Abstract: Apparatus and method whereby a first digital computer system may be controlled by a second digital computer system. The two digital computer systems are connected by data transfer apparatus. A program in the second digital computer system constructs a call protocol specifying a routine to be called in the first digital computer system. The data transfer apparatus transfers the call protocol to the first digital computer system, and a program in the first digital computer system performs the call. Also disclosed are a return protocol which may be employed to return data from the called routine to the second computer system, call protocols containing arguments, the use of call and return protocols to call system and user routines, and preferred forms of the call and return protocols.

Abstract: A thresholding algorithm selection apparatus for the selecting the threshold algorithm to be applied to a specimen in a digital imaging process is disclosed. The specimen is preliminarily scanned and thresholded using a predetermined thresholding algorithm. The resulting preliminary digital image is divided into a number of cells or regions. Each cell is classified according to its optical characteristics; e.g. textual, photographic, etc. The cell classification is effected in the preferred embodiment by comparing the average white and black run-lengths of each cell to experimental average run-length values which are representative of the different types of specimens. The specimen is re-scanned and thresholded with an appropriate thresholding algorithm for each cell.

Abstract: A cabinet base supports such a cabinet, providing stabilizing legs extending outward to prevent tipping. The stabilizing legs can be pivoted into four configurations permitting the cabinet to be installed with either of its broad sides against a wall or free standing away from any wall. In its fourth configuration the base has a compact envelope advantageous for shipping or storage. The base is easily changed from one configuration to another, and is inexpensive to make.

Abstract: An audio communications system for an office chair provides a user with private listening of RF transmitted audio messages in an exposed environment such as an office area, without the use of headphones. An audio module, which mounts to the backrest of an office chair, includes an RF receiver and a shaped, acoustic horn loudspeaker which directs sound upwardly, behind the user's head, while minimizing lateral dispersion of the sound. In another aspect of the invention, the audio communications system includes a transceiver for two-way communication, such as telephone, and an armrest mounted microphone and keypad.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for electrically connecting memory modules (RAM or ROM) to a printed circuit board (PCB) of a digital electronic computer is disclosed. The apparatus may be used for edge-wise connection of a number of single in-line memory modules (SIMM, a trademark of the present assignee) to the PCB. The apparatus includes the ability to mount multiple memory modules on a single connecting apparatus, and means for electrically selecting a data transfer with one memory module or another on the apparatus. Guide posts of different cross-sectional areas on each side of the apparatus, and longer than various contact pins protruding through the base of the apparatus are provided, so that the mounting of the apparatus on the PCB is polarized. The guide posts also allow for both through-hole and surface mounting of the apparatus. Additionally, securing pegs on the apparatus are inserted into correspondingly sized holes on the memory modules to prevent vertical movement of the memory modules when connected.

Abstract: A loosely-coupled computer system certains global resources and is made up of stand-alone systems connected by a data link. Each stand-alone system includes a global identifier list which contains identifiers for global resources and the locations of those resources. The global identifier list in each system is identical to those on other systems. Each system further includes a global identifier list maintenance system, an outbound global resource system, an inbound global resource system, and a communications system. When a request for a global resource is made in a stand-alone system, the outbound global resource system determines whether the resource is local or remote. If the resource is remote, the outbound global resource system makes a resource access message and sends it via the communications system to the remote system where the resource is located.

Abstract: A memory assignment method used with a disk file management system operating with a hard disk memory wherein data is stored in appropriate ones of a number of discrete files on the disk, and each file has an assigned amount of memory space exclusively associated therewith for the storage of data that should be in the file. The disk file management system keeps track of how much of the memory dedicated to the exclusive use of each file on the disk is yet available for the storage of data in each file, and also keeps track of how much of the memory on the disk is yet available for storage but has not yet been assigned to the exclusive use of any particular file.

Abstract: A support arm for supporting a computer keyboard on an ordinary desk, the support arm being capable of supporting the keyboard at an ergonomically correct height during use in front of the desk and storing the keyboard out of the way beneath the desk when not in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for temporarily attaching one object to another object which includes a channel on one object, a form on the other object which may be slidably inserted into the channel, a flap on one object, and means for engaging the flap on the other object. The objects are connected to each other by sliding the form into the channel and then engaging the flap with the engagement means. When engaged, the flap prevents sliding motion, and thereby ensures that the form does not slide out of the channel.

