Showing papers on "Timer published in 1990"

Method and apparatus for controlling a television program recording device

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a VCR or other television program recording device for unattended recording of television programs based upon user selections from an on-line television program schedule system, converts the on-line television schedule listings for the user selected programs into event timer information and loads the event timer information into an event timer. The event timer, which may be located in the VCR or external to the VCR, controls the VCR for unattended recording in the customary manner. Since the VCR is controlled by the event timer information, rather than directly from the on-line program schedule listings, the VCR may be controlled for unattended recording even if the on-line listings are lost. Accordingly, the on-line listings may be stored in low cost volatile memory (dynamic RAM). Only the event timer information should be stored in non-volatile memory (static RAM), which can be kept small due to the limited information contained in the event timer information. A commercially viable system is thereby provided.

Time dependent, variable amplitude threshold output circuit for frequency variant and frequency invariant signal discrimination

Abstract: A voice signal compression system (10) includes a variable gain amplifier (14) for amplifying a voice input signal (12) at a gain dependent on a variable control voltage (32). A driver (18) receives the amplified input signal and supplies a power-boosted output signal (20) to an acoustic output transducer, a peak detecting comparator (24), and to a thresold reset timer (26). The comparator (24) produces a digital output that triggers an attack/decay timer (30) which produces the control voltage (32). The comparator (24) initially is set to a high threshold state by the threshold reset timer (26). As the levels and peaks of the input signal (12) increase, the comparator (24) begins to trigger digital pulses to the attack/decay timer (30), and the threshold reset timer (26) begins measuring the duration of the signal which exceeds the threshold of the comparator (24). If the level of the power-boosted output signal (20) exceeds the threshold of the comparator (24) for a preselected time, then the compression threshold of the comparator (24) is switched to a lower level. The threshold remains low until the continuous signal is removed whereupon the comparator (24) is reset to its higher threshold.

Location signalling device for automatically placing a radio distress call

Abstract: A location signalling device sends a radio distress call giving the precise location coordinates of a person in distress automatically once it is activated without the need for anyone to operate an associated radio transmitter The device includes a microprocessor controller, a digital location data input, a keyboard, a voice input, an LCD display, a clock/timer, a digital memory, and a voice synthesizer output which provides the distress call in audio voice signals to the microphone input of the radio transmitter when an activating switch is pressed

Inhaler device with counter/timer means

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for inhaling medicine from an inhalation canister with a spray stem. It includes a hollow-bodied tubular main body having a back end adapted to receive an inhalation canister and a front end adapted for placement to or in a mouth, as well as a spray-directing element fixedly located within the main body, a counter and a timer. The spray-directing element has a continuous opening with an insert end for receiving a spray stem of an inhalation canister and a spray end for directing sprays of medicine through and out of the front end of the main body when an inhalation canister is activated by a user. The counter is connected to the main body for displaying a count of total activations of an inhalation canister and is advanced by each activation of an inhalation canister. The timer keeps track of time between inhalations for the user. Both the counter and the timer are resettable and are preferably electronic and may be contained in a single unit.

Transceiver with battery saver and method of using same

Abstract: A portable transceiver has a battery saving feature which includes a timer, circuit which automatically cuts off the power supply to the receiver and transmitter for relatively long intervals and periodically turns on the power supply for relatively short intevals to check for transmission or receiver signals If such signals are detected, the power supply continues to supply powers to the receiver and transmitter for the duration of the signals and for a short period thereafter The transceiver also includes a batter voltage detection circuit which will cut off the battery power supply if the battery has discharge to a predetermined level , and which can be overridden in any emergency The power supply is conveniently controlled by a pass device which must receive "operate" signals from both the timer circuit and the battery voltage detection circuit

IBM PC/XT/AT and PS/2 Turbo Pascal timing with extended resolution

Abstract: A Turbo Pascal timer with accuracy beyond 1 msec is described. Unlike some previous timers, this one does not interfere with the time-of-day clock, and works well on an unmodified IBM PC/XT.

