Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic apparatus for processing language information of plural languages, on which an external memory device is detachably mounted, whereby specific character information stored in the memory device is displayed and desired character information therein can be selected and entered by a selector. A message is displayed at a predetermined timing of processing with an expression corresponding to the language information stored in the memory device. Control information stored in the memory device is utilized to display a function of language information processing activated, for example, at the start of power supply.

Abstract: Working assets (26) are equipped with ID tags (56) that respond to interrogations from interrogators (50). Each interrogated tag (56) sends response codes that identify the tag (56) and working asset (26), can describe an amount of use experienced by the working asset (26), and can describe unused capacity available for holding a consumable commodity, such as fuel. Interrogators (50) are positioned at normally closed portals (40, 42, 62, 64) of staging areas (22, 24). A database (94) contains information concerning working assets (26), users (28) to whom working assets (26) have been assigned, and caretakers (38) who may be authorized to transport various working assets (26). The caretakers (38) also have ID tags (58). A portal (40, 42, 62, 64) temporarily opens or remains closed in response to the interrogation that takes place at the portal (40, 42, 62, 64) and data stored in the database (94).

Abstract: A system of infusing fluids in a patient includes an infusion pump for infusing fluids into a patient in accordance with instructions to carry out a desired course of infusion therapy. The system includes a physiological sensor for sensing conditions of the patient during the course of the infusion and a remote infusion controlling system for monitoring the course of the infusion and generating suggested adapted instructions.

Abstract: A communication system for a marketing area locates a light signal generating system and a master computer at a control center and delivers message bearing light signals over optical channels to predetermined subdivisions of the marketing area. Message relay units are provided on the shopping carts in the marketing area for transmitting audio and/or visual messages to the shopper. Among the visual messages transmitted are those which visually display a list of items available for purchase and on display in the marketing area, a graphics display of the marketing area and the merchandise display facilities therein, a video picture which is often of a product or item available for purchase in the marketing area and a traveling word message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for displaying images such as radiation images on a display apparatus such as, for example, a cathode-ray tube. This method is intended to obtain conversion information for converting first pixel data to second pixel data which is suited to display in accordance with pixel data corresponding to a partial area of the image to be displayed. Additionally, this method enables display of an image with a high contrasts resolution when only a partial image corresponding to a partial area of the image is displayed.

Abstract: A device for interfacing an expansion bus with an option card and an associated method for initializing a computer system having the option card installed on the expansion bus thereof. The interface device includes a dual ported RAM having a first port coupled to the expansion bus and a second port coupled to the option card, a processor coupled to the second port of the dual ported RAM and a non-volatile memory coupled to the processor and to the second port of the dual ported RAM. At power up, the processor transfers an expansion BIOS and pattern stored in the non-volatile memory to first and second portions, respectively, of the memory space of the dual ported RAM. The computer system scans the second portion of the dual ported RAM for the pattern, executes a first initialization sequence contained in the expansion BIOS upon detecting the pattern and then executes a second initialization sequence contained in a BIOS of the computer system.

Abstract: A method and translating machine for translating a source language with markup signs into a target language maintaining the markup signs. The system includes a separation module for separating an original text into markup signs and a text body exclusive of the markup signs, a memory for storing each markup sign in association with a corresponding word or phrase, a module for producing a parsing tree in a target language corresponding to the original text body, and a translated sentence producing module for producing target language text by attaching markup signs to translated words corresponding to the original text based on the parsing tree in the target language.

Abstract: A technique for generating, distributing and maintaining a list of operational nodes in a network using a nonbroadcast communication medium, wherein the nodes first collectively agree on the identity of a designated node. Once the designated node is agreed on, the other nodes periodically send Hello messages to it and the designated nodes compiles a list of operational nodes based in part on the Hello messages it receives, and periodically sends a Hello message to each node on the list. The Hello message from the designated node includes a list of addresses of active neighbor nodes, so that every node periodically receives a list of operational neighbor nodes. The number of messages needed to implement this scheme is proportional to the number of nodes, rather than the square of the number of nodes as in a conventional approach in which each node advised every other node of its presence.

Abstract: A multiple interface driver circuit for transmitting data in a channel according to one of several different signal protocols. In the exemplary embodiment, two separate bus driver circuits are connected to a common output terminal and may be selected under software control. When one such driver is selected, the other remains in an inactive state, presenting a high output impedance to the driver signal from the other. In an alternative embodiment, one interface driver circuit is connected to the output terminal and the driver circuit output signal is either left unchanged or modified under software control by a second pullup driver circuit. The unconditioned output signal conforms to a first interface protocol. After conditioning by the second pullup driver circuit, the output signal conforms to a second interface protocol.

