Abstract: A method of converting a first set of input color values, such as RGB color values, into a set of device colorants, such as CMY color values, includes the step of providing a look-up table associating a respective, predetermined set of CMY color values with each of a plurality of selected sets of RGB color values. The first set of RGB color values includes a first red color value, a first green color value and a first blue color value. A first random number is added to the first red color value to obtain a randomized red color value. A second random number is added to the first green color value to obtain a randomized green color value. A third random number is added to the first blue color value to obtain a randomized blue color value. Each of the randomized red color value, the randomized green color value and the randomized blue color value are compiled together to obtain a set of randomized RGB color values.

Abstract: In cellular communication systems, hand-offs are performed to maintain links as subscriber units (110) and beams move relative to each other. The hand-off determination procedure (500) is performed in overlap regions (240, 340). Candidate beams are identified and hand-off types are determined based on the satellite (120) associated with the candidate beam. Thresholds are established and changed to optimize a hand-off request determination procedure (500). Two hand-off types are considered. An inter-satellite hand-off is requested (514) when the current beam and the candidate beam are on different satellites (120). An intra-satellite hand-off is requested (510) when the current beam and the candidate beam are on the same satellite (120). Thresholds are dynamically changed and algorithms are used to minimize the number of inter-satellite hand-offs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using isochronous data transfer mode to communicate between a host computer and a printer. Preferably, the printer receives a sufficient volume of data from the host, such as a computer, over an isochronous communications channel, to begin but not complete one print pass (i.e., line scan or page scan). Subsequently, the print pass is initiated causing a print mechanism to move a printing device relative to a substrate without interruption. Thereafter, sufficient data to complete the pass without interruption is received over the isochronous communications channel during the print pass. The high speed transfer rates afforded by isochronous data transfer allow for printing to be initiated before all of the data necessary to complete a print operation without interruption is received. Moreover, the size of a printer buffer used to store the print data before printing may be considerably reduced to store only a portion of the data needed for an entire print pass.

Abstract: Digital halftoning is used to reduce the number of pixel levels used to represent a multiple dot plane image to a smaller number of pixel levels for display on an output device such as an ink-jet printer. Two algorithms commonly used to halftone the dots of a given dot plane are error diffusion and ordered dither. Error diffusion produces patterns of dots that are pleasing to the human visual system but is computationally complex. Ordered dither operates quickly but produces patterns of dots that are visually objectionable. A method is taught in the present invention that employs error diffusion to halftone dot planes that contain relatively dark dots that are visually apparent, and employs ordered dither to halftone dot planes that contain relatively light dots that are not noticeable. The resulting output is pleasing to the human visual system and computed quickly.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method is provided in which a primary printer prepares print data for use by its resident print engine, or by an alternate printer. The primary printer includes subsystems for receiving original print data from a device, such as a computer or scanner, and for converting the original print data into a data format compatible with the alternate printer.

Abstract: An active vibration isolation system (10) includes a plurality of stiff actuators, such as piezoelectric motors (12a-c; 284, 350) which support a small mass (18) inside of a case (300). A passive isolator (20) is interposed between the small mass (18) and the payload mass (M.sub.p). In the instance where the stiff actuators are piezoelectric motors, the sidewalls of the case (300) are used to provide compressive force along the variable length of each of the horizontal piezoelectric motor elements (284, 350) to prevent damage to same. Compensation circuitry (24) is connected between velocity sensors (17) and the stiff actuators to control the variable length thereof in this move-out-of-the-way system (10) and to compensate for resonating modes. Optionally, a payload mass velocity sensor (26) and associated circuitry may be used to provide additional control.

Abstract: Digital multiprocessor methods and apparatus comprise a plurality of processors, including a first processor for normally processing an instruction stream including instructions from a first instruction source. At least one of the processors can transmit inserted-instructions to the first processor. Inserted-instructions are executed by the first processor in the same manner as, and without affecting the sequence of, instructions from the first instruction source. The first instruction source can be a memory element, including an instruction cache element for storing digital values representative of instructions and program steps, or an execution unit (CEU) which asserts signals to the instruction cache element to cause instructions to be transmitted to the CEU. The processors include input/output (I/O) processors having direct memory access (DMA) insert elements, which respond to a peripheral device to generate DMA inserted-instructions.

Abstract: A subscriber unit (26) communicates with a satellite communication system (10) that projects cells. The satellites (12) and cells move relative to the earth. During every other TDMA frame, a subscriber unit (26) measures the signal strength of all candidate hand-off beams. The signal strength of the current beam is compared to the signal strength of the candidate hand-off beams. When the signal strength of the current beam is not the strongest, a counter is incremented (108). A hand-off is requested to the beam with the greatest signal level when the counter exceeds a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, only after the current antenna beam has not been the strongest beam for a certain period of time, is a hand-off requested. A different counter threshold is used for candidate hand-off beams from other satellites (12).

Abstract: A device attached to an end of a surgical cutting tool and extendable from a retracted position with a cutting surface of the tool exposed to an extended position with the cutting surface covered by the device to prevent inadvertent contacts with the cutting surfaces.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for selectively altering the functional characteristics of a data processing system without physical or mechanical manipulation by providing an access code from a remote personal identification number generator to a secure controller and store of the computer system. This enables remote authorization of change in function of the computer system, such as performance tune up, speeding clock time, changing function and like changes. The computer system is first manufactured having a predetermined set of functional characteristics. A multibit alterable code which includes a functional characteristic definition is then initially loaded into physically secure, nonvolatile memory within the data processing system, utilizing an existing bus, or a fusible link which may be opened after loading is complete.

Abstract: An active vibration isolation system (10) includes a plurality of stiff actuators, such as piezoelectric motors (12a-c; 284, 350) which support a small mass (18) inside of a case (300). A passive isolator (20) is interposed between the small mass (18) and the payload mass (M.sub.p). In the instance where the stiff actuators are piezoelectric motors, the sidewalls of the case (300) are used to provide compressive force along the variable length of each of the horizontal piezoelectric motor elements (284, 350) to prevent damage to same. Compensation circuitry (24) is connected between velocity sensors (17) and the stiff actuators to control the variable length thereof in this move-out-of-the-way system (10) and to compensate for resonating modes. Optionally, a payload mass velocity sensor (26) and associated circuitry may be used to provide additional control.

Abstract: A transfer station for collecting and transferring harvested material to large transport vehicles includes a hopper, in which harvested material accumulates, supported on a rigid frame. The hopper may be elevated from a lower "collection" height to an upper "transfer" height that facilitates release of harvested material into the transport vehicle. In one embodiment, the contents of the hopper are poured into a collection vehicle by tilting the entire transfer-station frame. In a second embodiment of the invention, the transfer-station frame does not tilt. Instead, the hopper is equipped with a sloped floor member. When lifted vertically and positioned over a collection vehicle, the hopper discharges by gravity as soon as an opening is established at the base of the slope.

Abstract: An FM demodulator and detector suitable for integration including a phase locked loop for locking to an FM signal and recovering the modulating signal and squelch circuitry coupled to the phase locked loop for gating out the recovered modulating signal. The phase locked loop includes an emitter coupled multivibrator whose phase shifted output is applied together with the FM signal to the squelch circuitry for quadrature phase detection, followed by filtering to derive an indication signal for controlling the gating of the recovered modulating signal.