Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving an OCR process for recognizing unidentified characters through the creation of sets of like unidentified characters in a scanned image, deducing what the unidentified characters are with a spell checking procedure and replacing only those unidentified characters which are unambiguously determined. The order for identifying characters is strategically performed so the unidentified characters which are easier to recognize are processed before those that are more difficult to recognize. As characters become identified, relationships defined by corresponding sets allow replacing the same character in related but different textual components. As characters become recognized, other characters become more recognizable by virtue of belonging to the same textual component, such as a word, or to a related textual component such as another word containing the same character.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to associate actions, attributes, objects or devices on a computer desktop to reduce multiple manual processes. A media association agent monitors, builds, maintains and recalls links based on prior actions and user choices. The media association agent exists within a data processing system as a background process which may be implemented as a terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) process. Devices, attributes, objects and actions are registered by the media association agent and stored in non-volatile storage. Associations are then built by links among the entities registered with the media association agent. These links take the form of entries in relational database tables, entries in flat files, linked lists, sets of pointers, etc. The groups of links are assigned unique identifiers for internal use by the media association agent. The media association agent acts continuously to record actions and build links passively or on demand based on user specific user signals such as a trigger.

Abstract: A method which allows the user to convert several data layers from one GIS into another. The user creates a template map of the area of interest. The template is an "all points" map which, when graphed, would appear as a black polygon identical in shape to the area of interest. Using the first GIS, the template is converted to a file in bit-mapped format. All zero bits in this file are identified and their position in the file noted. This information is referred to as the transform function. For each data layer to be converted, the first GIS is used to display a map of the proper extent. This display is converted to a file in bit-mapped format and the transform function used to delete non-data bits which correspond to the zero bits identified in the template file. The resulting, modified, bit-map is imported into the second GIS.

Abstract: A computer method for accurate target tracking by a faster method for hit-to-target data association. The method involves using an approximation of a weighted centroid of hits to update the calculated tracks. The result, while losing theoretical accuracy since it approximates the calculation, produces fast calculations. Further, the calculated result has sufficient accuracy for most practical applications.

Abstract: A tape support which provides several different functions in a reel-to-reel tape drive is disclosed. The tape support provides means for sensing tension in the tape, buffers or decouples the tape at the magnetic head from any perturbations arising at the take-up reel, and reliably guides the tape along the tape path. The tape travels along an arcuate surface of the tape support on an air bearing. A port in the arcuate surface senses pressure between the tape and the arcuate surface. This pressure is communicated to a transducer which provides an output representing the tension on the tape. Flanges on the ends of the tape support provide guiding of the tape over the air bearing and also provide venting of the air bearing to prevent tape vibration. A purge line expels a gaseous medium out of the sense port thereby keeping the sense port clear of contaminants.