Abstract: Hardware logic arranged to normalise (or renormalise) an n-bit input number is described in which at least a proportion of a left shifting operation is performed in parallel with a leading zero count operation. In various embodiments the left shifting and the leading zero count are performed independently. In various other embodiments, a subset of the bits output by a leading zero counter are input to a left shifter and the output from the left shifter is input to a renormalisation block which completes the remainder of the left shifting operation independently of any further input from the leading zero counter.

Abstract: A method for path tracing of mathematical plots on a digital device is provided that includes receiving at least one mathematical expression on the digital device, and tracing a path of a plot of the at least one mathematical expression on a display screen coupled to the digital device, wherein tracing the path comprises displaying the path sequentially point by point as a value of an independent variable of the at least one mathematical expression changes over a domain of the independent variable.

Abstract: A method of synchronization of a communication device comprising a first and second communication ports, each of the first and second communication port being associated with a respective first and second time system, the method comprising a regular master synchronization process synchronizing regularly the first time system with an external synchronization server according to a time synchronization protocol; a regular slave synchronization process synchronizing regularly the second time system with the first-time system; detecting a loss of synchronization between the first and second time system; determining which of the first and second time system is desynchronized; and synchronizing the desynchronized time system with the other one.

Abstract: Systems, processes and devices for real-time brain monitoring for anxiety to generate and control an interface of a display device with a visual representation of a Brain Value Index for anxiety, a connectivity map and treatment guidance. Systems, processes and devices for real-time brain monitoring capture sensor data, process the data and dynamically update the interface in real-time.

Abstract: Systems, processes and devices for real-time brain monitoring to generate and control an interface of a display device with a visual representation of a Brain Value Index for entropy, a connectivity map and treatment guidance. Systems, processes and devices for real-time brain monitoring capture sensor data, process the data and dynamically update the interface in real-time.

Abstract: A computing device running a tool for visually exploring datasets receives a request for a dataset comprising a plurality of subspaces of a multi-dimensional data structure and in response to receiving a user selection of a data point associated with the dataset, presents a visualization of the calculations associated with the selected data point. The tool allows the user to select one of the calculations, thus causing presentation of a visualization of the selected calculation. A semantic graphical feature is incorporated into the visualization of the selected calculation depending upon a type of the calculation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-storage media are provided for generating and populating a feature catalog for use in predictive modeling applications. The feature catalog may be populated with features extracted from data warehoused in a nested, hierarchical data structure. Extraction of features may result from applying a set of rules-based algorithms to warehoused data. Updated features may be extracted from a queue of data updates by applying the same rules-based algorithms. Predictions of future outcomes may be generated by applying predictive models to features.

Abstract: Clock synchronization in a network includes receiving, by a slave network device from a master network device via at least a intervening network device, a timing packet comprising a transmission timestamp and a residence time. The transmission timestamp is based on a master clock of the master network device. The residence time corresponds to a delay of the timing packet traversing the intervening device. Clock synchronization in a network further includes generating, by the slave network device in response to receiving the timing packet, a receiving timestamp based on a slave clock of the slave network device, and generating, based at least on the transmission timestamp, the residence time, and the receiving timestamp, a time difference between the master clock and the slave clock. Clock synchronization in a network further includes synchronizing, based at least on the time difference, the master clock and the slave clock.

Abstract: A method of determining a layout for a surface covering includes receiving, with a tool system, layout data that is based on data associated with a surface to be covered with a surface covering, and providing an indication of a pattern of a plurality of covering members included in the surface covering. The layout data provides an indication of a cutting pattern for the surface covering. The cutting pattern is determined based at least in part on a minimum number of surface covering members required for a selected design of the surface covering members.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a set of instructions executable by a processor, the set of instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to perform operations including mapping a memory area storing a segment of code for a kernel of the system during an initialization time of a system. The operations also include executing the segment of code during the initialization time. The operations also include unmapping a portion of the memory area for the kernel after the segment of code has been executed.

