Patents Assigned to Apple Computers Inc.
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Patent number: 5162788Abstract: An apparatus and method for taking data that is presented on a NUBUS in NUBUS format and writing it into a video memory in chunky planar format, is described. The present invention is also useful for performing RGB reads wherein video data is read from the video memory in chunky planar format and is translated into NUBUS format for transmission across the NUBUS. The apparatus comprises a data format translator which is coupled to the NUBUS for translating the RGB data from NUBUS format to chunky planar format. The translated RGB data in chunky planar format is compressed and rearranged as compared to the NUBUS format--resulting in a more efficient utilization of video memory space. An address generator is also coupled to the video memory for calculating the address location in the video memory where the translated RGB data is to be written. The address location is derived from the NUBUS address according to the formula N.sub.start =(3*NAD/4) where N.sub.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1989Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: James A. Lundblad, Mohammed Sriti, Anthony D. Masterson
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Patent number: 5161245Abstract: A pattern recognition system having inter-pattern spacing correction is disclosed which recognizes words and determines where to place spaces between those words by (a) storing each input character in one or more buffers in memory, (b) comparing the last entry of each buffer against a dictionary of known words, (c) copying last entries which match words to new buffers and placing a space after the last entry in the old buffer, (d) deleting a buffer when a last entry from that buffer does not at least match the beginning of a known word in the dictionary, (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) until all the buffers have been deleted or until an end character, such as a carriage return or period has been stored in each buffer, (f) again comparing the last entries from each buffer to the dictionary and deleting any buffer having a last entry which is not a known word in the dictionary or which does not end with a space followed by an end character, and (g) saving and/or outputting the remaining words.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1991Date of Patent: November 3, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: David Fenwick
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Patent number: 5159668Abstract: In a computer system with a raster output device, a method for manipulating the outlines of a symbol image at various sizes such that the outline defines a close representation of the symbol image. A plurality of control points which correspond to an outline of the symbol image are stored in a memory of the computer system. The size of the symbol image which is to be output on the raster device is determined. The computer system then determines, given the size of the symbol image, whether the control points of the outline of the symbol must be adjusted in order to provide a proper display of the symbol. If adjustment is warranted, at least one of the control points for the outline is selected. The selected control points are then displaced by a predetermined amount to form a new outline of the symbol image. This adjusted outline is then stored in the computer system's memory and may be output in the raster device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1989Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Sampo Kaasila
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Patent number: 5155805Abstract: A method for manipulating the control points of a symbol image represented by an outline font to improve the appearance of the font on raster output devices which are under control of a computer. The method includes storing control points specifying the outlines of a symbol image, specifying the desired movement direction defined by a first unit vector in which the control point should move, and specifying a desired measurement direction defined by a second unit vector by which the movement of the control point should be measured. The desired measurement direction and the desired movement direction forming an angle of predetermined size. The method further includes moving the control points in the desired movement direction and measuring the control points against the predetermined angle with the desired measurement direction, this measurement producing a resulting movement direction and storing the results of the manipulation of the control points in a memory.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1989Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Sampo Kaasila
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Patent number: 5151985Abstract: The invented controller uses a programmable parameter scheme which makes it possible to read and write 3 1/2 inch variable and fixed speed drives, as well as standard 5 1/4 inch drives. Additionally, the present invention uses a plus/minus rate multiplier to correct for symmetry and frequency errors. Also provided is a form of read post compensation which corrects for peak shift effects on disks with insufficient precompensation. Other advanced features of the present invention include the use of half clock circuits to provide half clock resolution in the signal being written to and read from the disk and the capability of operating at continuously variable clock speeds and data rates dynamically programmable by the computer.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1990Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Wendell Sander, Brian Sander
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Patent number: 5151997Abstract: A computer which provides a video signal for display is disclosed. The computer has a central processing unit (CPU) which executes a program to provide video data for a display which is organized as a matrix of pixel elements, each pixel element being represented by a certain number of bits of video data stored within a random-access memory (RAM) in the computer. A video integrated circuit is coupled to the RAM to provide N bits of video data per pixel to the display at a dot clock rate consistent with the requirements of the display. This video circuit, rather than having its own video RAM, shares the system memory (i.e., RAM) with the CPU. A memory controller arbitrates access to the RAM between the CPU and the video circuit in a manner that denies access to the RAM by the CPU whenever the video circuit is reading video data from the RAM.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1989Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Bailey, Brian D. Howard
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Patent number: 5151635Abstract: An electric field cancellation system and method for reducing electric fields are presented, especially suited for use in reducing the magnitude of electric field emissions from a CRT display. Signals from the electric field sources of the display are used to generate counter signals of equal magnitude and opposite polarity to the source signals. These counter signals are coupled to a plurality of transmitters which effectively establish a counter electric field, or fields, of opposite polarity to the source fields. The net effect is substantial reduction in the electric field emissions from the display, and a resultant electric field of substantially reduced magnitude encountered by a display operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1991Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Richard D. Cappels
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Patent number: 5150464Abstract: Method used by a first entity, typically a computer system, on a communication system for assigning itself a unique address known as a network address, which comprises a network number and a node identification number. The entity determines a unique network address for itself within a local subset of entities known as a local area network (LAN). A signal is then transmitted to determine whether a router is connected to the LAN, and if so, to determine if the network number of the address is within a range allowed by the router. If the network number is not within a range allowed by the router, then another network number is selected from a range of numbers provided by the router and another node ID are selected. It is determined whether this value is being used by any other entities in the LAN, and if so, node ID's are selected until an unused network address is ascertained.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1990Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Gursharan S. Sidhu, Alan B. Oppenheimer, James E. Mathis
