocol for a plurality of selection items that represent the various television programs, channels, and / or networks. The hierarchical display scheme displays a limited number of active selection items at a first magnification level and additional active selection items at a second magnification level. In addition, the selection items are displayed on distinctive areas or features of the navigation element, where such features represent different content genres or categories. Subcategories can also be displayed in a hierarchical manner, thus providing additional information related to the content as the magnification level of the navigation element changes.

A method and system for providing efficient menu services for an information processing system that uses a telephone or other form of audio user interface. In one embodiment, the menu services provide effective support for novice users by providing a full listing of available keywords and rotating house advertisements which inform novice users of potential features and information. For experienced users, cues are rendered so that at any time the user can say a desired keyword to invoke the corresponding application. The menu is flat to facilitate its usage. Full keyword listings are rendered after the user is given a brief cue to say a keyword. Service messages rotate words and word prosody. When listening to receive information from the user, after the user has been cued, soft background music or other audible signals are rendered to inform the user that a response may now be spoken to the service. Other embodiments determine default cities, on which to report information, based on characteristics of the caller or based on cities that were previously selected by the caller. Other embodiments provide speech concatenation processes that have co-articulation and real-time subject-matter-based word selection which generate human sounding speech. Other embodiments reduce the occurrences of falsely triggered barge-ins during content delivery by only allowing interruption for certain special words. Other embodiments offer special services and modes for calls having voice recognition trouble. The special services are entered after predetermined criterion have been met by the call. Other embodiments provide special mechanisms for automatically recovering the address of a caller.

The electrical vehicle energy storage system permits the electric refueling of the electric vehicle just like an automobile would be refueled with gasoline at a gas station. Circuitry on board the vehicle accessible by the electric refueling station enables the determination of the energy content of the battery module or modules returned to the electric refueling station and the owner of the vehicle is given credit for the energy remaining in the battery module or modules which have been exchanged. Selective refueling may take place for given battery modules by removing them from the battery system and charging them at home, office or factory. A process for operating an electric vehicle is also disclosed and claimed.

A method and system for providing efficient menu services for an information processing system that uses a telephone or other form of audio user interface. In one embodiment, the menu services provide effective support for novice users by providing a full listing of available keywords and rotating house advertisements which inform novice users of potential features and information. For experienced users, cues are rendered so that at any time the user can say a desired keyword to invoke the corresponding application. The menu is flat to facilitate its usage. Full keyword listings are rendered after the user is given a brief cue to say a keyword. Service messages rotate words and word prosody. When listening to receive information from the user, after the user has been cued, soft background music or other audible signals are rendered to inform the user that a response may now be spoken to the service. Other embodiments determine default cities, on which to report information, based on characteristics of the caller or based on cities that were previously selected by the caller. Other embodiments provide speech concatenation processes that have co-articulation and real-time subject-matter-based word selection which generate human sounding speech. Other embodiments reduce the occurrences of falsely triggered barge-ins during content delivery by only allowing interruption for certain special words. Other embodiments offer special services and modes for calls having voice recognition trouble. The special services are entered after predetermined criterion have been met by the call. Other embodiments provide special mechanisms for automatically recovering the address of a caller.

An improved command handler (and database system utilizing the improved command handler) interfaces to a datastore storing item data for a plurality of items and bi-directional modifier data, corresponding to a relation between at least one first item and at least one second item, that represents first text characterizing semantics of a relationship of the at least one first item to the at least one second item, and represents second text characterizing semantics of a relationship of the at least one second item to the at least one first item. The command handler operates, in response to receiving a first-type query command that specifies at least one given item, to access the datastore to identify i) at least one related item that is related to the given item, and identify ii) either the first text or the second text characterizing semantics of the relation between the given item and the at least one related item. The command hander returns i) data corresponding to the at least one related item; and ii) data corresponding to the identified first text and or second text characterizing semantics of the relation between the given item and the at least one related item. Preferably, the data returned in response to the first-type query command identifies the at least one related item. and identifies the first text or second text characterizing semantics of the relation between the given item and the at least one related item. In addition, the command handler preferably supports additional commands that retrieve from the datastore information related to specified objects, object types, and relations.The command handler (and database system) of the present invention may be used in a wide assortment of software applications, including enterprise applications (such as e-business applications, supply chain management applications, customer relationship management applications, decision support applications), the file system in operating systems, web browsers, e-mail applications and personal information management applications. Importantly, the command handler (and database system) provides an efficient mechanism to query the organization of the data elements (and the relationships therebetween) stored and accessed in such software applications, in a manner that efficient and readily adaptable to client-server database systems or other distributed database systems.

