Abstract: A method an apparatus for automatically focusing cameras. An auto focus circuit detects highly bright objects contained within an image frame of a scene. If highly bright objects are not detected, an auto focus processor adjusts the focus of the camera to maximize high spatial frequency components of the image frame. The auto focus processor focuses on the highly bright objects by minimizing a count function that indicates the number of pixels having greater magnitude than a threshold reference.

Abstract: A clock synchronization system for synchronizing the performance of a number of clocks (46) so that they run parallel with a reference clock is disclosed. Each clock of this synchronization system includes a counter (52) that indicates the current time and that is sequentially incremented by a counter advance signal applied thereto. A time counter controller (54) both initializes the counter and generates the clocking signal that controls the advancement of the counter. The time counter controller further monitors the time indicated by the counter and compares it to a reference-time signal received from a reference clock. Based on the comparison, the time counter controller selectively reinitializes the counter and adjusts the rate at which the clocking signal is applied to the counter so as to ensure that the counter advances at a rate equal to the rate at which the reference clock advances.

Abstract: Metal detector apparatus includes an increased pulse transmit frequency and reduced integration time constant for rapid target response and improved sensitivity to low conductivity metals, including cupro-nickel alloys, platinum and gold. Resistor-capacitor (RC) coupling totally eliminates the need to reset the controls due to changes in temperature or mineralization in the area being searched. The short time constant used in the RC coupling circuit improves the overall stability while reducing noise, allowing for greater amplification in the audio stages. The time constant of the RC coupling stage is equal or similar to the time constant of the integrator. The audio tone is derived from the pulse transmit clock which is synchronous with the power supply inverter to reduce noise and instability in the system.

Abstract: A data compression device driver compresses and decompresses files on a disk drive in a computer system when a user copies files from a drive letter assigned to the disk drive to a drive letter assigned to the data compression device driver. Drive parameter blocks for the disk drive and for the data compression device driver contain the assigned drive letter, disk geometry information, a rebuild flag, and a pointer to the device driver. A swapping means swaps the device driver pointers in the drive parameter blocks corresponding to the disk drive and the data compression device driver. From then on, compressed data files may be accessed transparently by using the drive letter which was originally assigned to the disk drive before swapping, which now refers to the data compression device driver.

Abstract: The remote control comprises: a microprocessor including a CPU and a memory; a keyboard including a set of keys including one or more MACRO keys coupled to the microprocessor; lamp driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor; circuitry for generating IR signals coupled to the IR lamp driver circuitry; code data for executing command functions which can be sent to a controlled device for causing the controlled device to perform specific functions stored in the memory; an entry/definition program in the memory for enabling a user of the remote control to define a macro for selecting at least one favorite channel by entry of series of keystroke commands on the keyboard; and a playback program in the memory for enabling an operator of the remote control to effect rapid selection of at least one favorite channel upon subsequent depression of the MACRO key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating fading and interference in a radio signal. A plurality of pilot symbols are appended to a plurality of data symbols to form successive frames that are modulated at a transmitter. The transmitted modulated signal is subject to loss of data due to simple fading and multi-path and simulcast interference. The received signals are demodulated by a receiver and processed to provide a data signal comprising the data symbols and a pilot signal comprising the pilot symbols. The data signal is delayed for sufficient time to enable channel impulse response estimates to be made of successive blocks of pilot symbols, preferably using pilot symbol blocks that both precede and follow the data symbols in the frame being processed.

Abstract: It is herein recognized that in an audio signal processing system, a DRAM chip for storing digitized audio signals and selected to include at least one inoperative memory location, is acceptable for use as a storage medium in that no noticeable error is produced on playback of the recorded signal due to the sampling rate of the audio signal and due to the relatively low rate of defects allowed. Furthermore, the use of a less-than-perfect DRAM chip for storing audio information is acceptable due to the substantially non-critical nature of audio signals, as opposed to the extremely critical nature of computer data.

Abstract: The remote control system includes a remote control and a computer having a memory and at least one of instruction codes or code data for creating appropriate IR lamp driver instructions for causing an infrared signal generator to emit infrared signals which will cause specific functions to occur in a specific controlled device, for operating a variety of devices to be controlled, stored in the memory of the computer.

Abstract: An analog multiplier generates an output signal that is coupled to a convergence winding of a projection television. The analog multiplier multiplies a horizontal rate sawtooth signal with a vertical rate parabola signal. The multiplier DC operating point is adjusted, by developing a DC voltage in a hold capacitor of a sample and hold arrangement during each vertical blanking interval. To prevent a change in the capacitor voltage during vertical trace, a vertical rate sawtooth signal is coupled to the hold capacitor via a second capacitor.

Abstract: A processor, such as a microprocessor, responds to the detection of an input audio signal generated by glass breakage to cause an alarm to be indicated, such as at a remotely located alarm control panel. The system determines when the input power supply voltage supplied to the system falls below a selected low voltage level. The system is placed in a test mode of operation in response to a uniquely characterized, humanly generated input sound signal and then can be tested by any appropriate humanly generated input sound signal. The system continually monitors ambient background noise and determines when an absence thereof occurs so as to provide an indication of such absence to alert the user to the possibility that the system may have been purposely comprised. The system further uses a number of indicators arranged so that the meanings thereof are different depending on whether the system is in an alarm detection mode of operation or in a test mode of operation.

