Abstract: A method for measuring the rise/fall time and pulse width of RF pulses using multi-purpose, commercial-off-the-shelf test devices, such as an RF signal down converter, a digitizer and a signal processor. The method is based on digitizing the RF signals and developing an average sample pulse waveform. The rise/fall time and pulse width are then calculated from data points on the sample waveform. The method is suitable for real-time calculations of the rise/fall time and pulse width.

Abstract: Semiconductor processing tools in a semiconductor processing facility are coupled to communicate with a power management system. The power management system monitors the power consumption status of each of the semiconductor processing tools. Using the power consumption status of each of the semiconductor processing tools, the power management system stages the operation of the semiconductor processing tools so as to maintain the power consumption of the semiconductor processing facility below a predefined maximum power consumption. Limiting the power consumption to less than the predefined maximum power consumption reduces the per die processing costs without incurring the expense of building a new semiconductor processing facility or without modifying the semiconductor processing tools for larger batch sizes or for greater throughput.

Abstract: Data processing apparatus comprises distributed processors for the parallel discrete event simulation of physical processes by the parallel execution of virtual-time-stamped logical processes scheduled by the transmission of virtual-time-stamped messages on logical channels between the processors. Each processor has a clock representing virtual time and ordering forward processing, and a memory for storing a state queue, representative of the physical state at different times of the system upon which the physical processes operate. Each processor is programmed with an operating system supporting optimistic time warp management of the message scheduling and message transmission and of the state queue, allowing interruption of forward processing for local rollback to an earlier virtual time and to earlier states and allowing cancellation of messages upon recognition by the processor of a sequence error in messages received at that or another processor.

Abstract: A signal processing method and apparatus for analyzing operation of a combustion burner. Responsive to a signal produced by a flame sensor which monitors a burner flame, a fluctuational component of the signal is converted into an extremum function having a floating extremum point with a frequency coordinate which varies in the frequency domain with changes in combustion conditions. A current extremum value of the extremum function is calculated. Then, in relation to the current extremum value, a value of at least one parameter of the extremum function is calculated, such function being related to the combustion characteristic. The apparatus comprises a processor and memory coupled thereto, the memory having stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the aforementioned operations.

Abstract: An N-best feasible hypotheses multitarget tracking system for accurately detecting and tracking large numbers of closely spaced objects in a dense target environment in real time.

Abstract: In a technique of monitoring whether a physical system is normal or abnormal by continuously comparing a phenomenon taking place in the system and a phenomenon taking place in a model and also in a technique of control adopting evaluation functions using an error quantity in the model, the phenomena in both the physical system and model can be optimized. An equivalent electric circuit to the physical system is produced, and an input is provided to both of the system and the circuit. In this state, the output of the physical system and the reference value of the equivalent electric circuit are compared. The use of the equivalent electric circuit permits solving the problem inherent in the prior art that the time necessary for analog-to-digital conversion and numerical calculations is longer than the time of the actual phenomenon and disables real time simulation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and system for monitoring the performance of a computer coupled to a computer network and, optionally, generating alerts when the performance of the computer has reached an alertable level. The method of monitoring the performance of the computer comprises repeatedly obtaining performance data using the computer wherein at least one performance value comprises a measure of the performance of the computer. The performance data is automatically sent over the computer network to a second computer coupled to the computer network. The performance data is then logged to a performance database using the second computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a ground fault circuit interrupt device includes a processor, an input device connected to the processor for receiving input from an operator, a storage media connected to the processor for storing test data, an output device connected to the processor for outputting information corresponding to the test data to the operator, and a calibrated variable load circuit connected between the processor and the ground fault circuit interrupt device. The ground fault circuit interrupt device is configured to trip a corresponding circuit breaker. The processor is configured to receive signals from the calibrated variable load circuit and to process the signals to determine a trip threshold current and/or a trip time. A method of testing the ground fault circuit interrupt device includes a first step of providing an identification for the ground fault circuit interrupt device. Test data is then recorded in accordance with the identification.

Abstract: A data processing system being constructed such that the amount of time a data bus of a data processor is occupied to perform predetermined data processing operations is reduced. The data processing system includes a data processor for processing data, a first memory for storing data, a second memory for storing data, a dedicated data processing circuit for performing a predetermined data processing operation on data, a data bus and first and second dedicated buses. The data bus is connected to said data processor and the first and second memories and transfers processed data from the data processor to the first memory and from the second memory to the data processor. The first dedicated bus is independent of the data bus and is connected to the circuit and the first memory and transfers processed data from the first memory to the circuit.

Abstract: A computerized system and a method for acquisition, storage, and retrieval of a plurality of image datas corresponding to a plurality of physical inspection areas of a physical surface is disclosed. A graphical interface graphically draws a virtual diagram of the physical surface and a plurality of virtual inspection areas on the virtual diagram. A sensor connected to the interface senses a plurality of image datas of the plurality of physical inspection areas. A display connected to the interface is also provided for selectively displaying the virtual diagram and the image data. An image storage connected to the interface collects the plurality of image datas and names an image file of each image data according to a graphical position of the corresponding virtual inspection area on the virtual diagram.

