Abstract: A computer is disclosed which has an improved keyboard (57)/auxiliary device (58) interface controller (11) which supports the selective restriction of user interaction with the computer system, while maintaining the full internal functionality of the host/peripheral interface. A "password lock mode" of the controller (11) prevents users from gaining unauthorised access to the computer system, but still application and operating system software can continue to issue commands to and receive responses from the otherwise disabled peripheral devices. The improved controller does not require modification to the conventional keyboard/auxiliary device hardware.

Abstract: An apparatus for document browsing, specifically for document retrieval systems. The browsing apparatus enables users to see multiple document pages on the same screen at the same time in a first mode and to see a bundle of pages on a screen in a second mode. The images shown on the screen are produced internally according to the user's commands. The pages may be flipped in either direction and selected pages may be marked for later printing instructions.

Abstract: A user interface including a dual navigational menu system forming part of a configuration or programming procedure in a process control device such as a flow controller. The controller includes key pad by which the user enters instructions and data into the device, a display for displaying alphanumeric information and a key pad monitoring means for detecting a predetermined user input indicating that a configuration mode is desired. When in the configuration mode, the pressing of direction keys is detected to sequentially advance through a menu system comprised of a matrix of menu items arranged in rows and columns. Means is also provided for detecting the entry of position data which operates to directly select a given menu item to obviate the need for sequentially advancing through all prior items in order to reach the desired menu item. When a given menu item is activated, random access memory forming part of the device is used to store data entered by the user. A help system is also implemented including a key designated as a "help key" which displays context sensitive information for an activated menu item whenever the "help" key is pressed.

Abstract: A data processing method is designed to provide two-mode locks of an exclusive mode lock and a shared mode lock in serializing the access to a shared data list being concurrently processed among processes and release the shared mode lock and simultaneously obtain the exclusive mode lock if no process obtains the lock as a result of releasing the process out of the shared mode lock.

Abstract: In a method for synchronizing recording and reproducing devices including a master device and a slave device, during a recording mode and in a state where reference clock of the slave device is synchronized with reference clock of the master device, position information which is synchronized with the reference clock of the master device is recorded commonly in both the master and slave devices and information to be recorded is simultaneously recorded in both the master and slave devices. During a playback mode, the master device and the slave device reproduce the position information respectively at their own reference clocks and cause internal counters provided in the respective devices to perform counting at their own reference clocks and to be reset at a predetermined period of the position information reproduced in the respective devices. The slave device compares a reproduced value of the position information and a count value of the internal counter provided by the master device with a reproduced value of the position information and a count of the internal counter of the slave device and thereby causes the reference clock frequency of the slave device to change so that differences between the values of the master device and those of the slave device become predetermined values.

Abstract: A selective call receiver 10 requires an access authorization code prior to presenting selected messages and to override a lockout mode.

Abstract: Diagnosis of an electronically fuel-injected engine equipped with sensors connected to an on-board microcomputer. Use of a standard personal or portable computer and a connector for electrical connection to the sensors and the on-board computer. An interface device is connected between the connector and the computer to enable the computer to read the values of the operational parameters of the engine as detected by the sensors, and to perform a diagnostic software comparison of the measured values with predetermined values or ranges. The interface device is switchable to a selected sensor or the on-board computer under software control from the computer, and includes a multiple mode measurement device which is also selectively switched to a desired measurement mode by the computer. The computer is then able to selectively measure the operational parameters of the engine, test for correct operation, and display the appropriate diagnostic or tutorial instructions for fault location and rectification. The computer is also able to feed data to the on-board computer for testing same.

Abstract: The early start mode data transfer apparatus coordinates the reading and writing of data files into and out of the data buffer of the tape control unit so that a data file can be written into the data buffer while another data file is concurrently being read out of the data buffer. Thus, both the host computer and the associated tape drive units can be active at the same time reading or writing data files into the data buffer of the tape control unit. The early start mode data transfer apparatus closely coordinates the reading and writing activity of the host computers and the associated tape drive units to avoid the overwriting data files in the data buffer as well as emptying the data buffer before the complete data file is written therein. By enabling the concurrent activity of the host computers and the associated tape drive units, the early start mode data transfer apparatus improves the efficiency of the data transfers between the host computers of the data transfers between the host computers and the associated tape drive units by increasing the occupany on the associated tape drive units. Thus, the associated tape drive units can provide a greater throughput since less time is spent in a wait mode while a data file is being written into or read out of the data buffer in the tape control unit. These and other advantages of this apparatus are explained.

