Abstract: A discrete transducer array of a plurality of discrete transducer elements, o connected as to achieve a good array directivity pattern with as narrow a beam width as possible for a given side lobe level, or as low a side lobe level as possible for a given beam width, or the most favorable combination of the two. This is to be done with the restriction that there is a discrete array of, say 24, elements that must be shaded discretely, for example by using a series-parallel combination of the elements.

Abstract: A transform system provides a real-time implementation of the discrete Foer transform (DFT) of length N, the system being useful in sonar and radar signal processing. The input signal g.sub.n, 0.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.N-1, comprises a discrete signal, generally complex, of N samples.The system comprises an input for receiving the input signal g.sub.n and convolving in a first, input, convolver with a signal represented by the function e.sup.i.pi.n.spsp.2.sup./N , to result in a first modified signal at the output of the first convolver. Means are provided for generating the signal e.sup.-i.pi.n.spsp.2.sup./N. A multiplier receives the first modified signal and the signal e.sup.-i.pi.n.spsp.2.sup./N and multiplies these two signals its output being a second modified signal.A second, output, convolver, whose input is connected to the output of the multiplier, convolves the output signal from the multiplier with a signal represented by the function e.sup.i.pi.n.spsp.2.sup.

Abstract: A sampled speech compression and expansion system, for two-dimensional prssing of speech or other type of audio signal, comprises transmit/encode apparatus and receive/decode apparatus.The transmit/encode apparatus comprises a low-pass filter, adapted to receive an input signal, for passing through low-frequency analog signals. A converter is connected to the low-pass filter for converting the analog signal into a digital signal. A buffer memory, whose input is connected to the converting means, stores the digitized signals.A correlator, having inputs from the A/D converter and the buffer memory, correlates the digital signal received directly from the converter with a delayed signal from the buffer memory. An "interval-select" circuit, whose input is connected to the output of the correlator, uses the autocorrelation value as a basis for comparison with subsequent peaks in the correlation value which are greater than a specified fraction of the autocorrelation value.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device (CCD) analog and digital correlator comprises identical modules, each of which is a simple analog CCD correlator with digital input and output. Circuits are included:(1) for injecting charges proportional to the voltage sequences s(n) and r(n), where s(n) refers to the input signal, and r(n) relates to a reference signal, against which the input signal is correlated;(2) for non-destructively sensing and tapping each sample s(n) and r(n);(3) for forming the summation s(n)+r(n);(4) and finally for squaring s(n), r(n), and [s(n)+r(n)] in simple, floating gate MOSFET amplifiers. The amplifiers operate in their saturation region, and have outputs proportional to s.sup.2 (n), r.sup.2 (n), and [s(n)+r(n)].sup.2, which are then fed into a differential amplifier to produce s(n)r(n).

Abstract: A frequency-domain beamformer is used with arrays comprising M rings with a maximum of N elements per ring, the positions of the elements having rotational symmetry. An element need not be present at each position. The outputs of each of the M rings of arrays are connected to the inputs of M sets of lowpass filters, each set comprising N filters. Each filter output is an input to a sample-and-hold circuit.A temporal discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is performed on the output signal from each sample-and-hold circuit. M demultiplexers, one for each of the M sets of DFT circuits, convert their parallel input signals into serial output signals.A memory, or function generator, is used for steering. A circular convolver convolves the outputs of the demultiplexers and the memories, the outputs of the convolvers being summed in an output summer.The beamformer is used with a 3-D array such that it has rotational symmetry, that is, if rotated at some angle, the situation is exactly the same as before the rotation.

Abstract: An adaptive detector comprises an adaptive linear prediction filter (ALPF) nd a detection processor.The adaptive filter comprises an input filter, adapted to receive an input signal x(k) and delay it by a time .DELTA.. An L-point, or L-tap, adaptive filter has an input connected to the output of the input filter, a signal r(k) appearing at the output of the filter. A means for summing has two inputs, one for receiving the signal x(k) and the other for receiving an inverted signal from the adaptive filter, the output of the summer being an error signal .epsilon.(k). A feedback amplifier, whose input is connected to the output of the summer, takes a portion 2.mu., of the output signal .epsilon.(k) and feeds it back to the adaptive filter, thereby modifying the tap weights of the adaptive filter.The detection processor comprises a circuit, whose input is connected to the output of the adaptive filter, to receive the signal r(k), for performing a K-point discrete Fourier transform (DFT) on the signal r(k).

