Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing an improved system for identifying the location and value of errors introduced in binary data encoded using Reed-Solomon and related codes and to detect miscorrections of such codes with an auxiliary code. The invention employs an architecture based on a microcode engine that is specialized for error identification and that supports interleaved codewords. This architecture can be efficiently fabricated as an integrated circuit, yet is capable of identifying multiple introduced errors "on the fly" i.e. with performance sufficient to not significantly slow the process of reading from data storage or transmission subsystems such as, but not limited to, optical disks. In the preferred embodiment, a new two-step method of error syndrome computation is employed to reduce circuit cost and complexity. An improved iterative algorithm is provided which reduces circuit cost and complexity and decreases the time required to generate the error locator polynomial.

Abstract: Described in detail herein are the detection and windowing capabilities of the present invention which are critical for reading correct data in normal operations and recovering data during error conditions. Also described herein are the various programmable features of the detection windows of the invention. The flexibility of these features allows the designer to optimize the optical controller for the unique requirements of the particular optical drive and medium in use.

Abstract: An ashtray open at the top for supporting burning cigarettes and collecting cigarette butts is mounted over a small battery driven DC motor which drives a closed face centrifical fan which, when activated, draws air and smoke through a replaceable cartridge filter element mounted between the fan and ashtray, expelling cleansed air at the bottom.