Showing papers on "Timer published in 1995"

Control for battery powered tool

Abstract: A tool with a battery, an electrical motor, and a control system. The control system has a trigger control that connects the battery to a timer and a voltage monitor. The trigger control has a user actuated switch and a timer actuated switch. At the end of a tool operational cycle, when the user is not actuating the user actuated switch, the timer actuated switch can supply electricity to the control system. After a predetermined period of time, the timer actuated switch can then automatically electrically disconnect the control system from the battery to conserve battery power.

Patient monitoring system and method thereof

Abstract: A patient monitoring system and method include a neuro-sensory motor stimulator which is applied to a patient. A resetting device and a stimulating device are in contact with the patient, and upon activating the resetting device, the stimulating device is turned off. If the monitored patient fails to timely activate the resetting device, an alarm sounds to alert medical personnel that the patient is in need of attention. The method provides for setting a first timer which controls stimulations and setting a second timer which controls the time period between stimulations and sounding of an alarm.

Multi-frequency micro-wave therapeutic instrument

Abstract: The invented therapeutic instrument is composed of timer, oscillator, microwave transmitter, antenna, power source, controller, power measurement indicator and temp. real time measurement indicator. There are two kinds oscillators with frequency f1 and frequency f2, also f1 and f2 two diferent frequency antennas and the microwave transmitter which is composed of two different frequcies power amplifiers and circulators. The output end of oscillator connects to the input end of power amplifier, the output end of which connects to the input end of circulator, the output end of which connects to the antenna. The input end of controller connects separately to the timer, modulator and temp. controller. Said instrument features low energy consumption, high efficient and large skin depth.

Method and apparatus for reducing the likelihood of contention and resource misallocation in a packet transmission system

Abstract: A packet transmission system (100) for reducing request traffic contention and the likelihood of resource misallocation includes a communications controller (110) and a plurality of remote requesting units (112) requesting packet transmission services. In response to receipt of a request (302), the controller (110) transmits a grant (306) to a requesting unit (112) when packet transmission resources (304 & 310) are available or a request acknowledgment (306) when packet transmission resources (304 & 310) are unavailable. Each remote unit (112) comprise apparatus structure and method steps for transmitting requests (302) to the controller (110) and starting a first timer having an interval (T) determined as a function of a number (Q) of outstanding requests (302). Upon receipt of an acknowledgement (306), the remote unit (112) starts a second timer having an interval (T1) longer than the interval (T). Upon expiration of either the first timer or the second timer, the remote unit (112) will then and only then transmit a duplicate request (302). By limiting the number of duplicate requests transmitted by a remote unit (112), the present invention operates to reduce request traffic contention and the likelihood of resource misallocation.

System for locating an object

Abstract: A system for locating an object. The system includes an electronic device, a wireless transmitter for outputting a transmitted signal, and a receiver wherein one of the receiver or the transmitter is mounted within the electronic device and the other is positioned remote therefrom. The receiver comprises a wake up timer circuit for periodically generating a wake up signal, a wireless signal receiver being activated by the receipt of the wake up signal from the wake up timer circuit for generating a detect signal when the wireless signal receiver circuit receives the transmitted signal from the transmitter; and an audible signal generator circuit for generating an audible signal upon receipt of the detect signal from the wireless signal receiver circuit. The wake up timer circuit and the wireless signal receiver circuit are disabled when the audible signal generator circuit generates the audible signal.

Adaptive instrument display brightness control system

Abstract: An adaptive instrument display brightness control system that automatically controls the instrument display brightness of a vehicle based on a vehicle operator's changes to the display brightness and particular ambient light conditions. An ambient light intensity sensor sends an ambient light intensity signal to a microprocessor which then selects a brightness look-up value from a look-up table based on the light intensity to illuminate the instrument display. If the vehicle operator adjusts the instrument display brightness, and the change to the brightness is within a learning range of the system, the microprocessor will set an adaptive timer to validate the change. After the timer has expired, the microprocessor will adjust the look-up value to a predetermined percent of the difference between the original look-up value and a new look-up value coinciding with the new illumination setting.

Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a computer network without sacrificing performance

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively managing the overall power consumption of a computer network which includes a plurality of computer systems interconnected to each other. In turn, each computer system has one or more modules. Each computer system of the computer network is capable of independently initiating a transition into a power-conserving mode, i.e., a "sleep" state, while keeping its network interface "alive" and fully operational. Subsequently, each computer system can independently transition back into fully operational state, i.e., an "awake" state, when triggered by either a deterministic or an asynchronous event. As a result, the sleep states of the computer systems are transparent to the computer network. Deterministic events are events triggered internally by a computer system, e.g., an internal timer waking the computer system up at midnight to perform housekeeping chores such as daily tape backups. Conversely, the source of asynchronous events are external in nature and include input/output (I/O) activity. The illusion of the entire network being always fully operational is possible because the system controllers, the interconnects and network interfaces of each computer system remain fully operational while selected modules and peripheral devices are powered down. As a result, each computer system is able to rapidly awake from sleep state in response to stimuli by powering down selected modules thereby accomplishing power conservation without requiring a static shut down of the computer network, i.e., without the overall performance and response of the computer network.

Cellular telephone management system

Abstract: A cellular telephone includes a receiver for receiving cellular communications and a transmitter for transmitting cellular communications. A controller is coupled to the receiver and the transmitter and controls the receiver and the transmitter based on the command signals. The controller includes a first memory for storing call rate information indicative of rates charged for the cellular communications. A timer provides a timer signal indicative of a time during which the cellular communications take place. The controller determines the amount of currency to be charged for the cellular communications based on the call rate information and the timer signal. An administrator station is provided for loading a threshold amount of currency into the cellular telephone. The entire system can be tracked and managed, and system wide statistics are available to the system operator.

Universal remote including apparatus using compressed codes for video recorder control

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a remote control, video cassette recorder, television or other video device to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time. A local channel map is stored so that the channel information from the compressed codes can be utilized to tune the correct channel even though channel numbers in different localities may be different. The remote may be a universal remote control capable of selecting between various stored infrared code protocols for commanding different brands and model of video devices. The remote may also be a complete universal remote control that transmits infrared codes to a variety of home electronic devices upon the user pressing buttons associated with the functions associated with the infrared codes. The programming of local channel map data, infrared codes and protocols and their association with specific buttons on the remote control can be accomplished by the remote control's keyboard or by an external device, including external devices that accomplish the programming by transmissions over telephone lines.

Apparatus and method for bidirectional data communication in a game port

Abstract: A game port interface is disclosed which permits bidirectional communication between a game port and a peripheral device. In one embodiment, the peripheral device is a digital joystick and the game port sends commands to the digital joystick. The game port interface includes one or more timers whose inputs are coupled to resistances within the joystick. Also coupled to the timer inputs are capacitors such that the resistors in the joystick form a charging network with the capacitors in the game port interface. When an output instruction to the game port is executed, the capacitors coupled to the timer inputs are charged to a predetermined voltage. The timer input is also coupled to an inverter within the joystick. The output of the inverter switches to a low logic level when the timer input is charged above a logic threshold. The output of the inverter is coupled to an interrupt input on a microprocessor within the joystick. The microprocessor interprets one or more interrupts as commands and takes appropriate action. In one embodiment, the first interrupt causes the digital joystick to transmit data corresponding to the position of the joystick. If a second interrupt is transmitted to the joystick while the first interrupt is being processed, the second interrupt is interpreted as a second command. Each interrupt transmitted to the joystick while the joystick is processing the previous interrupt is interpreted as a new command. For example, if the joystick is processing the second interrupt, and a third interrupt request is detected at the interrupt input, this is interpreted as a third command. The digital joystick of the present invention is also capable of operating in an analog emulation mode. The game port can send similar commands using the interrupt circuitry described above to the joystick while in the analog emulation mode.

System and method for monitoring temperature

Abstract: The system has a sensor for measuring the surrounding temperature, a timer for generating clock data. a controller for reading temperatures at predetermined intervals and storing selected temperature data and corresponding time data in memory, input switches for entering commands and data, a data display, and first and second alarm indicators. The controller operates in set steps to activate the first alarm to indicate a current alarm condition and to activate the second alarm to indicate a past alarm condition. The controller selectively switches the display between normal and alarm modes to show differing time and temperature data depending on the temperature conditions monitored. The user may review alarm histories, including total alarm time and, for each past alarm period, maximum temp., starting time and alarm duration, which have been calculated and stored.

