Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telephone hybrid function is provided. The present invention maximizes dynamic range while providing a receive signal without interference from a transmit signal. The present invention also provides single-ended to differential conversion. The present invention may be practiced with an integrated circuit powered by a telephone line and coupled to the telephone line without the need for a high voltage isolation barrier between the integrated circuit and the telephone line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitive humidity transducer based humidity control system. The present invention comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature source for the heated cabinet air, a temperature source at the sensor, and a regulated water mist discharged into the cabinet air circulation system. An electronic system combines the input from the sensor, the temperature inputs, and the humidity percentage setting to regulate the timing and duration of the water mist discharge, thereby allowing to adjust percentage of humidity in heated holding cabinets. The sensor is a capacitor comprising two plates in close proximity but insulated from each other. The electrical output of the capacitor is sensitive to moisture on the surfaces between the plates. By cooling one plate until it reaches its dew point, the signal is detected and received by the electronic system. Cooling of the capacitor plate is accomplished by means of a thermoelectric cooler.

Abstract: The invention decreases crosstalk due to capacitive coupling between through type capacitor elements in a multilayer through type capacitor array. On dielectric sheets between electrodes, which constitute a multi capacitor array, through-holes filled with conductive materials are formed, where a central conductor is not present. By electrically connecting conductive materials filled in the through-holes, electrostatic shielding is provided between the through type capacitor elements. Electrical connection is achieved through conductive layers formed outside or inside the through type capacitor elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for display of a three dimensional virtual image is provided. The present invention allows one or more objects, real images and virtual images to be displayed at one or more of an arbitrary number of depth levels along a viewer's line of sight. The present invention uses a plurality of beam splitters organized as an optical labyrinth to combine a images with the proper perspective and parallax to result in a three dimensional image.

Abstract: The present invention improves speed and reduces complexity in a digital signature scheme that uses elliptic algebra. The signature scheme generates two points that are compared. If the points do not match, the signature is not authentic. The present invention reduces computations by comparing only the x coordinates of the two generated points. The invention provides a scheme for deducing the possible values of the x-coordinate of a sum of two points using only the x coordinates of the original two points in question. The present invention provides a scheme that limits the possible solutions that satisfy the equation to two (the authentic signature and one other). Because of the large number of possible inauthentic solutions, the chance of a false authentic signature is statistically insignificant.

Abstract: The present invention provides automatic configuration of the transmit and receive paths of a network connection, preferably a 10Base-T network connection. It senses which pair in a cable is used for TX signals and which is used for RX signals, then it automatically swaps or unswaps the RX and TX pairs of the port so that a connection is made regardless of whether a crossover or straight-through cable is used. The invention uses link integrity pulses, which are used to periodically test the integrity of the network, to determine which pair is for reception and which is for transmission. Since the auto-crossover transceiver has line receivers and line drivers connected to both pairs of the cable, once it determines which pair is TX and which is RX, it selects the appropriate line receiver and driver to match the cable configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object-oriented file structuring system. The invention provides a method of defining DATA objects and CONTAINER objects and SYSTEM objects that facilitates navigation through a file structuring system. Notation and nomenclature are defined for building files composed of CONTAINERs and DATA and SYSTEM objects and for defining relationships between and among files, CONTAINERs and DATA. A FOCUS LIST tracks objects of interest and aids in NAVIGATION. CONTAINER objects contain other objects. DATA objects enclose DATA in either machine-dependent or machine-independent value representations. Developers work with logical files and can freely create and modify the logical relationships of file objects. A RECONSTITUTION algorithm periodically updates the physical file to correspond to the logical file.

Abstract: A vehicle that provides safe and stable transportation of passengers, yet allows passengers, including wheelchair-bound passengers, to quickly enter and exit the vehicle without climbing up or down and without stepping on the seats has been provided. The preferred embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention, which is towed by an underwater cable system, has a double hull construction with a fixed outer hull and a moveable inner hull or seating platform, which may be raised or lowered. In the ride dispatch area, the inner hull is raised so that the floor of the inner hull is even with that of the vehicle gunwales and the dispatch floor level. During the ride, the hull is lowered so that the floor of the inner hull is below the level of the vehicle gunwales, and thus the vehicle forms a secure and stable seating compartment configuration for the duration of the ride. The vehicle is further equipped to secure wheelchair-bound guests to the inner hull quickly and easily.

Abstract: The present invention provides a configurable architecture for serial communications. The architecture can emulate parallel to serial conversion devices for both synchronous and asynchronous data transmission. The invention uses a plurality of register sets to emulate standard interfaces. One register block performs data and control storage to communicate between a host computer and a local processor. A second register block emulates a serial communications controller (SCC) with its own data control storage and features to implement a number of communication protocols. The SCC provides serial data output. This invention provides an architecture of flexibility optimizing a configuration for synchronous and asynchronous requirements using the same basic blocks while still maintaining an interface compatible with standard requirements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses method and apparatus for offset and phase correction in multiplexed delta-sigma modulators. According to the invention, offsets and phases of input signals to multiplexed delta-sigma modulators are corrected by a simple and low cost method. The invention utilizes a novel switching technique during different sampling periods to eliminate the effect of DC offsets present in multiplexed input signals. The invention also uses a delay introduced by a FIFO or a shift register to individually correct for phase shifts present in individual multiplexed input signals. The invention accomplishes these objectives without introducing a significant quantization noise, and without requiring overlapping FIR filters.

