Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for storing audio files. The method includes: (a) receiving electronic files at a central location from a first device, those electronic files representing audio signals; (b) associating the audio files with identification information; (c) storing the audio files at the central location on at least a portion of a storage media, that portion being uniquely associated with the identification information; (d) receiving the identification information from a second device; and (e) transmitting the audio files to the second device upon receipt of the identification information.

Abstract: Multiword information is based on multibit symbols disposed in relative contiguity with respect to a medium, and is encoded with a wordwise interleaving and wordwise error protection code for providing error locative clues across multiword groups. In particular, the clues originate in high protectivity clue words (BIS) that are interleaved among clue columns, and also in synchronizing columns constituted from synchronizing bit groups. The synchronizing columns are located where the clue columns are relatively scarcer disposed. The clues are directed to low protectivity target words (LDS) that are interleaved in a substantially uniform manner among target columns which form uniform-sized column groups between periodic arrangements of clue columns and synchronizing columns.

Abstract: In response to a request for audio-visual content from a user, a method and system is provided which sends the content and additional information related to the location of the user.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which generates and uses authentication codes so that when one device is connected to another device, the devices can only communicate with one another. The method and system preferably counts the number of times the devices have successfully communicated as part of the authentication process.

Abstract: A magneto-optical information recording/reproducing apparatus in which a magneto-optical information recording medium at least including a first magnetic film having perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and a second magnetic film to which information recorded on the first magnetic film is transferred by irradiation of a laser beam, is used so that a readout laser beam is irradiated onto the second magnetic film to thereby readout the information transferred to the second magnetic film. The apparatus includes a 2-split detection circuit for receiving the readout laser beam reflected from the second magnetic film of the recording medium, and a subtraction circuit in which output signals of the two detection elements of the 2-split detection circuit are subtracted from each other to generate a differential signal.

Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT) which may be used as a pixel drive element in an active matrix LCD display includes a pair of side wall spacers adjacent to the opposing side walls of its gate electrode. The side wall spacers provide the gate electrode with a substantially rectangular cross section, such that the gate electrode has a substantially constant thermal conductivity over its area. The TFT has a uniform device characteristic.

Abstract: A pattern searching method using neural networks and correlation. This method combines the quickness and adaptiveness of neural networks with the accuracy of the mathematical correlation approach. Images are divided into small sub-images which are presented to the trained neural network. Sub-images that may contain the pattern or partial pattern are selected by the neural network. The neural network also provides the approximate location of the pattern, therefore the selected sub-images can be adjusted to contain the complete pattern. Desired patterns can be located by measuring the new sub-images' correlation values against the reference models in a small area. Experiments show that this superior method is able to find the desired patterns. Moreover, this method is much faster than traditional pattern searching methods which use only correlation.

Abstract: A method for processing a time code including the steps of generating information, indicating whether or not a location is proper for editing when converting picture information of a predetermined system into picture information of another system, and writing the information to the time code data accompanied with the picture information of the second system.

Abstract: Using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, various layers can be deposited on semiconductor substrates at low temperatures in the same reactor. When a titanium nitride film is required, a titanium film can be initially deposited using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition wherein the plasma is created within 25 mm of the substrate surface, supplying a uniform plasma across the surface. The deposited film can be subjected to an ammonia anneal, again using a plasma of ammonia created within 25 mm of the substrate surface, followed by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of titanium nitride by creating a plasma of titanium tetrachloride and ammonia within 25 mm of the substrate surface. This permits deposition film and annealing at relatively low temperatures--less than 800.degree. C.

Abstract: A user interface provides a uniform control scheme among different devices in a personal communications routing system. The system allows devices such as a personal computer, personal information communicator, pager, fax machine and base station to be operated with a standard twelve key telephone keypad controller for the purpose of accessing electronic messages such as e-mail, voice-mail, fax transmissions, etc. Handheld communicators are docked with the devices to provide wireless transmission between a base station and numerous devices in a multi-user environment. The base station receives electronic messages for the users in, e.g., an office and routes the messages to a device as the user instructs. The user is able to perform operations on the messages such as reading, responding, deleting, etc., by using the keypad.

Abstract: A pattern searching method using neural networks and correlation. This method combines the quickness and adaptiveness of neural networks with the accuracy of the mathematical correlation approach. Images are divided into small sub-images which are presented to the trained neural network. Sub-images that may contain the pattern or partial pattern are selected by the neural network. The neural network also provides the approximate location of the pattern, therefore the selected sub-images can be adjusted to contain the complete pattern. Desired patterns can be located by measuring the new sub-images' correlation values against the reference models in a small area. Experiments show that this superior method is able to find the desired patterns. Moreover, this method is much faster than traditional pattern searching methods which use only correlation.

Abstract: A computer system for use on either a horizontal surface or a vertical wall. The system includes a computer having a base. The system further includes a viewing device for displaying information from the computer. The device is rotatably mounted to the computer to enable rotation of the computer and the device relative to each other. The system further includes a keyboard having keys for inputting commands to the computer. The keyboard is rotatably mounted to the computer to enable rotation of the keyboard relative to the computer. Upon placement of the base on the desk top or vertical wall, the device is rotatable to a substantially vertical position suitable for viewing the device. Further, when the base is positioned on the horizontal surface, the keyboard may be rotated to a substantially horizontal orientation. In addition, when the base is positioned on the vertical wall, the keyboard may be rotated to a substantially vertical orientation suitable for accessing the keyboard.

Abstract: An encoding and decoding apparatus and method which has the primary benefit over the prior art of not requiring storage of the nonlinear sequence of numbers representative of the quantization characteristics. The hardware required for quantization is reduced and inverse quantization may be achieved using shifting operations and a multiplier of up to half the scale compared to conventional encoding/decoding methods and encoding/decoding apparatus.

Abstract: An optical element supported to an optical element supporting lead is sealed by a package having a lens. A height t2 from the rear surface of the optical element supporting lead at the portion projected outside from the package to the rear surface of the package is set to be substantially equal to a height t1 from the surface of the optical element to a top of a lens or the difference between the heights t1 and t2 is set small. Thus, the package can be assembled into a printed circuit board or the like by an insertion machine. Moreover, a power-saving and a mass-production become possible.

Abstract: An Alternating Current bias control circuit for a magnetic recording head which is suitable to be formed by an Integrated Circuit, wherein a band-pass filter for extracting an audio frequency signal component from a terminal voltage of the magnetic recording head and for supplying the audio frequency signal component to a peak detector is formed by a Resistor-Capacitor circuit. The input impedance of the band-pass filter is made high enough to reduce the power consumption, and the output impedance of the same is made low enough to facilitate impedance matching with the peak detector.