Abstract: The present application discloses an electronic apparatus, comprising: a frame body, a fixing device, and a functional main body section. The fixing device is connected to the frame body, and used for fixing the electronic apparatus onto a support body. The frame body and the fixing device form a ring-like space when the electronic apparatus is fixed onto the support body by the fixing device. The functional main body section at least includes a first display module and a second display module, which are disposed in the frame body and stacked sequentially in a first direction. The electronic apparatus has a first cross section. The first cross section is a ring formed by sectioning the electronic apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the support body with the support body as a reference object, when the electronic apparatus is fixed onto the support body by the fixing device.

Abstract: A surface covering layout system includes a processing circuit configured to receive image data regarding one or more images associated with a surface to be covered with a surface covering, and generate a surface covering layout based on the image data, the surface covering layout providing an indication of a pattern of a plurality of covering members included in the surface covering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hand-held device for ensuring a secured mode transition. The method includes receiving a request to transition to a mode, determining the mode of the hand-held device, transitioning to a transition mode relevant to the received request, wherein the relevant transition mode ensures that the transition is securely executed, setting the device in accordance with the received request, and transitioning to the mode requested.

Abstract: A method of providing a relevant subset of information to a client device is based in part on scanning for Wi-Fi access points within range of the client device, using a Wi-Fi database that covers a large target region to retrieve information about these access points, using this information to estimate the position of the mobile client device, selecting a limited region in the vicinity of the estimated location of the client device, and providing information about Wi-Fi access points within this limited region to the client. For efficient transfer and maintenance of data, the target region may be divided into a hierarchy of fixed geographical tiles.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for synchronization in a networked environment. For example, some embodiments provide methods for synchronizing a client device having a client media time reference with a server device having a server media time reference. In some cases such methods are embodied in computer readable code that is executable on one or more processors. Furthermore, some embodiments provide hardware, such as networked media devices that are configured to perform such methods. In overview, in some embodiments a client obtains timing information from a server and, on the basis of this timing information, applies an adjustment to a client control time reference, thereby to synchronize the client media time reference with the server media time reference. Some embodiments are particularly directed to the situation where there is a desire to synchronize networked media devices across a combination of wired and wireless networks.

Abstract: An electronic calculator makes a display section display an input mathematical expression when receiving an input of the mathematical expression from a user. At that time, a color is given to a component related to a predetermined operation symbol among components of the mathematical expression, and the component is displayed. Also a cursor is displayed in the same color as that of the component to which the cursor belongs. Thus, even when the mathematical expression is displayed in an arithmetic manner, each component of the mathematical expression and a position of the cursor can be easily distinguished from each other.

Abstract: A location beacon database and server, method of building location beacon database, and location based service using same. Wi-Fi access points are located in a target geographical area to build a reference database of locations of Wi-Fi access points. At least one vehicle is deployed including at least one scanning device having a GPS device and a Wi-Fi radio device and including a Wi-Fi antenna system. The target area is traversed in a programmatic route to reduce arterial bias. The programmatic route includes substantially all drivable streets in the target geographical area and solves an Eulerian cycle problem of a graph represented by said drivable streets. While traversing the target area, Wi-Fi identity information and GPS location information is detected. The location information is used to reverse triangulate the position of the detected Wi-Fi access point; and the position of the detected access point is recorded in a reference database.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate the use of a multi-function computer for an examination. An application implementing the method receives a hash input from a user and, upon successful completion of the examination, displays a hash output. The hash output may be displayed as a visual hash. During the examination, the application or system monitors the multi-function computer to determine whether the user has activated, viewed, or launched any prohibited functions or applications on the multi-function computer. If the user views a prohibited function or application, the examination application does not display the hash output. The system and application implement various security measures to prevent spoofing or duplication of the hash output or tampering with the application.

Abstract: This patent is for a device that displays the steps involved in a calculation as well as the answer of the calculation. By doing this you preserve the main benefits of the calculator (speed and accuracy) is preserved while helping the user understand how the device solved the answer. This allows the device to simultaneously serve as a calculator and a learning tool. Several embodiments for the machine are described and shown.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an electronic calculator, including a display device, a storage having an operator priority table in which an operator operation priority is stored, and a processor that performs causing the display device to display a formula, performing sequentially an operation of each formula element constituting the formula displayed on the display device according to the operator priority table, displaying distinctly the formula element, to which the operation is performed in the formula displayed on the display device, on the display device each time each formula element operation is sequentially performed, and displaying a solution corresponding to the formula element to which the operation is performed on the display device each time each formula element operation is sequentially performed.

