Abstract: A technique for analyzing and interpreting user inputs to a computer, such as strokes, key depressions, or voice signals to a hand-held, pen-based computer system. Inputs to the system are received at a user interface, such as a dual function display/input screen from users in the form of pen strokes or gestures. A database stores the input data strokes and hypotheses regarding possible interpretations of the strokes. Recognition of the input strokes and recognition of higher level combinations of strokes (forming characters and words, etc.) is performed using recognizers, or recognition domains, each of which performs a particular recognition task. A controller is provided for controlling the hypotheses database and for scheduling the recognition tasks in the recognition domains. Arbitration resolves conflicts among competing hypotheses associated with each interpretation. The recognition domains, or recognizers generate two or more competing interpretations for the same input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic alignment of manipulated objects in two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphic space. The present invention provides an alignment field gradient which emanates from objects surrounding the manipulated object(s). As a user manipulates an object, the present invention attracts the manipulated object into an aligned position and orientation with another object(s) in the displayed three-dimensional display space. The present invention provides alignment of all combinations of vertices, edges and planar faces for three-dimensional polyhedral objects and for all combinations of vertices and edges for two-dimensional polygonal objects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting the state of a state machine from an unstable clock signal. The apparatus of one embodiment includes a state register having an input and a first output which provides an output signal corresponding to the state of the state machine and a set or reset input coupled, through a logic circuit, to the first output. The logic circuit is coupled to receive a signal indicating the unstable state of the clock signal. The logic circuit is coupled to receive a signal indicating the unstable state of the clock signal. The logic circuit feeds back the output from the first output to the set or reset input to maintain the state in the state register while the clock signal is unstable. An embodiment of the method comprises storing a state in a state register, receiving a first signal indicating an unstable state of the clock signal and feeding back the output from the state register to the set or reset input while the first signal indicates the unstable clock exits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing video data for compression/decompression in real-time. The apparatus comprises a plurality of compute modules, in a preferred embodiment, for a total of four compute modules coupled in parallel. Each of the compute modules has a processor, dual port memory, scratch-pad memory, and an arbitration mechanism. A first bus couples the compute modules and a host processor. Lastly, the device comprises a shared memory which is coupled to the host processor and to the compute modules with a second bus. The method handles assigning portions of the image for each of the processors to operate upon.

Abstract: A system for updating the location of elements in a computer display, upon a change in the size and/or configuration of the display, maintains user preferences regarding the appearance of elements. As a first step, user designated locations for individual elements, such as icons, are stored in a database for each different display configuration. Upon changing the display from one configuration to another, the elements are positioned in accordance with the information stored in the database. In a second aspect of the system, each of the original and new displays are divided into corresponding sectors. All objects located within a sector of the original display are placed in the same position in the corresponding sector of the new display. With this system, the groupings of objects and overall display appearance are maintained upon changing from one display configuration to another.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes the steps of executing a process to support a number of temporal-based functions and activating at least one of these temporal-based functions. Temporal-based functions of the present invention include a scheduler, to-do list, and a note function. Temporal-based entries can then be moved within and/or between the temporal-based functions. Further, temporal-based entries can be edited for each temporal-based function. Moving temporal-based entries involves the selection of an entry with a pointer mechanism, dragging the entry to a new location, releasing the entry at the new location, and updating a database to reflect the entry's change in position. Editing an entry involves direct editing of an entry, editing through an editing window, or editing of a duration bar associated with an entry. Data entered into a scheduling field of the scheduler function is processed according to its placement within the scheduling field.

Abstract: An integrated adjustable data entry keyboard. A divided keyboard arrangement comprises first key field and second key fields pivotably mounted upon a stationary base. The first and second key fields substantially comprise a keyboard arrangement. A space bar is separately attached to the base and occupies a lower keyboard region centrally disposed between the first and second key fields. The space bar is enlarged so as to remain within the radius of a user's thumb's "strike zone" when a user adjusts the first and second key fields. A synchronizing coupling means may be employed to ensure complimentary movement of the first key field relative to the second key field and thereby relative to the user's hands and wrists, even if only one of the individual key fields is pivoted.

