Abstract: A video control section for a data processing system for controlling a CRT display is disclosed. The video control section includes a video memory comprising an array of dual port RAMS which is connected through an interface to the system memory bus, a shifter, a palette, a D/A converter, an oscillator section, a timing and synchronizer section and a microprocessor. The microprocessor, which is connected to the system memory bus through an interface, manages the overall operations of the video control section to generate video signals for the CRT display and in addition along with the oscillator section and timing and synchronizer section generates all of the video timing and control signals for the CRT display.

Abstract: An integrated circuit architecture methodology effectively comprises the use of high level building blocks (termed macro-cells) that are composed of a customized arrangement of a number of smaller but readily chip-layout repeatable building blocks termed micro-cells. The size of each macro-cell is determined by signal processing design/performance/operational parameters of the system. The internal configuration geometry and signal port connections of each microcell are customized for circuit packaging density, performance and interconnectability with other micro-cells.

Abstract: Construction of projects such as buildings, bridges, dams, industrial plants, means of transport, or the like with the aid of means and methods for incremental depiction of such buildings, etc. Complex structural features of the construction project are divided into discrete increments and characterized by ordered work activities essential to their construction, then are depicted as in construction drawings to assist in supervision of the project itself. Such characterization and depiction enable urgencies to be emphasized, as by shading structural features due to be started or finished by some given time in the construction schedule differently from those not due until later--or to have been completed earlier. Likewise, during actual construction, deviations from the project schedule can be distinguished readily, as by depicting structural features due (or overdue) in boldest shading and by diminishing the boldness of shading the more time is available within which to complete subsequent features.

Abstract: The arithmetic pipeline processor (which is used for computer graphics such as a flight simulator) is a group of boards capable of solving an equation of the formA.sup.m B.sup.n +C.sup.o D.sup.P +E.sup.q F.sup.r +G.sup.s H.sup.twhere A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H are 32-bit implied one floating point numbers, and m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t can take on the values 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 and 0. It includes a digital logarithmic calculator using shifters and stored tables to perform arithmetic functions such as multiplication, division, squares, square roots, and fourth roots. It comprises two input ports each capable of receiving digital data N bits wide. Included are a log transform unit, a log sum or difference unit and an antilog unit. Following these is an M-bit Aritmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and circuitry for converting between fixed point and floating point numbers. It uses piece wise linear approximation in conjunction with stored slope information in tables to do the transform calculation of logarithms and antilogarithms.

Abstract: A mother matrix pattern as a fixed matrix pattern is specified with gradation data, and information in an area of the specified mother matrix pattern in accordance with the instructed magnification is extracted as information of a child matrix pattern so as to obtain image information with the child matrix pattern being allocated to the gradation data. Plural types of mother matrix patterns are prepared and one of them is specified in accordance with the instructed magnification. For example, at small instructed magnifications, the mother matrix pattern having recording (display) dots dispersed as widely as possible over the entire pattern is specified and used for conversion of the gradation data, while at larger instructed magnifications, the type of the mother matrix pattern is specified to match characteristics of the image.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an operating elevator system for malfunctions related to sequentially perform functions, including the detection of both sequence and timing errors. The method monitors predetermined signals for the detection of user defined unique events starting and stopping conditions, and it follows each state change of all of the pertinent signals which occurs between these two detected conditions. The state changes and their occurrence times relative to the start of the detected event, are compared with a learned binary image of the correct state changes and occurrence times, which correct image was prepared and stored during a learn mode when the elevator was known to correctly perform the sequence to be monitored.

Abstract: A process for smoothing curves, comprising previous storage of a predetered number of patterns formed from at least two adjacent pixels disposed on the same line or in the same column, step-by-step calculation of the theoretical curve to be plotted, determination for each of the pitches of the pixel closest to the theoretical curve to be plotted, measurement of the distance e from this pixel to the theoretical curve, determination as a function of this distance e of the pattern which corresponds to the elementary position of the curve to be plotted and illumination of the pattern on a visualization surface.

Abstract: A method of determining the coincidence of a subject area and a clip area in a graphic display system, comprising creating three parts list, one for parts of the subject area that are outside the clip area, a second for parts of the clip area that are inside the subject area and a third for overlapping lines. The parts of the subject area which lie outside the clip area are defined by examining the parts lists. The output can then be used to control a pen plotter, in which different colors are used so that underlying areas do not have to be linked over with overlay colors.

Abstract: A method of optimizing signal timing delays and power consumption through multi-path LSI circuits constructed from a plurality of circuit blocks, each circuit block having associated therewith a plurality of power levels which are selectable to control the timing delays through the circuit block, wherein the method steps include the formation of a power-performance derivative for each circuit block, identifying therefrom the relative contribution to signal delay of the circuit block in the entire multi-path configuration, and selecting the optimum power level for an overall multi-path minimum signal delay condition, through a process of iterative calculation of timing delays through individual circuit blocks and multi-path timing analysis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting article engagement errors and for calibrating engagement error detection apparatus associated with a plurality of gripper arms (16) of an insertion machine (10). Gripper arms (16) at each of a plurality of insert stations S comprise a first jaw member (24) and a second jaw member (26) which selectively engage articles therebetween. Field-generating means (420) is mounted on one jaw member while a Hall Effect sensor (400) is connected on the other jaw member. The sensed flux density of the generated field is a function of the relative displacement of the first and second jaw members (24,26). A signal generated by the sensor (400) operated in a slide-by mode is related to the separation of the first jaw member (24) and second jaw member (26). If the sensor-generated signal is within predetermined limits of a stored reference signal a proper number of articles are engaged between the first and second jaw members (24,26).

