Abstract: A self-contained intelligent point of sale device for the collection of sales data on presentation of a valid identification card, the device comprising a microprocessor having a memory and a buffer, a keyboard for entering information concerning one or more transactions into the buffer, a recording unit interfaced with the microprocessor and a reader interfaced with the microprocessor for reading and checking the identification card against the memory whereby when the memory recognizes a valid identification card, the information concerning the transaction or transactions entered into the buffer is transferred to and recorded in the recording unit together with particulars from the identification card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for image processing on a radiation image which may be a conventional radiographic image on X-ray film or a radiation image which is stored in a stimulable phosphor and read out therefrom. The radiation image is scanned by a light beam or stimulating rays and an image signal is obtained by use of a photodetector. The image signal is subjected to a frequency processing by use of an unsharp masking process. The unsharp mask signal (Sus) is used for conducting an operation ofSorg+.beta.(Sorg-Sus)to obtain an image-processed signal S, wherein Sorg is a digital signal for each picture element of the scanned image and .beta. is a frequency emphasizing coefficient. The median of a group of digital signals in an unsharp mask of a predetermined size is employed.

Abstract: A process for non-linear matching of time analog signals, particularly seismic signals, that have generally similar response characteristics but different time bases is disclosed. The process models the signals to be matched as a stretched version of each signal with additive noise, and a match curve is estimated adhering to a global criterion of maximization of the likelihood function. The global criterion is further optimized in accordance with the principle of path optimality and other a priori information may also be considered. The match curve may then be used to identify such as correlated signal events, conparison of signal sections, and numerous seismic data processing functions using multidata or multisensor time analog data input.

Abstract: An optical data processing system employing a programmable optical data processor for processing an optical data beam comprising a plurality of zero, one and two-dimensional modulators for spatially modulating the optical data beam, the modulators being interconnected such that lenses are not necessary to accomplish the focusless transfer of the optical data beam between the modulators. The plurality of modulators are controlled so as to permit the programmable processing of the optical data beam. The optical data processor realized is physically solid and compact and is readily capable of performing a wide variety of optical computations.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for processing patterns such as oriented patterns, to derive constituents which are more useful than the original patterns. For example, an oriented pattern such as a seismic section can be decomposed into a flow field, which is an estimate of a moving accretion boundary which formed the subsurface layers, and a residual pattern, which is an estimate of layer properties, such as acoustic velocity. Similarly, an oriented pattern such as a chart displaying changes in borehole resistivity with depth along its vertical direction and changes in resistivity with angle around the borehole along its horizontal dimension, can be decomposed into a flow field and a residual pattern, where the flow field is an estimate of a moving accretion boundary and the residual pattern is an estimate of resistivity changes with depth and angle independent of the accretion boundary. The flow field can be mapped onto regular, e.g.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for extracting programs suitable for individual subscriber taste from among all available television programs and for editing an individual subscriber television program list, objective data is statistically processed by linear programming. The processed results are input to a computer and are stored on a hard disk. The storage contents are read out from the hard disk and are printed out. Subscriber complaints about the program list are periodically fed back to improve prediction precision, thereby providing an automatic controller attuned to subscriber taste when the individual subscriber program list is used to automatically control a TV or VTR.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing resource allocations is disclosed which proceeds in the interior of the solution space polytope instead of on the surface (as does the simplex method), and instead of exterior to the polytope (as does the ellipsoid method). Each successive approximation of the solution point, and the polytope, are normalized such that the solution point is at the center of the normalized polytope. The objective function is then projected into the normalized space and the next step is taken in the interior of the polytope, in the direction of steepest-descent of the objective function gradient and of such a magnitude as to remain within the interior of the polytope. The process is repeated until the optimum solution is closely approximated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing resource allocations is disclosed which utilizes the Karmarkar algorithm to proceed in the interior of the solution space polytope. At least one allocation variable is assumed to be unconstrained in value. Each successive approximation of the solution point, and the polytope, are normalized such that the solution is at the center of the normalized polytope using a diagonal matrix of the current solution point. The objective function is then projected into the normalized space and the next step is taken in the interior of the polytope, in the direction of steepest-descent of the objective function gradient and of such a magnitude as to remain within the interior of the polytope. The process is repeated until the optimum solution is closely approximated.The resulting algorithm steps are advantageously applied to the phase of one problem of obtaining a starting point, and to the dual problem, where the free variable assumption produces unexpected computational advantages.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing the operational state of a system employing iterative steps that approximately follow a projective scaling trajectory or an affine scaling trajectory, or curve, in computing from its present state, x.sub.0 to a next state x.sub.1 toward the optimum state. The movement is made in a transformed space where the present (transformed) state of the system is at the center of the space, and the curve approximation is in the form of a power series in the step size. The process thus develops a sequence of tentative states x.sub.1, x.sub.2, x.sub.n . . . . It halts when a selected suitable stopping criterion is satisfied, and assigns the most recent tentative state as the optimized operating state of the system.

