Abstract: The present invention constitutes a cursor image (36) for use in graphics imaging systems for providing images with three-dimensional qualities. The cursor indicates position within a three-dimensional space. The cursor comprises a reference symbol (38) located at a reference point (58) on a reference plane (60), a pointer symbol (40) located pointing to the position (42), and a tether symbol (44) connecting the reference symbol and the pointer symbol. The cursor image includes depth cue features which assist the observer in gauging the depth of the position being indicated. The cursor is preferably displayed with a stereoscopic imaging system (10) employing a liquid crystal stereo switch unit (16). In such a system the cursor image is displayed on a cathode-ray tube (12) in left and right perspective projections (46) and (48) of differing binocular disparity which are used by the observer to form a single three-dimensioinal image of the cursor.

Abstract: An X-Y direction input device used, for example, in a graphic display apparatus includes some members enclosed in a casing and requiring electrical connection to each other. The casing is divided into upper and lower cases one of which has some chamber defining walls or ribs and the other has associated projections or pins, so as to accept the members previously connected physically, electrically to each other in the respective chambers and suppressingly support them in the chambers by the projections or pins.

Abstract: A semaphore for use in a detection system for a high voltage device and for signalling a predetermined state of the device. The semaphore comprises a housing supporting therein a retroreflector element. The housing has an aperture and the retroreflector has a reflective surface supported in a alignment with the aperture. The housing is mounted in close proximity to the device. A linkage is associated with the housing and the device and is actuated upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition whereby to expose the reflective surface in the housing for the reflection of signals through the apertures. A remote scanning device continuously generates infrared signals in the direction of the aperture and detects reflective signals from the reflective surface.

Abstract: A loudspeaker design that eliminates the close tolerance magnetic gap used in conventional loudspeakers and in which motion of the diaphragm is produced by the attraction and repulsion of the magnetic poles of a solenoid and a permanent magnet. In the preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet is affixed to the frame, and the solenoid fits loosely about it, the two being coaxial. Elimination of the magnetic gap relaxes the dimensional tolerances of the loudspeaker as well as the possibility that heating will cause the coil to expand to the point of interfering with the pole pieces. Also, the design of the present invention results in the driving portion of the magnetic field being spread over a relatively larger volume of space, and this reduces the production of motion-induced voltages in the windings of the drive coil and improves linearity.

Abstract: A gating circuit and method for controlling the output of data from the scanner of a heat detector in response to a bi-polar signal indicating the presence of an object within the scanning window of the heat detector; stores the data output; senses the stored data with respect to a reference signal with a differential amplifier responsive to the data output; gates the data output to storage by a first gate interconnecting the data output with the differental amplifier; generates control signals for opening and closing the gate with different states of the bi-polar signal for controlling the gate such that the reference signal represents the last immediate data output; detects the difference between the stored peak value and the highest data value of the output data subsequent to turning off a first gate; and using a second gate interconnecting the output of the sensor with the detector and controlled by the control signals to be open with the first gate closed and closed with the first gate open.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a solar battery and a liquid crystal display unit for displaying a plurality of digits. A plurality of column electrodes are provided for each digit, and a plurality of common electrodes are provided for all the digits. A regulator receives and stabilizes the output voltage of the solar battery. A pulse generator generates a clock pulse signal. It is an oscillator with CMOS structure to permit implementation as a LSI. A CPU is driven by the stabilized voltage and the clock pulse signal to provide data to be displayed on the display unit. A liquid crystal driver circuit applies common signals, which can assume two different voltage levels and have a waveform with the logic level thereof inverted for every one held cycle period, to the common electrodes. The driver circuit applied column signals of either one of the two voltage levels corresponding to the display data to the column electrodes.

Abstract: A transmitter for repeatedly transmitting a measured value in the form of a digital signal through a two-wire transmission line, includes a receiving unit for receiving a digital command signal from a communicator through the two-wire transmission line, and a processor for sending out a response signal in response to the command signal upon reception thereof. The measured value is sent using a newest measured value after repetitive transmission of the measured value is interrupted. The measured value is transmitted from the transmitter by a change in current supplied to the two-wire transmission line, and reception of the command signal is performed by a change in interline voltage of the two-wire transmission line.

Abstract: A threshold detection circuit for improving the output of a two-wire transmitter is disclosed. The transmitter comprises a sensing means which has a sensor responsive to a parameter to be sensed by the transmitter and an excitation means which provides an excitation output to excite the sensor. A threshold detection circuit is coupled to the sensor output and provides a detector output representative of an undesired change in excitation output which can produce a sensor output not substantially representative of the sensed parameter. An output means is coupled to the sensor output and detector output and provides the transmitter output as a function of the sensor output and detector output. A distinctive transmitter output representative of an undesired change in excitation output thus detected is provided, thereby improving the transmitter output.

Abstract: A hand-held peripheral device for a computer system or terminal having a video display is disclosed. The device is adapted to operate one of two user-selectable functional modes. In a first mode, the device functions as an optical scanner for image acquisition. In a second mode, the device functions as a computer mouse for controlling the position of a cursor on the video display.

Abstract: The utility meter is a microprocessor-based circuit using Hall effect electric current sensors to measure power usage by residential and commercial customers. An analog signal from the Hall effect sensor is converted to a digital signal which is fed to the microprocessor for analysis and storage in random access memory. Using a real time clock, the microprocess or determines time of use information which is also stored in random access memory. The memory may be remotely interrogated via a telephone line or serial communication link. If desired, the meter can receive utility usage inputs from other utility meters, such as water, gas, etc. and to fire and intrusion alarms. To effect a submetering configuration useful in apartment complexes, institutional and manufacturing applications, a mutiplicity of meters are multiplexed to a data collection computer which is in turn networked with other data collection computers to a central billing computer.

