Abstract: In a CPU monitoring apparatus, a lap time pulse, which is generated by the CPU in response to successive executions of a program, is monitored and determined whether its duration is between maximum and minimum values, or longer than the maximum value or shorter than the minimum value, and a program execution alarm signal is generated when the duration is either determined to be longer than the maximum value or shorter than the minimum value. The apparatus further determines whether the CPU has successfully or unsuccessfully executed a predetermined number of significant steps when the CPU has reputedly executed the program a predetermined number of times, and generates a step execution alarm signal if the CPU is determined as having unsuccessfully executed the predetermined number of significant steps.

Abstract: A system and methodology for automatically organizing, managing, and distributing digital multi-media information without the negative artifacts which are normally introduced when electronically distributing digitally compressed data and information which contains still images, moving images and sound. The invented system packages and assists in production and electronic distribution of pre-produced multi-media information into digital packets or segments of varying file lengths with defined start and end points. Each segment of multi-media information is identified with separate alpha-numeric and binary coded data fields which are organized into multimedia "object descriptors" and multi-media "segment descriptors". Object descriptor fields define the actual multi-media object and its relative mixture of digitized audio, video, text, and picture content its life span for use, date and time release information for use, killdate, and file sizes.

Abstract: A Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) video/audio data bitstream comprises frames of encoded audio data, each of which includes a plurality of integrally encoded subframes, which are decoded by an audio decoder for presentation. An input buffer arrangement includes first and second buffer memories which each have a capacity to store one subframe. The first and second buffer memories are used alternatingly, with one storing a subframe of input data while another subframe is being read out of the other. A third buffer memory, which has a capacity to store at least one subframe, is provided upstream of the first and second buffer memories to prevent the first and second buffer memories from overflowing or underflowing.

Abstract: The power distribution control system of the present invention provides a distributed intelligence, data acquisition and control system which collects and analyzes large amounts of data representing power usage from a power distribution substation and remote control units spread throughout a power distribution network. The system also provides the capability of various control functions for the substation and remote locations such as capacitor banks and pole switches along a distribution line. The system provide communications capabilities between local devices and also with remote control units. The system provides real time monitoring of power usage and real time control of various functions in the power distribution network.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the efficiency of operation of a dispatch unit in a processing system, the processing system including at least one performance monitor counter (PMC) and at least one monitor mode control register (MMCR) to configure the operations of the at least one PMC, includes counting a number of instructions dispatched by the dispatch unit during a predetermined sampling period, counting a number of times a predetermined number of instructions are dispatched by the dispatch unit per cycle during the predetermined sampling period, and determining the efficiency of the dispatch unit according to the counted number of instructions and the counted number of times the predetermined number of instructions are dispatched by the dispatch unit.

Abstract: An object tracking and motion control system includes a thermal marking unit such as a laser for inducing localized thermal indicia on objects. A thermal tracking unit, typically a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) such as a two dimensional thermal sensing array, is positioned to measure movement of objects marked with localized thermal indicia. A motion control unit is connected to the thermal tracking unit to permit adjustment of motion of objects marked with induced localized thermal indicia based on their measured movement.

Abstract: A method is provided for virtual machining which helps predict the accuracy of parts to be made on machine tools, allocates errors in design and manufacture of machine tools, and diagnoses the source of errors in machine tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method which calculates the "error shape" of a part being manufactured based upon the position, orientation, velocity and shape of the machine tool. The method predicts the statistical distribution of part size, form, and profile errors in a population of parts by superposing "error shapes." The machine errors are diagnosed by matching post process gauging data with a linear combination of "error shapes." The method predicts the magnitude and pattern of errors in a machined part, performs a simulation taking into account the geometry of the machine, the commanded machine motions as a function of time, error motions of the machine's components as a function of time, and the shape of the tool.

Abstract: A golf ranging system is provided where a golfer positions a ranging unit at a ball position, indicates which hole is being played and the ranging unit reports the distance to the pin for that hole and/or the distance from the tee for that hole. The ranging signal is a direct sequence spread-spectrum signal and the ranging is repeated many times and an average taken, to improve the accuracy of the distance measurement. Optionally, the ranging system could operate over multiple frequencies to avoid interference. The multiple frequencies are scanned until an interference-free channel is found, or measurements are made at several frequencies and averaged. The pin unit might be housed just beyond the pin and include an offset to the pin. The offset can be set by simply sending an offset signal from a standard ranging unit, or a specially configured course management unit, held at the pin or manually entered via a serial port.

Abstract: A digital measuring device is provided for electronically determining measured distances, such as the dimensions of people or objects, as an integral part of a comprehensive system for manipulating and/or recording the measurement data. The digital measuring system of the present invention includes a digital tape measure for transforming measured distances into electrical signals or representations, and a control and display means for manipulating and recording the data received from the digital tape measure into a useful format. The digital tape measure includes a measuring tape with regularly-spaced markers and an electronic sensing means for detecting the passage of the markers. The control and display means can be incorporated into the digital tape measure itself, or alternatively it can be a separate unit.

Abstract: A system for providing test tools at a remote location with a portable computer is disclosed. The system includes a peripheral interface coupled to the computer for communicating data between the computer and a unit under test. The test tool is implemented on a printed circuit card that, preferably, conforms to the dimensions and specifications of the card categories for the Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) standard. The test tool receives and transmits signals to and from the unit under test so that an application program executing within said computer may display, analyze, or otherwise use the data received from the test tool which is controlled by the program. The test tool includes a tuple to identify the functionality of the tool. A card service interpreter within the computer communicates with the tool in accordance with the tuple information identifying the test tool.