Abstract: A solid state overcurrent detector or an overcurrent interruptor using the same provided with a microcomputer for discriminating level of overcurrent and issuing a predetermined time-current characteristic, the microcomputer further comprises a means for actuating a charge-discharge circuit 119, which gives a simulated heat-discharge characteristic to give data for the microcomputer for accurate time-current operation in case a first overcurrent is such an amount not to interrupt the circuit and another overcurrent arises during discharging of heat due to the first overcurrent.

Abstract: A high speed memory access circuit of a CRT display unit generates address signals from a memory cycle controller (20) based on an external write signal provided from the exterior and supplies the address signals to a frame memory (8) structured by dynamic random access memories (81 to 86). The frame memory (8) reads out, based on the address signals, first and second data in parallel, each data being divided into odd number region data and even number regon data. The odd number region data and even number region data of the first data are provided in series through shift registers (313, 323), respectively and the odd number region data and even number region data of the second data are provided in series through shift registers (314, 324), respectively.

Abstract: A form of competitive motorcycle racing termed "Enduro racing" comprises a series of race segments. The object of the race is to traverse each race segment at speeds which are as close as possible to the target speeds for the race segment. Along each race segment may be a check point or a series of check points where the elapsed time required by a contestant is measured, with total score for a race being determined at least in part by the success of the contestant in traversing a previously undisclosed portion of each race segment in a target time corresponding to the time required to traverse that portion of the race segment in the target speed. Thus, it is the contestant's challenge to not only maneuver his motorcycle with considerable skill but to maintain a constant speed, anticipate potential checkpoints along each race segment, and where possible, complete each race segment in the correct amount of time.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for displaying monitoring data of a continuously varying operation condition of a drive mechanism driven by an actuator, in which data of one operation cycle of the drive mechanism is detected preliminarily as reference data and data for another operation cycle succeeding to the one operation cycle is detected. The last-detected data is then superposed on the reference data and displayed on a coordinate axis on a monitor to show deviation between the reference data and the detected data of each operation cycle. Allowable uppermost and lowermost limit data of the reference data are also calculated and displayed on the same coordinate axis of the displaying surface of the monitor.

Abstract: A passive range measurement device and method are described which device includes a camera, onboard motion sensors, image digitizers and memories and a digital processor. The device creates a digitized image stream from successive images taken by the camera. The digital processor operates on the image stream in conjunction with information obtained from the onboard motion sensors to determine the location of a median plane through the scene, and the position of terrain detail located on that plane. By evaluating in like fashion hypothetical slices through the scene parallel to the median plane, a topographic range map of the scene may be created. This map is referenced to the position of the camera and platform, and may, therefore, be used to provide a terrain following capability.

Abstract: Fractals are generated based on their self-similarity properties. This is done by convolving a basic shape, or "generator pattern", with a "seed pattern" of dots, in each of different spatial scalings. The convolution results are then combined to define a multi-dimensional object, identifiable as a fractal. Two-dimensional sections of this object are used in generating graphic images for video display.

Abstract: A waveform disturbance detection apparatus for detecting disturbances in alternating current electromagnetic energy waveform, the alternating current electromagnetic energy waveform having a plurality of periodic, substantially similar cycles. The detection apparatus comprises converter means for sampling the electromagnetic energy waveform, generating a plurality of samples, and converting the samples into digital signals. The detection apparatus also comprises processing means for evaluating the digital signals so as to detect disturbances in the electromagnetic energy waveform, wherein the processing means detects the disturbances by comparing a particular one of the digital signals that represents a particular one of the samples in a particular one of the cycles with a corresponding one of the digital signals that represents a corresponding one of the samples from the remaining cycles.

Abstract: To generate two-dimensional images of three-dimensional solid objects at high speed, an object is defined within a three-dimensional universe hierarchically subdivided into a plurality of discrete volumes of uniform size and similar orientation. The three-dimensional universe is represented by an octree structure having a plurality of nodes, one for every volume in the three-dimensional universe which is at least partially occupied by the object. An arbitrary point of view is selected. Nodes in the tree structure representing the three-dimensional universe are visited in a sequence determined by the selected point of view so that nodes corresponding to volumes which are unobstructed by other volumes are visited first. Each visited node contained by the object is projected onto a subdivided view plane organized into a hierarchy of discrete areas. Areas of the view plane enclosed by the projection are painted onto a display screen.

Abstract: A system in which a three-dimensional image of an object is stored in a data input device in the form of a family of points each defined by digital data representing the x-y-z Cartesian coordinates of the point. Digital signals derived from the data input device are applied through a digital interface to an electronic display on whose face is presented a two-dimensional image of the object constituted by pixels, the positions of which correspond to the x-y coordinates in the family of points. The interface functions to selectively activate each pixel to render it luminous. The selectively-activated luminous pixels are projected into a model space by a lens which is driven to rotate at a constant rate on an axle that is normal to the optical axis of the lens and is parallel to the display face whereby the angle of the lens relative to the face undergoes continuous change.

Abstract: In an electronic watt-hour meter including a power measuring device and a clock circuit, a data setting device for setting data such as time zones, holidays and the like and programs is detachably connected to a data transmission circuit, while a PROM for storing the set data and programs and a ROM for storing programs required for receiving the set data and programs through the data transmission circuit and storing the same in the PROM are provided in a memory circuit. Under the control of a CPU, an electric power measured by the power measuring device is processed in accordance with the data and the programs stored in the PROM and displayed on a displaying device, while the data setting device itself is removed from the watt-hour meter after the data and the programs have been memorized in the PROM.