Abstract: A network interface system and related methods. A single logic control module, which may be implemented in hardware or software, is utilized to perform any of a number of data manipulation functions including, for example, parsing, filtering, data generation or analysis, based upon one or more programmably configurable protocol descriptions which may be stored in and retrieved from an associated memory.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring use of a handsink to determine compliance with a use regimen by a user, the apparatus including a first data collection device for determining an identity of the user of the handsink during each use for comparison to the use regimen, a second data collection device for determining a time of use of the handsink by the user during each use for comparison to the use regimen, and a device for evaluating compliance with the use regimen by the user based on the determined identity of the user and the determined time of use. Third, fourth, and fifth data collection devices may be provided for determining a completion of use of the handsink during each use for comparison to the use regimen, the determined completion being also employed by the compliance evaluating device.

Abstract: A method of identifying the non-clustered failure yield on a wafer which includes: measuring an absolute yield of the chips on a wafer; identifying a first set of clustered failed chips in which each failed chip is disposed in a field of chips whose yield is below the absolute yield; determining an adjusted yield discounted for the first set of clustered failed chips; identifying at least one additional set of clustered failed chips in which each failed chip is disposed in a field of chips whose yield is below the adjusted yield; and determining an additional adjusted yield for each additional set of clustered failed chips discounting for the previous set of clustered failed chips until the difference between the additional adjusted yield and the previous adjusted yield are within a predetermined maximum acceptable difference for indicating a non-clustered failure yield of the wafer.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is described that detects and indicates the quantity of cryogenic liquid in a Dewar container independent of the spatial orientation and physical motions acting on the Dewar container. The sensor apparatus comprises a first conductor, preferably positioned adjacent to the container inner shell wall and a second conductor comprising a plurality of axially spaced and concentric conductor bands mounted inside the container in a proximately spaced and a parallel relationship with respect to the first conductor. The second conductor bands divide the first conductor into zones that provide a plurality of distinct and separate capacitors. A computer measures the capacitance of each capacitor and compares the individual capacitance measurements to reference capacitance values corresponding to a known quantity of cryogenic fluid filled in the container at known angles of inclination. The sensor apparatus is also useful as a motion detector.

Abstract: An event data recorder and method for recording data relating to a distinct event which pertains to operation of a mechanism. The recorder comprises a device for collecting data pertaining to such operation and formatting such data into a sequence of data elements. A circular buffer is linked to the collecting and formatting device for temporarily storing a number of data elements. The elements are stored on the buffer as a newest element continuously writes over an oldest element as a storage limit of the buffer is reached. The recorder also includes a timer of predetermined duration which activates upon each occurrence of such event. The recorder has a memory device for retaining the data elements. The elements can be accessed therefrom for analysis of such operation of such mechanism surrounding such event.

Abstract: A synchronization network that provides frame timing that is particularly suited for a Eureka-147 system is disclosed. The synchronization network reduces the typical amount of computations required to provide for frame timing schemes and includes matched filtering operations that separate the waveforms of null and sine symbols contained in the multiple carriers of the Eureka-147 system. The matched filtering technique are accomplished before a fast Fourier transform operation and which accomplishments elimination of the need of an inverse fast Fourier transform operation normally performed by one of the receiver elements of the Eureka-147 system. This elimination is accomplished without degrading the performance of the Eureka-147 system.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a current state of a process variable output signal is within acceptable limits includes the following steps: establishing reference data by sampling a plant's process variable output signal when the plant is operating at steady state and analyzing the sampled output signal to derive normalized reference data including an energy content of each of a plurality of frequency components of the sampled output signal. The procedure establishes a current operational data base by sampling a process variable signal when the plant is in operation. The sampled current output signal is analyzed to derive current data including a normalized energy content of each of a plurality of its frequency components. For each common frequency component of the reference data and the current data, the procedure compares their normalized energy contents and issues a non-steady state signal if the comparison indicates that the compared energy contents exceed a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method in a computer system for selecting instrumentation points in a computer program. Instrumentation points are locations within the computer program at which instrumentation code is inserted. The method includes identifying code portions such as basic blocks in the computer program code, creating a control flow graph out of the code portions, generating a spanning tree for the control flow graph, and then selecting those edges of the control flow graph which are not a part of the spanning tree as instrumentation points. After instrumentation points are selected, instrumentation code may be added at those locations. When the computer program is executed, the added instrumentation code records execution information such as how many times an instrumentation point is accessed during execution of the computer program.

Abstract: A modular analyzer system consists of a control device and one or more functional analyzer modules linked to the control device. The analyzer modules include FID, NDIR, chemiluminescence and paramagnetic analyzers. Each analyzer module includes a microprocessor having all menus necessary for the operation of the analyzer. Menus are coded and transmitted in real time by providing the control device with a dictionary of menu phrases which are coded and the codes maintained in a code index at each analyzer module and at the control device. Since menus are maintained at the analyzer module and not transmitted until called for, there is no need to store specific menus at the control device. New modules can be easily added to the system and any phrases not already included in the phrase dictionary are downloaded to a supplemental dictionary when the new module is added. Data is displayed in the form called for by the analyzer menu and data from several analyzer modules can be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described that is used to design a minimal spares network for a given communications network. Three data files are used as input which describe the communications network. The information comprising such data files include the number and configuration of the nodes and spans, the current demand in terms of the required capacity between the source and destination nodes, current spare capacity (if any), and optionally current paths used to carry the demand traffic (including the presence or absence of glass-throughs). A three pass method is used to design an efficient and economical spares network from the given input data. A simulated cut is performed on each span in the communications network. From each simulated span cut, the affected demand traffic is identified and rerouted via spare capacity that is `purchased` on an incremental cost basis. Pre-purchased spares are used before new spares are purchased.