Abstract: A case-based reasoning system includes a case database capable of storing a plurality of cases that each include one or more attributes. A view generator in the case-based reasoning system generates a view of the case database by representing each case within at least a selected subset of the plurality of cases within the case database with one or more uniform-length view tokens. An input parser in the case-based reasoning system provides a tokenized representation of an input incident that includes one or more input tokens. The case-based reasoning system further includes a search engine that compares the input tokens with the view tokens to identify one or more closely matching cases within the view. By searching the view rather than directly searching the case database, cases that closely match the input are efficiently identified.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for processing documents in a two pass arrangement. During the first pass, an image is stored along with a digital image signature relating to a portion of said image. On the second pass the image signature is compared with stored image signatures seeking a unique match. If that unique match is found, the associated record stored is used for controlling the function of the document processing system, for example, printing an amount field or sorting the document into a selected sorter pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for processing documents in a two pass arrangement. During the first pass, an image is stored along with a digital image signature relating to a portion of said image. On the second pass the image signature is compared with stored image signatures seeking a unique match. If that unique match is found, the associated record stored is used for controlling the function of the document processing system, for example, printing an amount field or sorting the document into a selected sorter pocket.

Abstract: High speed machine scanning of documents such as checks produces digital check images that are placed in archival storage on mass storage devices for later retrieval. Images and/or documents are automatically reviewed by a machine in order to identify images and/or documents that are of suspect quality. Machine review of suspect images and/or documents provides a reject or accept decision. Only acceptable documents are archived. Accepted documents are formed into large data groups that contain a storage location identification for each individual document within the large data group. An index is stored for each such data group wherein the storage location of each document within the large data group is contained. Digital images are selectively converted to visual images, and these visual images are then reviewed by a human operator. This operator review is used to adjust the machine's accept/reject decision making process, thereby teaching the machine the correct manner of making its accept/reject decision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for the certification of cryptographic keys for use in chipcards. In this procedure, a certification key and a certificate are transferred to the chipcard. The first part of the certificate includes the cryptographic key and the second part of the certificate includes a digital signature of the first part of the certificate. The digital certificate is subsequently checked by means of the certification key on the chipcard.

Abstract: The invention provides a communication system for accessing system services on a network of information handling devices including a server running on a host computer adapted to listen at a predefined port for requests for connection to service access agents; where the requests come from a client application; wherein the server is adapted to determine how to start the access agent for service as specified in the request; wherein the server is adapted to start the access agent with a dynamically assigned socket; and, wherein the client is notified by acknowledgment of the request, the acknowledgment including identification of the assigned socket to communicate with the requested access agent; the dynamically assigned socket being selected by system services from sockets available on the host computer on which the server is running; the access agent being adapted to access a requested service.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and system is disclosed for providing TCP/IP addresses from a dynamic user identification server to workstations running an application program so that messages can be sent from one operator to another operator regardless of which workstation the other operator may be using, without the need to send the message itself through a server station. The dynamic user identification server also keeps track of the number of workstations in use at any one time and the number of copies of a licensed program being used for royalty control.

Abstract: Character normalization is accomplished using a scaling program. Data input to a scaling program are character images and character parameters (height of result buffer frame, character height, character width and character location), and parameters calculated for scaling (the size of a normalized portion to be output; and the top and bottom and the left and right hand spaces of a normalization pattern to be output). In the present invention, normalization is performed by adjusting the parameters, without especially changing the processing flow. A threshold value is provided in accordance with the size and the location of an input character in order to change a calculation method for parameters that are to be transmitted to the scaling program. Since the values at the boundary of the threshold value are continuous, no discontinuity appears in a resultant normalized image that covers the range from small characters to large characters, and seamless normalization is therefore accomplished.

Abstract: A multimedia terminal for adapting audio-video signals into a digital data network is provided. The terminal comprises a video decoder, a video encoder, a frame buffer, and a host processor coupled to the frame buffer. The frame buffer has a plurality of memory fields, a system time clock that is switchable from a free running clock to being locked to the analog video signals and a frame buffer logic control circuit which controls the flow of data in and out of the memory fields. The frame buffer is able to operate in two distinct modes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a single, multi-purpose chip for translating a personal computer format or protocol (such as ISA, MCA, PCMCIA or PCI formats) to an output format such as the IBM 5250 format or TWINAX.

