Abstract: The present invention relates to the resistors used for detecting current in a current-carrying circuit as a voltage, and aims to provides a resistor which assures highly accurate measurement of resistance even if the measuring point is not precisely placed. To obtain the above purpose, the resistor of the present invention comprises a sheet metal resistor element (11) and separate metal terminals (12),(13) electrically connected to both ends of the sheet resistor element(11). These terminals (12),(13) are made of metal having the same or greater electrical conductivity than that of the resistor element (11). With the above configuration, resistance of the terminals can be made smaller than that of the resistor element. This enables to reduce the proportion of resistance of the terminals in the entire resistor, allowing to ignore its effect on fluctuation of resistance due to deviation in measuring points of a resistance measuring terminal.

Abstract: A switch for routing input signals from any of N input terminals to one or more of M output terminals includes a high-speed N×M crosspoint switch array providing the necessary signal paths. Each of a set of N input drivers buffers a separate one of the input signals into the crosspoint array and each of a set of M output drivers buffers an array output signal onto a separate one of the output terminals. The crosspoint switch array is horizontally and/or vertically segmented by input and output buffers to limit the amount of the array's capacitance that each input driver must charge and discharge when the input signals change state, thereby reducing signal path delay through the crosspoint array.

Abstract: A system for increasing transaction security across existing infrastructure is provided. A user bio-metric sensor device is integrated into a credit or debit card. A display unit provides a key, preferably encrypted, upon successful utilization of the sensor device. Included in the key generation mechanism is an indicator of the transaction number or other sequential count indicative of card use. An authorization service decrypts the key in a manner at least partially dependent upon a second sequential count maintained in sync with the first count to determine whether the use is authorized.

Abstract: In an immobilizer controller, a key-side identifying information stored in a key is collated (compared) with an immobilizer-side identifying information stored in the immobilizer controller. In a shift controller, the key-side identifying information is collated with a shift-lock-side identifying information stored in the shift controller. If the identifying informations do not coincide with each other in at least one of the immobilizer controller and the shift controller, neither a fuel-injection-control permitting command nor a shift-lock-cancellation permitting command is output. An engine is maintained in its inoperative state, and a transmission is maintained in a state where rotation of a driving-torque transmitting shaft is prevented. If the identifying informations coincide with each other in the immobilizer controller, it is possible to reinforce security in comparison with the case where the fuel-injection-control permitting command and the shift-lock-cancellation permitting command are output.

Abstract: A method for receiving messages in an appliance such as a clock radio modified to retrieve messages from a remote computer, converting the retrieved messages into corresponding audio messages, generating a wake up signal to the user at a selected time in the radio appliance, starting the delivery of the audio messages from a speaker in the radio appliance in response to the generated wake up signal, and receiving audible commands in the radio from the user to control delivery of the messages. In a first embodiment, these method steps are performed in the radio appliance and, in a second embodiment, a remote computer performs all of the messages except delivery of the audio messages and receiving audible commands which occur at the appliance. Where two or more appliances are used, audio commands can cause the delivery of messages to stop in one appliance and resume in another appliance.

Abstract: A communication system (10) uses commercial, mass market paging transmission facilities (16) to deliver messages (18′) to a population of reception devices (22). Each reception device (22) includes a display screen (48) at which lines (72) of national and local news and advertising, a banner advertising box (74) and a clock (76) are displayed. Line buttons (54′) are aligned with the displayed lines (72). The reception device (22) is configured so that a user may press a line button (54′) aligned with a particular line (72) scrolling on the display screen (48) to view additional details related to the subject matter of the particular line (72). Selected lines (72) include alert activating codes (42) which signal the reception device (22), when enabled, to activate an alert which attracts the user's attention to those selected lines (72).

Abstract: A data carrier (1) for contactless communication with the communication station comprises firstly a receiving stage (3) for receiving a request signal (IS), secondly a storage facility (16) for storing at least two items of status information (EASB1, EASB2), thirdly a readout facility (15) for reading out one item of status information (EASB1, EASB2) at a time in response to receiving the request signal (IS), fourthly a processing circuit (18) for processing the status information (EASB1, EASB2) read out in each case so as to create a transmission signal (MCRS) suitable for transmission to the communication station, fifthly a recognition facility (22) for recognizing the status information (EASB1, EASB2) read out in each case, and sixthly a control connection (25) between the recognition facility (22) and the processing circuit (18), such that the processing circuit (18) can be influenced via the control connection (25) into altering a transmission parameter for a transmission signal generated by the processi