Abstract: A consumer media player is configured to be electronically coupled to various different types of media source devices, extract media files from those media source devices, and play the extracted media files to a consumer. The consumer media player is also configured to physically hold all or part of one or more media source devices in a manner that facilitates electronic coupling of the media source device to the consumer media player and that provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the consumer. In particular, the consumer media player includes a cavity that can hold at least a portion of the media source device. In one of the embodiments described herein, at least some types of media source devices can be entirely physically stored within the cavity in the consumer media player.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polychronous wave propagation system that is based on relative timing between two or more propagated waves through a wave propagation medium. The relative timing may be associated with interference patterns of energy between the propagated waves. Operational behavior of the polychronous wave propagation system is based on the relative timing of the propagated waves and distances between initiators that transmit the propagated waves and responders that receive the propagated waves. The operational behavior may include arithmetical computations, memory storage, Boolean functions, frequency-based computations, or the like. The polychronous wave propagation system relies on time delays between the propagated waves that result from propagation velocities of the propagated waves through the wave propagation medium. By incorporating the time delays into the system, operational capacity may be greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A mathematical expression input apparatus includes a mathematical expression display unit configured to display a mathematical expression, a mathematical expression portion designation unit configured to designate a mathematical expression portion displayed by the mathematical expression display unit in accordance with user operation, and an output unit configured to determine a designation method for a mathematical expression portion designated by the mathematical expression designation unit, modify the mathematical expression in accordance with the designation method, and display the modified mathematical expression.

Abstract: A specialty calculator for determining the chronological age of an individual based upon a birth date and a current date is herein disclosed. The device is also capable of performing standard arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The device comprises dedicated circuitry, programming, and keys designed to determine the age of an individual based upon their birth date. A battery-maintained present date is stored in memory or may be entered manually to determine the chronological age of the user. The resultant output is provided in the form of years, months, and days on a digital display. The calculating device saves the time required to perform a difficult manual calculation and insures a user a reliable calculation.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described for generating an identification number for an integrated circuit (IC). In some examples, methods for generating an identification of an IC may comprise selecting circuit elements of the IC, evaluating measurements of an attribute of the IC for the selected circuit elements, wherein individual measurements are associated with corresponding input vectors previously applied to the IC, solving a plurality of equations formulated based at least in part on the measurements taken of the attribute of the IC for the selected circuit elements to determine scaling factors for the selected circuit elements, and transforming the determined scaling factors for the selected circuit elements to generate an identification number of the IC. Additional variants and embodiments may also be disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting and providing a relevant subset of Wi-Fi location information to a mobile client device so the client device may estimate its position with efficient utilization of resources. A method of providing a relevant subset of information to a client device is based in part on scanning for Wi-Fi access points within range of the client device, using a Wi-Fi database that covers a large target region to retrieve information about these access points, using this information to estimate the position of the mobile client device, selecting a limited region in the vicinity of the estimated location of the client device, and providing information about Wi-Fi access points within this limited region to the client. For efficient transfer and maintenance of data, the target region may be divided into a hierarchy of fixed geographical tiles.

Abstract: A life-cycle prognosis is created of a rolling-element bearing. As from manufacturing of the bearing and during the bearing's life-cycle that may include periods of the bearing's non-use, service life data is obtained indicative of one or more factors that occur during the life-cycle and that affect the length of the life-cycle. The service life data is obtained together with identification data that is representative of a machine-readable identifier, applied to the bearing at manufacturing. The identifier serves to uniquely identify the bearing throughout its life. The identification data is used for identifying in a database a history log of the bearing. The service life data is accumulated in the history log of the bearing as from the manufacturing. The history log is used with a specific mathematical life-cycle model for creating an update of the life-cycle prognosis.

Abstract: There is provided a graph display apparatus. An image display control unit causes a display unit to display the image data stored by the image and graph formula storage unit. An formula input unit inputs a graph formula according to a user operation. An input graph display control unit causes the display unit to display a graph corresponding to a graph formula input by the formula input unit, on the image data displayed on the display unit by the image display control unit as a background image. A model graph display control unit causes the display unit to display, in a different display mode, a graph corresponding to a model graph formula stored by the image and graph formula storage unit, together with the graph displayed on the image data as the background image on the display unit by the input graph display control unit, according to a user operation.