Abstract: A channel propagation simulator simulates a multi-diversity branch signal channel, which simulator uses in a preferred embodiment appropriate filter means, such as a plurality of tapped delay lines 11, 14, each capable of representing the impulse response of a diversity branch by means of correlated tap multipliers 12, 12A, 15, 15A . . . 15N, i.e., multipliers using correlated weighting signals 12', 12'A, 15', 15'A . . . 15'N as supplied from a matrix weighting correlator 19. The correlated weighted signals are combined for each diversity branch by suitable summation circuits 13, 16 to provide the diversity branch simulated outputs. By using correlated weighting signals, the simulator can more accurately reproduces the statistical behavior of a given communications link and verify that a given modem will satisfy the communication link specifications.

Abstract: A transmission line is used to implement a divider or multiplier. Transmission lines are used to implement coefficient multipliers in Fourier transformers and Convolvers.

Abstract: Advantageous neural network realizations are achieved by employing only negative gain amplifiers and a clipped T matrix having conductances T.sub.ij which have only two values. Preferably, one of these values is a preselected value set by the value of a fixed resistor, and the other value is zero, created simply with an open circuit. Values for the T.sub.ij terms of the clipped T matrix are obtained through an iterative process which operates on the clipped and nonclipped matrices and minimizes the error resulting from the use of the clipped T matrix.

Abstract: A pocket size data terminal is described for use by a large number of consumers in a system with which goods or services can be conveniently and automatically ordered. A plurality of data terminals which can automatically dial a local processing center (LPC) are distributed among users each of whom can address the LPC with a unique user identification and an internal terminal identification. The terminal is internally battery powered. Each data terminal can accumulate orders for goods or services in a send memory while the terminal is unencumbered by any external connector. When subsequently connected to a phone line modular jack, upon command by a user send memory contents are automatically sent to an LPC in a short burst. The LPC verifies the use of the terminal, the authorization of the requested service and format of the data as well as other items as may be included in the order.

Abstract: Superior performance is achieved by equalizing the time constants of amplifiers used in highly parallel computational networks. In accordance with one aspect of the invention a feedback arrangement is employed with the resistance between the input of each amplifier i and ground, and the capacitor between the input of each amplifier and ground are instead connected in parallel between the input of each amplifier and its corresponding output. In accordance with another aspect of the invention a balanced impedance arrangement is employed where, for example, a zero current with a non-zero thevenin conductance is achieved by employing equal valued T.sub.ij.sup.+ and T.sub.ij.sup.- conductances.

Abstract: A split-phase integrate and dump matched filter utilizes both the positive and negative inputs of a single comparator and adds an exclusive-OR logic element after the matched filter to correct the data polarity since the negative-input path of the data output is inverted.

Abstract: A feedback loop circuit that may be used for Fourier Transform analysis, for carrier acquisition, or for other related purposes, sums the inputs signal, passes it through a delay line to provide an output signal, samples a portion of the output signal in a feedback path, mixes the supplied feedback signal with a first oscillator signal that is several times larger than the center frequency of the allowed input signal bandwidths, eliminates the low sideband frequencies of this mixed signal, mixes this signal with a second local oscillator signal, the frequency of which is lower than the frequency of the first local oscillator by approximately the inverse of the delay time of the input signal, filters out the high sideband frequencies of this signal and combines the remaining feedback signal (either by summation or subtraction) with the input signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying and separating the effects of elastic and anelastic formation properties in a seismic signal representative of the earth's response to seismic energy imparted therein. The seismic signal is decomposed into a measure of the absorptive contrast and impedance contrast across reflecting boundaries in the earth's subterranean formations. The resulting measures of impedance contrast can be used to obtain a measure of the earth's elastic properties. The resulting measures of the absorptive contrast can be used to obtain measures of the earth's anelastic properties.

Abstract: A customer information input system for a P.O.S. terminal includes a portable type wireless input device that has a magnetic card reader section a key entry section for inputting customer data, for reading information from the card, a memory section for storing the information and the data, a transmitting section for sending the information and the data in response to a request signal, and a repeater connected to the P.O.S. terminal for transferring the information and the data to the P.O.S. terminal. A plurality of such input devices are placed at various sales counters and customers can simultaneously input the information and the data for transmission to the terminal which receives and processes the transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for credit card issuers with cardholders that own insurance policies with surrender cash values in them. The method and system include the use of computerized and information storage systems for obtaining information storage systems for obtaining information from each participating cardholder. The system uses this information to compute a line of credit that is transmitted to the participating bank that issue the conventional cards. Since the system has an assignment of the equity of each policy, it can extend the line of credit with virtually no risk of default.

Abstract: A multi-functional fuzzy logic circuit comprises at least one input circuit provided for at least one input current for producing at least one output current of the same value in the same direction as the input current and at least one output current of the same value in the reverse direction, and a plurality of fuzzy logic circuits for executing different fuzzy logic operations, each of the fuzzy logic circuits having as its input at least one of said output currents produced by said input circuit.