Abstract: In the control system disclosed herein, multiple input data streams are processed or filtered to generate multiple output streams by a filter which combines efficient batch processing of a fixed number of older input samples with immediate direct processing of a varying number of current samples thereby to generate multiple output data streams which are based on essentially current input data as well as older input data reaching back for a time interval which varies periodically.

Abstract: A data communication network includes a network access unit for coupling one or more computer devices to the network. The network typically has asymmetric upstream and downstream data transmission rates. The network access device implements a method for acknowledging data packets. When a new packet is received by the network access unit from one of the computer devices, the new packet is placed in an outbound queue in the network access unit. When the new packet contains an acknowledgment, previous acknowledgment packets in the outbound queue that have the same source and destination addresses as the new packet are identified and discarded. Remaining packets are transmitted from the outbound queue in the network access unit. By discarding acknowledgment packets in the network access unit, throughput is increased.

Abstract: A method for remotely detecting at a ground station failed multiplexors and radio transceivers in an airborne telephone system is disclosed. Usage activity of the devices is predicted using a normalized gaussian distribution. A three prong test examines actual usage activity of the multiplexors and radio transceivers which is normalized and compared with that predicted utilizing a chi-square analysis with a specified confidence interval to detect abnormalities in the usage activity.

Abstract: In a telephone system wherein a number of distant terminals are each connected to a remote terminal and in which a number of remote terminals are each connected to a central office, a distant terminal includes a drop testing circuit for making sequential measurements on a plurality of customer telephones. The drop test circuit is included in a measurement system for providing condition responsive signals describing parameters of the telephone system, The drop test circuit includes circuitry such as scaling resistors, voltage sources, switching elements, and a multiplexed analog to digital voltage-sensing converter for providing digital data for transmission to the remote terminal or other more central location. The remote terminal comprises a computer based analyzer for interpreting, processing, and storing the data transmitted to it.

Abstract: An emergency call originates from a cellular radiotelephone (20) and communicates through one of A-side and B-side cellular systems. Upon receipt of the call, the cellular radiotelephone (20) is assigned a temporary substitute Mobile Identification Number (MIN) (100) by the receiving A-side or B-side cellular system MTSO (33). Upon termination of the emergency call, a call-back to the cellular radiotelephone (20) is routed to both of the A-side and B-side MTSOs (100), using the substitute MIN (100), by the Public Switched Telecommunications Network (36). Both A-side and B-side MTSOs (100) issue a page order message to cellular radiotelephone (20) by transmitting to the MIN (74). Paging order confirmation messages (78), conveying the MIN (74), are evaluated for a match with a unique Electronic Serial Number (76).

Abstract: A low cost and highly accurate sniper detection and localization system uses observations of the shock wave from supersonic bullets to estimate the bullet trajectory, Mach number, and caliber. If available, muzzle blast observations from an unsilenced firearm is used to estimate the exact sniper location along the trajectory. The system utilizes a distributed array of acoustic sensors to detect the leading edge of a projectile's shock wave and the muzzle blast from a firearm. The detection of the shock wave and muzzle blast is used to measure the wave arrival times of each waveform type at the sensors. This time of arrival (TOA) information for the shock wave and blast wave are used to determine the projectile's trajectory and a line of bearing to the origin of the projectile. A very accurate model of the bullet ballistics and acoustic radiation is used which includes bullet deceleration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the security of a message sent through a network server from a client computer to a destination server. A secure connection for receiving and transmitting data is established between the client computer and the network server. Using client-identifying information and a secure authentication protocol, the network server may then obtain client-authentication information from a validation center. The client-authentication information is transmitted to the client and erased from the network server. The network server then receives the client-authenticating information back from the client with an accompanying message for the destination server. The network server may use the client-authenticating information to obtain permission data from the validation center for use in accessing the destination server.

Abstract: A video distribution system with an optical-to-radio frequency conversion device that can be configured to reduce the amount of insertion loss introduced into the system and the number of hardware connections needed for the system's operation. A jumper module replaces protection fuses within the conversion device and isolates two of the device's output signal ports from the internal low frequency supply used to operated the device. The isolation permits the use of a single power inserter apparatus that provides the electrical power to downstream signal driving devices receiving the converted signal from the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and computerized method of assigning workers to a plurality of work-projects, utilizing linear programminig is disclosed. The linear programming formulations forecast the adequacy of the workforce, assigning workers so as to maximize scheduling of appointments while minimizing the aggregate travel time of workers to reach the work-project sites.

Abstract: A unified communication system is designed using an agreed upon transmission protocol between different carriers. The protocol is used to allow the automatic gathering of administrative data (such as trouble reports) from diverse locations within a sending network, using the proprietary administration data language and structure of that network. The gathered data is transported using the transmission principle to a single point of contact at a receiving network and translated into a data structure proprietary to the receiving network and thus presented to the proper system for action within the receiving system.

Abstract: Memory system for internally rearranging fields in database records. The memory is separated into modules, each module separately addressable. Each memory module is addressed by selectively modifying a supplied address, for example by the output from exclusive-OR gates, having inputs from the address supplied to the memory system and another inputs from address modification registers. The address modification registers are selectively set by the external utilization device to permit reading different rows in the memory modules. The data output columns from the memory modules can be rearranged using selector devices such as demultiplexors. Data can be masked by precluding certain selector control signals.

