Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that enables blind or visually impaired computer users to handle message boxes in a graphical user interface. When a message box first appears, the textual content of the box is announced audibly and an audible homing signal is produced. In the preferred embodiment, the homing signal is a tone whose pitch increases as the distance between the pointer and the message box decreases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for linear vocal control of cursor position within a computer display system. A microphone is utilized in conjunction with a computer system to detect vocal utterances and each vocal utterance is then coupled to an analysis circuit to detect voiced and unvoiced vocal utterances. Variations in the pitch of each voiced vocal utterance and the virtual frequency of each unvoiced vocal utterance are then utilized to linearly vary the position of a cursor in the computer display system in two axes independently. In a depicted embodiment of the present invention the analysis circuit includes a short delay to ensure that a valid control signal has occurred. Thereafter, increases or decreases in pitch or virtual frequency from an initial value are utilized to initiate movement by the cursor in a positive or negative direction in the two axes. Cursor motion will persist until pitch or virtual frequency return to an initial value or until the utterance ceases.

Abstract: A process is illustrated to provide plated through holes for connecting between opposite sides of a circuit board such as an insulating ceramic substrate while maintaining a smooth surface on the circuit side to facilitate the process of defining the circuit pattern. The plated-through hole process is designed to uniformly cap or plug all of the plated-through holes to prevent solder from the backside from flowing through the holes to the circuit side and damaging (short-circuitry adjacent paths) the finished product.

Abstract: Circuitry for measuring the time between commencement of a flame-off arc and either the contact of the ball with the capillary tip during the flame-off process or the arc flame-off time as determined by a timer. Such information as to the length of time to contact is usable in troubleshooting quality control problems in the wire bonding process. By comparing the information presently obtained with past time checks, an alarm can be provided for significant deviations.

Abstract: It has been ascertained that there is a momentary drop in the flame-off arc voltage used to produce a ball in a ball bonder when the ball contacts the tool tip. A part of the present invention comprises a circuit for detecting this voltage drop and terminating the arc voltage immediately after such contact is made.

Abstract: A direct measurement technique is disclosed for determining baseband frequency response of an FM transmitter without using response-altering test devices otherwise injecting frequency dependent characteristics, such as pre-emphasis networks and demodulators. The technique enables absolute, universal standardization. Variations in a sideband amplitude in the output spectrum from the FM transmitter unit under test are monitored while changing the frequency and controlling the amplitude of the modulating signal so as to maintain a constant modulation index B. A signal generator supplies the modulating signal directly to the FM transmitter without frequency dependent pre-emphasis. A spectrum analyzer directly examines the output spectrum of the FM transmitter without demodulation.