Abstract: A complex solver that is able to solve a diverse variety of model analytics. Upon identifying the various input variable(s) and output variable(s) of the model variables, if a straight forward solve is not to be performed, it is determined whether the model analytics is to be inverted such that a forward solve can be performed. For instance, it might not be known generally, or at least to the solver, how to invert a particular equation of other model analytics. If the model analytics is to be inverted, the model analytics is inverted, and the forward solve is performed. On the other hand, if the inversion of the model analytics is not to be performed, then a numerical analysis solve is performed.

Abstract: A shift register has shift register units. The nth shift register unit includes first to third level control units and first and second driving units. The first and second level control units respectively provide a first clock signal and a first voltage to an output terminal. The first driving unit and the first level control unit are coupled to a first node, and a voltage on the first node is a first control signal. The first driving unit turns on and off the first level control unit in response to an input signal and second and third control signals. The second driving unit turns on and off the second level control unit in response to the first control signal. The third level control unit provides the first voltage to the output terminal in response to a front edge of the first control signal of the (n+2)th shift register unit.

Abstract: A location beacon database and server, method of building location beacon database, and location based service using same. Wi-Fi access points are located in a target geographical area to build a reference database of locations of Wi-Fi access points. At least one vehicle is deployed including at least one scanning device having a GPS device and a Wi-Fi radio device and including a Wi-Fi antenna system. The target area is traversed in a programmatic route to reduce arterial bias. The programmatic route includes substantially all drivable streets in the target geographical area and solves an Eulerian cycle problem of a graph represented by said drivable streets. While traversing the target area, Wi-Fi identity information and GPS location information is detected. The location information is used to reverse triangulate the position of the detected Wi-Fi access point; and the position of the detected access point is recorded in a reference database.

Abstract: A mathematical expression calculation apparatus includes: a display; and a processor to perform the operations of: displaying a mathematical expression on the display; displaying terms included in the mathematical expression displayed on the display in display modes which differ among types of the terms respectively; specifying among the display modes a display mode of any of the terms of the mathematical expression displayed on the display, in accordance with operation of a user; and carrying out calculation among terms which are included in the terms of the mathematical expression displayed on the display and are displayed in the specified mode, and renewing and displaying the mathematical expression.

Abstract: An electronic calculator makes a display section display an input mathematical expression when receiving an input of the mathematical expression from a user. At that time, a color is given to a component related to a predetermined operation symbol among components of the mathematical expression, and the component is displayed. Also a cursor is displayed in the same color as that of the component to which the cursor belongs. Thus, even when the mathematical expression is displayed in an arithmetic manner, each component of the mathematical expression and a position of the cursor can be easily distinguished from each other.

Abstract: A computer implemented method (200) is described for determining the equivalence of two sets of simultaneous linear algebraic equations. Each of said equations is of a form: ei1x1+ei2x2+ei3x3+ . . . +eiixn=bi wherein xj are unknowns, eij are coefficients and bi are quantities, and defining the relationship between the unknowns within the set. The coefficients and quantities are known algebraic expressions. The unknowns are iteratively eliminated (250 to 280) from each of the sets of simultaneous linear algebraic equations until each of said equations are in the form: (lii)kxi=(ri)k wherein lii and ri are algebraic expressions, and k={1;2} indicate one of said sets that said equation is derived from. The products (lii)1*(ri)2 and (lii)2*(ri)1 are compared (300) for each of the unknowns. Only if the products match (310) for all the unknowns are the two sets of simultaneous linear algebraic equations equivalent (312). An apparatus (100) for performing the above method (200) is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a means of securitization of life settlement contracts using a method of stripping the death benefit asset from the premium liabilities by producing a Stripped Collateralized Life Settlement Obligation. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a means of securitizing life insurance contracts using a method of stripping the death benefit asset from the premium liabilities by producing a Stripped Collateralized Life Insurance Obligation.