Abstract: A remote system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag specifically identified by an RF identification signal. The specific RFID tag is associated with a particular remote data transfer device. When identified, the specific RFID tag changes the state of the associated remote data transfer device from a zero power state to an operational state. Limited power-capacity of a remote power supply is used solely for data transfer between the data transfer device and an administrator. Although many RFID signals may be transmitted over time to the location of many remote systems, each of which has an RFID tag, an RFID signal is only infrequently sent to a specific one of the RFID tags. Such an RFID signal is transmitted only to request a data transfer operation with the particular remote data transfer device that is associated with that specific RFID tag.

Abstract: A survival device for use in an emergency situation includes a battery, a lamp, and a detection circuit for detecting an occurrence of the emergency situation and for switching the lamp to be powered by the battery when such an occurrence is detected. In one form, the detection circuit detects a presence of water along a surface of the device, with safety tools for escaping from an submerged vehicle being provided. In another form, the detection circuit detects a failure of electrical service within a building, with safety tools for escaping a fire being provided.

Abstract: An electromechanical horn warning system comprising a hollow body (2) having a cylindrical wall (8) closed by a bottom wall (9) and a flanged edge (12). At least one bobbin (3) abuts on the bottom wall (9) of the hollow body. An elastic membrane (6) is provided with at least one mobile core (7) that is fixed to the flanged edge (12) of the hollow body. At least one contact breaker (4) having a support (22) and a spring (23) are provided with electric contacts (27, 28). An insulating plate (5) is sandwiched between the support (22) and the spring (23), and is provided with at least one layer (31, 32) of resistive silk-screen ink.

Abstract: An automotive device attachable to a vehicle has an external rearview mirror including a mirror element and an end support attachable to a vehicle and supporting the mirror element, and a lateral blinker including a light source and a supporting element which supports the light source, the supporting element with the light source being incorporated in the external rearview mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and selecting a desired wireless device from multiple available wireless devices is provided. In one embodiment, the desired wireless device receives a signal from a searching wireless device. An indicator on the desired wireless device is activated in a unique identification pattern that may be recognized by the user of the searching wireless device. In this manner the user may verify that the desired wireless device is receiving the signal from the searching wireless device.

Abstract: A software driven, audible output control module can carry out bi-directional communications with an alarm system using the same common link as is used by ambient condition detectors, such as smoke or gas detectors. The audible control module can store characteristics of a plurality of predetermined outputs. The system control can download an audible output originating command. Alternately, such information from detectors can be directly read off the link by the respective modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a home monitoring system is provided. The home monitoring system may include a command console for monitoring and processing the output of sensors. The processing of the sensors includes (1) providing a history of the sensor as an indicator to the operator of the sensor output over time; (2) analyzing the trends of the sensor to increase the effectiveness of the sensor beyond simply the current sensor output; and (3) analyzing the output of one sensor which may impact interpretation of a second sensor's output. The monitoring system may also be a prescription reminder system. The prescription reminder system may be used in homes or institutional medical facilities (assisted living or nursing homes) to provide patients with a manner to remind them to take pharmaceutical drugs at prescribed times.

Abstract: A method of generating a warning signal for a walkie-talkie includes: providing a detector and a timer; using the timer to count time; using the detector to determine whether the strength of a radio frequency (RF) signal which includes a standard CTCSS tone received by the walkie-talkie is larger than a predetermined value; using the detector to determine whether the strength of a RF signal which includes a non-standard CTCSS tone received by the walkie-talkie is larger than the predetermined value; if so, resetting the timer; and issuing a warning signal when the time counted by timer reaches a predetermined time.

Abstract: An information display status indicator is described. The status indicator is typically connected to a user device that uses consumable resources. Icons representing resource usage are shown on the status indicator as the resources are used. The icons could represent memory resources available to the device. The icons, which are patterned around a perimeter of the status indicator, are turned on sequentially to form a complete loop when the memory becomes full. Additionally, each icon may be made of a set of pixels or blocks where each set is individually controllable.

Abstract: A detection and signaling apparatus is mountable in a fire hydrant to detect a parameter, such as unauthorized movement of a discharge nozzle cap relative to the fire hydrant. A housing carrying a sensor, such as a motion detector, is mounted inside of the cap. The sensor has an output connected to a transmitter. Movement of the cap relative to the fire hydrant activates the motion detector which generates an output signal causing the transmitter to remotely transmit a tamper detection signal and, also, a fire hydrant location identification code. A pressure sensor can also be coupled to the transmitter to sense water supply main pressure and water flow through the fire hydrant.