Abstract: An input signal X(j) is fed directly to the positive port of a summing function and is simultaneously fed through a parallel channel in which it is delayed, and passed through an adaptive linear transversal filter, the output being then subtracted from the instantaneous input signal X(j). The difference, X(j)-Y(j), between these two signals is the error signal .epsilon.(j). .epsilon.(j) is multiplied by a gain .mu. and fed back to the adaptive filter to readjust the weights of the filter. The weights of the filter are readjusted until .epsilon.(j) is minimized according to the recursive algorithm: ##EQU1## where the arrow above a term indicates that the term is a signal vector. Thus, when the means square error is minimized, W.sub.(j+1) =W.sub.(j), and the filter is stabilized.

Abstract: A specially configured cable, which, in use, has a cross section which is mmetrical to a vertical line, but asymmetrical to a horizontal line, is used for an intrusion detection system. It comprises an external sheath, which may be round or rectangular in cross section. An inner conductor is positioned below the center of the cable. It is supported in place by a thin, substantially flat, sheet of insulating material, which is attached to the inner surface of the outer sheath. This particular configuration maximizes the change in capacitance caused by an intruder passing over the cable. The cable is connected to a time-domain reflectometer, which can display on a screen the location of the intrusion with respect to an end of the cable as well as the probable type of intrusion.

Abstract: An image-compression system, wherein the image consists of a planar array of data points having various brightness levels, comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter comprises an analog-digital converter, for converting input analog data into digital data. The cosine transform is taken of the incoming digital data to transform the data representing various brightness levels into the frequency domain. The various frequency data points are differentially pulse code modulated, thereby removing line-to-line redundancy, the output data being in parallel form. Timing circuitry is provided for controlling the timing of the various circuits. Circuitry is provided in a receiver for the modulating or decoding of the output signal of the transmitter.

Abstract: A material suitable for the propagation of acoustic waves on its surface prises a substrate of semiconductor material, of which there exists an oxide, excluding the class of piezoelectric materials, the substrate having at least one flat surface. A layer of thermally grown oxide of the semiconductor material, is disposed on the flat surface. A film of titanium, approximately 300 angstroms thick, is disposed on at least a part of the layer of oxide. A layer of vacuum-deposited metal is disposed on the film of titanium. A layer of a piezoelectrid vacuum-sputtered material is on the layer of vacuum-deposited metal and on the oxide. The semiconductor material may be silicon, the oxide may be silicon dioxide, the piezoelectric material may be zinc oxide, and the metal may be gold.

Abstract: Apparatus, useful in signal processing, and which can be used for modulo (2.sup.n -1) addition, subtraction, coding, and decoding, has a plurality of 2n input means: n means for receiving a signal I.sub.0, I.sub.1, . . . , I.sub.n-1, and another n means for receiving a signal J.sub.0, J.sub.1, . . ., J.sub.n-1. A pluraity n of means, connected to the n I signal input means, may switch each input means so that it is connected alternately into one of two connecting points, a first and a second connecting point. A plurality n of means is connected to the n first connecting points, for inverting the polarity of a signal received at its input, the output of the inverting means being connected to its associated second connecting point. A plurality n of three input adding means, has one input connected to the output of the inverting means, and another being connected to an associated means for receiving a J signal, the means adding the two inputs.

Abstract: A permutation memory comprises an input control means for decoding, having plurality L of inputs for an L-bit binary number, and a plurality 2.sup.L of outputs. Means are connected to the decoding means, for initiating the read-in of the L-bit number. Means are provided for applying an input signal. A first plurality of 2.sup.L of normally open switching means are connected to the 2.sup.L outputs of the decoding means and to the signal applying means. A plurality of 2.sup.L of means are connected to the switching means, for storing a charge when a specific switching means, connected to a corresponding charge storing means, is in a closed condition. A second plurality 2.sup.L of switching means are connected to the first plurality of switching means and to the charge storing means. An output control means, connected to the second plurality of switching means, reads out the states of the 2.sup.L charge-storing means, as to the amount of charge in each.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device (CCD) multiplying digital-to-analog converter mullies a bipolar analog signal, representing as a charge, by a digital word, and produces a four-quadrant analog product, also represented as a charge. An analog signal S is added to or subtracted from a bias, resulting in signals S+B and -S+B, which are converted into corresponding positive charges, Q.sub.S +Q.sub.B and -Q.sub.S +Q.sub.B, which are transferred into potential wells at X.sub.i and Y.sub.i, respectively. A digital word may be represented as b.sub.1 b.sub.2 b.sub.3 . . .b.sub.N, where N is the word length. The CCD converter comprises N parallel devices, each of which performs the function of multiplying the signal S by either 0 or 1/2.sup.i. A gate between X.sub.i and Y.sub.i is controlled by the binary bit b.sub.i. Equilibration occurs or does not occur depending on whether b.sub.i equals 0= or 1. The charges left in X.sub.i and Y.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a discrete cosine transform of an input signal, table for real-time television image processing, specifically for obtaining an acceptable picture when the number of bits of information available for describing the picture and/or the channel bandwidth are severely limited, comprising: two read-only memories, each containing a predetermined number of +1's and -1's arranged in a predetermined manner; two multipliers, each having an input from one of the read-only memories, and another, joint, input connectable to the input signal which is to be transformed discretely and cosinusoidally; two transversal filters, each having N taps, rather than twice the number (2N-1) of taps in the prior art discrete cosine filters, the input to each filter being the output of one of the multipliers; and a single-pole double-throw switch, which switches position at every shift of the samples through the filter, the output of the transform apparatus being connected to the switch arm, each of the free termi