Abstract: A calculating device capable of displaying constants and the method thereof are proposed. A key determination unit is provided in a calculator to determine the function of the pressed key of an input unit. A constant unit database is provided for storing constant data. A constant execution unit is provided to read out the content of the constant unit database according to the determination result of the key determination unit. An output unit is also provided to display the value, unit, symbol and item number of a constant. During operation, a user can directly input the item number of a constant in a constant menu frame. Or after a user switches the page of the constant menu frame to find out a desired constant, he can then directly input the constant to display the value, unit, symbol and item number of the constant.

Abstract: A more efficient method of counting the number of zeros in a 4-bit value generates three output bits (q0, q1 and q2) from four input bits (a0, a1, a2 and a3) according to the logic equations q0=not(a1+a2+a3+a4), q1=not(a0+a1), q2=a1(not a0)+not(a0+a2). These output bits yield the number of non-significant (leading or trailing) zeros in the 4-bit value. The invention may be implemented in a 16-bit zero counter having four 4-bit decoders, but is applicable to any number of zero counters. The output bits from the four 4-bit decoders can be combined to yield a 5-bit count whose most significant bit is a one when all input bits from all four of the 4-bit blocks are zero. A multiplexer stage derives two outputs based on a portion of the decode bits. For wider counters, the output stage uses four AOI21 gates to merge additional decode bits from a next lower 16-bit zero counter.

Abstract: A location beacon database and server, method of building location beacon database, and location based service using same. Wi-Fi access points are located in a target geographical area to build a reference database of locations of Wi-Fi access points. At least one vehicle is deployed including at least one scanning device having a GPS device and a Wi-Fi radio device and including a Wi-Fi antenna system. The target area is traversed in a programmatic route to avoid arterial bias. The programmatic route includes substantially all drivable streets in the target geographical area and solves an Eulerian cycle problem of a graph represented by said drivable streets. While traversing the target area, Wi-Fi identity information and GPS location information is detected. The location information is used to reverse triangulate the position of the detected Wi-Fi access point; and the position of the detected access point is recorded in a reference database.

Abstract: A location beacon database and server, method of building location beacon database, and location based service using same. Wi-Fi access points are located in a target geographical area to build a reference database of locations of Wi-Fi access points. At least one vehicle is deployed including at least one scanning device having a GPS device and a Wi-Fi radio device and including a Wi-Fi antenna system. The target area is traversed in a programmatic route to avoid arterial bias. The programmatic route includes substantially all drivable streets in the target geographical area and solves an Eulerian cycle problem of a graph represented by said drivable streets. While traversing the target area, periodically receive the GPS coordinates of the GPS device.

Abstract: A computer processor is disclosed, which is programmed to display on a screen of a computer monitor a calculator image having a first field. The first field can be activated using the interactive device to cause calculations performed using the calculator image to be displayed on the screen of the computer monitor on a spreadsheet image. The calculator image may have a second field which can be activated using the interactive device to stop calculations performed using the calculator image from being displayed on the spreadsheet image. The second field when activated may allow a user to save calculations performed using the calculator image to a computer memory.

Abstract: For sequentially input data string, the outliner and the change point are detected through calculation of the outlier score and the change point score by combining a time-series model learning device to learn the generation mechanism of the read data series as the time-series statistic model, a score calculator to calculate the outlier score of each data based on the time-series model parameter and the input data, a moving average calculator to calculate the moving average of the outlier score, a time-series model learning device to learn the generation mechanism of the moving average series as the time-series statistic model and the above score calculator that further calculates the outlier score of the moving average based on the moving average of the outlier score and outputs the result as the change point score of the original data.

Abstract: A unit conversion system configuration method includes the following steps. The unit conversion system includes a unit converter converting a unit to another unit utilizing a repository of unit conversion information in the system. The system receives new conversion information in a message transferred thereto. The new conversion information is added to the repository to provide the unit converter with a new unit conversion function based on the new conversion information without updating the unit converter.

Abstract: A frequency translator uses a CORDIC phase rotator coupled to a phase accumulator to translate an input signal in frequency. The CORDIC phase rotator performs required phase angle rotations of input vectors using only shift and add operations. Thus, the frequency translator can be readily implemented in hardware. Higher precision arithmetic is used in the CORDIC phase rotator operations than the input vectors contain. To avoid truncation error at the output of the CORDIC phase rotator, stochastic rounding is employed. A dither signal is added to avoid errors due to nonlinear operation of D/A converters, where D/A conversion of the frequency translated signal is required.

