Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing nonlinear distortions in computer system communications where the upstream signal from a client modem to a server modem is periodically sampled, the samples being utilized by a non-linear decision feedback equalizer to periodically produce sets of equalizer coefficients. The equalizer coefficients are sent via an independent communication channel downstream to the client modem to continuously update distortion-minimizing adjustments to the client modem's upstream output. The samples are taken periodically in order to update the non-linear decision feedback equalizer so that it can provide appropriate equalizer coefficients for the changing characteristics of the upstream signal. The method includes identifying, by a first communication system, nonlinear equalization parameters to be used by a second communication system to minimize nonlinear distortions on a primary communication channel.

Abstract: A modem utilizing a DAA having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that data and control information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry using a serialized digital communication protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the line side circuitry of the modem includes detection and measurement circuitry that is programmable to measure or establish electrical characteristics (e.g., tip/ring voltage and loop current) of the telephone line interface connection. Command information for the programmable circuitry is multiplexed with data communicated across the high voltage isolation barrier.

Abstract: A closure for a container with a neck portion and an external helical thread formed on the neck portion includes an upper wall and a skirt formed integrally with and extending generally downwardly from the upper wall. An internal helical thread is formed on the skirt for engaging the external helical thread of the neck portion to thereby secure the closure to the container. The internal helical thread is preferably asymmetrical in cross section. A first annular seal extends generally radially inwardly toward a central axis of the closure from the inner skirt surface. The first annular seal sealingly engages the outer surface of the neck portion. A second annular seal extends generally axially downwardly from the upper wall and sealingly engage an inner surface of the neck portion. A thickness of the neck portion between the first and second annular seals is greater than the distance between the first and second annular seals before installation of the closure on the container.

Abstract: A printer that uses a number of control state machines to reconfigure logic array circuitry to perform image data processing in preparation for printing. The logic array circuitry is programmable and adaptable to accommodate a wide variety of printer components characteristic to digital image printing systems. The logic array circuitry is reconfigured, depending on the particular printer in which the invention is implemented, by the control state machines as they receive control state machine conditions corresponding to the printer components characteristic to that specific digital image printer. For example, the physical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of the printer constitute the printer component that modify the control state machine conditions which in turn govern the configuration of the logic array circuitry through the control state machines.

Abstract: A closure for connection to a container with a threaded neck portion includes an upper wall with a lower surface and a skirt formed integrally with and extending generally downwardly from the upper wall. An internal helical thread is formed on an inner surface of the skirt for engaging the threaded neck portion to thereby secure the closure to the container. An inner annular seal extends generally axially downwardly from the upper wall to sealingly engage an inner surface of the neck portion. The inner annular seal has an inner seal apex area and a downwardly sloped surface extending generally downwardly and away from the upper wall to the inner seal apex area. A gas barrier seal has an annular sealing bead positioned between the inner seal apex area and the upper wall inner surface for sealingly engaging the inner surface of the neck portion. The downwardly sloped surface of the inner annular seal holds the annular sealing bead at least adjacent the lower surface of the upper wall.

Abstract: A communication device, such as a cable modem, having a programmable media access controller (MAC) supported by a programmable CRC engine. The CRC engine computes CRC values for data written to it by the programmable MAC or other software process, thereby relieving processing circuitry of these computationally burdensome functions. The programmable nature of the CRC engine permits compliance with a wide variety standards, including evolving standards such as DOCSIS, without requiring expensive hardware upgrades. In one embodiment of the invention, the CRC engine may be initialized by the programmable MAC with an initial vector prior to CRC computations. The programmable MAC or other software then locates the data bytes (e.g., data frame header data) for which a CRC is to be computed. This information is written to a data register of the CRC engine and a CRC operation is performed. Based on the results, the programmable MAC may determine whether the CRC operation indicates valid data.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor circuit including a photodetector, a first MOS transistor functioning as the driver of a source follower amplifier during signal readout, a second MOS transistor serving as a pixel readout transistor, a third MOS transistor serving as a photodetector reset transistor, and a reset noise cancellation circuit including a fourth MOS transistor, first and second capacitances, and an amplifier having a gain which is a specified multiple of the ratio of the first to the second capacitance. The first capacitance is connected in parallel to the photodector. The amplifier reduces the reset noise caused by resetting the photodector without having to implement correlated double sampling.

Abstract: A speech coding system that employs target signal reference shifting in code-excited linear prediction speech coding. The speech coding system performs modification of a target signal that is used to perform speech coding of a speech signal. The modified target signal that is generated from a preliminary target signal is then used to calculate an adaptive codebook gain that is used to perform speech coding of the speech signal. The speech coding performed in accordance with the present invention provides for a substantially reduced bit-rate of operation when compared to conventional speech coding methods that inherently require a significant amount of bandwidth to encode a fractional pitch lag delay during pitch prediction that is performed within conventional code-excited linear prediction speech coding systems.

Abstract: A system for processing radar data from two or more areas of interest is provided, such as for simultaneously processing vehicle speeds in the opposite lane in front of the patrol vehicle and in the opposite lane behind the patrol vehicle. The system includes an antenna signal processor that receives radar data from one or more radar antennae and generates speed data for a first vehicle travelling in a first direction relative to a radar observation point and a second vehicle travelling in a second direction relative to the radar observation point. A display generator system receives the speed data and user-entered display control data, and generates user-readable display data based on the speed data and the user-entered display control data.