Abstract: A data processing keyboard system is provided wherein data and command signals from the keyboard are entered by two or more successive keystrokes. At least two operation modes serve to change the entry command assignments to the keys, thereby affording a large number of selections from a few keys. This makes available from the comprehensive capability of present day computers large numbers of keyboard accessible commands. Also surprisingly then this invention can replace a normal QWERTY typewriter keyboard with most of its functions by a set of only three, four, seven or nine keys. Thereby alphabetic characters, decimal digits and a store of computer command entries may be processed with each entry requiring two or more strokes of the computer keyboard keys. Functional commands such as spacing return or shift can be intermixed with the choice of data characters. Means for shifting from a computation mode to an alpha mode of computer operation may be provided. Keyboard selected modes change the key assignments. Thus an alpha mode for a computer may assign the entire alphabet first stroke to a set of three home keys arranged in a geometric configuration of no more than sixteen keys for touch typing control by fingers on one hand. The key assignments are made wherein the easier to access strokes are allocated to the more frequently encountered letters of the alphabet. Provisions are made for allocating some of the keys to custom tailored command signals entered from the keyboard.

Abstract: The use of different kinds of feedback in preventing mode errors was investigated. Two experiments examined the frequency of mode errors in a text editing task where a mode error was defined as an attempt to issue navigation commands while in insert mode, or an attempt to insert text while in command mode. In Experiment 1 the effectiveness of kinesthetic versus visual feedback was compared in four different conditions: the use of keyboard versus foot pedal for changing mode (kinesthetic feedback), crossed with the presence or absence of visual feedback to indicate mode. The results showed both kinesthetic and visual feedback to be effective in reducing mode errors. However, kinesthetic was more effective than visual feedback both in terms of reducing errors and in terms of reducing the cognitive load associated with mode changes. Experiment 2 tested the hypothesis that the superiority of this kinesthetic feedback was due to the fact that the foot pedal required subjects actively to maintain insert mode. The results confirmed that the use of a non-latching foot pedal for switching modes provided a more salient source of information on mode state than the use of a latching pedal. On the basis of these results we argue that user-maintained mode states prevent mode errors more effectively than system-maintained mode states.

Abstract: A keyboard controller or interface with scans entered key sequences for a key sequence activating a keyboard lock feature. A password and particular hot key are loaded by the system microprocessor. The keyboard interface then scans untl the designated sequence is activated. All keyboard activity is blocked from the system microprocessor until a password sequence is entered. Codes releasing some of the key strokes in the activation sequence are transmitted and normal operation, including activation sequence scanning, resumes. The password mode may be directly activated on command from the system microprocessor.

Abstract: Particularly in hand held alphameric keyboard actuated computers, available room dictates a need to limit the number of keys without sacrificing computer performance. Further, for portable computers reference to an instruction manual is not feasible. Thus usefulness critically depends upon integrated operating instructions. Formerly there is neither room or facilities for instructions, nor room on the keyboard for enough keys. Herein, a computer keyboard of a few keys controlled by a computer multi-mode processing system to have a plurality of roles permits a very large number of computer functions to be entered and controlled. Further in combination with these roles, a computer organized temporary display panel displays keystroke selection indicia for the different keyboard operating roles. This expands instructional notation otherwise possible on the keys and adjacent keyboard locations. Thus, an entire set of alphabetic characters may be entered and processed in the computer by means of as few as six keys in an alpha mode operating the keys in a two stroke per character entry mode. Accordingly, the display panel is programmed by the computer to show with instructional indicia, typically a multiple-choice menu, the role for at least a subcombination of the keys in the current operating role of the keys in effect at the time. This permits detailed keystroke instructions to be available for performing hundreds of operations for which modern computers are capable.

Abstract: A processor which has two different communications modes, a test mode, an an emulator mode is shown. These modes are selected by controlling inputs to two pins. More modes could be added with more pins. When a given mode is switched into, certain I/O pins instantly change function. Minimal hardware and software is required to implement a switch thus allowing rapid switches.

Abstract: A device providing pointing device functions in a keyboard without requiring the keyboard operator to remove any fingertip from the keys. A computer keyboard keyswitch mounting plate is supported for horizontal displacement against a resistive force. A transducer for measuring the force exerted in the plane of the keyboard key tops is attached between the keyboard case and the keyswitch mounting plate. The direction and magnitude of the force can be measured and encoded so they may be used to emulate the signals generated by a pointing device. The operator may elect a pointing device mode by merely applying sufficient force along the plane of the surface of the key tops, thus switching from a keyboard mode to a pointing device mode, without moving the fingers from a typing position.

Abstract: A documentation system having a multilingual function, including a keyboard; a keyboard mode selecting device for setting at least a standard language mode and a multilingual mode wherein one keyboard mode (an optional language mode different from the standard keyboard language mode) can be selected from a plurality of selectable optional language keyboard modes; an optional language keyboard mode selecting device for selecting one optional language mode from said plurality of selectable optional language keyboard modes according to an operation of certain predetermined keys on the keyboard while in the multilingual mode; a selected keyboard mode storing device for storing an optional language mode selected by the optional language keyboard mode selecting device; and a selected keyboard mode reading device for automatically reading the optional language mode selected from the selected keyboard mode storing device when the multilingual mode is set by the keyboard mode selecting device so as to automatically condition the keyboard into the selected optional language keyboard mode whenever the multilingual mode is set. With this arrangement, one of the selectable (optional language) keyboard modes is selected by the optional language keyboard mode selecting device, and it is stored in the selected keyboard mode storing device. Subsequently, when the multilingual mode is set (selected) by an operator, the keyboard is automatically conditioned into the proper optional language mode by a read from the selected keyboard mode storing device. Thus, the keyboard is conditioned into the previous selected optional language keyboard mode by simply selecting the multilingual mode, thereby simplifying and improving keyboard mode selection operations.