Abstract: An optical scanner device is provided in PCMCIA format for transparent image bearing media (slides or film). The light sensor (420) includes a single photosensitive element, a photodiode, close to the media (415) being scanned; the sensor (420) and the media (415) are relatively movable one in respect of the other in at least two directions, successively acquiring data representing each pixel one at a time. The source light (405) is implemented as a small block of four LEDs (red, green, blue and infrared), including a plexiglass diffuser (410), and it is moved concurrently with the sensor (420). The sensor (420) and the light source (405) can be moved at different selected speeds, providing a scanner with different selectable resolutions.

Abstract: A system and method for retrieving the contents of a digital information system by multi-level categorization is disclosed. The system uses a file table, a category table, and a category bundling table. Headings and directions are displayed on navigation pages to guide the user to the desired file. The description and hierarchy relationship of categories, sub-categories, and files are stored in the tables. When the user selects a category or file and the direction of navigation, the system returns the file, or consults the tables and returns a list of new categories and files for a new navigation page. Moving down and then up through a category usually produces a different navigation page. Dynamic updating of the system categories and files can be easily accomplished by altering the content of the tables.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating information between a computer and a plurality of peripherals along a plurality of communication channels is disclosed. The computer and peripherals are connected in a succession of stages (cascaded), in a tree-like (hierarchical) communication network configuration. Peripherals in the network include an associated communication unit which is responsible for transmitting and/or receiving data communicated on a communication channel. The communication unit facilitates the transfer of data to, and the receipt of data from, the unit's parent, and also facilitates the transfer of data to, and the receipt of data from, any child units. In the invented method, each communication unit, in parallel, composes those individual messages received from child units into a single composite message and transmits the composite message to the communication unit's parent.

Abstract: A method to segment, classify and clean an image is presented. It may be used in applications which have image data as their input that contains different classes of elements. The method will find, separate and classify those elements. Only significant elements must be kept for further processing and thus the amount of processed data may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently displaying information for an object two-dimensionally. A two-dimensional pattern displayed in a two-dimensional tag comprises a first region consisting of a locational reference region that is square and located in the center of the first region for identifying the location and an identification region that surrounds the locational reference region and is a single data cell, a second region in which a black pattern and a white pattern appear alternately for identifying the starting location for reading information, and a third region for displaying coded information about the object. Detection of the square region in the first region allows detection of the location of the two-dimensional tag in which the two-dimensional pattern is displayed, while detection of the data cell of the second region in which black and white appear alternately allows detection and correction of the location of the two-dimensional tag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for virtual navigation includes a control which controls the dimensional appearance of a first image on a display. The control comprises a second image associated with the first image and a mechanism for altering the appearance of the first image in response to selecting a portion of the second image. The second image is preferably displayed on a display and includes indicia for representing multiple modes of operation. The mechanism for altering the appearance of the first image is preferably a stored program. Alternatively, the mechanism may be implemented in electronic circuitry. An important element of control is the ability to combine indicia which represent different functions into a unitary control apparatus. Each combination of two or more indicia (e.g., direction, speed, incremental or continuous movement, etc.) results in a unique modular and multi-functional control.

Abstract: A printhead drive circuit to be utilized in impact printers is disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the printhead driver circuit includes a first switch, a set of second switches, and a decoupling circuit. The first switch is coupled between a first terminal of a DC power supply and a first terminal of a set of solenoid coils. The set of second switches is utilized to selectively energize each of the solenoid coils within the set. Each of the second switches is also respectively coupled between a second terminal of each of the solenoid coils and a second terminal of the DC power supply. The decoupling circuit is for selectively decoupling a first group of solenoid coils within the set that are not energized from a second group of solenoid coils within the set that are energized.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus in a printing device having a printhead displaceable along a record carrier. The record carrier is supported beneath the printhead by a platen. The improved apparatus includes a mechanism for spacing the printing distance between the printhead and the record carrier. The spacing mechanism is positioned to bear upon the record carrier in advance of the printhead. A mechanism urges the platen away from the printhead and the spacing mechanism so as to permit a ribbon mechanism to be inserted between the printhead and the platen.