Abstract: A memory control apparatus for a CRT controller in which the same data from a data input circuit is loaded into a plurality of addresses of a buffer memory for storing drawing data, the address of the buffer memory being automatically updated. X- and Y- address generators update address data in response to pulses from X- and Y-axis pulse generators. A microprocessor supplies to a register the width of the X and Y thickness of an address to be updated, coordinate data representing a write start point to the address generators, and the drawing data to be written to a data input circuit. The memory can then be updated in units specified by the X and Y thickness of the picture element.

Abstract: A bitmapped graphics workstation comprising a host computer, window managing circuitry, a display memory, visual display device and multiplexing circuitry connecting the display memory to the display device. The window managing circuitry allows the display memory to be partitioned into plural individually contiguous bitmaps, each corresponding to a different displayed window. The window managing circuitry is divided into a common control section and individual window sections corresponding to each window that may be defined. The host computer writes data describing the parameters of each defined window into the individual window managing circuits. It also stores data to be displayed in the windows (including hidden data) in appropriate addresses of each of the bitmaps. As the display device is refreshed, the common and the window circuits of the manager cooperate to select window "winners", i.e., the foremost window at each pixel of the screen.

Abstract: Automatic layout planning without previously specifying place of each parts is made possible by utilizing groups of rules each comprising a condition section and a procedure section. An appropriate group of rules can be called from a knowledge base according to an intermediate layout plan generated in a data structure by a rule interpreter.

Abstract: A method of generating the layout of CMOS cells from a high-level functional description of the cells, as well as generating the particular details of the CMOS device. In particular, the image of the chip is formed having the polysilicon gates of the transistors on the n-side vertically aligned with those of the p-side vertically aligned with those of the p-side to minimize the wiring effort. The interconnections between the source and drains are orthogonal to the gates, and run along one layer of metal.

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: An apparatus for scrolling the display of images obtained from a plurality of data units, each having pattern signals representing a plurality of horizontal lines and a corresponding color signal includes a video display having a plurality of horizontal display lines, a first memory for storing the pattern signals formed with first addresses corresponding to the plurality of horizontal display lines and a first buffer area for temporarily storing received pattern signals, a second memory for storing the color signal formed with second addresses corresponding to the numbers of the data units and a second buffer area for temporarily storing a received color signal, the pattern signals and a corresponding color signal being stored in the first and second buffer areas, respectively.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a detector array based optical system using reflected or transmitted light for machine vision is disclosed. The light characteristic such as power (intensity) or distribution of power received by the optical system is detected and an electrical signal indicative of said characteristic is transmitted to a remote control system. The control system then adjusts a light power related variable of the optical system when the received light characteristic signal is deficient. A method and apparatus for linearizing the output of a diode array is also disclosed. An element correction array is set up in a microprocessor and an encoding device providing precise edge movement data is moved past the elements of the diode array so that the data from the encoder and from the diode array can be compared and the difference inputted as offset values for the corresponding positions of the elements in the correction array.

Abstract: A computation and control module suitable for use in a variety of postal scales as well as other types of mailroom equipment is disclosed. The module includes a microprocessor and associated circuitry; connectors for connecting ROM, which store firmware for controlling the microprocessor, and PROM, which store postal rate charts; an input/output connector; a serial interface for communications with postage meters; a non-volatile memory for storing parameters specific to particular units; and an auxiliary input/output connector. The auxiliary input/output connector is driven by selected, memory mapped interface circuitry mounted on the PROM card. The module also includes a load cell interface and a power supply. In one embodiment switches, responsive to the microprocessor, are provided for sequentially energizing various connectors and interfaces, so as to reduce power requirements. Systems comprising a plurality of computation and control modules are disclosed.

Abstract: A digital scale compensated for creep by first obtaining and storing a mathematical representation of creep as a function of time for the particular scale. The current "creep state" of the scale is continually calculated, stored and used to correct the current weight indication for creep. The current creep state is obtained by calculating the increment of creep since the previous determination of creep state and combining it with the stored previous creep state.

Abstract: An IC device wherein a source of IC device type-distinguishing data is provided on an IC chip, and a section for drawing out the IC device type-distinguishing data is connected to said source of IC device type-distinguishing data formed on said IC chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to optimize a characteristic of measured data in an adjustable instrument for chemical analysis. The characteristic is measured at a plurality of adjustment points about a start point. Through parabolic interpolation of the data a conjugate vector is formed and the best operating point thereon is selected. Then measurements of the characteristic are taken as a function of the adjustable parameters about the best point on the conjugate vector. These data are used in a parabolic interpolation to define a second conjugate vector. The best operating point on the second conjugate vector is the optimum point of the instrument.