Systems and methods for sonification, user influence through sound, and biofeedback, sonification of motion and physiological parameters during physical exercise and the use of music and sound in order to influence the emotional, psychological and physiological state of an exerciser, and the use of sonification and influence in a feedback loop to create a particular exercise experience for a user. A digital music player comprises physiological sensors, a controller, a user interface, a music decoder, a music playback modulator, and an audio data store. The user interface allows a user to specify target values for the physiological sensors as a function of time, the controller selects a playlist of audio data based on the target values, the music decoder decodes the audio data in a sequence corresponding to the playlist, and the music playback modulator causes the sequence and / or the decoding to be modified according to the values of the physiological sensor.

A method (and corresponding database system) for displaying in a view window information characterizing semantics of relations between objects. For each given relation between at least one subject object and at least one direct object, bi-directional modifier data is stored that represents first text characterizing semantics of a relationship of the at least one first object to the at least one second object, and represents second text characterizing semantics of a relationship of the at least one second object to the at least one first object. In response to predetermined user input associated with an object node displayed in the view window, a set of relations whose at least one subject object or at least one direct object is associated with the object node is identified. For at least one relation in the set of relations, the view window is updated to include a second node comprising a graphical representation of: the first text of the given relation in the event that the given object is a subject object in the given relation, or the second text of the given relation in the event that the given object is a direct object in the given relation. The second node may be a relation node associated with a given relation, or a mixed node associated with a relation-type pair. In response to predetermined input with a second node, the second node may be expanded to identify and display one or more object nodes (identifying direct object(s) of relations derived from expansion of a subject object associated therewith or identifying subject object(s) of relations derived from expansion of a direct object associated therewith). Preferably, this expansion routine is recursive in nature.The method (and database system) of the present invention may be used in a wide assortment of software applications, including enterprise applications (such as e-business applications, supply chain management applications, customer relationship management applications, decision support applications), the file system in operating systems, web browsers, e-mail applications and personal information management applications. Importantly, the method (and database system) provides an easy, user friendly and efficient mechanism to define, view and query the organization of the data elements (and the relationships therebetween) stored and accessed in such software applications, in a manner that conveys the real-world meaning of such relationships.

This invention relates to a computer-based method and system for facilitating the classification of information items. Information items are searched for references to entities of interest, and associated with such entities based on calculated confidence levels that the information items contains a reference to the entities and a category confidence level that the information items relate to the entities.

A dynamic film thickness control system / method and its utilization consisting of a minimum of one mask plate arranged between a substrate and a vapor source. A film thickness control device is utilized for real-time control over deposited film thickness and gradually moves the mask plate according to the film thickness control value acquired by the film thickness control device, enabling the mask plate to mask film zones on the said substrate to achieve the film thickness of a design objective. When the required zones of deposition are masked, the deposition of a particular film layer is completed.

A light emitting diode package. A package substrate has first and second electrode structures and a light emitting diode is mounted on the package substrate and electrically connected to the first and second electrode structures. A resin encapsulant is made of a transparent resin to seal the light emitting diode. A plurality of transparent spherical particles having a refractive index higher than the transparent resin are dispersed in the resin encapsulant.