Abstract: Apparatus in one example comprises first and second fence posts that cooperate to represent a subportion of a perimeter to be secured. The first fence post comprises a first motion sensor and a first laser sensor. The second fence post comprises a second motion sensor and a second laser sensor. Upon physical movement in a region outside the subportion of the perimeter, one or more of the first and second motion sensors serve to automatically perform a detection of the physical movement in the region outside the subportion of the perimeter. Upon the detection of the physical movement in the region outside the subportion of the perimeter the one or more of the first and second motion sensors serve to automatically cause the first and second laser sensors to monitor for physical movement at the subportion of the perimeter.

Abstract: An automated, flexible and programmable system to update delivery and inventory status for an aggregate of remote mailboxes, bins, shelves, sorter bins, and/or a plurality of bins to distant customers and vendors through email, pager, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular phone mail, voice mail at call centers and/or web site mailboxes. It can function as a delivery notice to mailbox recipients or as inventory stock management to store owners and vendors at remote locations. Various sensors mounted on flexible circuit boards located on the mailboxes, bins, or shelves together with distributed microcontrollers report status through a common bus to a master controller and then to a computer system. The computer in turn dispatches reports and information to various owners and vendors via a remote network operation center accessed through a dedicated line, a wireless service or an Internet Service Provider.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, tagging, searching for, retrieving, inventorying, and transferring evidence by law enforcement officials are described, in which RFID tags associated with pieces of evidence can be interrogated to assist in locating information relating to that evidence.

Abstract: The invention proposes a trackable device locally incorporating an electronic identifier comprising an integrated circuit which includes a memory and an antenna, and which is able to exchange data with a read and/or write device which is spaced at a maximum by a first predetermined communication distance. A second antenna which is able to communicate without electric contact, in particular with the identifier, is arranged at a distance from the identifier smaller than or equal to the first predetermined distance, so as to form a relay and increase the maximum distance for exchange of data between the identifier and the read and/or write device.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: A method and a system for estimating electricity consumption of electric appliances and an abnormality alarm system, enabling estimation of individual electricity consumption of electric appliances in operation in a building or the like by a non-intrusive method, and comprising a measuring sensor (11), data extracting means (12), and estimating means (13) such as an LMC. The estimating means (13) learns based on a training set in advance, and is able to estimate individual electricity consumption of electric appliances in operation. Fundamental and higher harmonics of total load current and their phase differences from voltage are obtained by the data extracting means (12) from measurement data VA, VB, IA, IB detected by an instrument transformer (111) and an instrument current transformer (112) provided in the vicinity of a service entrance 6 of a feeder 4 to a user 2. They are inputted to the estimating means (13) as inputs, thereby estimating individual electricity consumption of the electric appliances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling a display. Said device has an actuating member which can be rotated about a longitudinal axis and can be moved in the direction of said longitudinal axis whereby a point can be selected from a menu, partial menus, functional and/or functional value comprising menu structures and is represented on said screen in an optically high-lighted field. Said actuating member has an initial position and relative to said initial position can undergo an additional movement and has two additional degrees of freedom. During such additional movement of actuating member, a field is selectable from a point in the menu structure which is in a peripheral area of said screen and can, by virtue of the rotational/translational movement of the actuating member, be selected from said screen in a middle region surrounded by an edge located in a sub-field within said menu structure assigned to said field.

Abstract: A transmitter 16, receiver 20 and control circuit 10are provided on a mobile unit, and a response circuit 26, 28, 30 and a control circuit 32, 34, 30 are provided on a portable unit. Priorities are assigned to the transmission of a recognition signal by the response circuit and the transmission of a recognition signal by the operation circuit, and by so doing the transmission from the operation circuit is given priority and performed first if both transmissions are requested simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for use in a well having completion zones includes a surface node and a plurality of downhole nodes positioned in the completion zones. A communications link extends into the well and is coupled to the surface node and downhole nodes. The communications link includes channels coupling successive nodes, and the surface node and downhole nodes are coupled in a loop by the channels.