Abstract: A cylinder positioning control apparatus designed to effect positioning of a cylinder by learning control that uses not only an overrun distance but also a cylinder speed as input data for control. The apparatus has a device for taking in a displacement x and speed V of a cylinder, a device for calculating a predicted overrun distance y.sub.i for the present drive from a predicted overrun distance y.sub.i-1 in the preceding drive, a cylinder speed V.sub.i-1 at the time of outputting a braking signal during the preceding drive, and a speed V.sub.i of the cylinder being driven, a device for judging whether or not a condition to be satisfied to output a braking signal is satisfied, and for outputting a braking signal when the condition is satisfied, a device for taking in a displacement x.sub.bp and speed V.sub.bp of the cylinder when the braking signal is output, a device for taking in a displacement x.sub.stop of the cylinder when it has stopped, and a device for calculating a predicted overrun distance y.sub.

Abstract: The quality of wind profiling radar data is evaluated by comparing the probability density function of the power density of sets of returned samples to an exponential function. The standard deviation of individual samples from the exponential function can be evaluated to identify possible sources of contamination of the wind profiler data.

Abstract: A method for a sender to automatically distribute information to a receiver on a network using devices (such as printers and facsimile machines) and communication channels (such as electronic mail) defined in a receiver profile. The receiver profile establishes the properties and mode for receipt of information for receivers on the network and the profile is published in a network repository for all network users or is accessible by selected groups or individuals on the network. Receivers have additional control over network senders by defining an information filter which further controls sender channel access (to a receiver) by defining some channels as having priority of access such as direct or delayed access, as well as selectively permitting senders to override the receiver profile. Consequently, receiver profiles provide a variable receiver definable link to senders using multiple forms of media as well as multiple hardware platforms and network configurations.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated, self-calibrating, contact-type gaging system and method for calibrating the same. The system is configured to run in a calibration mode and a measurement mode. During the calibration mode, a unique temperature profile is generated for each particular system. The temperature offset includes offset values calculated to compensate for gaging system hardware errors as well as other measurement error caused by temperature variations encountered during gaging applications. In the measurement mode, part size measurements are adjusted by the offsets contained in the temperature profile generated for the gaging system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a feedrate controlling method and apparatus for controlling a wire-cutting electric discharging machine (WEDM) to operate at optimal feedrate. In the apparatus, a discharge frequency counter is used to count the frequency of normal discharge and the frequency of abnormal discharge, from which two performance indexes: stability percent (STB) and efficiency percent (EFF) are obtained. These two performance indexes allow the apparatus to use a decision table to obtain an optimal feedrate variation used to change the current feedrate so as to operate the WEDM with maximum stability and efficiency.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for evaluating images for quality assurance parameters of ultrasound image scanners are described. The apparatus includes a digital computer with display output, a video frame grabber or direct image read-out interface from ultrasound scanner, a digital storage, and software. Using a transducer, an ultrasound scanner produces an image, of test objects or phantom, that is temporarily stored in scanner memory. The phantom image is transferred to the memory of the processing computer either by digitizing the video output of the scanner or reading directly by digital means from the scanner. The software enables the user to acquire the image by the above means; associate the images with information on scanner, operator, and expected performance standards and accuracies. As selected by user, the software evaluates scanner performance parameters and produces quantitative results, graphs, and reports for screen display and printer.

Abstract: In a video display method of laying out a plurality of objects in a space, and creating images of the objects in units of frames, thereby displaying a series of videos, geometric attributes of first and second objects, movements of the first and second objects, including changes in the first and second objects, first and second start positions of the movements, and first and second start times of the movements are defined as first and second scenarios. First and second occupied areas occupied when the first and second objects move on the basis of the first and second scenarios are calculated by approximating the ORs of a sequence of areas occupied by the first and second objects when the first and second objects take the movements at the first and second positions and the first and second times on the basis of the first and second scenarios. A common area where the first and second occupied areas cross each other is calculated. The first and second occupied areas and the common area are displayed as video.

Abstract: An internal state determining apparatus according to the present invention includes at least one inner circuit, means for detecting a change in voltage supplied from an external device and outputting a detected signal in response to the change in voltage and internal state determining means for determining the inner circuit so as to fall into a predetermined state in response to the detected signal, as components that make up the internal state determining apparatus. Owing to the internal state determining apparatus having such a construction, when an IC card is activated in response to two types of different voltages, for example, an internal state of the IC card can be determined.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a contour of the underside of a person's foot includes an array of gauge pins supported by a first support structure and disposed in spaced relation for independent, guided movement along their longitudinal axes. An inflatable diaphragm elevates the gauge pins into extended positions until they contact the underside of the foot. A camera, forward of the gauge pin array, is pointed towards the gauge pin array. An initial reference image is captured of the gauge pins in their retracted position. The person's foot is then placed on the first support structure and the gauge pins are elevated (by means of the diaphragm). The gauge pins are locked in place; the foot is removed and an image of the conforming gauge pin array is acquired by the camera, using ambient light. The image is sent to a processor which analyzes the image and compares it to the reference image to determine the new location of the tops of the gauge pins.

Abstract: Digital video transmission rate matching techniques are disclosed. A bit stream rate matching apparatus includes a bit rate increasing device and a bit rate reducing device. The bit rate increasing device converts a video bit stream having a first transmission rate to a video bit stream having a second transmission rate wherein the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate. The bit rate reducing device converts a video bit stream having the second transmission rate to a video bit stream having the first transmission rate. The bit stream rate matching apparatus is useful in the context of a multimedia conference where a first endpoint device employs the first transmission rate and a second endpoint device employs the second transmission rate.