Abstract: The inventive embedded processing subsystem module is adapted for backside circuit board assembly directly opposite of a specific microprocessor or Digital Signal Processor so that circuit groups such as memory banks and communications peripherals may utilize otherwise unused backside printed circuit board space underneath the processor device, and further so that high-speed signals interconnecting the processor and subsystem circuit devices traverse a minimized printed circuit track length.

Abstract: The inventive embedded processing subsystem module is adapted for backside circuit board assembly directly opposite of a specific microprocessor or Digital Signal Processor so that circuit groups such as memory banks and communications peripherals may utilize otherwise unused backside printed circuit board space underneath the processor device, and further so that high-speed signals interconnecting the processor and subsystem circuit devices traverse a minimized printed circuit track length.

Abstract: An interactive voice communication terminal (10) provides alpha and numeric characters transmitted from a DTMF generator (36) to access a database by interfacing with the mouthpiece (24) of a telephone handset (26) via a transducer (22). A keypad (14) is operable to allow selection of one of multiple characters associated with alpha characters and numeric characters. A table of DTMF strings associated with each key is stored in a memory (34). In response to depression of a key on the keypad (14), a centralized controller (32) controls the DTMF generator (36) to output the sequence associated with the depressed key that was stored in the memory (34) to transducer (22) via a driver (38). The tables in the memory (34) can be a combination of DTMF sequences for alpha characters and single number sequences for numerical sequences or they can be fixed-length sequences for all numerical and alpha characters.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for altering the voice characteristics of synthesized speech to obtain modified synthesized speech of any one of a plurality of voice sounds from a single applied source of synthesized speech, wherein the method relies upon the simulation of an adjustment in the sampling period of the digital speech data from the single applied source of synthesized speech based upon the inequality between first and second reference factors, thereby altering the vocal tract model of the digital speech data to a preselected degree. At the same time, the predetermined pitch period and the predetermined speech rate of the source of synthesized speech remain unchanged.

Abstract: A method for scanning a page and locating individual characters on that page so that character recognition can be performed is disclosed. A page containing characters to be read is scanned with successive scan lines from top to bottom and the data contained in each scan line is transmitted to a buffer memory for temporary storage. An additional set of data which represents the significant amount of character information within a scan line is also generated and stored in a separate memory. When the microprocessor is ready to begin recognizing characters the set of data which indicates those scan lines containing significant character data is accessed and read. The microprocessor then accesses a different set of data which represents the significant character information as arranged in vertical pixel lines.