Line object scene generation apparatus

Abstract: The invention provides a system for recording and displaying a time sequential scene on a computer (16). The digital camera (12) transmits a sequence of digital image frames to the timer (14) representative of the image of a body passing a plane in space. Each frame represents a line object (18) of the body, thus forming a fractional part of the scene. Once the frame reaches the image timer (14), it is digitally marked with a time reference (34) and buffered into a block of information. The main control computer (16) stores blocks of information from the image timer (14) for a variety of processing and features available to the user. The invention also provides a selected memory (36), preferably a virtual memory subsystem, or hard-disc drive. Preferred constructions for adjusting camera pixel processing of light values, time-marking the images, creating color palettes for interactive viewing of color images, and video data coding to accommodate the high volume of line image data are described.

Bus arbitration scheme with priority switching and timer

Abstract: A system and method for changing an arbitration priority of a bus master are described. A changing system condition can be detected and used to signal the arbiter to change the priority of one or more bus masters. Timers can be provided to delay the request of a changed priority and to return a bus master to its default priority.

Automatic Backup System for Advanced Power Management (APM)

Abstract: A suspend/resume computer system having a CPU, a non-volatile storage device, volatile registers and memory data, a power management processor, a backup suspend timer and a power supply in circuit communication. The power management processor controls the regulation of power to the CPU by the power supply. The suspend/resume system is controlled by an operating system having power management control. The backup suspend timer executes independently of the power management portion of the operating system. The backup suspend timer causes the system to suspend if the power management portion of the operating system ceases functioning and the system should otherwise be suspended.

Wide Area Audio Synchronisation

Abstract: In this short paper we describe a Wide Area Audio Synchronisation demonstration using the Quality of Service (QoS) facilities of the Nemesis operating system The Nemesis operating system is a result of the ESPRIT funded Pegasus I research project A stereo audio stream is split with each channel being input to one of two distinct network digitisation devices; one of the resulting streams is sent via a wide area network to a foreign country, and the two streams are then resynchronised entirely in software Playout on a digital speaker device was analysed and found to be correct to within 150 s, which is the resolution of the timer hardware on the workstation used The accuracy of this resynchronisation demonstrates the effectiveness of the Nemesis QoS techniques

A dynamic central scheduler load balancing mechanism

Abstract: One of the major design goals in distributed systems is to minimize the mean job response time, an important measurement of system performance. This paper presents a central scheduler load balancing mechanism (CSLB). A threshold policy (with two variable threshold values) is used to reduce network traffic overhead. A simple timer is implemented to allow both periodic and instantaneous load balancings. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by simulations for various parameters. The comparison between the proposed algorithm and a previous work is given. >

Method and apparatus for controlling the wakeup logic of a radio receiver in sleep mode

Abstract: A low-power stop mode "snooze" timer is implemented in the processing unit of a communication system, which runs without the use of the usual crystal-controlled oscillator. The "snooze" timer is implemented by a second oscillator with associated timer circuit. The second oscillator runs continually and feeds a timer which is loaded with a suitable value. The timer, when timed out or expired, will reactivate the main processing functions, thus allowing the successful reception of an external signal from a remote transmission source. To compensate for the inaccuracy of the second oscillator due to its dependence upon voltage, process and temperature, the snooze timer's output is calibrated during the wake-up periods against a timing signal derived from the internal crystal-controlled timing source. This calibration compensates for the inherent frequency instability of the second oscillator and allows a timing signal of sufficient accuracy to be maintained over the stop cycle.

Event recording apparatus

Abstract: The invention provides a system for recording and displaying a time sequential scene on a computer (16). The digital camera (12) transmits a sequence of digital image frames to the timer (14) representative of the image of a body passing a plane in space. Each frame represents a line object (18) of the body, thus forming a fractional part of the scene. Once the frame reaches the image timer (14), it is digitally marked with a time reference (34) and buffered into a block of information. The main control computer (16) stores blocks of information from the image timer (14) for a variety of processing and features available to the user. The invention also provides a selected memory (36), preferably a virtual memory subsystem, or hard-disc drive. Preferred constructions for adjusting camera pixel processing of light values, time-marking the images, creating color palettes for interactive viewing of color images, and video data coding to accommodate the high volume of line image data are described.

Self-diagnostic apparatus of air-fuel ratio control system of internal combustion engine

Abstract: A self-diagnostic apparatus of an air-fuel ratio control system of an internal combustion engine performs processes of starting the diagnostic process as the fuel-cut is started, reading and storing a sensor output at the start of the fuel-cut and counting an elapsed time after the start of the fuel-cut by actuating a timer, reading a time until when the sensor output rises from the start of the fuel-cut from the count value of the timer, calculating a rate of change of the sensor output and comparing the calculated rate of change with an abnormality determining value. When the rate of change is large, the response characteristic of the sensor is normal. When it is small, the response characteristic of the sensor is abnormal (degraded), so that the abnormality of the sensor is stored in a memory and an alarm lamp is lighted to inform a driver of the abnormality of the sensor.