Abstract: A first-in, first out data memory minimizes fall-through delay. The FIFO memory has a plurality of cascaded register stages arranged in sections, with the input of each section selectively coupled to a bypass bus. Data is introduced on the bypass bus, and control logic writes the data into the section nearest the output which is currently not full. The individual register stages are self-clocked, so that data is then shifted toward the output through any vacant registers. In another aspect, the register stages are arranged in sections of different length, with the shortes section closest to the output and the longest section closest to the input. Decreased fall-through delay is achieved by minimizing the length of the FIFO buffer actually traversed by the data while insuring that the order of the data remains unchanged.

Abstract: Interactive system for manipulating the dictionaries used in text to speech conversion systems. The text to speech conversion system includes a system for converting text to a phonemic representation thereof according to rules and a system for generating speech output which pronounces a text from a phonemic representation of the text. The dictionaries contain phonemic representations of texts which are incorrectly converted by the text to phonemic representation conversion system. The interactive system includes input apparatus for receiving dictionary manipulation commands including a play command from a user of the interactive system and a command execution system for receiving the dictionary manipulation commands and executing them.

Abstract: An improved NMOS storage cell for use in shift registers is disclosed. Among other components, it contains a pair of inverters--one them an enabling inverter. A pre-charge transistor is placed in parallel with the first inverter to decrease the rise time associated with the transition from a logic low level output to a logic high level output. The result of adding the pre-charge transistor to the circuit is to increase the speed of operation of the storage cell, without the accompanying decrease in density with prior art methods, where the components must be enlarged. Another aspect of the present invention which further increases the density of the cell is the elimination of the complement clock line found in many prior art storage cells. The previous combination of a second inverter and a pass transistor connected to a complement clock line, is replaced by an enabling inverter connected to the clock line.

Abstract: An indexed sequential file is made accessible for random or sequential reading of records while allowing concurrent modification to the file. Each ordered group of records in the file is associated with timestamps referencing a deletion time of the group and the time that the group was last modified. During a current search in a group for a desired record, the timestamp referencing a deletion time of the group is compared to a search time established at the beginning of the search. For a sequential reading the timestamp referencing a last modification time of a group containing the desired record is compared to a respective timestamp corresponding to the reading of the preceeding record. The comparisons provide indications of whether the group to which the desired record belongs is currently the group to be searched. The most recently modified and deleted groups are stored in a cache memory.

Abstract: A multitask multiuser system provides for efficient transfer of data from a remote data base to individual subscribers and has particular utility in the distribution of stock market data. A primary provider distributes the incoming data directly to user tasks or to an inquiry provider or a monitor provider. The inquiry provider responds to specific inquiries by users for information in the data base. The monitor provider maintains lists of information which are being monitored by the host computer for individual users. The inquiry provider and the monitor provider do not repeat requests to the remote data base where a similar request is already pending from another user. Data transfer paths between tasks are estabilished by a code module which may be linked to any of the tasks. The transfer paths are established using information from a configuration list and they are monitored by the operating system through a wait list established for each user task.

Abstract: A device for both entering and displaying information includes imaging circuitry in which a plurality of elements each has a visual characteristic which is visible at a writing surface and which depends on electrically stimulating the element via conductive circuitry, the imaging circuitry is arranged to produce electrical manifestations at the conductive circuitry in response to writing stimuli, and the device also includes control circuitry which delivers electrical signals to the conductive circuitry to form an image and converts the electrical manifestations into digital form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating with pre-printed forms on electronic office processing equipment by using a printer under control of a video terminal keyboard to identify the location and length of blanks on a pre-printed form and then displaying lines on the video display having the same length and relative position as on the form. Editing functions are used to add captions adjacent to the lines to indicate what information is to be entered on each blank line in the corresponding form. The displayed lines and captions are a form template for the particular pre-printed form and is stored. When the processing equipment is to be used to enter data for the pre-printed form, the associated form template is displayed on the video display and the appropriate information is entered onto the blank lines and then stored. When there is need for a hard copy, a pre-printed form is placed in the printer and the stored information is typed into the blanks.

Abstract: A cursor positioning device for a computer system having a projection display monitor including a screen. A light pointer in the form of an elongated housing is positioned with its tip at a selected location on the screen. A light sensor detects the raster scan trace and transmits a timed electrical signal to an interface, which determines the coordinates of the selected location for use by a computer in controlling the position of the cursor on the projection screen.