Abstract: A system and circuitry is provided by which certain selected embedded pins of an integrated circuit gate array may be provided with dual functions, that is to say, they may act either as receivers of an externally sourced input signal or as transmitters of an internally generated output signal. Each selected input/output pin is controlled by an associated flip-flop residing in a chain of flip-flops so that an associated flip-flop will determine the condition of two buffer-drivers attached to each input/output pin. While the first buffer-driver is tri-stated (disabled), then the embedded pin operates as an input receiving function. When the first buffer-driver is enabled, the embedded I/O pin operates as the conveyer of an output signal from the internal output logic.

Abstract: A computer system having switchable 3.3 volt or 5 volt interface bus. The computer system includes a microprocessor and multiple peripheral integrated circuits. The microprocessor and other peripheral integrated circuits are coupled to the interface bus through groups of buffers on the integrated circuits. These buffers operate at the voltage level of the interface bus and include voltage translation circuitry for translating interface bus signals to voltage level at which the core logic of the microprocessor and other peripheral chips operate.

Abstract: A multiplicity of charitable collection stations are provided with selectors for choosing the charity to which a contribution is destined, a change maker for issuing change if desired, a display for displaying information with respect to premiums available and contributions made, and a modem or other telecommunicator for two-way communications with a central station. The central station communicates with the individual charitable institutions to provide information as to monies collected and signals the machines as to premiums available like food-service items, travel awards and the like.

Abstract: A central office correlates charitable contributions made at vending stations in food service establishments which issue information carriers in return for charitable contributions which are receipts for the contribution and entitle the donor to a beverage dispensed from a machine responding to the information carrier.

Abstract: A programmable controller comprises an input circuit including a plurality of signal input terminals which receive signals from a plurality of external input devices, and a power feed terminal and a ground terminal which are respectively exposed in order to supply a power source voltage from outside the programmable controller. Also, current regulator elements are respectively located between the power feed terminal or the ground terminal and the plurality of signal input terminals. Owing to this construction, the range of power source voltages to be supplied to the input circuit can be widened, and various external input devices can be connected without altering internal circuitry. A plurality of power sources of fixed voltages which are generally used are built in, whereby a user need not especially prepare a power source and can be freed from the labors of wiring etc.

Abstract: A composite dictionary data compression process for use with a computer system comprising the steps of: receiving into the computer system an uncompressed input data string; searching a composite dictionary to detect for a dictionary data string matching the uncompressed input data string, the composite dictionary comprising a fixed dictionary and an adaptive dictionary; and modifying the adaptive dictionary in response to whether a matching dictionary data string is detected.

Abstract: A biosolids tracking system monitors the quantity and quality of biosolids deposited on a plot of land. Global positioning system technology is used to determine the land coordinates of the boundary of the plot of land for accurate area calculation in order to determine the loading per unit area of biosolids including metals deposited on the plot. The system includes the ability to display superposed topographic and digitized photographic imagery of the plot with textual annotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging data between neighboring mesh connected processors in which a first stage exchanges locally stored data with each of the four neighbor processors, and then a second stage exchanges the data just received from each processor with a different one of the same four processors. The mesh connection does not provide connections between processors in a diagonal direction. The first set of exchanges provides data from the processors on the left, right, above, and below which augments the local data tile on the corresponding side. The second set of exchanges provides the data from neighbors in the upper left corner, the upper right corner, the bottom right corner, and the bottom left corner in a transfer from the processors above, right, below and left, respectively. During the exchanges data pointers move in a direction opposite to the direction of data flow.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for dequeuing connection requests in a data communications system comprising a calling subsystem and a called subsystem connected by a serial simplex switch. The connection requests are made by the calling subsystem to the called subsystem by sending a connect request message to the switch and queuing the connect request message in a buffer therein. The switch establishes a connection between the calling subsystem and the called subsystem by thereafter queuing the connect request message in a buffer in the called subsystem. Concurrently, the switch sends a connect request acknowledge message to the calling subsystem while the calling subsystem sends a connect request dequeue message to the switch.

Abstract: In a multiprocessing system which is composed of a plurality of processors, running states of the respective processors are converted to address information which is transmitted to a receiving side processor. The address information is converted to a corresponding running-state code by the receiving-side processor. Thereafter, the running-state code and a beforehand set running-state discrimination code are collated with each other, to recognize the running states of the respective processors.

Abstract: Enables an I/O channel program to use IDAWs (indirect data address words) to control data transfers from/to an I/O (input/output) device to/from either or both of ES (expanded storage) and/or system MS (main storage), in which data moved to/from ES does not move through MS. ES and MS are plural electronic storage media in a data processing system, and the I/O device is any I/O device selectable by the system. Intermixing of data transfers between ES and MS may be controlled by a single IDAW list accessed by a channel control word (CCW) in a channel program in a data transfer direction indicated in the CCW without any channel mode change.