Abstract: A cover member for an electronic device, the cover member having a secure radio frequency identification (RFID) module within it, an electronic device including such a cover member, and a system including such an electronic device for authorizing providing of goods or services. If desired, the circuitry of the electronic device can supplement that of the RFID module, enabling storage, display and control of transactions enabled by the RFID module.

Abstract: For substantial relieving the driver of a vehicle with respect to the monitoring of the preceding environment as well as the evaluation of distances and speeds of multiple preceding vehicles, there is provided in accordance with the invention a process for detecting and monitoring a number of vehicles (A through C) preceding one's own vehicle (E), which process divides the preceding environment into at least a near zone (ZII) and at least one distant zone (ZI), wherein for the preceding vehicles (A through C) respectively their lane (S1 through S3), speed (VA through VC) and/or distance to the monitoring vehicle (E) are determined, and on the basis of the respective determined lane (S1 through S3), speed (VA through VC) and/or distance for the preceding vehicles (A through C) their position with respect to the near zone (ZII) or the distant zone (ZI) are determined, wherein on the basis of the respective determined speeds (VA through VC) and/or positions of the preceding vehicles (A through C) the actual

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing a parking lot. In one disclosed embodiment, the method includes receiving parking lot data. The embodiment of the disclosed method also includes transforming the parking lot data into parking lot information, the parking lot information including information about a moving parking lot object. Further, the embodiment of the disclosed method includes transmitting a map of the parking lot to a mobile interaction device, and transmitting the parking lot information to the mobile interaction device.

Abstract: A driveway signaling device for detecting motion in a street immediately in front of a driveway and alerting a driver about to exit the driveway of such movement. The device has a pole, a motion detecting assembly mounted on the pole, and an anchor for anchoring the pole into the ground. The motion detecting assembly is mounted near the pole top, including a pair of motion detectors that extend outward from the sides of the pole in opposite directions for detecting motion in either direction in the street. The assembly has, a “red” light, a “green” light, a power source, and a logic device connecting the motion detectors to the pair of lights and the power source. Upon detection of movement, the “red” light is illuminated, signaling to the driver that it is hot safe to exit from the driveway. When no movement is detected for a predetermined time period, the “green” light is illuminated, signaling to the driver that it is safe to proceed out of the driveway.

Abstract: A flight attendant actuated warning system for alerting a flight crew in a flight deck compartment of an aircraft of a potential hijacking or other troublesome situation includes a receiver unit on the flight deck and at least one portable transmitter unit with a flight attendant in the passenger cabin. In the event of trouble, the flight attendant can actuate the transmitter to transmit a preselected activation signal having a frequency that does not interfere with the avionics and navigational equipment of the aircraft. The signal is received by the receiver unit and activates an audible and visual alarm of the receiver unit to alert the flight crew. The signal may also actuate a radio in the receiver unit that transmits on a preselected frequency, a transponder to squawk a hijacking code, and a vibratory alarm of one or more portable receivers with flight attendants and/or a federal air marshal.

Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle alarm indicator may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller connected to the wireless communications device and the vehicle position determining device to send vehicle position information to a monitoring station. Furthermore, the controller may cause the vehicle alarm indicator to provide an alarm indication lasting for a predetermined time and based upon the wireless communications device receiving a vehicle finder activation signal. The controller may also cause the vehicle alarm indicator to cease providing the alarm indication prior to expiration of the predetermined time based upon a user input.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile asset security system that enables remote tracking and monitoring of the asset. The security system is equipped with a control and intelligence unit, a position determining device and a number of intrusion detection devices. The control and intelligence unit processes information from the position determining device with the help of an in-built virtual mapping system to obtain geographic information of the vehicle in the form of name of place, street, coordinates, etc. The control unit may be remotely configured and controlled through a built in voice recognition and DTMF tone detector. The geographic information and information regarding any violation of intrusion detection devices is converted to synthesized speech using a text to speech system. The text to speech system converts the speech to a language desired by the user. The synthesized speech is transmitted to the user's communication device over an existing communication network.

