Abstract: The invention concerns Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) which are equipped with video conferencing capability. The ATM allows a customer to undertake numerous different types of transactions, such as withdrawing cash, checking a balance, applying for a loan, obtaining interest rate quotations, and so on. If a customer needs assistance with a transaction, the invention (a) identifies the transaction, without intervention of the customer, (b) selects a consultant who is expert in the type of transaction identified, and (c) establishes a video conference with the selected consultant.

Abstract: The invention concerns using multiple computers to hold a conference. Under the invention, an application program can run on a single computer, yet remote participants can issue commands to the program. Remote participants can watch the program operate, because the invention replicates the display window of the running program onto the displays of the remote computers. Any participant can make annotations on the participant's own computer display. The invention copies the annotations to the displays of the other participants.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display comprises multiple capacitors which apply electric fields to liquid crystal material located between the capacitor plates. In the invention, each capacitor is associated with a sensor which detects the presence of a hand-held stylus. The detection can be done optically, acoustically, by pressure, by temperature, or by other means.

Abstract: The invention concerns using multiple computers to hold a conference. Under the invention, an application program can run on a single computer, yet remote participants can issue commands to the program. Remote participants can watch the program operate, because the invention replicates the display window of the running program onto the displays of the remote computers. Any participant can make annotations on the participant's own computer display. The invention copies the annotations to the displays of the other participants.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for managing resources, which can take the form of (a) computer-compatible information, such as data files and programs, and (b) non-computer-compatible information, such as data contained on microfiche, and (c) physical objects. The resources are located at geographically diverse sites. The invention contains a descriptive profiles, profile for each resource, and allows any user to search all profiles, and to search the profiles according to "fields" (a database term), such as by location of the resources, or by category of the resources. The user can order delivery of a selected resource, and the system causes delivery of the resource to be executed, irrespective of the form (e.g., physical object) of the resource. The invention allows a provider of a new resource to limit access to the resource, by identifying users who are authorized to obtain access to the resource. Non-authorized users cannot obtain access to the profiles of these resources.

Abstract: In computers, a test of memory is generally performed at the time of powering up. In one form of the invention, this type of test is run on part of Random Access Memory (RAM), while allowing data or a program to reside in another part. Then, after the partial test is completed, the data is transferred into the RAM just tested, and the RAM which previously held the data is tested. Thus, the data can co-exist in memory while the test runs, by being shuttled from one location to another.

Abstract: The invention concerns approaches to interconnecting individual field-effect transistors (FETs) in integrated circuits (ICs), in order to provide a larger, composite transistor. In one approach, the individual FETs are positioned symmetrically about centroids, which are themselves distributed symmetrically over the IC. The invention allows individual digital transistors to be connected into a larger, composite, analog transistor.

Abstract: The invention concerns differential amplifiers for computer disc drives, implemented in Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) technology. The amplifiers are of the controllable-gain type. Gain is controlled by adjusting the channel current which passes through the differential Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) of the amplifier. The channel current can be viewed as having a constant component, to which is added an adjustment component. The adjustment component does not pass through the active loads of the differential amplifier, thereby allowing a larger change in gain to be attained.

Abstract: A reluctance sensor produces reluctance signals in response to passing slots in a rotating wheel. When a given signal exceeds a threshold, a DIG.sub.-- OUT signal is produced. When the signal falls to zero, the DIG.sub.-- OUT signal is terminated. The invention adjusts the threshold, based on the magnitude of the reluctance signals. Since the magnitude of the reluctance signals depends on wheel speed, the invention, in effect, adjusts the threshold based on wheel speed, yet without independently measuring wheel speed.

Abstract: A typical Programmable Logic Array (PLA) provides an available logic function, or precursor, which a user modifies to obtain a desired logic function. For example, the precursor may be (A.multidot.A19 B.multidot.B+(A.multidot.A.multidot.B.multidot.B). The user obtains the desired function, such as (A.multidot.)+(A.multidot.B), by blowing fuses inside the PLA. The fuse-blowing physically blocks data signals (such as the deleted and the deleted B in the first term) from reaching an internal AND gate which performs the ".multidot." operation. However, this fuse-blowing is permanent, and irreversible. In contrast, one form of the invention does the blocking by using a NAND gate. That is, the data signal, such as the "B," is applied to one input of the NAND gate. A capacitor is connected to the other input. The user stores either a ONE or a ZERO on the capacitor. A ONE blocks the data signal (the output of the NAND cannot change). A ZERO passes the data signal (the output is the inverse of the data signal).

