Abstract: A method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that allows the relative timing of nearby video pictures to be encoded in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, the display time difference between a current video picture and a nearby video picture is determined. The display time difference is then encoded into a digital representation of the video picture. In a preferred embodiment, the nearby video picture is the most recently transmitted stored picture. For coding efficiency, the display time difference may be encoded using a variable length coding system or arithmetic coding. In an alternate embodiment, the display time difference is encoded as a power of two to reduce the number of bits transmitted.

Abstract: A chart recorder or other applicable instrument uses the recording medium for programming purposes, thereby obviating the need for additional keypads and/or displays. By placing the recording medium onto the recorder, and by moving the pen and/or medium to select among the available options, the unit is automatically programmed in accordance with the selections. Position is known due to the spatial alignment with a start position, resulting in an unambiguous programming. In addition to circular chart recorders, the invention applies to strip-chart recorders, plotters, printers, and other pieces of equipment wherein the position of a marker and/or paper or other substrate is known or determinable. An advantage of the invention is that the chart is produced in confirmation of the settings, thereby leaving a user or operator with a printed record of the way in which the unit was programmed.

Abstract: A single actuator moves the chart and the marking implement in a chart recorder. A first drive means is used for advancing the chart to be recorded upon, a second drive means is used to move the marking implement, and an electromechanical actuator, responsive to an input signal, coupled to both the first and second drive means, exhibits a first direction of movement causing the marking implement to move and the chart to advance, and a second direction of movement causing only the marking implement to move. The electromechanical actuator preferably takes the form of a bidirectional stepper motor, though other types of motors and actuators such as solenoids may alternatively be utilized. Although useful with other types of chart recorders such as strip-chart recorders, the invention is particularly well suited to circular charts, since the shaft of the motor may be coupled to the chart movement mechanism by way of a rotatable disk.

Abstract: An XY recorder in which a recording paper is moved on a platen along the X axis in accordance with one variable and a stylus is moved along the Y axis in accordance with another variable, employs a controller to control the paper movement in several different modes. In a paper draw out mode, the paper is drawn out from a paper-feed roll pinched on the platen between pinch rollers and drive rollers, and during a time interval when the paper-feed roll exerts a backward tension to the paper, the paper is intermittently allowed to slip on the platen by disengaging the pinch rollers from the drive rollers. The tension to the paper backward from the paper-feed roll automatically aligns the paper.

Abstract: A recording sheet is successively fed in the abscissa direction by means of a sprocket. The recording sheet is previously printed with ruled lines with a predetermined inter-line space in the ordinate direction thereof. The sprocket is driven by a pulse motor. Displacement of the recording sheet from one to the next ruled line corresponds to the number of pulses supplied to the pulse motor. Before the beginning of the recording, a ruled line on the recording sheet is brought into positional coincidence with the recording pen. During the movement of the recording sheet after the recording operation having been started, a counter counts the pulses supplied to the pulse motor and is reset every time when the number of the pulses corresponding to the inter-line space has been attained. Upon termination of the recording, the contents in the counter represents the position of a recording pen relative to a certain ruled line.

Abstract: An earthquake recording device in which magnetically damped compound pendulums support smoked glass lenses. The natural frequencies of the pendulums are different. The points of stylus arms rests upon the smoked glass lenses and trace the pattern of movement produced by earthquake shocks on the lens surfaces. A timing device lifts the stylus arms periodically so that a time scale is provided on the tracing on the smoked glass.

Abstract: A sensory control apparatus to determine the visual acuteness of persons tested. The apparatus has at least one optical device to view images of figures provided by a step-by-step parade means. The apparatus is operated by an electronic command module operated by a person tested when he has identified the images seen. Power feed means and display means to display the results are also provided. The device alerts the person tested of the start of ametropic vision and poor reflexes.

Abstract: 4.