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Patent number: 5148450Abstract: An external digital phase locked loop for use in connection with a conventional serial communication controller is driven by a clock whose frequency is ten times the nominal data rate. Bit cells are divided into ten contiguous states. An adjustment window encompasses two states on either side of the nominal bit cell boundary. If a data transition is detected in either of two states later than the cell boundary, the bit cell timing is extended by one full state. On the other hand, if a data transition is detected in either of two states earlier than the nominal bit cell boundary, the bit cell timing is decreased by one full state.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1990Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Hollyer
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Patent number: 5146212Abstract: A method for changing the orientation of a graphic object in response to changes in the variable position of that object on the display of a computer is disclosed. The position of the graphic object on the display is determined by the position of a control point having a fixed position in relation to the object and a variable position in relation to the display. The control point is operative to change its position in response to translational signals received by an interactive control device, and the computer is operative to display the object at each position of the control point. A change in the orientation of the object to be displayed at the new position of the control point is determined by establishing a following point having a fixed position with respect to the object and a variable position with respect to the display, and tracking the variable position of the following point behind the path of the motion of the control point.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1990Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Daniel S. Venolia
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Patent number: 5144302Abstract: A modular keyboard apparatus allowing users to reconfigure the keyboard for their particular applications and convenience. The modular keyboard allows the user to place modules such as alphanumeric keypads, numeric keypads and trackballs into the keyboard housing in positions which are most convenient to the user and to the applications being used. The keyboard can be reconfigured with, for example, a numeric keypad on the right hand side for a right handed user and the numeric keypad on the left hand side for a left handed user. Another example would allow the keyboard to be configured with a trackball assembly instead of the numeric keypad for applications which benefit from use of the trackball over use of the numeric keypad. Apparatus for coupling the various input devices with the keyboard housing assembly are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1991Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Carter, Troy Hulick
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Patent number: 5134648Abstract: A modem (200) for connecting a computer (100) or the like to a telephone network for data transmission purposes, the modem being of the type including a modulation/demodulation circuit for converting the digital signals of the computer into analog signals capable of being conveyed by the telephone network and vice versa, a computer interface circuit, and a telephone line interface circuit specially designed for a telephone network of a given type. The modem is characterized in that it comprises: a main circuit (210) designed to be placed inside the computer box (102) and incorporating the modulation/demodulation circuit (214) and the computer interface circuit (216); an auxiliary circuit (220) situated in a box (225) external to the computer box and incorporating the telephone line interface circuit; and disconnectable connection means (Cl, 230, 232) between the auxiliary circuit and the main circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1990Date of Patent: July 28, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Barry Hochfield, Nicolas Bocquet
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Patent number: 5132672Abstract: A three degrees of freedom interactive display controller device is disclosed, comprising a hand manipulable housing unit having an opening for the passage of a mouse ball, two motion detectors for detecting the movement of the mouse ball and converting that motion to output signals controlling the translational movement of an object on the display of a computer and a finger operated conveyor belt or roller for controlling the translational motion of the object with respect to a third translational axis. All translation controls are operable to be physically moved in a direction which corresponds to the desired simulated direction of movement of the object on the display. The physical motion of each control is unbounded and the actual physical position of the housing unit is independent of the simulated position of the object on the display.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1990Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Clark
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Patent number: 5127752Abstract: The subject invention comprises a printer system for a serial printer having an optical sensor detection system for the alignment of images on a sheet of print media, the correction of misalignment as a result of inaccurate alignment of the print media and the determination of the orientation of print media in a printer.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1991Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Thomas P. Courtney
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Patent number: 5128672Abstract: A keyboard having the ability to predictively display different characters in association with its various keys within a variety of predefined character set layouts, based upon either the character preceeding an insertion point in a corresponding text field on a display or the last character entered from the keyboard is disclosed. Although each key of the keyboard is capable of displaying numerous different characters, each key represents only one character at a time and each character is displayed at only one key location. The user can also manually change character set layouts. When a user selects a particular key or selects an insertion point within the text field, all keys are updated to display a character set layout that corresponds to the set of characters from which the user would be most likely to want to select a character from next, based upon the frequency of that particular character combination being used in either a particular language or application.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1990Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Edwin B. Kaehler
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Patent number: 5128677Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for transferring data between devices located on a serial data bus of a data communication system. A first counter and flag are provided which are associated with a device on the serial data bus. The first counter and flag are coupled to the serial data bus for determining temporal periods of high signal levels on the data bus. A second counter and flag also associated with the device on the serial data bus is coupled to the data bus for determining temporal periods of low signal levels on the data bus. A logic demodulator is provided which is coupled to the first and second counter and flag for demodulating the high and low signal levels to binary data and for using this binary data to perform a pertinent function of the device. A transmitter is coupled to an output of the first and second counter and flag and to the demodulation logic for modulating binary data received from the device while performing its pertinent function.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1989Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Donovan, Michael P. Caruso
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Patent number: 5123851Abstract: An electrical connector that electrically couples a circuit board to another electrical device. The connector has a flexible circuit board with at least one electrical conductor that is attached to a flexible dielectric sheet. Attached to the electrical conductor is an electrically conductive elastomer adapted to engage conductive pads on the surface of the circuit board. The connector has a plate or other member that presses the conductive elastomer onto the conductive surface pads, creating an electrical path between the conductor and the circuit board. The conductor is attached to the electrical device, wherein the electrical device is electrically coupled to the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Steven Young, Thomas Gilley, Vijay Char
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Patent number: D327259Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1990Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Barbera, Michael J. Nuttall, Raymond W. Riley, Robert D. Brunner, Kenneth D. Wood
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Patent number: D328734Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1990Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Robert D. Brunner, Kenneth D. Wood
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Patent number: D328735Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1990Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Barbera, Michael J. Nuttall