Abstract: A method is presented for path planning after changes in task space. In one embodiment, the method is applied to planning a path for a robot arm. The method identifies areas in the configuration space which are affected by the changes in task space. Cost waves can then be repropagated in these affected areas to allow for planning in N dimensions and using space variant metrics. The method is also adapted to use in the presence of phantom obstacles.

Abstract: The capacitance of a pixel of an active matrix liquid crystal light valve is increased without reducing its optical transparency by adding polysilicon islands under the adjacent gate lines, degeneratively doping the islands to render them conductive under operating conditions, thermally oxidizing the islands to form dielectric layers, depositing gate lines over the dielectric layers to form extra capacitors, and connecting the islands to the adjacent pixel electrodes. Such active matrix displays are advantageously employed in a color projection TV to produce the separate red, blue and green components of a full color display.

Abstract: A surface smooth enough to allow the formation thereon of a single domain magnetic element is obtained by covering a polished layer with a thin layer of the same material, to smooth sharp edges and corners. The resulting structure is useful in thin film magnetic heads.

Abstract: The capacitance of a pixel of an active matrix liquid crystal light valve is increased without reducing its optical transparency by adding polysilicon islands under the adjacent gate lines, degeneratively doping the islands to render them conductive under operating conditions, thermally oxidizing the islands to form dielectric layers, depositing gate lines over the dielectric layers to form extra capacitors, and connecting the islands to the adjacent pixel electrodes. Such active matrix displays are advantageously employed in a color projection TV to produce the separate red, blue and green components of a full color display.

Abstract: A combined read/write magnetic head is disclosed in which the read head includes a magnetoresistive element (MRE) overlying a substrate of substantially magnetically impermeable material, a broken (discontinuous) flux guide overlying the MRE and a continuous flux guide overlying the broken flux guide. The write head of the combined read/write magnetic head overlies the read head and shares the continuous flux guide with the read head, the continuous flux guide serving as a bottom pole of the write head. Significantly, the dimensions of the various elements of the combined read/write magnetic head are chosen so that relatively little magnetic flux produced by the write head during writing, or entering the write head during reading, is communicated via the shared flux guide to the MRE.

Abstract: A method for forming relatively large and inexpensive crystals of KTiOPO.sub.4, which exhibit relatively low conductivities, is disclosed. In addition, electro-optic devices based on such crystals are also disclosed.

Abstract: To improve testability of analog or mixed analog/digital circuit modules mounted on a carrier, three-way switches are placed at input and output ports of the circuit modules. The switches can operate to establish signal connections between a test bus and core circuits inside the modules. The switches can also establish signal connections between the test bus and glue circuits disposed between the modules.

Abstract: A processing device includes an imitation multiport memory circuit (10) interconnecting inputs and outputs of a group of functional units (F1, . . . FN), all operating under control of a single series of very long program instructions. The memory circuit (10) comprises a plurality of separate memory units (15), each having a read port (12) connected to a respective functional unit input, and a crossbar switching circuit (18) connected between the functional unit outputs and write ports of the separate memory units. The memory circuit (10) provides substantially the same performance as a true multiport memory but requires a smaller circuit area, allowing a larger processing device to be integrated in one chip than previously. Collisions for access to a memory unit write port can be resolved without rescheduling by use of a delay element (21,70) and/or an additional write port (82) to a memory unit.

Abstract: A lamp driving circuit having a series inductor and capacitor (L-C) in which the lamp load is connected in parallel with the capacitor. During pre-ignition of the lamp load, the driving signal supplied by a half-bridge oscillator includes a fundamental frequency and higher odd harmonics including a third harmonic of the fundamental frequency. The resonant frequency of the series connected L-C circuit is at least .sqroot.5 times greater than the fundamental frequency but not equal to the higher odd harmonic frequencies, preferably less than the third harmonic of the driving signal.

Abstract: In order to provide smooth control a vehicle control method includes concatenating like-kind direction arrows in a configuration space. In addition, a stopping criterion is used to change a control signal in time to achieve stopping at a desired setpoint. To improve error recovery, control signals are changed in response to an error exceeding a predetermined limit.

