Abstract: The invention is a system and method for deriving a single dimensional representation for a set of points e.g.,minutiae, in image of a two dimensional pattern of lines, e.g. a fingerprint, by creating a one dimensional (string) representation of one or more points (e.g., minutiae) and the respective attributes of each point therein. A landmark point is selected from the two dimensional image, preferably from the set of the points to be represented in single dimension. The relationships of each of the points with reference to the landmark determines a linear order for the points and the attributes associated with each point.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer and demultiplexer for dense wavelength division multiplexed (“DWDM”) fiber optic communication systems is disclosed. As a multiplexer, the device functions to spatially combine the optical signals from several laser sources (each of which is a different wavelength) and launch the spatially combined laser beams into a single optical fiber. As a demultiplexer, the device functions to spatially separate the different wavelengths of a wavelength division multiplexed optical link and launch each of the different wavelengths into a different optical fiber. In either embodiment, the device includes both bulk optic and integrated optic components. The spatial separation or spatial combination of laser beams of different wavelength is achieved with the use of bulk diffraction gratings.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for determining alignment parameters (rotation angle and translation vector) between two images of scene based on the attributes of segments associated with a pair of corresponding points, each point extracted from each of the images.

Abstract: A reliable estimate of image pixel (fingerprint ridge) orientations, and block orientations for a given block is determined by finding an optimal block size in an area of an image, e.g., a fingerprint image. An initial block size is chosen. Then a block direction is determined, e.g., by analyzing intensity gradients in two directions, preferably two orthogonal directions, at a plurality (preferably all) of the pixels locations in the block. Block directions of blocks in a given area of the images (fingerprint) are compared. If the compared directions are within a tolerance of one another, the determined direction of the block is considered correct. However, if the compared directions are not within a tolerance of one another, the block size is changed and the process is repeated.

Abstract: Disclosed in a system and method for segmenting foreground pixel from background pixels in a digital image, specifically a fingerprint image. First the image is divided into blocks of optimal size. Then, for a given block, an overall gradient magnitude and a projected gradient magnitude is determined. The overall gradient magnitude is a measure of the amount of intensity variation in the current block. If a large number (or all) of the pixels have a direction that is the same as the overall gradient direction, the projected gradient magnitude will be nearly equal (will be equal) to the overall gradient magnitude. This indicates that the current block is a block in the foreground of the image. A relationship, e.g., a ratio, of the over gradient magnitude to the overall projected gradient magnitude is taken certainty level that the current block is in the foreground or background of the image.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for matching a two dimensional pattern of lines, e.g. a fingerprint, by creating a one dimensional representation of one or more points (e.g., minutiae) on the lines in the patterns to be matched. The one dimensional representations are created by finding a corresponding reference point (minutiae) in each of the patterns and creating an index of other points in each of the respective patterns with respect to the reference point (minutiae). The indexes are adaptively compared taking into account the elastic distortions of the lines.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for determining a correspondence between a point selected from a set of points extracted from one image and an another point selected from the second set of points extracted from another image based on similarity of relationships of attributes associated with segments attached to the points.

Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of processor modules coupled to a system bus with each of said processor modules including a processor interfaced to the system bus. The processor module has a backup cache memory and tag store. An index bus is coupled between the processor and the backup cache and backup cache tag store with said bus carrying only an index portion of a memory address to said backup cache and said tag store. A duplicate tag store is coupled to an interface with the duplicate tag memory including means for storing duplicate tag addresses and duplicate tag valid, shared and dirty bits. The duplicate tag store and the separate index bus provide higher performance from the processor by minimizing external interrupts to the processor to check on cache status and also allows other processors access to the processor's duplicate tag while the processor is processing other transactions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically providing for both multiplexing and independent external modulation of two or more wavelengths emitted by one or more multi-longitudinal mode laser(s) or other light source. The present invention uses an integrated optics device chip to enable coupling of the dispersed wavelengths into separate electro-optic modulators which encode each of the carrier wavelengths with a different signal. Accordingly, the volume of data which can be transmitted over an optical fiber network is increased. The carrier wavelengths can be transmitted over single or multi-mode optical fibers.

Abstract: A check strap assembly particularly for use with a passenger door of a motor vehicle includes an arm having a first end interconnected to the body of the vehicle and a second end interconnected to the vehicle door. The check strap assembly further includes a locating mechanism disposed within the door and attached to a forward panel of the door. The arm extends through an aperture located in the forward panel of the door and is translatable relative to the locating mechanism and the door. A seal member is provided which is operative to seal the aperture and the panel of the door. The seal member is carried by the arm such that the seal member abuts the panel of the door when the door is in the closed position and is spaced from the panel of the door when the door is in the fully opened position. The seal operates to protect the cooperating components of the check strap assembly from dirt, moisture and other contaminants when the vehicle door is in its closed position.

