Abstract: A targeting system which receives input data from two sources having different video characteristics. The apparatus includes a multiple-pass centroid eroder, which operates at a multiple of the video input rate. The apparatus identifies "hot spots," i.e., potential targets, and uses the identified potential targets from the two video sources to correlate targeting of submodules producing the two video signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bilge pump control system. Sensing of water level in the bilge is accomplished by the conduction of current (on the order of one milliampere) between two stainless steel probes. The probes are mounted in a triangular package which is placed in the boat bilge. When immersed, a conduction path is provided between the probes. One edge of the package is aligned with the probes to enhance water run-off. An associated circuit is activated when the conduction path is present (when the probes are immersed) which operates the bilge pump in a time-hysteresis fashion.

Abstract: A real time graphic processor is disclosed which processes graphic cell specifications on a scan line-by-line basis to generate pixel data. The pixel data from each cell specification is assembled to form a completed scan line of pixel data which is used to modulate a printing element, such as a laser diode. The invented graphic processor contains a special purpose cell specification processor which, in addition to generating the pixel data, modifies the cell specification by substituting new horizontal location and cell height indicator values. The modified graphic cell specification is then recirculated to the cell specification processor memory for processing the next scan line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor and method for the real time generation of linear arrays of pixel data. The generated pixel data is used to modulate a laser diode as it scans across a printing medium, thereby producing printed font and logo characters.In accordance with the present invention, the real time processor receives a series of cell specifications on a scan line-by-scan line basis, the cell specifications identifying the font type and placement information. The real-time processor uses this information to access from its font memory a linear array of pixel data corresponding to the identified font type. The accessed pixel data is used to modulate the laser diode as it scans the printing medium line-by-line. Thus, as the laser diode is modulated by the pixel's "ones" and "zeros", it is pulsed "off" and "on", thereby generating pixel dots on the print medium itself or on a photosensitive drum which subsequently prints an image on a page through an electrostatic process.