Abstract: A system using an input integrated flat panel display of an integrated structure, having an input device for inputting through handwriting characters, graphics, or points and a flat panel display laid upon the input device for displaying in accordance with an input point data input through handwriting. The frame memory of a large screen having a display screen larger than that of the flat panel display is arranged to be read out through the input device of the input integrated flat panel display. In addition, the readout contents of the large screen frame memory is arranged to be copied onto the flat display of the input integrated flat panel display. The input integrated flat panel display system can improve the man-machine performance while the amateur end user performs document processings, graphic processings and the like.

Abstract: A railway detection system in which the presence of a train is detected by means of first inductive loop apparatus. When the train is detected second inductive loop apparatus is enabled to detect the passage of wheels of the train.

Abstract: A compact keyboard for entry of alphanumeric data or other characters into a computerized system. A character formation key on the keyboard is formed by a plurality of bars which are capable of being activated for providing light. These bars are arranged in a mosaic pattern with several of the bars forming an outer box pattern and several of the bars extending inside of the box pattern. Light is emitted from each bar when such bar is in an activated lit condition. Each of the bars is switchable between an activated lit condition and an off condition, with the activated bars emitting light so as to display an alphanumeric character. The keyboard has a data entry mechanism for causing the displayed alphanumeric character to be entered into a computerized system.

Abstract: A parallel operation in which two input devices of nine input devices disposed in a square arrangement of, for instance, 3.times.3, are touched substantially simultaneously is performed at least once, so that a character code corresponding to the input signal is produced, and thereby character input is performed. Furthermore, in the present invention, by using an independent operation of a single input device together with a parallel operation of two input devices, and operating the input devices in a predetermined sequence, such as from top to bottom or in the sequence of the pen-stroke describing the character, a character code corresponding to the signal inputted by the operations is produced, so that character input is performed.

Abstract: A control apparatus for use in a fly-by-wire flight control system. The apparatus comprises a support structure, a tube (22) mounted to the support structure for rotation about the tube lengthwise axis, at least two joysticks (18, 20) mounted to the tube, a coupling bar (24) and sensors (14, 16). Each joystick has a first end (30) adapted for gripping by an operator, a second end pivotally connected to the coupling member, and an intermediate portion (64) pivotally mounted to the tube such that the joystick is rotatable about a transverse axis (40) fixed in the tube and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis, the transverse axes of the joysticks being parallel to one another. The sensors include a two axis photodetector (44) and light emitting diodes (46) for directing a beam of radiation to a point on the photodetector.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive device comprising a photoelastic screen having light reflecting edges and a unique light emitting/receiving module placed at two of the four corners of the screen advantageously determines the location at which a force is applied to the screen. Circularly and linearly polarized light focused into the photoelastic screen by the modules reflects off the edges of the screen and is returned to the modules where it is absorbed by a circular polarizer. The polarization of light passing through a point at which the screen is touched is changed thereby allowing these rays or signals to pass through each module's absorber. The location as well as the magnitude and direction of the force imparted to the screen by the touch is then determined from the changes in the signals that pass through the absorber.

Abstract: The sensitivity of an optically-based touch screen is substantially impro by adaptively establishing the detection threshold based on the peak trapped light measured over a number of frames on the screen being painted. In accordance with one feature of the invention, the peak trapped light from a target area painted on the screen is compared with a priorly established threshold as a way of determining that a target area is being touched by the user. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the threshold is modified in a way that compensates for possible erroneous touch indications due, for example, to bright spots on the screen.

Abstract: In a magnetic detector for receiving a reference position signal in movement from an encoder track and a reference track arranged on a member included in a magnetic position sensor, magnetic pickups respectively confronting to the encoder track and the reference track are provided and both tracks jointly yield a position reference signal.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a terminal and a keyboard, the terminal comprises a central control unit for controlling the operation of the keyboard and the keyboard comprises a switch array, the switch array has a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The terminal further comprises a data output port for transmitting a command signal from the terminal central control unit and a data input port for receiving a data signal from the keyboard. The command signal comprises a keyboard initialize signal and a keyboard increment signal. The keyboard further comprises a four-wire keyboard interface for communicating with the terminal.

Abstract: A scanning device is capable of monitoring a plurality of sensors each of which generate a voltage representative of the parameter being monitored. Multiplexers are provided for continually scanning the sensor channels and displaying the appropriate measurement on a display monitor. Circuitry is provided for converting the displayed measurement from a pure voltage to a temperature. Additionally, switches are provided for causing the scanner to scan only a desired number of channels. Stop channel select switches are provided to cause the scanner to stop on a desired channel, and a light emitting diode display indicates exactly what channel is being monitored.

