Abstract: An image system (SPI) provides an image file which is recorded in a memory (3). A segmentation and framing module (M1) isolates each of the characters in the image file within individual matrices. A module (M2) finds primitive shapes in each character matrix by initially finding strokes therein and then substracting the strokes from the matrix. A module (M3) then makes a description of primitive shapes in the form of at least one partially ordered list of primitive shapes, and a module (M4) compares said description with standard description expressed in the same manner in a data base (M5). Character recognition, per se, is performed by determining the distances between the description of a character to be identified and the standard descriptions.

Abstract: An end equipment comprises a subscriber line interface, a communication controller, a demultiplexing circuit, a multichannel receiving circuit, a multiplexer and a network line interface. The demultiplexing circuit receives data words at a rate n.D from the subscriber line, whereby n is an integer between 1 and a maximum value N. The data words are multiplexed in n independent channels selected among N multiplexed channels in a telecommunications network link at rate N.D. Each of N channels has a basic rate D. During a setting-in and synchronizing phase of a communication, synchronization frame bits are transmitted in the n selected channels. In a multichannel receiving circuit, the synchronization bits in n reception channels of the network link are detected sequentially, and a synchronization is carried out channel by channel.

Abstract: A system embodying the invention for verifying signatures appended to bank checks comprises a check feed stand, a CMC7 code reader, a video camera and a control equipment. The checks are conveyed across the stand and are read in turn by the code reader and the camera which respectively issue the identity of the account holder and an image of the signature appended to the check. The control equipment is preferably comprised of a microcomputer in which algorithms are resident to authenticate the signatures by comparison with previously recorded reference signatures. The signatures are represented by static parameters relating to the shapes and dimensions of their drawings. The verification method embodying the invention therein comprises an optimization algorithm resident in the control equipment in order to specifically select for each signature the parameters that should be used to minimize a decision error.

Abstract: A double heterostructure stack comprising confinement layers (CC) enclosing active layers (CA) is formed on a substrate (S), e.g. a N+ type gallium arsenide substrate. Selective etching is performed so as to lay bare the confinement layers at different depths, e.g. CC4, CC3, CC2. The confinement layers initially receive contact layers (CP) made of P-type gallium arsenide. Regions R1, R2, and R3 are formed through the contact layers to constitute junctions with the uppermost active layers (respectively CA1, CA2, CA3). Valleys (V10, V21, V32) are formed to isolate the above-defined elementary stacks. After a metal contact layer has been formed, and after the end surfaces have been optically prepared, a multi-wavelength laser device is obtained.