Abstract: An anti-theft system is disclosed which includes a fuel cut-off valve (12) that is controlled in response to receiving a command over a paging system utilizing a paging receiver (14). The message that is sent to the paging receiver (14) is encrypted. This encryption is performed by utilizing a first level of encryption wherein a message is generated including a secondary address, command information and a CRCC check byte. This is encrypted by utilizing an encryption table of randomly generated numbers at a central office location and then utilizing a corresponding encryption table at the receive location for the decryption operation. An index byte is utilized to determine the value selected from the encryption table at the central location which is forwarded to the receiver such that the same values are extracted from that encryption table. These values are assembled into a decryption key which is similar to the encryption key at the central office.

Abstract: A scene change monitor includes a camera (12) for monitoring a given scene. The camera (12) is operable to sequentially generate frames (18) of visual information, which frames are then divided up into pixels and the value of the pixels for each frame accumulated in an accumulator (25). The accumulator (25) provides on the output thereof a frame value for each frame (18) and stores this value in a register (22). A difference generator (24) is operable to generate the difference between select ones of the registers (22) for select ones of the frames (18) and generate a difference value for input to a comparator (26). The comparator (26) compares the difference value to a scene change threshold and, if it exceeds this value, a VCR activation signal is generated for turning a VCR (16) on to record the scene.

Abstract: A video-to-FAX conversion system includes a video camera (10) for generating video signals which are then captured by a frame grabber and stored in a frame buffer (14). The data in the frame buffer is comprised of digitized values from the video signal which are stored in pixels with a first aspect ratio. A conversion device (16) is operable to map information in the frame buffer to the binary output space of a Group III FAX protocol and perform contrast enhancement thereon. The contrast enhancement includes the steps of first generating a histogram of all of the pixel values in the frame buffer (14) after expansion thereof into the output space of the Group III FAX. The histogram values are then utilized to generate an adjusted value for each of the gray scale values available for the pixels in the frame buffer 14. Each pixel in the frame buffer (14) is then expanded and the contrast enhancement applied thereto to adjust the values therein.

Abstract: A secure facsimile interface includes a main CPU (30) having associated therewith a bulk memory (32) for storing transfer data between a Group 3 facsimile machine (20) and a secure encryptor/decryptor telephone unit (10) that operates in accordance with MIL-STD-188-161. The main CPU (30) interfaces with the Group 3 machine (20) through an RJ11 port. A TELCO simulator (42) generates the telephone signals necessary to communicate with the Group 3 machine (20) and a FAX interface (36) is operable to interface between the audio and digital domain, and with the main CPU (30). An RS232 interface is connected to the encryptor/decryptor telephone unit (10) with a bit stream processor (40) operable to interface with the protocol thereof.

Abstract: An aircraft control yoke apparatus includes an inexpensive mechanism for manipulating a two axis variable transducer and is especially adaptable for use with microcomputers. The apparatus includes a control wheel attached at one end to a shaft which is in turn supported by a linear bearing. The linear bearing permits the shaft to rotate and simultaneously move back and forth. A crank mechanism is attached to the other end of the shaft and serves to amplify the rotational movement of the steering wheel. A resilient, elastic material like natural isoprene rubber connects the crank to a two axis variable transducer. The elastic material causes the two axis transducer to follow the motion of the rotational and back and forth movement of the steering wheel. A return-to-center mechanism causes the wheel to return to a neutral position when no force is applied to it. A very life-like simulation of airplane flight is achieved with a minimum of expense and a high degree of realism.