Abstract: A device for coupling a host computer to a serial communications device. A dual port register set is coupled to the CPU bus of a host computer. The dual port registers receive the control signals and data from the host computer. This information is immediately available to be read by a serial communications controller. In this invention, one channel of a two-channel serial communications controller is implemented to receive the parallel data and convert it to serial output. The parallel data is also provided directly to a microprocessor interface for use by a local microprocessor, if desired. The present invention eliminates unneeded conversion steps and reduces the amount of circuitry required to implement serial communications functions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing multifunctional, contactless, interconnect technology that can simultaneously fabricate four features on a silicon wafer within the same metallization level including a diffusion barrier layer, a trim element (fuse), a higher resistivity local interconnect/strap, and a lower resistivity global interconnect. The fabrication only requires two lithographic operations and one metal deposition. A first metal (a refractory metal) film having constant thickness is sputter deposited on the silicon wafer. In the preferred embodiment, the refractory metal is titanitun-tungsten. A second metal fihn may be sputter deposited on the first metal film. The first metal fihn has a higher resistivity than the second metal film. In the preferred embodiment, the second metal is aluminum-copper. Four features may be defined using a first mask. The features are etched and the first mask is removed. Three of the four features may be further defined using a second, non-critical mask.

Abstract: An amusement ride attraction, with a rotating tube and an image is disclosed that is, relatively inexpensive and compact. The viewer stands inside the rotating tube, and the forces applied to the viewer are in automatic synchronization with the projected image. This creates an illusion that the person is moving in a moving vehicle, thereby resulting in a feeling of motion and a simulated experience of participating in the activity. The cylinder is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in synchronization with movements of the projected image showing a "rider's eye" view from a moving motorcycle, airplane, car, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses method for fabricating, and the structure of, a unique and novel bipolar transistor. The bipolar transistor of the present invention has a substantially uniform current density in base and collector regions. This uniform current density prevents the characteristic early fall-off of bipolar transistor current gain, and improves the forward safe operating area performance. As such, the bipolar transistor of the invention increases current gain at high collector currents, and expands the current and voltage region over which the device may safely operated. The advantages of the present invention are achieved by optimally spacing the neighboring emitters in relation to base thickness and further by maintaining a symmetrical topology by the self-aligned formation of emitters and base contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing bit-rate reduction and reconstruction of image data. Bit-rate reduction of 32-bit CMYK combinations into 16-bit code words is performed on a pixel by pixel basis by stepwise calculations or by using LUTs. Bit-rate reduction takes place during PostScript.RTM. interpretation where the output image pixels are generated in a possibly arbitrary order. Bit expansion from 16-bit code words to 32-bit data for 8 bits per component of the CMYK image values is performed while real time printing, preferably by direct table look up. During bit-rate reduction, the image data may be non-linearly corrected to compensate for perceptual non-uniformities and for non-linearities in the input/output relationship of the reproduction device. Quantization and coding may be accomplished by thresholding the non-linearly corrected image data by values from a dither array.

Abstract: A method for providing DC offset trim for automatic gain controls independent of temperature or gain. A DC trim current is added or subtracted from one side of the differential AGC circuit. The trim current balances the currents through the two halves of the differential circuit, eliminating DC offset at the AGC output. The trim current is derived from a current source that is dependent upon another current source that provides the current through the two halves of the differential circuit. Therefore, the trim current responds to any changes in the current supplied to the differential AGC circuit. Thus, DC offset trim independent of temperature or gain, as well as reduction of the total harmonic distortion and direct DC coupling of signals between stages, is provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing secure access and execution of application software by a first computer while a communication link is maintained between the first computer and a second computer. More specifically, a secure software rental system is disclosed. The system enables a user in a remote location using the first computer and a modem to connect to the second computer, transfer an application software either from the second computer or from a local storage device to the first computer, and execute the application software on the first computer while connected to the second computer. When the communication link between the second computer and the first computer is interrupted or terminated, the application software no longer executes on the first computer. This is accomplished by integrating header software with the application software. The application software stored in the second computer or in the local storage device is integrated with the header software to provide a security feature.

Abstract: A processor system and communications processor between a plurality of sub-components is described. To each sub-component of equipment is associated at least one logical channel that is associated with at least one physical channel. Each sub-component addressing only the logical channels that it is associated with, and the various physical channels being time multiplexed on an internal communications bus (BCI). The system has particular application to systems of radio-communication or of embarked navigation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for transmitting full frequency digital audio signals over a network in real time and for providing access to a remote sound server. The present invention is preferably practiced using ISDN and is useful for remote casting auditions and for other communications. The present invention allows two or more sites on a network to communicate simultaneously. Live high-fidelity audio may be stored locally and/or transmitted to another site. At the other site, the audio may be stored and/or reproduced in high fidelity. Sound samples may be retrieved from a sound sample server and transmitted in high fidelity in real time over the network.

Abstract: A method for synchronously operating two or more rotary head digital audio tape recorders without having to dedicate a separate timing track. The present invention synchronizes the machines in three steps. First, the slave unit reads the time code value from the data stream and compares this time code to the master's time code, examining the difference in time code values and adjusting the transport speed so that the values are approximately equal. Next, the slave's capstan motors are slowed down (or sped up) so that the slave and master units are within one drum revolution of each other. Finally, the slave's microprocessor adjusts the speed of the entire system to skip individual samples until the master and slave units are synchronized.