Abstract: A system for embedding real-time Model Predictive Control (MPC) in a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) devices is provided. In the system, a microprocessor is connected to an auxiliary unit or application-specific matrix coprocessor. The microprocessor can control the operation of the MPC algorithm, i.e., carry out the tasks of input/output for the MPC algorithm, initialize and send the appropriate commands to auxiliary unit and receive back the optimal control moves or instructions from auxiliary unit. The auxiliary unit can operate as a matrix coprocessor by executing matrix operations, e.g. addition, multiplication, inversion, etc., required by the MPC algorithm.

Abstract: A system for embedding real-time Model Predictive Control (MPC) in a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) devices is provided. In the system, a microprocessor is connected to an auxiliary unit or application-specific matrix coprocessor. The microprocessor can control the operation of the MPC algorithm, i.e., carry out the tasks of input/output for the MPC algorithm, initialize and send the appropriate commands to auxiliary unit and receive back the optimal control moves or instructions from auxiliary unit. The auxiliary unit can operate as a matrix coprocessor by executing matrix operations, e.g. addition, multiplication, inversion, etc., required by the MPC algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for logarithmic subtraction that is suitable for general purpose computing using the sign logarithm number system. In the sign logarithm number system, a sign bit is concatenated to a fixed point approximation of the logarithm of the absolute value of the real number being represented. Multiplication and division are easy and fast because the only steps required are to add or subtract the logarithms and exclusive OR the sign bits. In the prior art, logarithmic arithmetic has been restricted to limited precision applications (8-16 bits), such as digital filtering, because of the problem of accurate, high speed subtraction. The present invention provides a new circuit for subtracting two numbers represented in logarithmic form which makes design of arithmetic units for larger word sizes (32 bits) practical. The subtraction circuit approximates log.sub.b .vertline.1-b.sup.z .vertline., where z is the difference of the logarithms being subtracted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for increasing the number of characters or symbols that can be displayed on a line when the video signal that produces the display is restricted to a limited bandwidth, such as in the case of RF modulating the video signal to produce the display on an unmodified television set. The bandwidth of the video signal is reduced by displaying different portions of the display during one field time and the remaining portion of the display during the next field time. The persistence of the television screen creates the illusion of a complete display. Each luminescent region of each line will be displayed during one field time and blanked during the next field time. In the preferred embodiment, adjacent luminescent regions of a scan line (e.g., separated only by a black region) will be displayed in opposite fields. In an alternative embodiment, adjacent character regions will be displayed in opposite fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for inhibiting unauthorized copying, unauthorized usage and automated cracking of proprietary software used in computer systems. The computer systems execute protected programs, which are protected by encapsulation and/or encryption. To provide security against unauthorized copying of software, means are provided that detect and inhibit automated cracking of protected programs. These means will destroy or make inaccessible information in the CPU during conditions when automated cracking could occur. These means will also store interrupt contexts in secret to prevent implementation of automated cracking. Additional features may be provided to allow operation as a general purpose computer system, where protected programs are distributed using public key cryptography and a means is provided to convert from this distribution form to the protected execution form.