Abstract: The invention concerns utilization of a single pin on an integrated circuit for a dual purpose. First, the pin carries data in a normal manner. Second, the pin carries a test signal, which is used, for example, to trigger a testing circuit into action. The invention receives both the data signals and the test signal. The invention ignores the data signals, and responds only to the test signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a carrier for Integrated Circuits (ICs). The ICs are carried by a multi-layer board, constructed of individual layers. Some layers carry conductive traces, and the traces are connected together to form a 3-dimensional network connecting the ICs. The individual layers are constructed of a flexible material, which is commercially available in large sheets, thus allowing multiple copies of the trace patterns to be printed simultaneously. The multi-layer board is attached to a standard printed circuit board, by pins which are driven through them both, and soldered into place.

Abstract: The invention concerns a Multi-Chip Module (MCM), which can be viewed as similar to a printed circuit board, but with the conductors interwoven in a 3-dimensional array. In the invention, the conductors are arranged such that both power supply conductors and ground conductors are interwoven around signal conductors, and provide shielding for the signal conductors, thus reducing cross-talk.

Abstract: In general, a comparator compares the magnitude of a signal to a reference voltage, and changes its output when the latter exceeds the former. The invention concerns a reference voltage for the comparator. The reference voltage remains stable, even when the power supply voltage changes, thus keeping the switching point of the comparator constant. This constant switching point is useful in TTL logic circuits.

Abstract: A method for approximating the delay time of an excitation through a logic cell using the summation of a base delay, which is a function of delay coefficients for the cell and the total output load capacitance of the cell, and a rise/fall time correction, which is determined from the output rise/fall time of the driving cell and the sensitivity of the analyzed cell to rise/fall time. Other corrections/compensating factors include a performance derating factor which accounts for the multiplicative effects of operating voltage, temperature and process.

Abstract: In a liquid-crystal display, each pixel is associated with a sensor which detects incoming light projected by a light pen. In response to the detected light, the sensor produces a signal which causes its associated pixel to darken. Thus, as a user moves the light pen along the display, the pen leaves a trail of darkened pixels, analogous to a pen leaving a trail of ink on paper.

Abstract: In a computer, when a block of data is written to memory, it is common to attach a control word to the data. The control word is placed at a pre-arranged location, generally separate from the data. The control word contains important information about the data, such as starting address, length, etc. The presence of the control word indicates that the data is valid.Sometimes, for various reasons, the control word is written before all the data is written. This premature availability of the control word gives false information: the data is not yet completely written, yet the presence of the control word indicates otherwise. The invention prevents such a problem by preventing premature writing of the control word.

Abstract: Driver and receiver circuits for a differential-signal electrical interface contain comparators and resistive networks to eliminate the need for operational amplifiers, thus lowering cost and raising reliability. The preferred embodiments for the driver and receiver are optimized for use with transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signals and the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) 1985 Recommendation V.35, which recommendation was designed for use with wideband modems.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dyed, spin-on glass composition with a high carbon content for use in providing antireflective planarizing layers on substrates such as semiconductor silicon wafers. These layers can be used as hard masks by etching patterns therein. These hard masks can be used in multilayer resists and in making lithography masks. Methods for producing these hard-masks are also provided.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed in which a signal indicating a rate of fuel flow desired for a gas turbine engine is bounded between limits imposed by maximal- and minimal-fuel rates allowed under the current operating conditions of the engine and between limits imposed by maximal- and minimal-accelerations allowed under the same operating conditions. The fuel rate limits are constantly modified by feedback information about the actual acceleration experienced by the engine. This feedback information about acceleration is obtained without directly measuring acceleration itself.