Patents by Inventor Gerald S. Karr
Gerald S. Karr has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20150365657Abstract: A system for rendering interactive text and graphic images on a standard 2-dimensional electronic display screen, giving the appearance of a 3-dimensional image through the use of interactive 3D projection onto the 2D surface, using parallax, true 3D, pseudo 3D, and responsive to user input and automatic timing algorithms. It will be seen that the same system can readily be adapted to a true 3D display system, should cost and/or space permit. The advantages of this system include increased viewing comprehension, reduced fatigue, and efficiency of computational implementation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2014Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventor: Gerald S. Karr
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Patent number: 6760276Abstract: An acoustic signaling system comprises a transmitter, which has frequency stability to create sounds which can reliably be received and which is loud enough to be heard by a receiver. The receiver includes an electret microphone, a limiting amplifier which has high gain, high frequency roll off and produces a maximum output for any input above a minimum value and a Schmitt trigger circuit to square up the output of the limiting amplifier and function as a zero cross detector. A micro-controller measures the times of the zero crossings and performs the detection and decoding algorithms to determine what code is being received. Each code consists of an anonymous repeating sequence of tones, which are transmitted for a certain duration followed by a silence, which allows room echoes to decay. The system creates acoustic sound codes, which are pleasant, sounding, can reliably be received and convey sufficient information to activate toys or dolls.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Inventor: Gerald S. Karr
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Patent number: 5661470Abstract: This invention relates to resonant LC responders that are placed inside objects such as toys. The device includes an interrogation or base unit which sends a pulse and passive responders which reply with their unique frequency which is sensed by the base unit. The base unit senses the frequency and triggers a response in the play pattern of the object such as speaking or turning on a motor. The invention can discriminate multiple responders based on their frequency or location. Further, the device can interface with active responders as well. The invention provides a low cost, simple device to provide recognition particularly at a distance in interactive toys.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1994Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Inventor: Gerald S. Karr
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Patent number: 4627090Abstract: A signal processing device for frequency multiplication of an analog signal by an adjustable multiplication factor. The input analog signal is digitized using a delta modulator and read into a random access memory at a first clock rate. The data is read out of the memory at second clock rate and then converted back to an analog output signal. The multiplication factor is a function of the adjustable ratio of the two clock rates.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1985Date of Patent: December 2, 1986Assignee: Smith EngineeringInventors: Jay Smith, III, Gerald S. Karr
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Patent number: 4622690Abstract: A signal processing device for frequency multiplication of an analog signal by an adjustable multiplication factor. The input analog signal is digitized using a delta modulator and read into a random access memory at a first clock rate. The data is read out of the memory at second clock rate and then converted back to an analog output signal. The multiplication factor is a function of the adjustable ratio of the two clock rates. Residual noise is minimized by using the circuit slope voltage to trigger a variable pulse width multivibrator which controls switching of charge to a passive integrating circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1985Date of Patent: November 11, 1986Assignee: Smith EngineeringInventors: Jay Smith, III, Gerald S. Karr
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Patent number: 4504062Abstract: A digital electronic watch having a matrix game display comprising a plurality of game display element arranged in a matrix on the display, each having at least two game display element segments and with selective illumination of game display element segments, to simulate movement about the matrix of game play units and interaction between game play units, in response to a stored program with the stored program also including instructions performed in response to player input during the game, and including sound effect generation during the game.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1981Date of Patent: March 12, 1985Assignee: Smith EngineeringInventors: Jay Smith, III, Gerald S. Karr
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Patent number: 4500879Abstract: A CRT beam control apparatus wherein a microprocessor drives the CRT beam for controlling the beam characteristics, including writing speed, slope, position and intensity. The apparatus includes a single digital-to-analog converter supplying sample-and-hold circuitry through a selector and further includes a pair of active integrator circuits switchable to connect the output of the digital-to-analog converter or sample-and-hold circuits. The microprocessor is operative to provide digital words to the DAC representative of the differential X and Y values of a line segment to be drawn. The analog representations of these digital words are coupled to the integrators. The outputs of the active integrators provide the deflection signals causing deflection of the CRT beam. The apparatus is particularly adapted to drawing a series of connected line segments, due to the integrator operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1982Date of Patent: February 19, 1985Assignee: Smith EngineeringInventors: Jay Smith, III, Gerald S. Karr
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Patent number: 4359222Abstract: A hand-held electronic program playing device having a flat panel electro-optical display unit incorporated in a housing, is disclosed. Circuitry suitable for driving the display unit and manually operable controls for providing a plurality of control functions are incorporated in the housing. A replaceable cartridge unit which fits into and mates with the housing incorporates a microprocessor and supplementary circuitry. The cartridge unit can include a transparent overlay which incorporates one or more graphic patterns. When the cartridge is placed into the housing the overlay is disposed relative to the display unit so that the visual image of the display unit is viewed through the overlay. The microprocessor and overlay in the replaceably cartridge define the program such as a game that can be played by the housing and cartridge combination.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1978Date of Patent: November 16, 1982Assignee: Smith EngineeringInventors: Jay Smith, III, Gerald S. Karr, Lawrence T. Jones
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Patent number: 4247107Abstract: An electronically controlled roadrace system with a sound generator for penetrating a variety of audible signals is disclosed. The system includes facilities for starting the race, counting and displaying laps completed for each car, computing and displaying fastest lap times and last lap times for each car, calculating and displaying the remaining fuel for each car, introducing random failures for each car, and randomly determining one of several failure modes. Apparatus for selectively powering and depowering each track, upon signal from a controller, is shown. Also shown is a novel apparatus for sensing completion of another lap by each car, and a track section of each car track which is selectively decoupled from the track power for performance of pit functions.Other features and functions are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1979Date of Patent: January 27, 1981Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Jay Smith, III, Lawrence T. Jones, Gerald S. Karr, Thomas H. Grimm