An adaptive interface for a programmable system, for predicting a desired user function, based on user history, as well as machine internal status and context. The apparatus receives an input from the user and other data. A predicted input is presented for confirmation by the user, and the predictive mechanism is updated based on this feedback. Also provided is a pattern recognition system for a multimedia device, wherein a user input is matched to a video stream on a conceptual basis, allowing inexact programming of a multimedia device. The system analyzes a data stream for correspondence with a data pattern for processing and storage. The data stream is subjected to adaptive pattern recognition to extract features of interest to provide a highly compressed representation that may be efficiently processed to determine correspondence. Applications of the interface and system include a video cassette recorder (VCR), medical device, vehicle control system, audio device, environmental control system, securities trading terminal, and smart house. The system optionally includes an actuator for effecting the environment of operation, allowing closed-loop feedback operation and automated learning.

Adaptive pattern recognition based control system and method

Systems and methods for managing data, such as metadata. In one exemplary method, metadata from files created by several different software applications are captured, and the captured metadata is searched. The type of information in metadata for one type of file differs from the type of information in metadata for another type of file. Other methods are described and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.

Methods And Systems For Managing Data

The invention provides a system for monitoring a vehicle that includes a wireless appliance in electrical contact with an in-vehicle computer. The wireless appliance features: 1) a data-collection component that supports communication software that collects diagnostic data from the computer; and 2) a data-transmission component, in electrical communication with the data-collection electronics, configured to transmit an outgoing data packet comprising the diagnostic data over a network and receive over the same network an incoming data packet that modifies the communication software. The wireless appliance communicates with a host computer system that is configured to: 1) receive the outgoing data packet from the network; 2) process the outgoing data packet to generate a set of vehicle diagnostic data; 3) host a web site on the Internet that displays the vehicle diagnostic data; and 4) send out the incoming data packet over the same network to modify the communication software.

Internet-based vehicle-diagnostic system

Head-worn adaptive display

An eyepiece includes a mechanical frame adapted to secure a lens and an image source facility above the lens. The image source facility includes an LED, a planar illumination facility and a reflective display. The planar illumination facility converts a light beam from the LED received on a side of the planar illumination facility into a top emitting planar light source, uniformly illuminates the reflective display, and is substantially transmissive to allow reflected light to pass through towards a beam splitter. The beam splitter is positioned to receive the image light and to reflect a portion onto a mirrored surface. The mirrored surface is positioned and shaped to reflect the image light into an eye of a user of the eyepiece thereby providing an image within a field of view, the mirrored surface further adapted to be partially transmissive within an area of image reflectance.

Eyepiece with uniformly illuminated reflective display

A computerized automotive service equipment system is adapted to access remotely located computer systems to retrieve or exchange data and/or software applications, or to undergo live or real-time and two-way interaction. The system and its components are dynamic with respect to both function and data, and can be easily updated or otherwise altered. The system of the present invention utilizes World Wide Web technology, which enables the use of universal and widely compatible programming tools and techniques for efficient and fast system development.

System and method for distributed computer automotive service equipment

A voice control system for an automotive service system includes a microphone, through which a technician can communicate voice commands to an item of automotive service equipment within the automotive service system, a speech processor module for converting the voice commands into digital instructions which can be processed by a system controller and for converting data from the system controller into synthesized voice audio, and a speaker for communicating the synthesized voice audio to the technician. The system of the present invention may also include a pair of goggles incorporating a heads-up display which displays the data from the system controller by virtual image in the technician's forward field of vision without blocking his general forward field of view.

Hands free automotive service system

A structured light scanning system observes, interprets and provides structural feature size, position and movement data in automotive service equipment applications where such feature characteristics must be determined either preliminary to or ultimately for measurement of quantities affecting automotive performance, such as tire/rim assembly balance, runout and alignment or brake surface planarity and smoothness

Light scanning system for measurement of orientation and physical features of a workpiece

A network-based method and system for distributing data, such as service data for various types of service processes and models, including software applications, specifications, user's manuals, or parameters, etc, over a data transmission network. A remote service provider maintains a database of the data. The database is updated frequently. The remote service provider maintains a website for authorized users to access the data. Authorized users can access and download desired data by connecting to the remote service provider via the data transmission network. Certain approaches are used to verify a user's identity. In one aspect, a combination of a product code that is specific to a system and a license/activation code that is generated based on the product code is verified. Unless a proper combination exists, the downloaded data cannot be properly accessed. The remote service provider also allows users to purchase a license to access the data online. Therefore, users can access the most updated data without waiting for CD-ROMs containing new software or specifications to arrive.

Network-based method and system for distributing data

A multi-point serial link protocol, such as USB, is used to transfer vehicle diagnostic information back and forth between vehicle diagnostic sensors and a host computer. Multiple distinct vehicle servicing applications may be added to or removed from the service bay without requiring substantial software changes or revisions. The amount of vehicle diagnostic hardware is also minimized. The multi-point serial link may originate in the vehicle's on-board computer, allowing the vehicle itself to function as a data hub for the diagnostic automotive service sensors.

Steven W. Rogers

Papers

System and method for distributed computer automotive service equipment

Hands free automotive service system

Light scanning system for measurement of orientation and physical features of a workpiece

Network-based method and system for distributing data

Computerized automotive service equipment using multi-point serial link data transmission protocols