Abstract: A keyboard having a plurality of selectively operable matrix element key switches, each having an actuated and an unactuated state. The state of each switch is sequentially determined by applying one of two input signals to the input of each switch. The output of the switch is integrated and compared to a predetermined value to determine whether the switch is to be recognized as actuated or not actuated. If during a particular sequence the integrated output exceeds the predetermined value (so that the switch is recognized as actuated), the second input signal is applied to the switch during the next sequence. Because the second input signal has different parameters from the first input signal, whether by a greater number of pulses or greater amplitude pulses, then if the key switch is still depressed, the integrated signal produced by the second input signal exceeds the predetermined value by a greater amount than during the prior sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring pressures in a gas turbine engine comprising a stator, a hollow rotatable shaft carrying a rotor and a first sensor having a plurality of inputs for pressure measured at respective test points on the rotor.

Abstract: A method for editing graphic objects in an interactive draw graphic system, in which the operator is allowed to select one of two editing modes which results in a graphic object being either redefined or remaining as is when a graphical editing action is applied only to a portion (sub-object) of the object. In the REDEFINE mode, the graphic editing action e.g., stretch, shrink, scale down, rotate, etc., applied to a sub-object results in the line segments of the object that are attched to the ends of the sub-object to be redrawn or "rubber-banded" as the sub-object is edited (moved). In the AS-IS mode only the sub-object is affected by the graphic editing action and the rest of the object is not altered.

Abstract: A procedure for generating a mirror image of a graphic object on an interactive computer graphics display is disclosed. In the specific example described, a cursor locating device such as a mouse and an all points addressable display are assumed. The graphics object for which the mirror image is to be generated is selected by the pointing cursor. The mirror image function is also selected by the pointing cursor. This causes a default mirror image to be generated on the display along with the original image of the selected graphics object. In addition, a "mirror" with a direction handle and an angle handle is displayed in a window on the display. Either of these handles may be "grabbed" by selecting with the pointing cursor and then rotated to manipulate the generated mirror image and the selected object on the display. When the direction handle is rotated, the generated mirror image and the selected object are simultaneously rotated in the plane of the display.

Abstract: A system for recognizing touch positions along a coordinate axis on a surface associated with a touch control apparatus comprises a substrate having a surface capable of propagating surface acoustic waves and is so characterized that a touch on that surface causes a partial absorption of energy of a surface wave passing through the region of touch. An input surface wave transducer coupled to the surface launches a burst of surface waves on the surface in a first direction parallel to the axis. An output surface wave transducer coupled to the surface receives the burst of surface waves. A first surface wave reflecting arrangement derives wave components from the launched wave and reflects them across the surface to a second wave reflecting arrangement that redirects the reflected components in a direction opposited the first direction.

Abstract: An alarm message generation and broadcast system having supervision including an alarm message generation circuit for generating an alarm message, an output for receiving the alarm message so that the alarm message can be broadcast in response to an alarm event; and a supervision circuit connected to the alarm message generation circuit and responsive to the alarm message for providing a trouble signal when the alarm message is not properly received by the supervision circuit.

Abstract: A noncontacting signal and energy transmission device includes a stationary microstation and a moveable microunit, wherein data is transmitted between the microstation and the microunit simultaneously by phase shifted signals and by synchronously switched signals, which also supply power to the microunit.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for entering pattern data by activating a matrix array of keys with a finger. Pattern data may be input by drawing a pattern data on the keys. The time interval between depression of one key till the depression of a different key while a pattern data is being drawn, is measured by a register. The time interval being measured is symbolically displayed on a display section. Time data representing the time interval being measured is compared with a reference time interval in a comparator. When the coincidence of the two data being compared is detected, the pattern data that has been input by drawing the pattern is displayed on the display section.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy interference seal arrangement is provided for use in light beam touch panel systems. The electromagnetic energy interference seal includes the use of waveguides associated with the light beam sources and detectors to improve light beam touch panel performance. The waveguide size is selected so that it operates as a waveguide above cutoff frequency for the light beams but operates as a waveguide below cutoff frequency for blocking electromagnetic energy interference. The waveguides improve the light beam signal to noise ratio since they shade the detectors from reflections and from extraneous light such as from overhead room lighting. Bonding of part of the electromagnetic energy interference seal is effected by an electrically conductive compound which enables nondestructive disassembly when required. Environmental sealing strips are provided to cover the waveguide apertures to protect against dust, liquids and other environmental contaminants.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode is used both for receiving data from an operator to change the logic state of a device and for displaying the entered data back to the operator. Current is selectively applied to the diode to display the data, but on an alternate basis the photo-current produced in the light-emitting diode by surrounding illumination is sensed and the data are received by detecting the fall-off in the photo-current caused by the operator covering the light-emitting diode. This technique is advantageously employed for the input and display of ink slide settings for a rotary printing machine by using a light-emitting diode matrix or bar graph display subject to finger-tip control by the operator. The diode matrix is scanned by repetitively and sequentially inhibiting the lighting current to the individual light-emitting diodes so that they may be sequentially connected to a photo-current monitoring circuit via a multiplexer under control of a clock circuit.