Abstract: A speech recognition system operating on a computer system, which uses a single speech recognizer for all of the currently running application programs and provides a way of efficiently determining the proper destination application program for recognized speech. The speech recognizer uses a language model formed from the merging of the language models from two or more application programs. The merged language model includes data values indicating which application program's language model was the source of the language model elements so that when those elements are recognized, recognition results can be directed to that application program.

Abstract: A method for creating and organizing aliases for flies stored on a computer system in which the stored files are searched according to defined search criteria. For files meeting the search criteria, aliases to the files are created, and the aliases are organized together in a display window for presenting the results of the search to the computer user. The computer continues to perform these searching and organizing functions as the computer is used, so that the information presented is current and up-to-date.

Abstract: From a matrix of elements representing an image, coordinates of each end of lines in a parallel array are generated. The lines in the array join adjacent elements in the same binary state. The coordinates are communicated to a vector graphics device which draws the array of parallel lines to form a graphic representation of the image.

Abstract: Circuit arrangements and methods are disclosed for providing trickle voltages and currents when a main power supply is unavailable or, alternatively, for providing auxiliary power. In one embodiment, a trickle power supply consists of a bilaterally conducting semiconductor diode device such as a SIDAC receiving an unregulated DC input voltage through a resistor. The SIDAC is contemplated to have a specified breakover voltage V.sub.bo and current carrying capability chosen according to designer preference. A first capacitor is coupled between the SIDAC and a primary side of a step-down pulse transformer providing a specified reduction in voltage from a secondary side relative to the voltage applied to the primary side. The resistor, the first capacitor, and the SIDAC together form a modified RC resonant circuit oscillation characteristic. When the unregulated DC input voltage is applied, the first capacitor will charge up to the breakover voltage V.sub.

Abstract: A method of extended file access that allows a program running on a computer to access file types, beyond the "standard" file types whose formats have been pre-defined to the operating system, by placing the extended file data in a range of addresses outside the range of addresses of the recorded file data. The extended file data is accessed by positioning a file pointer to a location in the extended range of addresses, and accessing the extended file data at the location of the file pointer. A further embodiment includes preventing further access until the file pointer is repositioned. In this way, extended file data, such as additional characteristics of the file, can be accessed, though these characteristics are not specifically known to the operating system.

Abstract: A method for automatically composing a telephone dialing string for a telecommunication device having a processor, storage, and a connection to an external telephone system, by storing configuration information for a current location of the telecommunication device in fields for local country code and local area code; by storing configuration information for dialing prefixes for a current external telephone system connected to the telecommunication device in fields for a prefix for a local call, prefix for a long distance call, and prefix for an international call; and by storing a desired telephone number in fields for a desired country code, a desired area code, and a desired telephone number.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for connecting a mobile computer to a computer network by using an address server. The mobile computer connects itself to a network and requests an address server to represent it on the network. The address server accepts packets intended for the mobile computer and redirects them to the current actual address of the mobile computer. As the mobile computer moves, it reports its new actual address to the address server, so that packets intended for the mobile computer can be redirected to the new actual address.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for compositing a source image and a destination image using a mask image to produce a result image in a digital image processing system. The method is, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, using the mask image to select between the source and destination images: where a black color value for a mask pixel selects the color value of the corresponding pixel of the source image; and a white color value for a mask pixel selects the color value of the corresponding pixel of the destination image; and where an intermediate color value for a mask pixel selects a weighted average between source and destination pixel color values. The calculations of the weighted average color value are done in color space, such as on a color component by color component basis. The result image can be displayed or stored for further use. This method can be described in boolean expression according to the formula:result=((1-mask)*source)+(mask*destination).

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing the transmission of data on a data communications network by obtaining data from a cache rather than by transmitting the data. This method maintains an indexed cache of data from previous transmissions. Then, when duplicate information is to be transmitted, it can be replaced by a flag and an index to the cached data. This reduces the amount of data to be transmitted and increases the apparent rate of transfer.