Abstract: An optical system, to be used with an illuminating source, maps objects lted in an underwater environment. A first optical means is adapted to receive light from the illuminating source for transmitting the illumination to the object area to be mapped. A second optical means comprises an input means, adapted to receive reflected light from the illuminated object area, or plane; and an output means for conformally transforming images of all objects in the object plane to an image plane, located externally to the second optical means. A conformal transformation at a point is one which preserves angles between every pair of curves through the point. The optical system further comprises means located between the second optical means and the image plane for filtering or masking light propagating between the two, to thereby reduce backscatter.

Abstract: A presettable integrating timing circuit is capable of comparing the timelt product of an input signal with a preset signal. Means, comprising an input and an output, integrate an electrical signal at the input into an integrated signal at the output. Means, having two inputs, one input being connected to the output of the integrating means, the other input being connectable to a reference voltage, are capable of comparing the magnitude of a signal appearing at the first-named input with the reference voltage. Means are connected to the integrating means for clamping the input of the integrating means at a desired value. A feedback circuit is connected between the output and the input of the integrating means, to prevent the integrating means from saturating.

Abstract: An apparatus is capable of recovering signals from N sites, N.gtoreq.2, distributed along a single coaxial cable. This multiplexing technique allows the separation of signals from many transducers on one line. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is used, with variable resistive elements distributed along the cable. TDR is used to detect discontinuities in the impedance of the cable as well as their specific location along the cable. The magnitude of these discontinuities is modulated by an impedance that is proportional to the applied signal. An excellent way of obtaining this kind of variable impendance along the line is to bias a field effect transistor (FET) so that it functions as a variable resistor. For a large number of signals to be multiplexed onto a coaxial cable, an FET is placed at each of the N signal sources. The coaxial cable has a characteristic impedance of Z.sub.o and the FET's are evenly spaced at a distance l.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a reactive load, comprises a plurality of N multnput elements N .gtoreq. 2, connected in parallel, capable of amplifying a band of frequencies. Two inputs of each element can be connected to sources of direct-current voltage. Each circuit element and elements connected to its inputs define a circuit stage. N means, each means connected to at least one of the inputs of the circuit elements, are capable of equalizing the gain of each of the N stages within a prescribed percentage. A transformer having N primary, input, windings and one secondary output, winding, is connectable to the load. Each of the N primary windings have their inputs connected to one of the inputs of the circuit elements. The transformer is so designed that its impedance, usually inductive, as seen from the load, balances the capacitive load, to be connected to it, over the bandpass of interest.

Abstract: An automatic frequency-hop controller for a surface acoustic wave (SAW) shesizer is used with a means for generating two chirp signals, one having a delay with respect to the other. It comprises a SAW device, adapted to receive the chirp signals. The SAW device comprises a substrate and a pair of sets of interdigitated electrodes, disposed on the surface of the substrate, one set at each end, the electrodes receiving the electrical chirp signals or corresponding impulse signals. Another set of interdigitated electrodes, which are output electrodes, are also disposed on the surface of the substrate, the electrodes of all sets being parallel. The output set of electrodes are so disposed as to receive the acoustic waves generated by the pair of sets of electrodes, and transduce them back to electrical signals.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer, for use with a means for generating two sequences of electrical pulses, one sequence having a delay with respect to the other, comprises a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device, adapted to receive one of the sequences of electrical pulses from the generating means. The SAW device comprises a substrate, on the surface of which is disposed a first set of interdigitated electrodes. The electrodes receive the electrical pulses and tranduce them to acoustic waves, which traverse the surface of the substrate. The lengths of the electrodes are configured as a function of m, where m is defined by the relation m = R.sup.n mod P, where P is a prime number, R is a primitive root of P, and 1.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.P-1. A second set of interdigitated electrodes, approximately N-1 in number, is also disposed on the surface of the substrate, the electrodes of the first and second sets being parallel.