Abstract: Many continuous processes, such as paper manufacturing, use analog camera systems to capture break events and use the video information to diagnose runnability problems. These systems trigger off a break signal on the machine and synchronize all videos to the same point on the process using the machine speed. The present invention provides a new approach to use real-time information from digital cameras to perform image analysis in real time and execute specific control functions normally performed by operators. A reference image is defined as the control objective function and each frame from the cameras is compared to the reference image. Deviations from the reference image that exceed a defined deadband (the threshold) are output to the control system to take corrective action. The applications of the disclosed approach include dynamic draw control, trim control, tension control, release angle control, creping blade control with control signals determined from a two-dimensional camera image.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymorphisms and novel sequence in the human pyruvate dehydrogenase E1&agr; (PDH E1&agr;) gene. The invention also relates to methods and materials for analysing allelic variation in the PDH E1&agr; gene, and to the use of PDH E1&agr; polymorphism in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in which modulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity could be of therapeutic benefit, such as diabetes, asthma, obesity, sepsis and peripheral vascular disease. In particular, the invention is based on the discovery of a nucleotide polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the human PDH E1&agr; gene. In addition, we disclose the sequence of intron 7 of the human PDH E1&agr; gene and identify two polymorphisms within intron 7.

Abstract: A visual stimulator for light stimulation of a subject's eyes to obtain electroretinogram, electro-oculogram or visually evoked potential responses. The stimulator comprises a light directing means for directing light from a light source into the subject's eyes, attenuator means for selectably attenuating the light source, photodetector means for producing an output signal representative of the radiant energy directed into the subject's eyes and signal processing means for receiving and processing the output signal to derive therefrom further output signals representative of the radiometric or photometric characteristics of said radiant energy. A light shutter comprising first and second shutter leaves affixed to the shafts of first and second galvanometers is also provided. The shutter leaves are positioned for pivotal movement with the galvanometer shafts to attenuate light passing between the shutter leaves.

Abstract: In the disclosed method and apparatus, a local generator signal is initially generated with a phase that is arbitrary with respect to the input signal. Subsequently, the phase difference between any two successive bits of these signals is measured. Then the phase of the local generator signal is changed in a direction which decreases the measured difference by an amount proportional to the measured difference divided by the total number of phase measurements made. This produces a new local generator signal. These phase measuring and phase changing steps are repeated multiple times, each time using the most recently produced new local generator signal to produce another new local generator signal. By this sequence, the total phase shift from the initially generated local generator signal after N phase shifts are made is identical to the average of the N corresponding phase differences between the initially generated local generator signal and the input signal.

Abstract: Digital information is convolutionally encoded and stored in row by successive row sequence in a storage matrix. The interleaved data from the matrix is outputted in column by successive column order for transmission over a medium.The decoding process includes loading the encoded bit stream in column by successive column sequence in a decoder matrix. The stored data is then outputted in row by row sequence, thereby deinterleaving the bit stream. The original information bits are then regenerated by processing the bit stream through a convolutional decoder.The instant data processing system is capable of correcting for one out of four successive random errors and burst errors having a length of one-fourth of the entire message.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for transmitting information bits in a new error correcting code. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for recovering the transmitted information bits after they have been received with errors. Utilizing the disclosed methods and apparatus, up to three errors in any twenty-six consecutive bits may be corrected. To encode the information bits for transmission, one parity bit is generated for each information bit. Each parity bit is a function of six information bits. To detect and correct an erronously received information bit, thirteen received information bits and thirteen received parity bits are examined.

Abstract: A system, including an encoder and decoder, for the transmission of digital information over a transmission medium. The encoder processes a data stream of length M and generates a transmission bit stream. The processing includes combination of the M data bits with N predetermined sync bits, via a modulo-2 adder. The resulting transmission stream has a total length less than M+N, thereby substantially minimizing the number of bits otherwise required.The decoder regenerates the data bit stream by modulo-2 subtraction of the transmission bit stream with said N sync bits, stored within the decoder.The resulting system thereby provides optimum synchronization and, therefore, data recovery, while requiring a minimum of transmission bits.

Abstract: A rate one-half random error convolutional coding system corrects the theoretical limit of one error out of four successive bits. An information bit stream is processed through the system encoder which is comprised of a two-bit shift register and a modulo-2 adder. The encoder generates a parity bit formed by the modulo-2 summing of successive pairs of information bits, and produces a convolved transmission bit stream. The system decoder is the replica of the encoder in combination with a two-bit syndrome register, an AND gate, complementary feedback circuitry, and an output modulo-2 adder.Overall system performance is the simplest, fastest, and highest performing of all such systems known to date.

Abstract: A system for processing a digital information bit stream and generating a data bit stream. The processing includes convolutional burst error correction encoding which is capable of correcting burst errors of length 2B, where B is any positive integer. Inherent in such systems are the requirements of 2B and 5B zero level bits at the beginning, and end, respectively, of the data bit stream. The processing further includes encoding n sync bits at the beginning of the data bit stream.The improvement includes encoder apparatus for replacing the 2B zero bits with the n sync bits; and, decoder apparatus for detecting a threshold number of sync bits and, in response thereto, replacing each sync bit with a zero bit. This improvement significantly reduces the number of bits otherwise required in the data bit stream.