Abstract: A computer system comprising one or more processor modules. Each processor module comprising a central processing unit comprising a storage element disposed in the central processing unit dedicated for storing a semaphore address lock value and a semaphore lock flag value, a cache memory system for storing data and instruction values used by the central processing unit, a system bus interface for communicating with other processor modules over a system bus, a memory system implemented as a common system resource available to the processor modules for storing data and instructions, an IO system implemented as a common system resource available to the plurality of processor modules for each to communicate with data input devices and data output devices, and a system bus connecting the processor module to the memory system and to the IO system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically providing for both multiplexing and independent external modulation of two or more wavelengths emitted by one or more multi-longitudinal mode laser(s) or other light source. The present invention uses an integrated optics device chip to enable coupling of the dispersed wavelengths into separate electro-optic modulators which encode each of the carrier wavelengths with a different signal. Accordingly, the volume of data which can be transmitted over an optical fiber network is increased. The carrier wavelengths can be transmitted over single or multi-mode optical fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for splitting, scanning and receiving a beam of light is disclosed. Binary optic array components are used to split, in an angular manner, an input beam into multiple beams, traveling in different directions. Miniaturized array element BOCs arranged in "n" different groups are used, wherein n is dependent upon the number of split beams needed or desired. An offset is introduced between the optical axis of each of the corresponding pair of miniaturized BOCs. By varying the offset over time, the resultant beam(s) can be scanned in one, two or three dimensions. Piezo-electric drivers controlled by a processor may be used to move the array in order to vary the offset. The device may also include a collection area to collect the returned scanned beams by using an array of optic components integrated with the scanner. The collected beams are then focused onto detectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically providing for both multiplexing and independent external modulation of two or more wavelengths emitted by a multi-longitudinal mode laser. The present invention uses an integrated optics device chip to enable coupling of the dispersed wavelengths into separate electro-optic modulators which encode each of the carrier wavelengths with a different signal. Accordingly, the volume of data which can be transmitted over an optical fiber network is increased.

Abstract: A heavy hydrocarbon oil, a substantial portion of which boils above 524.degree. C., is subjected to hydrocracking with a fractionated heavy oil recycle stream containing active additive particles. In the process, a slurry feed of (1) fresh heavy hydrocarbon oil feedstock and a heavy hydrocarbon recycle and (2) from about 0.01-4% by weight (based on fresh feedstock) of iron sulphate additive particles having sizes less than 45 .mu.m, is passed upwardly through a confined vertical hydrocracking zone. A mixed effluent is removed from the top of the hydrocracking zone, which is then passed through a hot separator vessel. From the bottom of the separator is withdrawn a liquid heavy hydrocarbon stream comprising heavy hydrocarbons and particles of the iron sulphate additive converted mainly to an iron sulphide phase. This separated liquid heavy hydrocarbon stream is fractionated to obtain a heavy oil which boils above 450.degree. C., containing the additive particles.

Abstract: A method for static analysis of a software model of a circuit clocked by two clocks where the two clocks' periods are multiples of a greatest common divisor period. In the invention, a composite clock is determined with a period equal to the least common multiple of the periods of the two clocks, and the model is statically analyzed relative to the composite clock.

Abstract: A transmission holographic element (1) composed of a first reflection holographic optical element (2) and a second reflection holographic optical element (3). Reflection holographic optical elements (2,3) are adhesively mated such that the distance separating the two elements is no more than a few wavelengths of the incident light beam (9). The incident light beam (9) passes through first element (2) and is reflected off of the second element (3) which reflects the light beam back towards first element (2) which again reflects the light beam through the second optical element (3). In this manner, two discrete reflection holographic elements (2,3) behave as a single transmission holographic element.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a heavy hydrocarbon oil in the presence of hydrogen and iron-petroleum coke catalyst is described in which the iron-petroleum coke catalyst is prepared by grinding petroleum coke particles and particles of an iron compound in oil to form an additive slurry or paste and mixing the petroleum coke-iron oil slurry or paste with the heavy hydrocarbon oil to form a feedstock to hydroconverter.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a heavy hydrocarbon oil in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst or additive is described. It is shown that conversion can be increased by injecting an anti-foaming agent or a solution of anti-foaming agent in light oil into the reactor. Significantly better results are obtained when the anti-foam or the solution of anti-foam is injected directly into the top section of the reactor.

Abstract: A hydroconversion process is described in which a feed slurry comprising a heavy hydrocarbon oil and an iron compound additive is contacted with a hydrogen-containing gas in a hydroconversion zone at hydroconversion conditions to convert at least a portion of said oil to lower boiling products. The process is characterized by the use of an iron compound having particle sizes of less than 45 .mu.m, preferably with at least 50 wt % of particles of less than 5 .mu.m.