Warning system for giving verbal instruction during fire and method of operating the warning system

Abstract: An alarm system, comprising a smoke detector, a smoke detector output relay, a recording switch, a microphone, a digital recording and a play back device, a timer/pulse generator, a pulse counter, a number of speakers, an amplifier and an alarm tone generator, and the method of operation of the alarm system are presented. The smoke detector output relay activates a printed circuit that is powered off the smoke detector at two different points. The recording switch, when activated, allows a voice message to be recorded through the microphone on a digital recording and play back device. The timer/pulse generator starts when activated by the smoke detector output relay. The timer/pulse generator then sends timed pulses to the pulse counter that controls output of the digital recording and play back device, i.e. a verbal message, and of the alarm tone generator. The controlled output of the digital recording and play back device and of the alarm tone generator is then sent to the amplifier. Then, the output of the amplifier is sent to the number of speakers which send messages and tones, alerting by standing individuals of presence of fire or smoke. The messages and tones may be repeated until the alarm system is reset.

Communication apparatus automatically selecting one of two operation modes

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a memory. The memory stores the protocol of an ASK system and the protocol of an IrDA system. These protocols require predetermined time periods of T1 and T2 prior to establishing a connection with a station of the other party. The memory further stores time periods of Ra, Rb, Sa, and Sb, where the relationship of (Ra+Rb)≠(Sa+Sb), Sa>T1, Sb>T2, Rb>T2 is established. The communication apparatus further includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit for the ASK system, a transmission circuit and a reception circuit for the IrDA system, a timer, and a control circuit. The control circuit controls the transmission circuit, the reception circuit, and the timer while referring to the stored contents of the memory. When the communication apparatus operates as the receiving station, the procedure of the ASK system and the IrDA system are alternately selected, and execution of the selected procedure is repeated for time periods of Ra and Rb, respectively. When the communication apparatus operates as the transmitting station, the control circuit alternately selects the procedures of the ASK system and the IrDA system, and repeats execution of the selected procedure for time periods of Sa and Sb, respectively. The control circuit repeats the above operation until connection with a station of the other party using the same protocol is established. A flag signal indicating that the communication apparatus is capable of executing the protocol of the IrDA system is included in the signal transmitted by the protocol of the ASK system. The control circuit responds to the flag signal in the signal received during execution of an operation for establishing a connection with the protocol of the ASK system, to fixedly select the protocol of the IrDA system, and carries out operation for connection with the other party station. Thus, there is an advantage that the IrDA system can reliably be selected between the communication apparatuses of the present invention.

System for automatically producing infrared control signals

Abstract: A system for automatically editing commercial messages within a television broadcast. Connection of the apparatus to a video system is simplified over the prior art by requiring only one video input connection. The video input of the apparatus can be connected to the video output jack of either a television receiver or a VCR. The apparatus determines the beginning of a commercial message by detecting the absence of video information, above a dynamic bias level, for the duration of two consecutive composite video fields. The end of a commercial message is determined by an intelligent decision making process. This process takes advantage of movement characteristics inherent in video commercial advertisements along with the type of event being recorded. Based on the event type, a dynamically updated run time list is accessed to compare the current commercial run time against high percentage historical run times. This information along with the movement characteristics are used to more accurately determine the end of a series of commercials and the resumption of programming. A dynamically adjusted time-out timer is used as a backup to insure recording is resumed if an erroneous decision is arrived at. This process dramatically reduces the amount of programming lost while editing.

Iontophoretic drug delivery system and method for using same

Abstract: An iontophoretic drug delivery device of the present invention includes a power source and an electrode assembly containing at least two electrodes, in electrical contact with a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The present invention also includes at least three electrodes in a three electrode embodiment, with the third electrode in electrical contact with a third reservoir. In either embodiment, the first reservoir and the second reservoir contain an active agent to be delivered to an applied area of a patient. The present invention also includes in its two electrode embodiment a switch for reversing the flow of current or in its three electrode embodiment a switch for switching the flow of current, so as to reduce sensation. The devices also include a timer for controlling the amount of time the electrical current flows in each direction. In this way, the devices are suitable for use to deliver an active agent to the applied area approximate the first reservoir when the electrical current flows in one direction for a first period of time and to deliver an active agent to the applied area approximate the second reservoir when the electrical current flows in the other direction during a second period of time. Thus, reversing polarity or switching the flow of current between electrodes, and iontophoresing thereunder below the sensation threshold results in sensation anesthesia so that the current can be raised to deliver the drug without sensation.

