Abstract: A method and apparatus to perform memory management in an object oriented programming environment. Specifically, a first object, an associated count object and a first reference pointer to the first object are created. The count object includes a reference counter that is incremented when the first reference pointer to the first object is copied. Alternatively, a first object and an associated pointer list are created. Each entry in the pointer list includes a pointer to a previous pointer list entry and a pointer to a next pointer list entry.

Abstract: A system and method for playing and recording digital media such as digital audio. The system allows for seamless punch-out (exiting record mode) during a recording session by continuing to transfer playback data for a sequence from the mass storage to a buffer simultaneous with transferring record data for the sequence into the buffer and the mass storage. This allows the user to seamlessly switch between record mode and playback mode, presenting only a negligible (if any) delay between the time the user requests punch-out and the time the user experiences the correct original playback data. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is implemented as a digital audio playing and recording system providing seamless punch-out for multiple channels of digital audio using RAM buffers and rotating magnetic disk devices for storing the digital audio.

Abstract: A system for processing audio samples, which compensates for any error between a future state of the system after a delay through a network and the predicted value of the input at that future time. The system synchronizes the motion of an audio transport to the motion of an audio input which has been delayed in processing through the network.

Abstract: A circular buffer in a system for processing audio samples wherein the buffer includes a sample window, the length of which is the length of a plurality of samples, the length of the circular buffer is a multiple of the length of the sample window, and the entire sample window is treated as a contiguous linear address space on each iteration of the processing system, that is moved through the physical multiple sample length buffer between iterations of the processing system, and is reset to the beginning every sample window number of iterations of the processing system. The circular buffer substantially reduces the number of address calculations in processing systems where every buffer position is addressed on every iteration and where circular addressing is not provided in hardware.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a read/write lock mechanism in software. In an operating environment that allows objects such threads to wait on a plurality of synchronization objects simultaneously, a read/write lock can be implemented using two synchronization objects such as a mutex and a semaphore. Further, a variable is introduced to track the number of reader threads awaiting to read protected data. The read/write lock permits a plurality of reader threads to access protected data simultaneously, while only allowing a single writer thread access to a protected data location.

Abstract: A filter for a system for processing audio samples, which dynamically vaires its length responsive to a moving average of variations in an audio input rate. The filter lengthens at substantially constant input rate variations to reduce input noise, and shortens at rapid input rate variations to enhance responsiveness.

Abstract: An improved cruise speed control system for commercial jet aircraft is described. The basic control terms for the pitch loop are altitude error, altitude rate and washed-out speed or Mach. The basic control terms for the speed loop are Mach error, Mach rate and integrated Mach error. Other speed loop functions include a gain term which increases at low engine response rates, based on either engine rpm or engine pressure ratio (EPR), to compensate for throttle linkage hysteresis, a versine term to compensate for increased drag in turns, an inner EPR loop for damping the outer speed loop, a variable gain term as a function of Mach error to facilitate changes of commanded Mach, and a switch to disconnect Mach error and Mach rate and to increase the nominal value of EPR during periods of air turbulence.