Abstract: A single-pass method for test pattern generation for sequential circuits employs a local-fault at each time-frame. The result is that a fault arriving at circuit primary output lines unambiguously signals the discovery of a valid test pattern sequence for the fault. The valid test pattern sequence is reconstructed from stored history and is used to test a sequential circuit.

Abstract: A single-pass, concurrent validation method for generating test pattern sequences for sequential circuits maps fault objects arriving at circuit next-state lines into good next-state fault objects, and passes these mapped results to a next time-frame by placing the good next-state fault objects on present-state lines corresponding to the next-state lines at which to fault objects arrived. Path-enabling functions created during an initial time-frame are reused for all subsequent time-frames, permitting a fault-propagation size and a path-enabling function size to be bounded by a function size established during the initial time-frame. A valid test pattern sequence is found when a primary output line has a good output level that is a complement of a faulty output level for the line. In one embodiment, the determination and comparison of output levels is carried out concurrently.

Abstract: A system for Internet appliance data entry and navigation includes a reduced keyset remote control unit transmitting a user input keystroke sequence. An Internet appliance receives and parses the keystroke sequence, placing the parsed data into an input buffer. An Internet appliance browser accesses user interface display screens from remote storage via a communications network. The buffer contents define a window within an accessed display screen. The Internet appliance converts the composite display screen for output to a standard television receiver. A user makes option choices and navigates the user interface display screens by activating hyperlinks within the accessed display screens. A standard telephone keypad arrangement is used to create the keystroke sequence, permitting use of a standard or wireless telephone and a hand-held remote control unit for system input and control. An alternative embodiment permits voice input of text, numbers, special symbols, and shortcuts in many languages.

Abstract: A single-pass method for generating test patterns for sequential circuits operates upon an iterative array of time-frames representing the circuit. A mapping function is inserted at the end of each time-frame. Fault objects arriving at circuit next-state lines are mapped into good next-state fault objects and are placed onto corresponding present-state lines for a next time-frame. The good next-state mapping permits fault-propagation and path-enabling function size to be bounded by a size established during an initial time-frame. Path-enabling functions created during the initial time-frame are saved and are reused during subsequent time-frames. A search for test patterns continues from one time-frame to a next until a valid test pattern is found for each detectable fault.

Abstract: A system for using an Internet appliance for sending and receiving digital content files as email attachments includes a system server and an Internet appliance both connected to a communications network such as the Internet. The Internet appliance and system server define communication and control protocols based on server maintained user interface display screens and Internet appliance received reduced keyset keystroke sequences. The protocols define text entry and editing, and option selection and navigation via hyperlinks embedded within the user interface display screens. An email protocol permits selection of server stored digital content files for attachment to outgoing emails and the receiving and viewing-of/listening-to video/audio digital content files that arrive as email attachments. All digital content files are maintained at the server and accessible at the Internet appliance only for viewing via browser and listening.

Abstract: A method for an incremental behavioral validation of a digital design expressed in a hardware description language includes: receiving a design expressed in HDL code; providing a user interface permitting a designer to insert special comments into the received HDL code; using the special comments to identify testable parts of the design; creating a demonstration sequence for a testable part; performing a behavioral simulation of the testable part and applying the demonstration sequence at inputs of that part to drive the simulation; displaying the results of the simulation via the user interface by observing outputs of the simulated testable part, permitting the designer to determine whether the testable part implements the requirements of an informal specification; modifying the HDL design to correct designer identified failures; and selecting a next testable part and continuing until all testable parts correctly implement the designer's understanding of the informal specification.

Abstract: A Fax-compatible Internet appliance includes a network connection section for communication with a network using both data protocols and fax protocols, a video section including a video signal output for outputting video signals to be displayed on a video display, a user interface signal receiver for receiving user interface signals generated by a reduced-keyset user interface device, and a processing unit which controls the network connection section and the video section to generate video signals for displaying received fax messages on the video display. The processing unit provides user interface functions via the video display and user interface signals, the interface functions enabling the user to control transmission, reception and display of fax messages solely through the reduced-keyset user interface unit.

Abstract: An integer arithmetic graphic line scan-conversion procedure sub-divides a pixel grid into a 1/N sub-pixel grid, where N is a positive integer selected to provide a desired precision. A line segment is defined by a pair of vertices relative to the sub-pixel grid. The vertices are ordered such that the line segment is in one of the first and the second quadrants, depending upon the slope of the line segment. An integer estimate is made of the slope of the line segment relative to the sub-pixel grid. The scan progresses along a major axis at pixel intervals, while best-fit integer projections of the line segment are made along an orthogonal axis relative to the sub-pixel grid. A resulting array of integer line-scan points relative to the sub-pixel grid are used to adjust color and brightness attributes of display pixels, and the resulting adjusted pixels are output to a display device to create an image of the scanned line segment. In a preferred embodiment, N is a positive power of 2.

Abstract: A user-centered push system monitors user activity to build a dynamic model representing probable user interests. The model is used to drive a search for information relevant to these interests. Such information, when located, is pushed to the user. In a specific embodiment, the information is scrolled across a ticker-tape display along the bottom of the user's monitor. Typically, headline and stock quote type information in abbreviated form is scrolled. By clicking on a ticker-displayed abbreviated item, the user initiates a display of a more complete version of the information. In one embodiment, the invention defines a method using a dynamic user model to locate and push information to a client for display. Alternatively a client reformats the information and archives it for later use. In another embodiment, changes in the dynamic model trigger the information pushing.