Abstract: A protocol for use in a system including a first node, a second node and, in some instances, a third node, each of the first, second and third nodes coupled to each other of the first, second and third nodes by means of a point to point packet-based communication system defines transactions for transferring variable amounts of data from one node to another. A GET transaction allows an instigator node to send a packet to a partner node. The packet specifies data length, and an address in the partner node's resource. The partner node returns a packet to the instigator node, the packet containing the data. A PUT transaction similarly allows an instigator node to send a packet specifying a response port identifier, a data length and an address in a partner node's resource to which data is to be written. The partner returns a packet containing the response port identifier and a data port identifier. The instigator node includes the data port identifier in a packet containing the data.

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: A computer that can be electrically coupled to an adapter with wireless inductive connectors. The adapter has a first primary inductive connector that provides power and a second secondary inductive connector that receives digital signals. The computer has a first secondary inductive connector that can receive power and a second primary inductive connector that provides digital signals. The connectors are located within the adapter and computer, so that when the computer is placed adjacent to the adapter, the inductive connectors became electrically coupled.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing shapes characterized by a stroke grouper receptive to a plurality of strokes formed on a screen of a pen-based computer system; a shape recognition engine receptive to a stroke group produced by the stroke grouper; and a knowledge base coupled to the shape recognition engine, where the knowledge base includes, at a minimum, knowledge concerning closed polygons and closed curves. Preferably, the closed curves of the knowledge base include both circles and ellipses. A method for recognizing digitized shapes in a computer system includes the steps of receiving at least one user-initiated stroke; grouping the user-initiated stroke with related strokes to form a stroke group; and analyzing the stroke group to make a best-guess shape represented by the stroke group. Preferably, the method also looks for other shapes which are related to the best-guess shape and modifying at least one of the location, size, or shape of the best-guess shape to conform with the other shapes.

Abstract: A manipulable icon is displayed with multiple faces having particular application to computer displays and systems. The icon, which represents information about an object available within the computer, can be manipulated by the user to display different faces or views which provide additional information about the object represented by the icon. The user has the ability to manipulate the icon to see additional views of the icon on the computer display device, either by a mouse stroke selection command, keyboard command or menu selection. This selection causes the icon to move from one view or face of the icon to another view or face of the icon. These additional views thus provide additional space in which the icon can supply additional information to the user. Iconic movement from one face or view to another is also typically accompanied by some sound which indicates execution of the movement.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for switching between execution of a plurality of object code types having different conventions for invoking program procedures and performing stack manipulations. The invention may also be used to switch between different calling conventions within a single object code type. Briefly according to the invention, a computer system comprises a routine descriptor, a stack switch frame, a mode switching mechanism for switching from a first processor, code or calling convention type to a second processor, code or calling convention type and means for executing instructions in various code type codes. A routine descriptor describes a program or code segment and its code type and calling conventions. A routine descriptor contains, among other information, a "mixed mode" field which is set to a specific, predetermined value such as a value indicating an instruction which is not legal in the runtime environment of a first processor, code or calling convention type.

Abstract: A method of eliminating frame tears from the output display in a computer system including the steps of determining a safe region for furnishing data to a frame buffer, selecting a value of a first interrupt to signal the beginning of the safe region, determining the position of the scan from the frame buffer, comparing the value of the position of the scan from the frame buffer and the value of the first interrupt, and transferring information to the frame buffer only in response to the interrupt indicating a safe region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the security of an electronic codebook encryption scheme comprises a transmitter unit for encoding or encrypting data and a separate authorized receiver for decoding or decrypting data. Both the transmitter and receiver share a common secret key that has been communicated through a separate channel.The transmitter includes a Mapping Table (MTable) that comprises a table of functions, where a first series of incrementally numbered expressions are equated with a second series of randomly generated numbers. The plaintext is input into the transmitter and applied to the MTable to provide ciphertext. The PN generator supplies a unique random sequence of binary digits. The ciphertext byte and random number byte associated with each byte of plaintext data are exchanged to change the relationships within the MTable.

Abstract: A graphical interface for visually specifying the behavior of combinations of finite-state and continuous-state actors. The state of an actor may be controlled by the states of other actors. The motion of continuous-state actors is constrained by functions represented as, and analogous to, grooves, sockets, pins, glue, springs, and boxes. These functions may be represented graphically on the actor so that the system of constraints is readily ascertainable to the user.