Abstract: Output overvoltage protection circuitry for circuits operating at low voltages (e.g., 3 v) interfacing to a higher voltage operating circuit (e.g., 5 v bus). To prevent problems with a pull-up PMOS device at the output when the bus is pulled-up to the higher voltage, a voltage node is provided in the circuit which follows the output voltage or the low supply voltage, whichever is higher, and a sub-circuit is provided to generate logic signals indicating when the bus is pulled too high. The PMOS device is then shut-down to prevent damage to the circuit.

Abstract: A fluorescent low pressure discharge lamp is provided with axially mounted cold-cathode electrodes consisting of a sintered shaped mixture of inorganic material including about 50-90% by weight of tungsten and the remainder BaO or a mixture of BaO, CaO and SrO and oxides of Y, Zr or Hf or the rare earths. The electrodes have a uniform density throughout with a porosity of less than 10%.

Abstract: To improve testability of analog or mixed analog/digital circuit modules mounted on a carrier, three-way switches are placed at input and output ports of the circuit modules. The switches can operate to establish signal connections between a test bus and core circuits inside the modules. The switches can also establish signal connections between the test bus and glue circuits disposed between the modules.

Abstract: During recording or reading of data in an optical record carrier such as a disc, focus is optimized by adding a focus offset signal to the focus servo error signal. Each frame contains pre-formatted control marks in a servo field, and reference data marks recorded there at a time of data recording. The focus offset signal is optimized by spacing the reference data marks a distance as close as any data marks between which a zero or non-recorded position must be resolved, and taking samples of the optical readout signal as the optical scanning beam passes over or adjacent the reference marks. Four samples are used, taken between the peaks of the signal corresponding to the two reference data marks.

Abstract: A BiCMOS power driver circuit for interfacing to a bus comprises circuitry for channelling current from a power source to the base of a bipolar device to pull the output all the way down to within a bipolar V.sub.SAT voltage drop of ground, and then uses feedback to turn-off the pull-down circuit to conserve power. A similar circuit functions to provide Incident Wave Switching and Glitch Suppression by monitoring the voltage level at the output and sinking current as necessary to maintain a low logic level.

Abstract: A system for improved echo cancellation for use in particular in television receivers. The system features a superior ghost cancellation reference signal which exhibits improved performance in noisy environments and which exhibits the flat and wide bandwidth necessary for effective channel characterization while exhibiting a higher and more evenly distributed amplitude versus time characteristic than that provided by known, non-cyclic ghost cancellation signals.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device having a receptacle and a two part plug inserted into the receptacle. The two part plug includes an inner part for holding a plurality of zero gap insulation displacement connectors and an outer part for receiving a corresponding plurality of insulated wires. The inner part of the plug can be inserted partially or fully within the outer part of the plug. When the inner plug part is in its partially assembled position, the insulated wires can be easily inserted into the outer part of the plug. When in its fully assembled position, the plurality of connectors within the inner part of the plug are in electrical contact with the insulated wires.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a digital television signal using a single QAM (quadrature amplitude modulated) carrier which provides audio and video data packets at respective complex symbol data rate levels. One purpose of the invention is to provide a digital television signal which resembles the audio vs. video reception characteristics exhibited by conventional analog television (i.e. NTSC). way communication path.

Abstract: An arbiter provides at an output a priority signal that indicates which one of the input signals at an input has gained priority over all other ones. The arbiter comprises a signal processing path between the input and the output for determining the priority signal. The arbiter further comprises a control means coupled to the signal path for detecting (rare) conflicts among priority candidates. In response to the detected conflict, the control means generates control signals to modify the signal path. This conflict-solving part of the arbiter is located outside the signal path. Accordingly, a signal propagation delay in the path is largely independent of the number of input signals.

Abstract: A system for providing testing capability of individual submodules on an integrated circuit module. A test bus having a plurality of conductors is connected to selected internal ports of said submodules through three-way analog switches. Each three-way analog switch provides the capability to observe and control an internal port through combination of the ON/OFF status of two transmission gates. Test patterns for controlling the transmission gates may be provided by onboard D flip-flops which are externally programmed to control or observe ports of an individual submodule.