Abstract: A genetic algorithm is used to balance a line of pick and place machines. The genetic algorithm uses a modularized chromosome string having at least three parts indicating 1) a division of parts between the pick and place machines, 2) a layout of a first pick and place machine, and 3) a layout of a second pick and place machine, respectively. A heuristic layout generator cycles with the genetic algorithm to create simulated layouts from populations of chromosome strings produced by the genetic algorithm. The heuristic layout generator is also modularized, having separate modules corresponding to the three parts of the chromosome string.

Abstract: In a television receiver having Picture-In-Picture (PIP), a controller analyzes the content of an auxiliary video signal forming a PIP image, and automatically adjusts the shape and transparency of the PIP image in accordance with the content of the auxiliary video signal.

Abstract: A control circuit for use in a video processor utilizes combined automatic kinescope bias (AKB) control, and average individual beam current sensing and limiting in at least one CRT. The control circuit includes automatic kinescope bias (AKB) control circuitry for detecting a magnitude of individual red (R), green (G) and blue (B) cathode currents driving corresponding R, G and B CRTs, generating R, G and B average cathode current control signals therefrom, and using the R, G and B average cathode current control signals as feedback to the video processor to reduce the R, G and B cathode currents approximately equal current amounts.

Abstract: An over-current protection circuit is used to prevent damage to a television receiver due to excessive beam current. The television receiver includes a high voltage generating circuit for supplying a beam current to a picture tube. The over-current protection circuit a measurement circuit for directly detecting the beam current, a comparison circuit for comparing the detected beam current with a predefined threshold level, and an output circuit coupled to a control input of the high voltage generating circuit, for generating a control signal for turning off the high voltage generating circuit.

Abstract: A method of refreshing a dynamic memory intended for storing variables involved in operations performed by a processor, comprises a step of planning 10 in the course of which an order and a timing of said operations are established, a step of estimating 13 a retention time specific to each variable, a step of forecasting 14 at least one instant at which each variable must be refreshed, a step of placement 15 in the course of which the variables are placed in the memory, a step of refreshing 16 in the course of which the variables are refreshed at the instants defined during the forecasting step 14. The invention allows a reduction in the latency times and in the consumption of current which are related to the refreshing. It is of particular benefit in systems where the real time constraint is important, for example video data processing systems.

Abstract: A display screen, in particular a color display screen for a cathode ray tube, comprises a phosphor layer which includes a phosphor composition of a phosphor with a coating comprising a water-soluble organic binder, which is selected from the group formed by the polyurethanes, polyacrylamides, polyamide resins, etherified melamine compounds and melamine-formaldehyde compounds, and etherified urea-formaldehyde resins, and comprising oxygen compounds of one or more elements selected from the group formed by the alkaline earth elements and zinc. Important advantages obtained are a substantially improved sieving behavior of the phosphor powder, an increased adhesion of pigment particles to the phosphor grains, an improved suspension stability as well as an improved adhesion of the phosphor to the display screen glass.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes an acoustical enclosure having an internal wall for dividing the enclosure into first and second sub-chambers. An electro-acoustical transducer having a vibratable speaker cone is mounted in an opening provided in the internal wall of the acoustical enclosure, while an internal vent is provided in the internal wall of the acoustical enclosure for pneumatically coupling the first and second sub-chambers. An external vent is provided in a wall of the first sub-chamber for pneumatically coupling the first sub-chamber to an exterior environment outside of the acoustical enclosure. Finally, a passive radiator is provided in a wall of the second sub-chamber for pneumatically coupling the second sub-chamber to the exterior environment.

Abstract: A method of and a device for operating a gas discharge lamp which is fed with an alternating voltage or an alternating current and wherein the instantaneous power of the lamp is increased at given time intervals are used to form the electrodes. The value of an operational datum of the lamp which varies in time is continuously or discontinuously measured and the frequency of the alternating voltage or the alternating current (operating frequency) is selected in dependence on the measured values.

Abstract: A memory aid device is worn by a user to provide the user with memory cues. In a preferred arrangement the apparatus captures images of people that the user encounters. A face recognition process compares the face in the captured image with faces already held in storage means which have been captured previously. On establishing a face match, the previously captured image is displayed to the user on a display in the form of a wrist worn display, a head-up display or the like. The captured images have a field of view which is such that the backdrop and any foreground objects are also included. Aspects of the previously captured image such as a familiar backdrop, foreground objects or the fact that a person is wearing summer clothes all act as visual memory cues for the user to assist them in memory recall.