Abstract: A personal video involving activities of a subscriber at an amusement park, which includes personal segments recorded by a plurality of video cameras, environ segments separately recorded and interleaved between the personal segments, and text. The organization of certain segments of the personal video is determined by a subscriber who registers identification and information data prior to activating the cameras. Upon completion of the recording, the personal segments, the text and environ segments are assembled, processed, and duplicated for delivery to the subscriber. The environ segments are selected to display weather conditions existing at the time of recording the personal video segments.

Abstract: An integrated network for connecting both telephones and personal computers within an organization, using a single wiring connection is disclosed. Telephones and personal computers within the organization are connected to the same local area network (LAN) which is in turn connected to a telephony-computer interface (TCI). The TCI is also connected to telephone lines. The TCI forms an interface between telephone line communications and data packets for real time communications. In this way, only one wiring connection, the local area network, need be installed to interconnect both telephones and personal computers, for both local and off-site communications.

Abstract: In the communications network disclosed herein, each of a plurality of similar stations is operated so that the group automatically organizes or configures itself into a multi-layered network for relaying messages from station to station, with some of the stations operating at a relatively high power level as message gateways for a cluster of stations operating at lower power thereby to form, through the gateways, a network backbone providing longer distance network links. Initially, individual stations attempt to affiliate at a lower power level with an existing cluster gateway and, if that attempt is unsuccessful, the station switches to a higher power level and commences operation as a cluster gateway. Each cluster gateway periodically communicates data at least identifying to other cluster gateways the non-gateway stations which are affiliated with it.

Abstract: The system disclosed herein controls the vibratory energy radiated from a structure subject to excitation from an outside disturbance by enforcing a preselected mechanical impedance upon at least one point in the structure using an electromechanical transducer connected to the structure at that point. The transducer is energized in response to the output of an adjustable or adaptable filter. Sensors provide signals representing the force applied by the transducer and the resultant velocity. The force and velocity signals are applied as inputs to the adaptable filter through circuit means including a component providing an electrical analog of the preselected mechanical impedance. The adaptable filter is then controlled to reduce the amplitude of the input signal applied to the filter, i.e. the error between the measured mechanical impedance and the desired impedance.

Abstract: A highly functional built in self test circuit for embedded compiled macros is useful for testing embedded compiled macros having differing parameters. The built in self test circuit receives a scan vector that describes the parameters of the embedded compiled macro that is to be tested. For, example, the number and width of words stored in a read only memory (ROM) are scanned into the built in self test circuit for controlling the test sequences. A state machine within the built in self test circuit cycles through test vector generation, test vector application, data output scanning and compression for signature analysis. Parallel outputs of the embedded compiled devices are serialized so that regardless of the number of outputs, a serial input shift register can be used for signature generation.

Abstract: A write controller for a signal switch with a linearly searchable memory eliminates the need to maintain an ordered list of free addresses. The write controller utilizes a hardware encoded bit map and search logic to search linearly for memory locations that do not contain valid data and can therefore be written to. The search stops at the first memory location where the bit map tag indicates that the memory location is available, and then the write control logic unit associated with that memory location sends a kill signal that tells downstream write control logic units associated with other memory locations to deactivate. The write controller writes the data into the selected memory location and flips the status bit of that location to indicate that the memory location is no longer available for writing. The write controller then releases the restraining kill signal, allowing the next available memory location in line to receive data during the next clock cycle.

Abstract: A multiple channel radio frequency repeater has a receive port for receiving an input signal from a first antenna and a transmit port for transmitting a frequency shifted output signal to a second antenna. An input bandpass filter is located at the input port. A low noise amplifier follows the input bandpass filter for amplifying all signals within the input bandwidth. A plurality of channel filters divide the input signal into a plurality of channel signals. A local oscillator generates a local oscillator (LO) signal. There is a mixer corresponding to each channel, each mixer has an input port, an output put port and an LO port. The LO port is coupled to the local oscillator. An Automatic Gain Control (AGC) amplifier is between each channel filter and each mixer for adjusting the channel signal level to the mixer input port to assure that each mixer has the same level amplified channel signal.

Abstract: A cord reel assembly is provided which includes a housing including a funnel-shaped port, a spool journalled within the housing, and a cord wound about the spool and having an end portion exiting the housing via the funnel-shaped port. The housing typically includes first and second opposing walls generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the spool, and a bridging wall connecting the first and second walls. The funnel-shaped exit port extends outwardly from the bridging wall.

Abstract: A growable read only memory (ROM) provides improved performance over a wide range of array sizes by incorporating a localized reference bitline that accurately tracks changes in loading and variations in process parameters. The reference bitline is input into one side of a differential sense amplifier while a selected data bitline is input into the other side. The reference bitline is precharged and includes two columns, a first column includes devices that are matched to memory cell devices wherein a device of the selected word line will be selected to discharge the referenced bitline. The second column includes a recessed oxide device corresponding to each memory cell in the column. The combination of the two columns ensures that the reference bitline will discharge at a predetermined rate that tracks the rate at which a selected contact programmed memory cell discharges.