Automatic fluid flow sensor and fluid shut-off system

Abstract: An automatic fluid-sensing and fluid shut-off system (10) that allows a flow of water into a structure to be sensed, timed and stopped when the flow exceeds a preset time The system (10), which operates in combination with a conventional main water valve (50) and pressure regulator (60), consists of a flow-sensing valve (12) that incorporates an infrared emitter (14) and an infrared detector (16), an electric valve (18) and an electronics control unit (20) When a flow is sensed by the valve (12), the detector (16) produces a flow-trigger signal that is applied to a programmable timer (20n) in the unit (20) When the signal is received, the timer commences a countdown; when the time has lapsed, the unit (20) produces a signal that energizes a power relay (20h) that removes the power keeping the electric valve (18) open Upon this power removed, the valve (18) closes and shuts off the water supply The water flow remains off until the system is reset by depressing a reset switch (20t)

Data transmission system

Abstract: A product pricing system for supermarket shelf labels (14) comprises an electronic data transmission system which transmits pricing information to electronic shelf labels (14) by modulating a data information signal (33) in the electric supply to artificial lighting (13) in the environment of the labels. The labels have a solar cell (16) for providing operating power and a photodetector (15) for detecting the data information signal in the artificial light. The data contains address information and data relevant to pricing, storage and sale of items and is displayed by a shelf label LCD display (17). The modulation is by way of phase modulation in a central contol unit (12). Each module incorporates a re-chargeable battery (18) and an adjustable timer for timing the interval between broadcasts to the particular module whereby the particular module is caused to flash its LCD display in the event that a broadcast is not received within a predetermined time to alert personnel of a possible fault in the module or system.

Mobile station link supervision utilizing digital voice color codes

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for supervising a communication link in a cellular mobile radio system between a base station and a mobile station on a digital voice channel by utilizing digital voice color codes. The base station transmits bursts of communication data, which have an associated digital voice color code, to the mobile station. The mobile station, upon receiving the bursts and decoding the digital voice color code, compares the digital voice color code with a reference digital voice color code received during a call setup or handoff operation. A timer is initiated to time out the communication link after a predetermined period of time in response to the reference digital voice color code not being equivalent to a first predetermined number of the digital voice color codes received with the bursts. The timer is reset and deactuated in response to the reference digital voice color code being equivalent to the first predetermined number of consecutively received digital voice color codes of the bursts received by the mobile station. The communication link is disconnected when the reference digital voice color code is not equivalent to the first predetermined number of consecutive digital voice color codes received during the predetermined period of time clocked by the timer. After the timer is reset and deactivated, the received digital voice color codes are again compared with the stored digital voice color code. In the event that a second predetermined number of consecutively received digital voice color codes are not equivalent to the stored digital voice color code, the timer will be initiated again to possibly time out the communication link as described above.

System for authenticating an authorized user of an IC card

Abstract: An IC card which has a timer circuit that shuts off the IC card within a predetermined time interval is used with a terminal which resets the timer circuit in the IC card in response to any terminal operations. This prevents the IC card from shutting itself off during the terminal operations.

Retriggerable sleep timer with user-prompting mode operation

Abstract: A sleep timer function for consumer electronics equipment automatically turns off the equipment after a predetermined time interval. During the final two minutes of the sleep time interval, the sleep timer circuitry gradually decreases the volume or provides a visual indication that automatic turn off is imminent. The reception of any modulated infrared (IR) signal, transmitted from any source, during the timer period is interpreted by the sleep timer function controller as an indication that the use is still awake. In response, the controller resets the count of the sleep timer to the maximum period, thus deferring the automatic turn off of the equipment.

Camera with self-timer

Abstract: A camera has an exposure device for effecting a photographing operation on a film in response to manipulation of a member, and a self-timer for causing the exposure device to effect the photographing operation after the counting of a predetermined time. The self-timer has a first state for causing the exposure device to effect the photographing operation only once and a second state for causing the exposure device to effect the photographing operation plural times. The camera comprises a first display for indicating that the self-timer is in an operable state, a second display for indicating that the exposure device functions plural times in response to the manipulation of the number, independently of the self-timer, and a control device for controlling the first and second display. The control device is adapted to only activate the first display in the first state of the self-timer and to activate both the first and second displays in the second state of the self-timer.

Transmitting encoded data on unreliable networks

Abstract: Information encoded by data compression (or another data encoding technique, e.g., encryption, requiring synchronization between the encoder (12a) and decoder (22b) is transmitted over an unreliable network (16) by checking for transmission errors after decoding. if an error is detected, the encoder (12a) is reset, using a reset protocol, which may operate over an unreliable re-verse channel (16) by using a timer (46) to generate further reset requests when the receiver does not acknowledge them in a timely fashion.

