Abstract: An improved speech recognition system, in which transformation process parameters are generated in response to selected characteristics derived from speech inputs obtained from both carbon and linear microphones. The transformation process parameters are utilized in conjunction with selected digitized speech models to improve the speech recognition process based on the carbon microphone property of suppressing speech spectral energy for low energy invoiced sounds, and also for low energy regions of the spectrum between formant peaks for voices sounds.

Abstract: A system and method for frequency recovery that allows selection between either a synchronous recovery scheme or asynchronous recovery. A frequency recovery system for synchronizing a received data stream, comprising: a first timing signal generator configured to receive the data stream, extract any timing information included in the data stream, and output a first timing signal based on the extracted timing information;a clock source for providing a second timing signal; a data module for receiving the data stream and outputting the data stream at a desired rate, the data module utilizing either the first timing signal or the second timing signal to output the data at the desired rate; and a switch for selectively applying either the first timing signal or the second timing signal to the data module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cross-polarization cancellation apparatus and method particularly useful in a frequency reuse system, including a dual-polarized receiving system that receives a first electromagnetic signal having frequencies within a given frequency channel, which signal is transmitted from an external source at a first polarization. The receiving system also receives a second signal having frequency components within the given frequency channel which was transmitted at a second, different polarization. Received cross polarized energy of the second signal is cancelled by employing an antenna for receiving the first and second signals and for providing first and second antenna output signals containing received energy arriving at the antenna at the respective first and second polarizations. A novel circuit arrangement applies the antenna output signals to a combiner at an optimized relative amplitude and phase to substantially cancel the received cross polarized energy of the second electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A current copier is disclosed having a reduced transconductance at the output to reduce the corresponding amount of deviation of the current sample. The disclosed current copier may be implemented on an integrated circuit and includes a residue circuit for receiving an input current at an input node during a first operating cycle, for generating an estimate current corresponding to the input current, and for generating a residue current from the input current and the estimate current; and a first current copier for storing the residue current during the first operating cycle, and for generating an output current from the stored residue current during a second operating cycle.

Abstract: Video and telephony messaging are integrated by a telephony multi-media messaging system (101) connected to a plurality of video workstations (103-104) by a LAN or WAN (100). The workstations are connected to ISDN telephone lines (153-154). The workstations answer video calls on the video lines and/or on the LAN or WAN that go unanswered by users, record video messages from the video calls, and send the video messages via the LAN or WAN to the messaging system for storage. They also retrieve stored video messages via the LAN or WAN from the messaging system and play them to users. The messaging system stores both video and non-video messages and has a telephony user interface (114-115 and 118) for storing and retrieving non-video messages and for accessing non-video portions of all messages.

Abstract: A method and device for use with a communication system having a single cable line containing externally transmitted data within a fixed frequency band for providing interaction between a transmitting terminal device and a receiving terminal device without disrupting the externally transmitted data. A modulator is provided for shifting a signal generated by the transmitting device to a frequency not receivable by the receiving device. A low pass filter passes the shifted signal to a block converter which converts the signal to a frequency outside of the fixed frequency band but which is receivable by the receiving device. An amplifier is provided for amplifying the converted signal and the externally transmitted data for receipt of the amplified signal by the receiving device.

Abstract: For use with a video camera, a television set and a communications network capable of carrying voice and video data, a multimedia telephone that includes a network interface for coupling the multimedia telephone to the communications network. The multimedia telephone further includes a first module, coupled to the network interface and including a user interface for communicating audio information with a user and first module wireless communication circuitry. The multimedia telephone still further includes a second module separable from the first module, coupled to the network interface and including a video input, connectible to the video camera, for receiving video information from the video camera, a video output, connectible to the television set, for transmitting other video information to the television set, and second module wireless communication circuitry coupled to the camera input and the television output and wirelessly couplable to the first module wireless communication circuitry.

Abstract: The processing of a telephone call identified in part by an area code associated with a particular geographical area results in forwarding the call to telephone equipment located in the geographical area. Such processing is enhanced by associating a unique area code with an entity other than a geographical region or telephone service and then forwarding a telephone call identified in part by the unique area code to telephone equipment associated with the entity even though that equipment may be located in a geographical area associated with a different area code.

Abstract: Retrieval of both continuous and non-continuous media data is performed concurrently for multiple requests, where servicing of continuous media data requests at varying rate requirements is guaranteed within a common retrieval period. The common period is selected with respect to the available buffer space and the total disk retrieval times required for servicing multiple requests. Servicing of requests is re-commenced immediately after all admitted requests have been serviced, regardless if the common period has elapsed. High throughput is obtained and transfer rates for a large number of real-time requests are guaranteed by reducing seek latency and eliminating rotational latency so that the buffering requirements for requests are reduced. Disk scheduling techniques are applied for disks having transfer rates which vary from one track to another.