Abstract: A system for tracking players is provided. The system includes one or more player systems, such as a device worn on the arm of each player in a paintball arena. Each player system generates coordinate data and control data, such as data showing the identity of the player, the status of the player, or other suitable control data. A tracking controller receiving the coordinate data and control data, such as by transmitting the coordinate data and the control data over a wireless media from each player system to the tracking controller. The tracking controller performs one or more functions based on the control data, such as mapping the location of one or more players, showing the status of one or more players, and keeping score.

Abstract: A semiconductor device lead inspection apparatus and method are provided for capturing images of the semiconductor edges and leads along two optical axes which have different directions in a plane perpendicular to the semiconductor device edge. One image is a direct backlit image of the device. A second image taken along a direction corresponding to a second optical axis is reflected into a direction corresponding to the first optical axis. By forming two images it is possible to locate the leads of the semiconductor device in three dimensions.

Abstract: A computer controlled virtual battlefield simulator system that calculates virtual strikes on a playing field, such as a paintball playing field, that can eliminate players of the game by informing them via wireless communications that they have been eliminated from play. The system also tracks player movements on the field, the amount of virtual supplies and virtual support services the players and teams have in their possession. A player's equipment may include a wireless Tracking and Elimination Device that is carried on the person and is used to communicate with the computer system. Portable Arming Devices are located on the objectives for the players to arm, disarm, or repair the objective using their Tracking and Elimination Devices.

Abstract: A computer system and method for providing an on-line mall. An on-line mall environment is provided. The on-line mall environment is partitioned into at least one community and having at least one store in each community. Each store is made available to a merchant to occupy. The merchant may customize the store by providing for storage on the on-line mall sight design data and merchandise data. Customers access the on-line mall through a remote location. The customers may connect with the on-line mall website through direct connection to the on-line mall or through links provided by other websites. Customer specific data is stored on the on-line mall allowing the customer to enter purchasing data one time for the many stores in each community. Customer purchasing selections are stored and submitted to the mechant on standard intervals.

Abstract: A system for facilitating data communications between a client and a server is provided. The system includes a server thread system that receives client logon data and a request packet. The server thread system maintains a client process while the client is logged on to the server that allows the state of client-server communications to be determined. The system also includes a process thread system that is connected to the server thread system. The process thread system receives process initiation data from the server thread system and initiates a process in response to the process initiation data.

Abstract: A system for inspection components that are sealed within tape is provided. The system includes a light source that can illuminate the components through a tape layer. A polarizer is used to polarize light from the light source, the components, and the tape layer, so as to reduce glare and reflected light. An image system receives light from the polarizer and stores image data for each component.

Abstract: An imager pixel including a photodetector, a first MOS transistor functioning as the driver of a source follower amplifier, a second MOS transistor functioning as a pixel readout transistor, and a third transistor performing a dual function to reset the photodetector during a first time interval and cancel reset noise by serving as a weak current source during a second time interval.

Abstract: A cell phone is provided that may be used with multiple radio formats, such as GSM and CDMA. The cell phone includes a receiver that receives radio signals and converts them into electrical signals. An analog to digital converter is connected to the receiver and converts an analog input to a digital output having an adjustable number of bits at an adjustable sampling frequency. A cell phone application specific integrated circuit is connected to the analog to digital converter, which is used to process the digital output to extract encoded telecommunications data in one of the supported radio formats.

Abstract: An imager pixel including a photodetector, a first MOS transistor functioning as the driver of a source follower amplifier during signal readout, a second MOS transistor serving as a pixel readout transistor, a third MOS transistor serving as a photodetector reset transistor, and a reset noise cancellation circuit including a fourth MOS transistor, first and second capacitances, and an amplifier having a gain which is the inverse of the ratio of the first to the second capacitance.

Abstract: Techniques and structures for tuning integrated, distributed voltage-controlled oscillators (DVCO's) across a wide microwave frequency range are disclosed. One type of DVCO implements a tuning circuit that includes a pair of interconnected amplifying transistors and a current source connected to the transistors, such that a differential voltage input to the circuit adjusts the current to each transistor and effectively adjusts the “electrical length” of one of the transmission lines on which the output frequency is oscillating. This, in turn, adjusts the time delay and thus frequency of the signal propagating on the lines across a wide frequency band. This technique is called “current-steering.” In a preferred embodiment, the tuning circuit is balanced with a complementary tuning circuit to effectively adjust the electrical length of the second transmission line in the oscillator.

Abstract: A zero delay continuous long term (LT) pre-processing method operable in a speech codec that introduces no delay. The present invention provides an elegant solution to perform long term (LT) pre-processing of the pitch lag of a speech signal to save a large number of bits required in various speech coding methods, including the code-excited linear prediction method. The present invention is ideal for speech coding standards and methods that any undesirable delay at the end of a speech frame of the speech signal. The present invention overcomes a significant limitation in the art of speech coding, in that, a speech coding system that performs the invention is operable while providing real time operation and introducing no delay whatsoever.