Abstract: A method for 5-bit chunk encoding of bit serial data by a data processor handling data in 8-bit byte segments, the method comprising the steps of:setting a bit shift counter (bsc) to zero;receiving data from the bit serial data to be stored into 8-bit bytes, such that at least two 8-bit bytes are available, the bit serial data stored in the 8-bit bytes from the most-significant bit to least significant bit;shifting left the data in the first byte, by the value of the bsc;encoding the data contained in the first two bytes in two 5-bit chunks;incrementing the bsc by an increment of 2, and if the bsc is then equal to 8, resetting it to zero;offsetting the data to the next whole byte boundary of the 8-bit byte data, dropping already processed bytes; andso long as there is data, repeating the steps of receiving, shifting, incrementing, and offsetting.

Abstract: A hidden, releasable latch for a molded plastic enclosure having a first panel abutting a second panel along a seam. The first panel has a pressure bump on its inside surface a first distance from the seam, and a projecting tang on its inside surface at a further distance from the seam. The second panel has a tab from its inside surface projecting inside, parallel and spaced from the inside surface of the first panel, the tab contacting the pressure bump, and capturing the projecting tang in a hole within the tab. The tab is flexible enough for slight deflection during the capturing of the tang by the hole during an assembly process, and the releasing of the tang by movement of the tab from pressure from the pressure bump during a disassembly process.

Abstract: This invention provides a thin, light assembly for a LCD, light guide and circuitry by using an internal frame with a central opening, above which is mounted a LCD and below which is mounted a light guide for directing light through the opening into the display. To one side of the light guide is mounted a light bulb for introducing light into the light guide. The internal frame also supports mounting of circuitry adjacent and coupled to the LCD.

Abstract: A method for clock synchronization for receiving pulse position encoded signals in which a clock signal defines slots or windows of time in which to receive pulse signals. The signal received within a slot is measured to obtain a value representing the amount of signal received within that slot. The values from adjacent slots are compared to determine into which slot the signal most fully fits, and to determine a clock correction value which would change the phase of the clock to make the slots more accurately center on the received pulses. During a time period in which clock adjustment will not affect received pulses, the clock correction value is applied to the clock. In a preferred form, the measurement of pulses, comparison between slots, and clock correction are all performed digitally. A list of energy values is maintained for all slots within a frame, so that the maximum energy value can be selected for assigning a pulse position to a slot within that frame.

Abstract: A pulse modulated infrared data communications link including a transmitter and receiver in which the data to be sent is encoded as a biphase modulated signal having bit-cell and mid-cell transitions. Each transition is encoded as a narrow pulse in a pulse modulated signal. The pulse modulated signal is used to activate an infrared optical transmitter for generating pulsed optical signals. At a receiver, an optical detector converts pulsed optical signals into pulsed electrical signals. The pulsed electrical signals are amplified and filtered and evaluated by a comparator to generate a pulsed digital signal. The pulsed digital signal is processed by a logic circuit to generate a biphase encoded signal for transmitting on a serial data line.

Abstract: A head and media for optical data storage with a media in which a partially light transmissive recording layer and a reflective layer are located on opposite faces of a transparent substrate layer. The head emits a light beam which passes through the recording layer, transits the substrate layer, reflects internally off the reflective layer, transits the substrate layer in the opposite direction, and comes to focus on the recording layer. This optical path is used for reading and writing. Two of these optical media, placed back to back, with recording layer faces outward, can be used to form a double-sided media with read and write capability from either side. In a magneto-optical system, since the recording layer is near the outer surface, both the optical and magnetic heads can be located and moved as a single unit, increasing the speed and reliability and reducing the cost.

Abstract: A self-terminating coaxial tap connector for use with an external termination element has two oppositely directed coaxial connector sockets having conncected center conductors and connected surround shields, the connected shields having a mounting tab for attachment to a printed circuit board. Within the connected shields is a secondary conductor parallel and spaced from the center conductors. Within each socket, at an end of the secondary conductor near the end of a center conductor, is a movable switch element connected to the secondary conductor and having a first switch position in contact with the center conductor when the socket is open, and having a second switch position detached from the center conductor when a mating plug connector is coupled to the socket, the switch element being moved to the second switch position by abutment with the mating plug connector.