Abstract: Upon selection of a range, an input signal is amplified by a factor suitable for the range, and effects of drift and offset of the amplification are eliminated by correction based on zero-volt and a reference voltage.

Abstract: A digital hysteresis circuit which generates a stable signal for driving a digital readout indicator from an analog signal indicative of the position of a mechanical driving device having noise signal components leading to erratic indications superposed thereon.A reference signal generated by an up-down counter is compared with the digitized input signal in a memory store. Only when the difference in the compared digital values exceeds a predetermined digital hysteresis value in the memory store corresponding to the allowable noise signals is a command signal generated to increment or decrement the counter so as to reduce the difference in digital value. The reference signal is applied to drive the digital readout indicator, thereby precluding unstable indications due to noise, jitter, and system threshold uncertainty.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining lead integrity of DIP devices, wherein the leads of the DIP devices extend from a track for supporting the DIP devices during passage through the apparatus. Included is a transmitting means for the transmission of a signal, positioned so that the leads of the DIP devices traveling on the track intersect the transmitted signals and a receiving means for receiving and converting a transmitted signal to an electrical signal, positioned so that as the leads of the DIP device intersect said transmitted signal, the receiving means generates an electrical signal reflective of the intersection for determining the integrity of the leads based upon the electrical signal. The receiving means includes receptors positioned on either side of the track such that each receptor receives the transmitted signal intersected by the leads as the DIP devices travel on the track.

Abstract: A display system is disclosed which is constructed and operates so that over an essentially unlimited range of variations of successive numerical values to be displayed the display of the values is performed with the highest possible resolution and also with the possibility of an exact reading of instantaneous values. This is principally achieved by splitting the respective present or current numerical value of the sequence of numerical values to be displayed into a more or less steady, digitally displayed base value and into an analog displayed difference value which reflects the dynamics. The determination of the base value is performed predictively by taking into account the dynamics of the successive numerical values having already occurred. The digital and analog display system disclosed is especially adapted to early recognize and observe drifts, trends and fluctuations in the succession of numerical values together with an exact reading of dynamic instantaneous values.

Abstract: A medication clock for producing a record of a patient in complying with a medication schedule. A data base is provided which stores the time and date of each medication that the patient takes including those medications taken in response to an alarm by the clock as well as medications taken by the choice of the patient. The dosage schedule may be programmed by reading of information written by the pharmacist.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for distributing electric energy between a current source and several groups of electric current consumers or peripherals P.sub.1, P.sub.2 . . . P.sub.n which is more particularly intended to be placed on board a motorized land, air or sea vehicle and comprises at least a first conductor for conveying the electric energy supplying the current consumers, at least a second conductor for conveying electric control signals and/or receiving information about the state of the current consumers, and at least one central control unit U.sub.1 comprising means for transmitting, receiving, storing and processing coded information for controlling the start up or shut down of the current consumers.In this device, each group of current consumers or peripherals comprise the same microprocessor or programmed means, with the same program and an address recognition circuit associated with this microprogrammed means allowing this latter to recognize itself.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining the starting instant t.sub.o of the leading edge of a received high-frequency pulse signal V of the formV=A.(t-t.sub.o).sin 2.pi.Ft,whereV is the instantaneous voltage,A is the slope (which is unknown) of the leading edge,t is the time, andF is the frequency.The arrangement includes delay means for delaying the received pulse by a period of time equal to k/2F (where k is an integer) and for thus producing a second pulse signal V.sub.R of the formV.sub.R =A.(t-t.sub.o -(k/2F)).sin 2.pi.[F(t-(k/2F))]The pulse signals are applied to calculating means which determines t.sub.

Abstract: Matrix arrays, in particular infra-red arrays, suffer from non-uniformity in output from the individual elements in the array. This is due to each element in the array having for example, its own characteristic responsivity and leakage current, and is seen in the array output as a pattern of offset values. These offset values must be removed from the output of the array if useful digital information is to be obtained. One known method of doing this is to show the array a black body at a known uniform temperature and use the output from the array to cancel the offset values. However, the dynamic range of the system is directly related to the range of offset values obtained and also to the size of the digitizer. Large-size digitizers have relatively slow sampling rates and in order to have a higher sampling rate, a small-size digitizer must be used. The signal processing system described herein corrects for offset values and is able to provide a high sampling rate by using a small-size digitizer.