Abstract: A storage spool adapted to have excess optical fiber or wired lengths wound thereon consists of a cylinder having a curved outer surface on which the fibers are to be wound. A mounting arm extends from a separating wall portion on the curved surface and has a mounting latch member on its distal end. The arm has an arcuate fiber guide portion for guiding the fibers onto the curved surface, and retaining means are provided for maintaining the fibers in position on the curved surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having a digital processor, a decode stage for decoding an instruction from the instruction set, an execute stage coupled to the decode stage for executing the instruction, and event logic coupled to the decode stage operable to provide an event commands to the decode stage to override the instruction. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit having a pipelined processor handles multiple precise events through the decode stage and execute stage through a process which includes the steps of detecting a plurality of events and issuing an event command, selecting a highest priority event from said the of events, providing an event vector and a link address for the highest priority event, and allowing the event vector and the link to be modified for a higher priority event until the event command is issued to the execute stage.

Abstract: An optical distribution network using optical fibers connects a central office terminal to a number of optical network units which service respective subscribers. In order to monitor the onset and pace of signal degradation in the individual fibers of the network, an optical carrier signal is modulated with an amplitude-varied signal including at least two different amplitude levels that are above a selected amplitude threshold. At least one of the amplitude levels is chosen so that a portion of the signal having the chosen amplitude will not be reliably detected when a fiber in the path between the central office terminal and a destination optical network unit fails to meet a specified threshold power margin.

Abstract: A system and method for routing ATM cells in a wireless ATM local area network (LAN) that use portable base station (PBS) switching nodes. Routing of cells to and from mobile users within the network is accomplished utilizing a novel routing scheme which preserves cell sequence. Each user transmitting data to another user is associated with a Source Home Station or node and each user receiving data is associated with a Destination Home Station or node. When a connection is established in the network between a first mobile user and a second mobile user, the ATM cells are routed along a fixed path from the first mobile user to the associated Source Home Station and along a fixed path between the Source Home Station to the Destination Home Station and then along a fixed path from the Destination Home Station to the second destination user. In this way cell sequence is maintain by utilizing the Source Home to Destination Home path.

Abstract: A mapping system and method for mapping optical fiber communication networks which have several stages has switches at each stage which have an input, a home position stage, and a plurality of outputs. An optical signal is applied to the input of one of the switches and the energy appearing at its home port is measured and applied to a CPU. The switch is then stepped to apply the optical energy to the output ports, and the optical energy appearing at the home ports of the switches in the next stage affords an indication of which output port of the first stage switch is connected to the input of which switch in the second stage. The same procedure is performed for the switches in the third stage, until the network, or a portion thereof, is mapped.

Abstract: A heat sink may be shared among a plurality of electronic devices attached to a printed circuit board by attaching the heat sink to the printed circuit board using a plurality of standoff/spring combinations. In this way, the level of compression imposed by the springs on the heat sink allows the heat sink to make the appropriate level of thermal contact with the electronic devices.

Abstract: A timing technique for a Quantization-Level-Sampling (QLS) modem puts timing information in a downstream pulsed signal transmitted from the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the QLS modem. In response to this timing information, the QLS modem synchronizes to the network sampling clock of the PSTN. In particular, the pulsed signal includes data-bearing samples, which were provided by a far-end QLS modem, and at least one non-user-data-bearing (NUDB) sample in which the level of this NUDB sample periodically alternates. The QLS modem extracts timing information from this periodic alternating signal level to synchronize the QLS modem to the network sampling clock.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for demonstrating sound quality differences between two sound samples by negatively filtering a first of two signal samples and subsequently representing the negatively filtered signal sample as a first level of sound quality. The second signal sample is represented as a second level of sound quality, typically of higher quality than the first sound sample. The negative filtering is inverse to the enhancement to be demonstrated. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, negative filtering techniques are used to demonstrate the differences between an "ordinary" voice sample and an "enhanced" voice sample to be broadcast over television or radio facilities. Negative filtering is limited to a selected frequency or range of frequencies such that there is a demonstrable difference in sound quality between the ordinary voice sample and the enhanced voice sample.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for protecting articles from electrostatic discharge (ESD) in which a coating is applied directly onto the article in liquid form and the resulting coating provides a surface resistivity that protects the underlying article from ESD. The composition contains a carrier material, carbon black, and a transition metal. The composition forms a coating on an article when applied as a liquid and dried thereon. The ratio of carrier solids to carbon black is about 100 parts by weight polymer to about 0.5 to about 3 parts by weight carbon black. The ratio of carrier solids to transition metal is about 100 parts by weight about 6 to about 15 parts by weight transition metal.

Abstract: A high-efficient configurable power amplifier suitable for use in amplifying a signal for wireless transmission by a portable unit is provided. The amplifier provides a variable power output level, maximum efficiency of operation and battery power savings for the portable unit. The configurable power amplifier includes a plurality of amplifier stages with each stage having its own output configuration so that a selected number of desired output power levels for the power amplifier may be obtained directly from a selected amplifier stage. The amplifier stages also may be configured in tandem such that the output of a first amplifier stage serves as an input to a second amplifier stage, and so forth, in order to obtain a broad range of selectable power output levels while maintaining the desired efficiency of operation.

Abstract: An acousto-optic modulator arrangement includes an optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, coupled to a substrate having an acoustic transducer formed thereon, by an acoustically-compatible solder composition. An acoustically-compatible solder composition provides advantageously low power reflections at the substrate-solder and solder-optical waveguide interfaces for acoustic waves generated by the transducer. Such propagated acoustic waves are then useable to modulate a light signal propagating through the waveguide by an acousto-optic effect with an advantageous modulation efficiency.