Fault recovery in systems utilizing redundant processor arrangements

Abstract: Apparatus to prevent endless switchover attempts between processors in redundant processor systems where each processor resets an associated watch dog timer (WDT). Whenever a WDT times out, WDT sends a restart signal to its associated processor and a failure signal to switchover control logic. The switchover control logic causes a switch from the active processor to the standby processor if the standby processor is healthy and is properly resetting its WDT and, if the standby processor is not, the switchover control logic will generate a signal to cause a cold reboot of the entire system. However, if the standby processor is healthy, the switchover control logic will generate a signal to cause a switchover to the standby and will generate a signal to increment a switchover counter. The value of the switchover counter is compared with a predetermined threshold value. If the value of the switchover counter matches the predetermined threshold value, a signal is generated to cause a cold reboot of the entire system. A timer associated with the switchover counter periodically clears the switchover counter. Thus, if the system is switching back and forth between the redundant processors at a rate which causes the switchover counter to exceed the predetermined threshold before the switchover counter can be cleared by the timer, the system will perform a cold reboot.

Radio telecommunication apparatus capable of storing received messages and erasing the messages at programmable intervals

Abstract: A radio telecommunication apparatus comprising a memory circuit for storing a message received, a timer circuit, an input section, and a message-erasing circuit. The input section is operated to set a timing of erasing the message stored in the memory circuit. When the time measured by the timer circuit becomes identical to the message-erasing timing set by operating the input section, the message-erasing circuit automatically erases the message stored in said memory circuit.

Child activity timer

Abstract: A timer for teaching young children the concept of time is described The timer includes a timing mechanism contained within a housing having a timer dial and activity selector The timer dial permits selection of a duration of predetermined length and includes an indicator which moves in relation to a time scale to graphically illustrate the change in duration of length The activity selector permits display of a graphic representation of the activity being timed or for which the child is waiting

Data reading device and control system having data reading device

Abstract: A data reading apparatus has a reading device, which is set in a data read state upon operation of an operation switch, provided with a timer for measuring a first time period in which the operation switch is not operated, and for measuring a second time period in which no data input is detected while the operation switch is operated, wherein the data reading state is canceled according to an output from the first or second timer.

Diagnostic system for programmable controller with serial data link

Abstract: A diagnostic system coupled to a programmable logic controller (PLC) via a serial data link monitors the operation of apparatus under the control of the PLC. Upon detection of a first event-initiating signal, a central processor unit (CPU) in the diagnostic system initiates a timer. The CPU then awaits receipt of a second confirming action signal representing completion of the event initiated by the first signal. The timer times out after a predetermined time interval determined by an operation parameter of the controlled apparatus. If the second confirming action signal is not received before the timer times out, the CPU provides an alarm signal to a video display such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) for displaying an alarm message. The diagnostic system includes a microprocessor controlled interface circuit for receiving data on the serial data link, a random access memory (RAM) mailbox for storing operation data of the PLC and controlled apparatus, and a main central processing unit (CPU) for determining faults in the operation of the apparatus and for providing appropriate outputs to a video generator/display arrangement for providing an alarm to an operator. The diagnostic system is independent of and passive with respect to the PLC and the apparatus it controls. The diagnostic system provides real time operating data to the operator for diagnosis.

Variable latency method and apparatus for floating-point coprocessor

Abstract: A programmable latency (a programmable number of clock cycles) needed for an operation completion. The required latency for a pipe is determined from a formula including the system clock cycle time which the unit will be specified to operate under. The latency is preprogrammed by setting the count of a timer accordingly to provide at least the minimum number of clock cycles necessary to cover the time required to do the computation. Separate timers are independently set for arithmetic logic unit (ALU) operations, multiply operations, logical operations and divide and square root operations.

CATV terminal device having a program booking timer function

Abstract: The CATV terminal device has a first and a second memory, a decision circuit, and a channel number modifying circuit. The CATV terminal device periodically receives channel data, which is stored in the second memory. The channel data contains channel numbers representing channels on which TV programs can be received. When a person selects a desired channel as by operating a key input section, a control circuit checks if the selected channel number, which is stored in the first memory, is the one contained in the channel data. If not, the control circuit increments or decrements the selected channel number by the channel number modifying circuit until it finds a channel number contained in the channel data which is available for TV program reception. The channel number thus chosen will be set as a channel number to be turned when the present time on the timer comes. This prevents channel numbers not available for reception from being selected inadvertently during the timer setting procedure.

Timed bedside night-light

Abstract: A timed bedside night-light combination is disclosed that turns on a bedside lamp when a person steps on a mat adjacent the bed and turns on a timer when the person steps off of the mat. The timer turns off the lamp after a predetermined period of time.

Hydraulic timer for downhole tool

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus includes an operating mechanism and a hydraulic timer. The hydraulic timer is operably associated with the operating mechanism for providing a time delay prior to operation of the operating mechanism. The hydraulic timer includes a fluid flow restriction and a spring biased piston which pushes a predetermined volume of hydraulic fluid through the fluid flow restriction.