Abstract: A scanning waveform generator for operation at a first or a second scanning frequency comprises a source of a parabolic shaped signal having a frequency selectable between the first or second scanning frequency. A means for generating a switching signal indicative of a video signal operating at one of a first or a second scanning frequency. A means for generating a sawtooth shaped waveform is coupled to the switching signal for switching between the first or the second scanning frequency. A means for generating an S correction signal is coupled to the source and to the sawtooth generating means. A means for filtering the parabolic signal is controllably coupled to the switching signal generator, and is also coupled to the S correction signal generating means. The filtered parabolic signal has an substantially the same shape during the first or second scanning frequency.

Abstract: A computerized interactive menu-driven video signal processing apparatus and method for selectively converting and processing color video signals from a color film scanner includes and provides a method for using a film scanner, a video color signal processor, a video signal storage device (e.g. high definition video tape recorder) and a computer with an interactive menu-driven operator control interface. The operator interface includes an alphanumeric keypad, a computer "mouse," a graphics display and a video monitor. While viewing analytical data (e.g. film masking coefficients, model film dye characteristic curves) on the graphics display and video images on the video monitor, the operator enters data and commands into the computer via the alphanumeric keypad or mouse to control the film scanner, the video color signal processor and the video signal storage device.

Abstract: A video source provides a temporally interpolated video signal, a spatially interpolated video signal and a motion indicating signal. A difference signal, derived from the temporally and spatially interpolated signals, is symmetrically limited as a function of the motion signal amplitude and then combined with the temporally interpolated signal to form a motion adapted video output signal having (1) reduced motion artifacts such as smearing and loss of fine detail; (2) reduced noise sensitivity; and (3) enhanced low-contrast motion rendition.

Abstract: A method and gas analysis system for a mass spectrometer including an ion pump for creating an internal vacuum within said mass spectrometer, an ionization chamber, an inlet passage through which a gas sample is introduced into the ionization chamber, valve means associated with the inlet passage for controlling the volume of gas sample introduced into the ionization chamber, a filament for introducing electrons into the ionization chamber whereby the electrons bombard the gas sample thus forming ions, an extractor plate positioned adjacent the ionization chamber and biased such that a proportion of ions and electrons are allowed to pass through the extractor plate, a quadrupole filter into which the ions and electrons are directed by the extractor plate, the quadrupole filter operative to permit a stream of ions with a pre-selected mass-to-charge ratio to pass through the filter and ions other than those having the pre-selected mass-to-charge ratio being separated from the stream of ions, means for directing

Abstract: A fruit juice extracting machine has a pair of opposing endless cup chains extending around a rotatable reamer wheel. The peel guide or retainer holds reamed peel halves in cup until ejector directs peel half into peel chute. A filler plate panel substantially closes off the reamer wheel to help to prevent the accumulation of stagnant juice or pulp. A peel chute behind the reamer wheel has a back surface with slotted opening to recover additional juice and pulp as the peels are ejected from the cup chain and collide against the back surface of the peel chute. The new cup track is a stiffer structure for maintaining the cup chain in proper engagement to the reamers, for improved yield and reduced wear. A full width bulkhead divides the juicing area from the peel chute area.

Abstract: An adaptor pin for connection to a printed circuit board includes an elongated electrically conductive pin having an enlarged portion adjacent one end for forming a mechanical interference fit with a hole partially drilled through the circuit board. The pin has an enlarged cross-sectional solder portion intermediate the enlarged portion and the opposite end of the pin so as to limit the extent of penetration of the pin into the hole of the circuit board. The enlarged portion of each pin is electrically connected by soldering to a circuit path on the circuit board. By this arrangement, a rigid mechanical connection between the pin and the circuit board is effected, and thus subsequent reheating of the board for connecting a surface mounted chip to the opposite side of the board will not interfere with the electrical and mechanical connection between the adaptor pin and the circuit board.

Abstract: A disk reproducing apparatus enables selection and reproduction of the desired programs recorded on a disk, with reduced memory capacity. When a desired program is selected using the operating panel, a system controller moves an optical pickup to the TOC area of the read-in region of a read-only mini-disk, causes the optical pickup, RF amplifier and digital signal processing circuit to read the start address of the desired program from the TOC area, thereafter again moves the optical pickup while observing the address data in the subdata input from the digital signal processing circuit, then searches the heading position of the desired program on the disk and starts reproduction of the desired program, upon completion of the searching operation.

Abstract: Control circuitry, in an AKB sample pulse generator, enables charging of a capacitor upon initiation of a vertical retrace pulse, initiates discharge of the capacitor in response to termination of the retrace pulse and concurrently produces an AKB output pulse having a width (W) determined by an RC time constant and having a delay time (Td) relative to initiation of the retrace pulse that is equal to the length (L) of the retrace pulse and that is independent of the value of the RC time constant. Advantageously, the AKB sample pulse delay time tracks variations, if any, of the retrace pulse and is unaffected by parameter variations of the RC components. Additionally, the sample pulse width can be controlled with analog simplicity and can be increased, for the same amount of overscan as compared with systems in which both pulse delay and width exhibit component sensitive delay times, thereby providing improved AKB control accuracy due to the increased "aperture" or sampling time.