Abstract: An interpolation circuit and method for interpolating first and second out-of-phase ramp signals are disclosed. The interpolation circuit generates fractional ramp signals from the ramp signals and utilizes four multiplexers and two comparators to compare selected ones of the ramp signals. The comparator outputs are used by a finite state machine to provide a next state for the interpolator from the current state and the comparator outputs. The signals selected by the multiplexers are determined by the current state generated by the finite state machine. The finite state machine also detects a startup condition and determines the correct current state from the comparator outputs when different ramp signals are applied to the comparators. The ramp signals can be generated from out-of-phase signals from an optical comparator. The interpolation circuit generates new out-of-phase signals having a larger number of states per cycle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for encoding data of a data signal by a periodic synchronous signal having at least two signal levels in a baseband signal. To provide a possibility by which the data of the synchronous signal can be encoded and decoded again in a simple and economical manner without having to employ the expensive hardware used in known methods, it is proposed, according to the invention, that the baseband signal is generated by combining the data signal and the synchronous signal, this combining step being carried out in such a way that, depending on the signal level of the synchronous signal, the signal level of the baseband signal lies in an associated level range independent from the data signal. The invention is also directed to a corresponding method for decoding a baseband signal and corresponding circuit arrangements. The method is preferably used for encoding and decoding audio signals.

Abstract: A source data stream is distributed to two or more compression paths that provide a corresponding number of compressed data streams that are concurrently encoded onto a recording medium as a set of media tracks. In one embodiment, buffer space within each compression path is monitored and the source data stream is directed to a ‘starved’ compression path. Metadata is inserted into the compressed data streams to facilitate reconstruction of the source data stream from the compressed data streams. The source data stream may be reconstructed by concurrently decoding the media tracks, decompressing the compressed data streams to a corresponding set of decompressed data streams, and merging the decompressed streams into an output data stream as directed by the metadata. The present invention overcomes the bottlenecks and other issues previously associated with context-based compression within digital media recording systems.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for the bit-parallel outputting the bits of a data word includes at least two signal lines for feeding the data signals representing the bits of the data word to driver stages and to a reference circuit. Further driver stages are connected in parallel with the driver stages and have inputs connected to the control device. The control device establishes the signal states of the data signals to be transferred on each signal line and generates a control signal depending on the type and number of the signal state changes of bit sequences to be transferred. It is possible to drive the driver stages that assigned to the signal line for which a signal state change is present.

Abstract: A high speed, high accuracy parallel/serial conversion circuit, wherein a PLL circuit 50 receives as input and locks a clock CLK, and supplies the same to different parts of an apparatus; the PLL circuit 50 controls a 16-tap ring oscillator 60 to shift the phase of a clock frequency-locked to a reference clock so as to generate 32 types of phase shift pulses CK0 to CK31 shifted in phase by increments of {fraction (1/32)} of the clock width from the reference clock by the differential outputs of the 16 taps and supplies the same to a P/S conversion circuit 70; and the P/S conversion circuit 70 generates fine width pulses with {fraction (1/32)} pulse widths based on the 32 types of phase shift pulses shifted in phase by increments of {fraction (1/32)}. Further, the fine width pulses are used to convert parallel signals output from a RAM 30 and a decoder 40 to a serial signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the resolution of analog-to-digital conversion devices and systems is described. The described apparatus and method operate without significantly increasing the complexity or conversion time of conventional analog-to-digital conversion architectures. The improved resolution is accomplished by detecting the time-dependent response characteristics of comparators used within an analog-to-digital converter. The detected response characteristics, such as the response pattern or the response time, are used to estimate the overdrive voltage on the comparator of interest and to thereby provide additional bits to the analog-to-digital conversion process. In those applications where the response characteristics affect the settling characteristics of the converter output bits, additional resolution may be attained by detecting the settling characteristics, such as the settling pattern or settling time, of the converter output bits, particularly the least significant bit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sigma-delta digital to analog converted (DAC) including a digital-sigma delta modulator, a decimation filter, and a multi-bit DAC. The digital sigma-delta modulator receives a digital input signal and produces a quantized digital signal therefrom. The decimation filter receives the quantized digital signal and produces a decimated digital signal therefrom. The multi-bit DAC receives the decimated digital signal and produces an analog output signal therefrom. The analog output signal is representative of the digital input signal.

Abstract: An oversampling modulator device includes an adder outputting an signal indicating a sum of an input signal and a first delayed signal, the input signal having a plurality of bits, the output signal having upper bits included in a first signal and the remaining bits included in a second signal. A subtractor outputs a signal indicating a difference between the first signal and a second delayed signal. A first delay unit outputs the first delayed signal by delaying a third signal having upper bits produced by the subtraction signal and lower bits produced by the second signal. A quantizer performs quantization processing of the third signal and outputs a quantization signal having a predetermined number of bits. A second delay unit outputs the second delayed signal by delaying the quantization signal. The quantizer selects specific bits included in the third signal to generate the quantization signal.