Real-time computer system with multitasking supervisor for building access control or the like

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a single-tasking disk operating system with multitasking capability in a real-time computer system for building access control or the like. A number of reentrant, terminate-and-stay-resident application programs are loaded into a host microcomputer. As each application program loads, it passes its unique code segment and instruction pointer parameters to a look up table. For the last application program to be loaded, the program segment prefix of the application program residing in the disk operating system is copied and stored. When a timer interrupt prompts the program switching logic, the code segment and instruction pointer parameters of the then-executing program are compared with the values in the look-up table. If no match is found, program switching is postponed. If a match occurs indicating one of the application programs is then executing, a switch is permitted if the current program segment prefix matches the stored copy, thus providing fast switching when permissible.

Motor driver interface fault detection apparatus using initial turn-on and noise timers

Abstract: A motor driver interface (MDI) circuit includes fault detection apparatus effective to detect short circuits to the power supply in the switching transistors of an H-bridge reversible DC motor arrangement. A pair of timers distinguishes a true fault condition. The first timer is responsive to a continuous fault detection to define a first time period from its initiation; and a second timer is responsive to a continuous presence of a transistor conduction signal to define a second time period from its initiation. The apparatus stores a fault signal in response to the detection of the fault condition at the end of the first or second time periods with the first timer providing fault detection upon turn-on after the brief initial high transistor turn-on current and the second timer providing noise immunity.

Hot water dispenser with electronic control

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for a dispensing mechanism having an electrically operated dispensing control member and a sensor for sensing a first predetermined condition and producing a condition control signal for permitting or preventing operation of the dispensing control member in accordance with the predetermined condition. The control apparatus comprises a dispensing duration timer responsive to the condition control signal for permitting operation of the dispensing control member, for producing a dispensing control signal for a selectable amount of time for controlling the time duration of the operation of the dispensing control member and a delay timer responsive to the dispensing duration timer control for a selectable amount of time following dispensing duration of the timer control signal for preventing a further operation of the dispensing duration timer for a selectable amount of time following each dispensing operation.

Performance of the timed token scheme in MAP

Abstract: Two new analytic approximations are given for the mean delay in the timed token bus network specified in MAP (manufacturing automation protocol). Each station on the network has two kinds of timer for controlling the maximum amount of time for data transfer before giving up the token. High-priority stations would set large values in the token holding timer (THT) and transmit until the timer expires. Low-priority stations compare the elapsed time since the last token arrival (measured cycle time) to the token rotation timer (TRT) setting, and transmit only for the time left in the timer. The first approximation, based on Fuhrmann's bound for the limited-k service discipline, is for the symmetric case where all the stations have the same traffic load and the identical THT or TRT settings. The approximation has been compared to simulation results, and found to be quite accurate for a representation factory network, with THT or TRT set at two and five times the average total walk time. The second approximation is for the asymmetric case where there is one saturated low-priority (limited-TRT) station, and the rest of the stations in the network have high priority with limited-THT service. These two formulas will be useful in the planning and operation of MAP networks by providing guidance in the choice of timer settings for meeting different priority service requirements. >

Synchronizing asynchronous bounded delay networks

Abstract: An efficient way to synchronize an asynchronous network with a bounded delay message delivery is presented. Two types of synchronization algorithm are presented. Both types require an initializing phase that costs mod E mod messages (where mod E mod is the number of links). The first requires an additional bit in every message and increases the time complexity by a factor of 2. The second does not require any additional bits but increases the time complexity by a factor of 3. How to overcome differences in nodal timer rates is explained. >

Ring latency timer

Abstract: A ring latency timer provides a station attached to a token ring network with the capability of obtaining an accurate latency measurement of the ring to which it is attached. An internal hardware register, which may be read via the processor control bus interface, contains the latest ring latency measurement. A latency interrupt bit, when cleared, enables the latency measurement function. A subsequent interrupt which causes the latency interrupt bit to be set by the chip signals the completion of the latency measurement and the function is once again disabled. The latency register holds the latency information until the interrupt bit is cleared by the processor.

Network diagnostic tool

Abstract: A network diagnostic tool for determining the position of a workstation on a local area network (LAN) having timer and echo stations at each end of a multi-access bus. Signals from the LAN workstations propagate in both directions along the bus. When the signals are so propagated, by measuring the time delay between receipt of a data packet and its echo at the timer station, the position of the workstation along a bus can be determined in accordance with that time delay.