Abstract: A noise threshold estimating method for use in a high signal density environment defines a noise threshold level for a plurality of frequency divided channels such that X number of said channels will be defined as being active channels and the remaining channels as being inactive. Using a novel closed loop feedback technique to define a noise threshold level, the noise threshold estimator first compares the signal level of each incoming channel with an analog threshold voltage. A logic device counts the number of active channels and then scales that number according to a predetermined scaling function. The scaled binary number is added with the noise threshold level from the previous clocked interval to define a new noise threshold level. This binary noise threshold level is converted into an analog voltage and feedback to the feedback input of the noise comparison devices to be compared with the signal level of each incoming channel.

Abstract: A data entry screen for an interactive data entry system provides a means for identifying to a user those fields where data may be entered and those fields in which data must be entered. Initially, the formatted data entry screen is displayed to the user with mandatory data entry fields highlighted and optional data entry fields without highlighting. As data is correctly entered into either a mandatory or optional data entry field, the data is processed and redisplayed without highlighting. The interactive data entry system checks the correctness of data entered by the user in the mandatory and some of the optional data entry fields, and if an error is detected, the incorrectly entered data is redisplayed with highlighting whether the data was entered in a mandatory or an optional data entry field.

Abstract: A monitoring and alarm system of general purpose design can be customized for use with many different applications to provide sophisticated alarming and control functions based on logical relationships among several sensed variables. A central processing unit is connected to receive a plurality of inputs from various sensors, the variety and type of which are the choice of the user depending on the specific application to which the monitoring and alarm system is to be connected. The central processing unit is programmed to provide the user with an interactive display to first define the variables in the application and the states and/or limits of the variables. This action defines a logical group. Next, the user enters the alarm/action functions to be performed on the condition that all the conditions in the logical group are true. Once this interactive process has been completed, the central processing unit performs the alarm and control functions specified by the user.

Abstract: A system for producing an Auger image which is substantially independent of the topographical contour of the sample surface includes at least two counting means. Preferably, the two counting means are adapted to be dedicated counters, one for background incidents and one for signal incidents. The system also includes counter control means for regulating the counting time and the immersion incident energy threshold for each counter.

Abstract: In a circuit system simulation model which may comprise a combination of physical dynamic circuit devices to be modeled, of physical static circuit devices to be modeled, and of means for controlling at least the operating sequence of the physical devices, a method is provided for exercising the circuit devices which comprises segregating strobe input signals from nonstrobe input signals to be presented to each circuit device and preserving order of strobe input transitions relative to each other and to nonstrobe input transitions while ignoring the order of nonstrobe input transitions relative to one another when presenting a sequence of input patterns to each circuit device.

Abstract: A noise threshold estimator for use in a high signal density environment defines a noise threshold level for a plurality of frequency divided channels such that X number of said channels will be defined as being active channels and the remaining channels as being inactive. Using a novel closed loop feedback technique to define a noise threshold level, the noise threshold estimator first compares the signal level of each incoming channel with an analog threshold voltage. A logic device counts the number of active channels and then scales that number according to a predetermined scaling function. The scaled binary number is added with the noise threshold level from the previous clocked interval to define a new noise threshold level. This binary noise threshold level is converted into an analog voltage and fedback to the feedback input of the noise comparison devices to be compared with the signal level of each incoming channel.

Abstract: An electrically-powered zone condition control apparatus includes a first multiplexing means adapted for receiving analog status signals emanating from a plurality of passive signaling devices such as temperature or humidity sensors or potentiometers and transmitting these status signals in multiplex fashion to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter changes these analog status signals to digital data signals and directs them to a microcomputer. A second multiplexing means receives binary input signals which may indicate, for example, that an electrical contact is open or closed and also transmits these signals in multiplex fashion to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is adapted to perform algorithmic decisional functions relative to the signals received therein and is adaptable to periodically, selectively transmit digital output signals to one or more of a plurality of digitally-addressable load devices coupled to it by a two-wire communication bus.

Abstract: To start a metering process, the operator enters the desired weight value into a display control. The display contains a container shaped figure which is "filled" as material is added to the balance. The rate at which the container fills relative to the rate at which the substance is being applied to the instrument changes during the metering process. It is slow during the coarse starting phase and more rapid during the final fine metering phase. The shape of the bottle preferably corresponds to the "fill" rate, i.e. it is relatively wide at the bottom and has a narrow neck at the top. The display is controlled by a microcomputer.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory copy programmer provides temporary storage into which data can be read out from a non-volatile memory of an electronic demand register of an electric meter and from which the stored data can be written into a non-volatile memory in a replacement demand register. The non-volatile memory copy programmer also produces control signals for controlling reading and writing in the non-volatile memory. A power monitor circuit in the demand register enables the storage of data from a volatile memory to the non-volatile memory in the event of a loss of power and enables restoring the data from the non-volatile to the volatile memory when the power is restored.