Abstract: A bit-mapped graphics terminal capable of displaying graphs as well as text permits character and screen attributes to be controlled with minimal memory requirements, and is capable of operating as an interlaced display and as a non-interlaced display. A first memory stores a display bit map that defines characteristics of individual picture elements of the display. A second memory stores attribute information for individual groups of the picture elements of the display.

Abstract: A utility meter reading system permits reading a meter with a noncontact shaft angle detector and simultaneous visual inspection of the dials of the meter from a laterally spaced viewing position. Each of the dials defines a patterned disc for concentric rotation with the shaft and a beveled circumferential surface which extends around the patterned disc and bears a plurality of numerical indicia. The dials are configured to be adhesively mounted over dial pointers on an existing utility meter, thus permitting retrofitting of meters with noncontact shaft angle detectors.

Abstract: A high resolution raster display includes a central processor for providing image data, a digital image processing circuit for converting the image data to display signals, and an analog display circuit for converting the display signals to drive signals for driving a CRT to form a color raster display on the screen of the CRT. The digital image processing circuit includes a display memory for storing the image data and a programmable attribute look-up table for storing attribute data. Under the control of the central processor, the image data stored in the display memory is read out and is used to address the attribute look-up table which provides attribute signals as an output. A pixel rate converter reads in the attribute signals at a first rate and outputs analog display signals at a second rate which is much higher than the first rate, with a video bandwidth of up to 210 MHz.

Abstract: Computer graphics for an industrial process installation or other computer-controlled system in which the system is graphically displayed on the screen of the computer terminal. Each controllable element in the system, such as a valve, a control dial or a switch, is marked on the display by an action point. In order for an operator to select any desired action point on the display to carry out an action appropriate thereto, a cursor is provided which can be manipulated by a key matrix to occupy a position coinciding with any action point thereon. The key matrix is a three-by-three-matrix constituted by a home key surrounded by eighty arrow keys whose arrows are directed to the major axes of a compass rose. Only one action point can be selected at a time. The selected point then effectively becomes the compass center, the previously selected point being then de-selected.

Abstract: In the system, exits are provided with opening bars and locks. The system has a central post and control boxes. Each control box is associated with an exit and is connected to the central post. Activation of an opening bar initiates the sending of information to the central post by the associated control box. This triggers a first delay To. During this delay, the opening of the exit can be stopped for a further delay Tc. The opening is allowed at the end of the first delay or at the end of the second delay. A third delay Tp can be triggered during the second delay Tc to allow the opening of the exit under question during the third delay Tp and to relock the exit under question at the end of the third delay Tp, by cancelling the effect of the second delay Tc. The system can also operate in the anti-intrusion mode. In particular, it can be used in stores or public establishments of medium area.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a selecting device for interfacing between a telephone line and two facsimile apparatuses and comprises a telephone line; terminal adapted to be coupled with the telephone line; two facsimile apparatus terminals adapted to be coupled with the two facsimile apparatuses respectively; a loop selection circuit coupled with the telephone line terminal and the facsimile apparatus terminals; and means, coupled with the loop selection circuit, for controlling the loop selection circuit selectively to couple two of the telephone line terminal and the facsimile apparatus terminals with each other.

Abstract: A remote sensing and communications system for installation on energized high voltage conductors is disclosed herein. The sensor modules are capable of measuring electrical, mechanical or environmental parameters in the vicinity of a high voltage conductor. The module digitizes and communicates the measured quantities via a communications subsystem mounted on and powered by an energized high voltage conductor without requiring a circuit interruption. Communications to a Central or Regional dispatch center at any desired distance from the sensing location is achieved using Ku-band or C-band spread spectrum satellite communications, or using the Geosynchronous Orbiting Environmental Satellites (GOES), or through fiber optic communications links.Individual subsystem modules are generally toroidal in shape and can be mounted on an energized high voltage conductor using a hot-stick or other means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in an amplitude modulated RF transmitter. The device protects power transistors located in the RF transmitter particularly in the modulator and power amplifier portions of the transmitter. The device is comprised of a capacitor unit which is adpated to be charged in a first direction; a detector which detects an audio modulating signal; and a discharge unit which is connected to both the capacitor unit and the detector which selectively discharges the capacitor unit when the value of the audio modulating signal reaches a first preset level for a preset time duration during a portion of the audio modulating signal which causes positive modulation of the RF transmitter. The device also comprises a switch unit connected to the capacitor unit and which is activated when the capacitor unit discharges to a predetermined level. The switch unit is operable to remove, when activated, the audio modulating signal from the power transistors.

Abstract: A method and device for converting movement of an optical mouse on a surface having any random surface pattern of relatively light and dark areas separated by edges to electrical signals representing a direction of motion relative to two non-parallel axes. A plurality of prechargeable photon sensors are disposed on the mouse in a row along each axis and facing the surface periodically. The presence of an edge is periodically sensed in at least one preselected portion of each row of sensors, defining a sensor state for each axis for each period upon the sensing of an absence of an edge. Successive sensor states are compared to determine if movement has occurred relative to each axis and a signal representative of the movement determined is produced.

Abstract: A control that uses movement to position an image on a screen for use with means for detecting the movement and a microprocessor that interprets the movement detected and means for displaying an image on a screen, comprising a body and a bar having a bar axis coupled to the body so that the bar is rotatable with respect to the body about the bar axis and is slidable with respect to the body in a direction parallel to the bar axis thereby permitting movement of the bar with respect to the body which is the movement that is used to position an image on a screen.