Abstract: A computer method and apparatus for selecting and manipulating curvilinear shapes entered by a user is shown. The curvilinear shapes are represented within the computer using parameterized equations. The representation is reduced to maximal elements. The maximal elements are extended. Registration points of the extended maximal elements are then identified. Once the registration points and maximal elements are known, curvilinear shapes can be matched using those maximal elements and registration points. Therefore a user can create a sketch that looks like part of a drawing and the computer can find the corresponding section for the user and transform it.

Abstract: A device which includes a first integrated circuit and a second IC for applying a fixed logic value to an input of the first integrated circuit. A conventional implementation uses pull-up and pull-down resistors, but these resistors necessitate an additional step and additional elements for the testing of the relevant interconnections. The device is improved in that an output of the second IC, which outputs the logic value during normal operation, is controlled via test logic during testing. As a result, the interconnections between the output of the second IC and the input of the first IC are tested in the same way and as part of the testing of the other interconnections between the first and second integrated circuits.

Abstract: The communication system allows a group of at least three apparatuses, such as game computers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), to communicate wirelessly by using, for instance, infrared transmission. The apparatuses are the same from a communication point of view. A message frame (500) transmitted by an apparatus (10) can, therefore, be received by all other apparatuses (101 e.a.), which are part of the system. Reliability is increased by acknowledging correct reception of a message frame (500) and retransmitting a message frame (500) up to a predefined maximum number of times if no acknowledgement frame (510) is received. The chance of message frames (500) and/or acknowledgement frames (510) colliding is reduced. After a message frame (500) has been transmitted, a following defined time period is reserved for acknowledging reception of the message frame (500). Upon receiving the message frame (500), the receiving apparatuses (101 e.a.