Abstract: Dynamic random element stereograms are produced on a television receiver or video monitor by an interface circuit that generates first and second binary sequences which are applied to the display so as to display a plurality of pairs of elements, and relative delays are introduced between the two binary sequences during selected portions of an image defined by a video signal so that the disparity between elements of those pairs displayed during the selected portions is different from the disparity between elements displayed during non-selected portions, thereby causing the selected portions to appear to be at a different depth from the non-selected portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for verifying whether a particular individual is a member of a predetermined group of authorized individuals. The subject apparatus is particularly suited for controlling access to a secure resource such as a computer network or data base. In accordance with the subject invention, time delays are measured between successive strokes of a keyboard as the individual enters his name. A timing vector, which is constructed from the time delays, is statistically compared with a stored timing vector derived from the authorized individual. If the timing vectors are statistically similar, the individual will be permitted access to the resource.

Abstract: In this apparatus, a composite memory 5 includes a managing memory (5g) containing for each line of the frame to be displayed, a word made up of information relating to the composition of the line in question. This information can define a base color, the number of memory planes, and, if appropriate, a base address of a zone of a zone memory (5z) which contains the data relating to the parts of the image which contain only typographic or graphic information. If the number of planes is equal to zero, said base color becomes a constant background color in the totality of the line to be displayed. The contents of the control memory are read out, word by word, from the control memory at the frequency of the line synchronization signal for the screen.Application to teletext systems.

Abstract: A digital electronic length or angle measuring instrument includes an arrangement for error correction. A signal generator delivers periodic analog reference signals R.sub.S1, R.sub.S2 which are compared in a comparator with scanning signals S.sub.1, S.sub.2 generated by the measuring instrument. In accordance with the result of the comparison in the comparator, the reference signals R.sub.S1, R.sub.S2 are altered as a function of correction data for symmetry, amplitude ratio, phase angle, and signal form, which correction data are determined in a correction component and are supplied to setting members included in the signal generator. In this way, an in dependence on the correction data, improved reference signals are generated which then form a basis for the next comparison in the comparator.

Abstract: An electrically-powered zone condition control apparatus includes a first multiplexing means adapted for receiving analog status signals emanating from a plurality of passive signaling devices such as temperature or humidity sensors or potentiometers and transmitting these status signals in multiplex fashion to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter changes these analog status signals to digital data signals and directs them to a microcomputer. A second multiplexing means receives binary input signals which may indicate, for example, that an electrical contact is open or closed and also transmits these signals in multiplex fashion to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is adapted to perform algorithmic decisional functions relative to the signals received therein and is adaptable to periodically, selectively transmit digital output signals to one or more of a plurality of digitally-addressable load devices coupled to it by a two-wire communication bus.

Abstract: In a graphic display system a plurality of sets of first, second and third geometrical digital signals and a pictorial signal are stored in a memory and read therefrom at the raster speed of a display unit into plural latches with which plural interpolators are respectively associated. The first and second signals represent the gradients of the planes of a solid object with respect to the two axes of a coordinate system respectively, and the third signal represents the depth of a point lying on each edge of the object. Each interpolator converts the first gradient signal from the associated latch to a corresponding voltage and includes a proportioning circuit that scales the voltage as a function of the second gradient signal and as a function of a fourth signal representing the location of a scan point. Proportioned signals from the interpolators are summed respectively with the associated third signals to indicate the instantaneous values of the depths of the planes as a function of the raster scan.

Abstract: Provided is apparatus suitable for continuous long-term monitoring of acoustic emissions, particularly from large structures such as pipelines. The apparatus comprises a plurality of detector-analyzer units coupled to a central control unit via a communications link. Each detector-analyzer unit comprises an acoustic detector, signal processing means, and a microprocessor. Preferably, the signal processing means comprises at least one signal conditioner, and at least one measuring circuit which provides digital output signals representing a set of emission parameters. The microprocessor preferably periodically receives and compares the digital output signal representing each of the emission parameters with the base values thereof, and provides a warning signal if a problem situation is perceived as a result of such comparison.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring cigarette manufacturing machinery in order to provide the machine minder with automatically displayed messages relating to process fault or deterioration conditions before these have led to out-of-specification product or machine stoppage. Other messages relate to machine stoppage causes. The messages result from a comparison routine between the profiles of sets of sampled process condition variables and predetermined profiles of the sets.

Abstract: A graphics drum plotter in which wide strip paper is divided into virtual columns. An operator interface is provided whereby an operator can define the size and number of columns across the strip paper. Instead of producing a series of small plots along one edge of the wide strip, the system includes logic to place the series of plots sequentially across the columns of the strip paper before advancing the strip paper to a next writing area. A paper slitter is also provided to slit the paper on the column lines after the printing thereon.