Abstract: A method of input and evaluation of fractions using a calculator is described. The calculator receives a user-entered expression including a fraction where the fraction is entered using a division key. The user-entered expression causes the calculator to evaluate the user-entered expression and display the evaluated user-entered expression. A calculator enabling input and evaluation of fractions includes means for receiving and displaying a user-entered expression including a fraction entered using a division key is described. The calculator further includes a processor for evaluating the user-entered expression using the means for evaluating the expression. The evaluated user-entered expression is displayed using a calculator display.

Abstract: In a method for determining a minimum value of an optimization function under constraints given by equations, a set of points which satisfy the constraints is regarded as a Riemannian manifold within a finite-dimensional real-vector space, the Riemannian manifold is approached from an initial position within the real-vector space. An exponential map regarding a geodesic line equation with respect to a tangent vector on the Riemannian manifold ends at a finite order, an approximate geodesic line is generated as a one-dimensional orbit. An approximate parallel-translation is performed on the tangent vector on the Riemannian manifold and on the orbit generated in the orbit generating step by finite-order approximation of the exponential map regarding the parallel translation of the tangent vector.

Abstract: A novelty calculator and system of input and data manipulation for amusement. The preferred embodiment of the device contemplates a calculator having a body, keyboard for input of numerical data and functions, and a display similar to standard calculators. However, the calculator of the present invention is programmed to provide manipulated, erroneous responses or answers in response to data entered for a humorous or surprising reaction by an observer. The preferred embodiment of the present system includes function controls to provide predetermined manipulation of the of the data for amusement tailored to select themes.

Abstract: A computer implemented method (200) is described for determining the equivalence of two sets of simultaneous linear algebraic equations. Each of said equations is of a form: ei1x1+ei2x2+ei3x3+ . . . +eiixn=bi where xj are unknowns, eij are coefficients and bi are quantities, and defining the relationship between the unknowns within the set. The coefficients and quantities are known algebraic expressions. The unknowns are iteratively eliminated (250 to 280) from each of the sets of simultaneous linear algebraic equations until each of said equations are in the form: (lii)kxi=(ri)k wherein lii and ri are algebraic expressions, and k={1;2} indicate one of said sets that said equation is derived from. The products (lii)1*(ri)2 and (lii)2*(ri)1 are compared (300) for each of the unknowns. Only if the products match (310) for all the unknowns are the two sets of simultaneous linear algebraic equations equivalent (312). An apparatus (100) for performing the above method (200) is also provided.

Abstract: A frequency translator uses a CORDIC phase rotator coupled to a phase accumulator to translate an input signal in frequency. The CORDIC phase rotator performs required phase angle rotations of input vectors using only shift and add operations. Thus, the frequency translator can be readily implemented in hardware. Higher precision arithmetic is used in the CORDIC phase rotator operations than the input vectors contain. To avoid truncation error at the output of the CORDIC phase rotator, stochastic rounding is employed. A dither signal is added to avoid errors due to nonlinear operation of D/A converters, where D/A conversion of the frequency translated signal is required.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically identifying the type of communication interface used to couple a portable computer system with a second computer system, and for selecting the form of an application that is used with the type of interface. For example, a debugger application is collaboratively executed on the computer systems over the interface. When entering the debugger mode, software executed on the portable computer system identifies the type of interface by reading a resistance value of a pin. After determining the type of interface, the form of the debugger used with the interface is automatically selected. A similar process is followed for other applications that depend on the type of interface. The user does not have to manually identify the type of interface. Instead, in response to a command that is independent of the type of interface, the proper form of the application is automatically selected.

Abstract: A handheld computing device (40) comprises a software application adapted to provide instructions to graphically display a vector on a display screen (48) simultaneously along with the numerical values for components of the vector. The software application may be further adapted to provide instructions to perform a vector math operation on one or more vectors, to allow a user to pick the vector for use in the vector math operation, concurrently while graphically viewing the vector on the display screen (48) simultaneously with its numerical values for components, and/or to allow a user to graphically input the vector by incrementing a vector component with an arrow key (101-104) on the input device (50), concurrently while graphically viewing the vector and vector changes on the display screen (48).