Abstract: A method that finds all test vectors for all detectable single stuck-at faults in a combinational circuit during a single pass through the circuit sorts a netlist into circuit-level order, provides a library of fault-propagation and path-enabling rules for the circuit's logic elements, begins at the level of the primary inputs, and applies the rules, one logic element at a time, circuit-level-by-circuit-level until the entire circuit has been processed. The resulting fault-propagation functions for each output line define every combination of primary input signals that makes a fault detectable at that output line. In another embodiment, the method determines the highest circuit level at which each signal is used, and releases storage being used for previously computed fault-propagation functions and path-enabling functions for any signal having no further uses. The elimination of no longer needed stored information permits the method to handle larger circuits given finite resources.

Abstract: An integer arithmetic graphic line scan-conversion procedure sub-divides a pixel grid into a 1/N sub-pixel grid, where N is a positive integer selected to provide a desired precision. A line segment is defined by a pair of vertices relative to the sub-pixel grid. The vertices are ordered such that the line segment is in one of the first and the second quadrants, depending upon the slope of the line segment. An integer estimate is made of the slope of the line segment relative to the sub-pixel grid. The scan progresses along a major axis at pixel intervals, while best-fit integer projections of the line segment are made along an orthogonal axis relative to the sub-pixel grid. A resulting array of integer line-scan points relative to the sub-pixel grid are used to adjust color and brightness attributes of display pixels, and the resulting adjusted pixels are output to a display device to create an image of the scanned line segment. In a preferred embodiment, N is a positive power of 2.

Abstract: A computer input device including a keyboard with built in pointing device, and left- and right-pointer control buttons operable by the thumbs includes additional left- and right-pointer control buttons located to each side for easy operation by the outer edge of the hands.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical transducer for 6 degrees-of-freedom input and output includes a control member coupled to a reference member by pairs of linear transducers. One end of each pair is connected to 3 spaced apart points of the control member, while the other end of each transducer is coupled to 3 spaced apart points of the reference member in a permutation of the first set of connections. The transducer coupling permutation causes each transducer output signal to include components of displacement and rotation such that 6 linear transducers provide a complete definition of the control member orientation in 3-D space. In a specific embodiment each linear transducer includes a linear actuator for inserting force along each connection between the two members. The insertion of force permits the introduction of tactile feel.

Abstract: A voice-activated personal alarm includes a satellite global positioning receiver, a specific danger sensor, a voice activation circuit, and a radio transmitter. In a specific embodiment, the satellite global positioning receiver relies upon the U.S. Global Positioning System (“GPS”). In another specific embodiment, the radio transmitter is provided by a wireless telephone using an existing wireless communications network and therefore also provides a two-way voice communication channel. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a distress phrase such as “HELP!” spoken into a microphone is recognized and activates the radio transmitter to transmit the current global location. In another embodiment, the detection of a specific danger by the danger sensor also activates the transmission of the current global location.

Abstract: An auxiliary isometric computer pointing device for attachment to a P/S-2 mouse port connector along the right-hand side of the IBM ThinkPad laptop computer includes a TrackPoint IV pointing assembly, a mating electrical connector, a manually operated momentary switch, all enclosed in a compact, self-aligning enclosure. When provided with a suitable mouse driver, the laptop computer equipped with the auxiliary pointing device permits 3-D manipulation and alternative scrolling operations, independent of normal cursor positioning. The auxiliary pointing device derives operating power via the P/S-2 connector and provides a standard mouse output signal.

Abstract: A user-centered push system monitors user activity to build a dynamic model representing probable user interests. The model is used to drive a search for information relevant to these interests. Such information, when located, is pushed to the user. In a specific embodiment, the information is scrolled across a ticker-tape display along the bottom of the user's monitor. Typically, headline and stock quote type information in abbreviated form is scrolled. By clicking on a ticker-displayed abbreviated item, the user initiates a display of a more complete version of the information. In one embodiment, the invention defines a method using a dynamic user model to locate and push information to a client for display. Alternatively a client reformats the information and archives it for later use. In another embodiment, changes in the dynamic model trigger the information pushing.

Abstract: A method for creating test benches for digital circuit design verification (1) partitions a design for purposes of test bench creation according to circuit type, (2) identifies circuit types and creates packaged testing strategies, (3) uses ATPG techniques to create comprehensive test sequences based on the circuit type classifications, and (4) incorporates the ATPG-produced test stimuli and expected responses into the test bench templates.

Abstract: A computer dictation device provides a slender microphone sheath into which a hand-held microphone is inserted. The sheath incorporates a miniature pointing device and control buttons, and provides a single electrical cable connection between the hand-held device and a computer system. The comfortable, light weight device can easily be operated with one hand because it makes the microphone and pointer controls accessible to the fingers and thumb of the microphone-holding hand.

Abstract: An information processing system includes at least two processors sharing a common instruction set and address space. One processor at a time is active and executes program instructions. The active processor is placed into a sleep mode in which a current machine state is saved in the shared address space and instruction execution is suspended. A different processor becomes active and resumes instruction execution using the previously saved current machine state. The sleep mode is used to effectively pass control from one processor to another. In a specific embodiment, the currently active processor will resume operation after a sleep mode unless the user overrides that default selection. In another specific embodiment, the currently active processor selects which processor will become active following a sleep mode transition.

Abstract: A notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case includes a large flat-panel display module and a processor-keyboard module constructed into the case so that the case need not be stored separately during use. The case is secured for carrying by a slide fastener, and the angle between the display and the keyboard is adjustable by positioning of the slider in the open position. Crushable corners, an extending, protective lip, and a resilient, rugged material provide added protection for the computer while in use and while being transported. The two functional modules are electrically interconnected via inexpensive flex cable routed along the fold between opposed halves. The computer includes a removable, multipurpose writing pad that folds into the case serving as a protective cover for the keyboard in the open position, and is detachable and insertable between the flat display panel and the keyboard during transport.