Abstract: A current-mode D/A converter is described having variable output and offset control. According to an exemplary embodiment, a first D/A converter includes a number of first control inputs and an output capable of generating a first current proportional to a number of active first control inputs. A driver includes an input connected to the output of the first D/A converter, a number of second control inputs, and an output capable of generating a second current proportional to the first current based on a number of active second control inputs. A second D/A converter includes a number of third control inputs and an output capable of generating a third current proportional to a number of active third control inputs. Offset control circuitry includes an input connected to the output of the second D/A converter, an offset control input, and an output connected to the output of the driver.

Abstract: A differential-input flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) uses digital common-mode rejection wherein the output sequences from two non-differential flash ADCs are differenced and further processed in the digital domain. Each of a pair of non-differential ADCs converts an associated one of two received voltage signals into a digital signal having N quantization levels, a subtractor digitally subtracts the two digital signals to produce a difference signal having 2N quantization levels, and a re-quantizer re-quantizes the difference signal to produce an N-level quantized representation of the difference signal. The flash ADC also effects comparator offset dynamic element matching to reduce the deleterious effects of ADC error resulting from the inevitable non-zero offset voltages of the comparators from which the each flash ADC is constructed.

Abstract: A method for high speed communications uses an inventive Q-Gray code. The Q-Gray code simplifies the hardware needed to convert analog Q-Gray code signals to digital signals. An analog-to-digital converter can use a plurality of comparators for receiving the multilevel signal and a plurality of decoder blocks coupled to comparators for decoding the multilevel signal. Each decoder block can include an equal number of inputs. Specifically, each decoder block can also include a parity detector with an equal number of inputs. Each decoder block can also employ a bank of identical parity detectors relative to another decoder block. Each comparator of the analog to digital converter can have an individually or externally adjustable (or both) threshold level.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing and digitizing at least one analog signal derived from an event with a signal duration that is short compared to the interval between consecutive analog signals has two or more memories each capable of storing a sequence of analog samples of one of two or more analog signals derived from the event. There is a trigger for triggering the sampling and storage in the two or more memories of a sequence of analog samples to occur at about a 0.5 gigahertz or higher rate and circuitry communicating with the memories for selectively initiating the read out of the analog samples in the memories. An analog to digital converter receives each analog sample read out from each of memories and produces from the analog samples corresponding digitized sample values.

Abstract: An A/D converter stage including an A/D sub-converter connected to a D/A sub-converter provides dynamic element matching. This is accomplished by forcing comparators of the A/D sub-converter to generate a scrambled thermometer code.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter includes a capacitor for storing charge and a current source for flowing current through the capacitor for charging the capacitor. The analog-to-digital converter also contains a switch for controlling flow of current from the current source to the capacitor, a comparator for outputting a first comparison value when an analog input voltage is approximately equal to a voltage across the capacitor, and a timer for calculating a charging period of time needed for the voltage across the capacitor to become equal to the analog input voltage. A controller is used for controlling operation of the switch, for starting the timer when the switch electrically connects the current source to the capacitor for charging the capacitor, for stopping the timer when the comparator outputs the first comparison value, and for converting the charging period of time calculated by the timer into a digital output voltage.

Abstract: An algorithm for improved tracking of Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System transponders is disclosed. The algorithm can be combined with a system that includes an interrogator which transmits an interrogation signal to an associated vehicle transponder at a first frequency, preferably 1030 MHZ in accordance with FAA regulations, and a receiver array which receives the transponder reply signal transmitted by the transponder at a second frequency, preferably 1090 MHZ in accordance with FAA regulations. An angle of arrival processor calculates an angle of the received reply signal, and a position processor calculates the vehicle position based on at least the received angle data.

Abstract: An identification interrogator is provided for surveillance of objects within an area. The identification interrogator transmits interrogation signals to all objects within the surveillance area, the reflections of which are received back by the interrogator to determine the locations of the objects, and communicates the determined locations to a processing facility to determine their authorized locations. Upon receipt of interrogation signals, some of the objects within the surveillance area broadcast their position and identification to processing facility for correlation with the locations determined by the reflection signals. The locations of other objects are found by correlating the location determined by the reflection signal with a predetermined list of objects and their location within the surveillance area. These may be objects with no means or method to transmit position and identification information, such as rock formations or buildings.