An image sequence is inputted 200 from the camera and vertical motion is estimated 202. A windowed horizontal edge projection 204 is extracted from the inputted image sequence 200 and the horizontal edges are projected 206. The horizontal edge projection 206 and the vertical motion estimation 202 are combined in a horizontal segmentation and tracking element 208, and forwarded to an object parameter estimation element 210 where the object's distance and height are estimated. This data is combined in a fusion with radar detection element 212. By correctly matching the overhead objects sensed by the radar and video camera, the proximity and relative speed can be ascertained. Once overhead objects have been identified they can be isolated and not considered for collision avoidance purposes.

A navigation interface display system generates a navigation element that organizes television programming data in an easy-to-use manner. The navigation element employs a hierarchical display protocol for a plurality of selection items that represent the various television programs, channels, and / or networks. The hierarchical display scheme displays a limited number of active selection items at a first magnification level and additional active selection items at a second magnification level. In addition, the selection items are displayed on distinctive areas or features of the navigation element, where such features represent different content genres or categories. Subcategories can also be displayed in a hierarchical manner, thus providing additional information related to the content as the magnification level of the navigation element changes.

A method and system for displaying information characterizing the semantics of relations between objects. For each given relation between at least one subject object and at least one direct object, bi-directional modifier data is stored in a separate table and characterizes the semantics of a relationship between objects of different type. A bi-directional modifier is stored in distinct tables and comprises arbitrary text strings defined by user input. Test is linked to a relation between at two different object types and represents text. The present invention may be used in a wide assortment of software applications, including enterprise applications.

Apparatus (20) for cleaning a window (24) of a vehicle (22), including a vessel (28), having an inlet (32) through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet (34) through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning the window. There is a heating element (50) for heating the fluid in the vessel, which element preheats the vessel before the washing fluid is received therein, whereby at least an initial quantity of the fluid is rapidly heated and discharged from the vessel.

A navigation interface display system generates a navigation element that organizes television programming data in an easy-to-use manner. The navigation element employs a hierarchical display protocol for a plurality of selection items that represent the various television programs, channels, and / or networks. The hierarchical display scheme displays a limited number of active selection items at a first magnification level and additional active selection items at a second magnification level. In addition, the selection items are displayed on distinctive areas or features of the navigation element, where such features represent different content genres or categories. Subcategories can also be displayed in a hierarchical manner, thus providing additional information related to the content as the magnification level of the navigation element changes.

A topic map based indexing apparatus analyzes community Q / A lists to acquire Q / A analysis information, removes redundant answers depending on the Q / A analysis information, removes insignificant answers based on the degree of reliability, ranks answer lists, and extracts the highest ranking answer as a best answer, to thereby store, in a community Q / A topic map, index information containing the community Q / A lists and the Q / A analysis information. A topic map based searching apparatus analyzes a user question to acquire question analysis information, searches similar questions from community Q / A lists belonging to a specific topic node of a pre-stored community Q / A topic map, ranks the searched similar questions depending on the question analysis information, removes redundant answers among answers to the ranked similar questions, ranks the answers, and extracts the highest ranking answer as a best answer.

An adsorber unit has an outer shell, a plurality of internal tubes extending through the shell for carrying heat transfer fluid, each tube having outwardly projecting fins along its entire length, and a solid adsorbent material in the shell surrounding the tubes such that the fins project into the adsorbent material, the fins being of a material (e.g., metal) of higher thermal conductivity than the adsorbent material. Metal wool loosely packed inside the tubes, or internal radial fins swaged into the tubes, increase internal surface area thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. Metal wool loosely packed between the external fins, or fine wire metal coils lightly squeezed between the external fins, further increase external surface area of the heat exchanger in contact with the adsorbent thereby enhancing contact heat transfer. Performance is enhanced because the external fins and wool or wire coils transport heat more efficiently to all regions of the adsorbent, and permit less non-adsorbent heat exchanger material (e.g., metal) to be used for a given amount of adsorbent. Two or more such units are used in an adsorption heat pump. This design utilizes existing components (e.g., shell-&-tube heat exchanger, internally and externally finned tubing, and metal wool or wire coils) in a novel manner heretofore untried. In one exemplary embodiment, automobile air conditioning, exhaust heat is used to power such an air conditioner. The significant additional power used by the mechanical compressor of an automobile (12%-17% during commuting for subcompact to midsize cars) can be nearly eliminated by powering the air conditioner with otherwise wasted exhaust heat. The adsorbent is heated and cooled by light oil (called Heat Transfer Fluid, HTF) which in turn is heated and cooled by exhaust and fresh air. Such indirect heating and cooling achieves the required efficiency, and allows using phase change material (e.g., wax) to store and therefore fully utilize exhaust heat. A refrigerant reservoir is included which provides immediate cooling after start-up of a cold engine, while the exhaust system and heat pump are still heating up in order to start pumping refrigerant. Eliminating the mechanical compressor increases fuel mileage by 14-18% for midsize, compact, MS and subcompact cars, or 4.6-6.0% annually, given a four-month cooling season.