System and method for dynamically varying low level file system operation timeout parameters in network systems of variable bandwidth

Abstract: An improved file system apparatus and method for minimizing the length of time a client system waits before declaring a data communication link disconnected. The apparatus and method dynamically modify a file system request time-out value based on the actual length of time required to service each file system request. In one embodiment, a time-out value is determined for each request type based on the actual response time and a buffer time for each request type. The response timer is based on readings from a system clock therefore operating as a low overhead process. A monitoring system periodically tests the server to ensure that a physical connection still exists.

Access control system for wireless-lan terminals

Abstract: A wireless-LAN terminal comprises a wired-LAN controller, a wireless modem and an access controller intervening between the wired-LAN controller and the wireless modem. In the access controller, the termination of data reception and the occurrence of a transmission request are detected by monitoring a frame-sense (FS) signal and a request-to-send (RTS) signal, respectively. An IFS period is generated by a delay timer when the data reception is terminated and a random amount of time is generated by using a backoff algorithm when the transmission request occurs during a transmission inhibition period. The data transmission is waited until the random amount of time comes to an end, and the data transmission is started when the random amount of time has elapsed and the transmission channel is available. Since a backoff period is determined randomly for each terminal, there is a remarkably reduced probability that a plurality of terminals concurrently start the media access for data transmission.

System for tracking computer usage time

Abstract: A system tracks the amount of time a computer system has operated, after its delivery to a new user. The system includes a terminate and stay resident (TSR) program which is loaded each time the computer is booted. The program counts system timer ticks and, at predetermined intervals but only when the operating system is idle, logs the amount of time counted in a log file located on the computer's local hard drive.

Method and apparatus for dynamically deferring transactions

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the deferral of a transaction issued on a bus by a processor in a computer system is disclosed. A bus transaction recorder coupled to the bus processes encoded signals from the transaction issued on the bus. A line coupled to the bus sends an indication signal when a pending transaction request is issued on the bus. A CPU latency timer times the current transaction on the bus when a new pending transaction is waiting on the bus. The CPU latency timer outputs an expiration signal when the transaction takes more than a predetermined amount of time to complete. A transaction processor unit is coupled to the bus transaction recorder, the line, and the CPU latency timer. The transaction processor unit defers the transactions issued on the bus when the transaction processor receives the indication signal indicating that a pending transaction is waiting to be issued on the bus, when the encoded signals from the transaction issued on the bus indicate that the transaction issued on the bus is a candidate for deferral, and when the CPU latency timer outputs the expiration signal.

System for using mirrored memory as a robust communication path between dual disk storage controllers

Abstract: In a disk storage system having dual controllers and mirrored memory therebetween, the mirrored memory is used to establish a robust communication path between the controllers to monitor and coordinate their activities. A reserved portion of the memory in each controller is designated as a messaging mailbox which is read and written by the owning controller but only read by the remote controller. The communication protocol between the controllers is tightly coupled to insure proper messaging. Furthermore, a sliding window interlock insures message detection and correctness. In addition, interrupt signals and timer based polling are used as a dual means for detecting communication requests and replies between the controllers.

Traffic light timer

Abstract: A traffic light timer is provided that provides a visible and accurate warning that a traffic light signal is about to change. The time remaining before the change is displayed in numeric form on a display and visibly counts down the seconds remaining. In one configuration of the invention, the display is alphanumeric. In another configuration the display is graphical allowing for the display of free form icons. The icon library is contained on an easily replaced icon memory module.

Method for maintaining time synchronization between two processors in a network interface

Abstract: A method for performing timer synchronization between a first processor having a first timer and a second processor having a second timer is presented. The first processor issues to the second processor a first timer value corresponding to the current value of the first timer and the second timer compares the first timer value with a second timer value corresponding to the current value of the second timer. If the second timer value is less than the first timer value, the second processor increments the second timer value to a new second timer value equal to the first timer value. If the second timer value is greater than the first timer value, the second processor issues to the first processors the second timer value and the first processor adjusts the first timer value to be equal to the second timer value.