A cart assembly includes a frame that has an axle extending across a lower end thereof. Handles are included that have slotted and telescoping upper and lower sections. A transport platform is pivotally connected to each handle base and the axle, and folds against the handles. The platform has an arm wrapped about a major axle circumference. The arm has a gap formed therein. A horizontal support bar is positioned at an assembly top end, and is vertically raised and lowered for adjusting an assembly height. Horizontal members are included that form a part of the frame and extend between the handles below the horizontal support bar. Each horizontal member has hooks rotatably mounted therearound and further is slidably displaced along longitudinal lengths of the horizontal members. Wheels are rotatably mounted about opposed axle ends. A mechanism is included for prohibiting the platform from biasing downwardly from a raised position.

A system and method for dynamically allocating human resources to a project plan is provided. Audit data associated with legacy planning processes may be analyzed in order to estimate an amount of work effort, a cost, or other information associated with various resources (e.g., the resource may be assigned a relative value based on skills maturity, experience, overall repertoire, or other factors). As such, a more accurate assessment of a given project plan may be created, thereby providing various advantages, such as minimizing risks, improving confidence in estimates or proposals, improving return on investment calculations, maximizing profitability per project, or effectively identifying which projects should be allocated to skilled workers, entry level or lower skilled workers, or otherwise.

This invention relates to a computer-based method and system for facilitating the retrieval, classification, and distribution of information. In one embodiment, a method for retrieving information includes defining command strings that include a URL and a token in a first software application, identifying a value for the token based on a research topic provided by a user, replacing the token in the command strings with the identified value, and transmitting the command strings to instantiations of a second software application, thereby allowing the instantiations of the second software application to retrieve data using its respective command string.

A bandwidth usage control methodology uses the clear channel detection and frequency agile functionality of a spectral reuse transceiver to effectively ‘aggregate’ disjoint user channels into an overall bandwidth, the spectral extent of which is at least sufficient to meet a high bandwidth requirement (such as, but not limited to the transmission of data / video), that cannot be realized by a conventional, single channel radio.

A laser type ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes a laser oscillator mounted in the internal combustion engine so as to focus its laser beam on an air-fuel mixture supplied into the combustion chamber, a pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the combustion chamber, a power source for the laser oscillator and a control unit for controlling the power source to supply the laser oscillator with the current whose amount changes according to the pressure in the combustion chamber. The power of the laser beam increases as the pressure in the combustion chamber decreases to completely ignite the air-fuel mixture.

A navigation interface display system generates a navigation element that organizes television programming data in an easy-to-use manner. The navigation element employs a hierarchical display protocol for a plurality of selection items that represent the various television programs, channels, and / or networks. The hierarchical display scheme displays a limited number of active selection items at a first magnification level and additional active selection items at a second magnification level. In addition, the selection items are displayed on distinctive areas or features of the navigation element, where such features represent different content genres or categories. Subcategories can also be displayed in a hierarchical manner, thus providing additional information related to the content as the magnification level of the navigation element changes.