Abstract: An information retrieval system includes an interactive operating mode which enables a user at a facsimile machine to receive multiple facsimile messages, each in response to a separate user request, during a single communication connection to the system. In one arrangement, the first facsimile message includes a menu of services provided by the system and subsequent facsimile messages contain information obtained in response to user selections made from that menu. The operation of a predefined button or entry of a predefined feature code at the facsimile machine is used to establish the interactive mode thereat and to signal the system to also establish the interactive mode of operation. The interactive mode is terminated at both the facsimile machine and system by the user 1) hanging up or the system timing out, 2) by the user entering a termination code, or 3) by the system sending a terminate command to the facsimile machine.

Abstract: A camera data recording device comprising a control mode selector, a data mode selector and a recorder. The control mode selector sets at least one of plural control modes concerning with plural camera functions. The data mode selector selects one mode from plural data recording modes each enabling a selective recording of plural fundamental data when control mode is not set by the control mode selector, and selects one mode from plural setting modes concerning with the setting data associated with said control mode and one mode from data recording modes when one of plural control modes is set by the control mode selector. The recorder records the data on a film in response to the data recording mode or the setting mode.

Abstract: A personal computer, wherein a setup processing is performed to select a display mode, either a normal-­display mode or a reverse-display mode, and also to select one of the external devices such as a printer and an external floppy disk drive. Also, a display auto-off mode and a display auto-off period are set during the setup processing. A period is measured during which no data is input from a keyboard. When the measured time value exceeds the display auto-off period, the supple­ment of power to the back light is stopped automati­cally.

Abstract: An external signal processor is provided for use with a personal computer. The signal processor incorporates hardware components for receiving external analog or frequency signals and for converting the signals to digital form for retrieval by the computer in nibble mode. Interconnection with the personal computer is through the parallel printer port, with the signal processor installed between the computer and an external printer. Normal printer functions are available when a transparent mode is enabled. The signal processor can also monitor one or more external digital signals and output one or more digital control signals. An example of programmable control software is also provided.

Abstract: A pager identifies a specifically coded incoming signal (32) and alerts the user of the reception of the specifically coded signal by a first alert mode (37, 46) when the first alert mode is selected (36, 45) or by a second alert mode when the second alert mode (41, 47) is selected, and alerts the user of the reception of the specifically coded signal by the non-selected alert mode when the user has not acknowledged receipt of the alert provided by the selected alert mode within a specified period of time (38, 42).

Abstract: PURPOSE:To inhibit the reading actions performed for the duplication purpose by storing previously the data on execution of a program and inhibiting the program reading job in the case no coincidence is obtained between the program and said data. CONSTITUTION:The executing order address, etc., of a user program of a 1st memory 42 are stored in a 3rd memory 66. In a program reading mode, a control program stored in a 2nd memory 38 is first read and the user program of the memory 42 is sequentially read in response to the execution of the control program. Then the data on the address, etc., of the read-out user program is compared with the data stored in the memory 66. Thus the access is inhibited to the memory 42 in the case no coincidence is obtained between both data. As a result, the user program can be read out only for the due purpose.

Abstract: PURPOSE:To immediately know from whom a message is without reproducing the message by outputting a name corresponding to a transmitting side telephone set too to a receiving side key telephone set, and displaying it on a display CONSTITUTION:When the user of a telephone set 22B is absent, the user of the telephone set 22A cells a voice mail device 11 through a key telephone system 17, and records the message addressed to the user B in the message box of the telephone set 22B At that time, information saying from whom the message is sent as well from the device 17 through an interface 16 in addition to voice information to the hard disk 12 of the device 11 Accordingly, when the user B comes back to his seat and calls the device 11 and turns it into a reproducing mode, control information in the disk 12 is taken out, and the information saying from whom the message is displayed immediatedly on the display 25B of the telephone set 22B through the device 17 without reproducing the message so that it can be known

Abstract: A paging receiver (10) is provided which digitizes and stores received analog voice messages. The stored voice message may be retrieved by using a first switch (56) for a normal playback mode, or by using a second switch (61) for a fast forward and fast reverse playback mode. A keyboard (53) may be provided for random access message retrieval for both normal and fast playback modes. A third switch (53) may be provided to enable user selected retrieval of particular portions of one or all stored voice messages.

Abstract: Method to assist the user of a computer system equipped with its own operating system (OS) characterised in that in an overall aid system are grouped together a plurality of specialised service systems (32, 34, 36) interconnected to an interface (30) managing the inputs (in sensor mode) and the outputs (in transmitter mode) between the overall aid system and the computer system. The service systems (32, 34, 36) are interconnected in a star with the interface (30) through a core system (38). The invention also relates to an apparatus for implementing the method defined above.

Abstract: PURPOSE:To improve the use efficiency of shared resources by permitting a fact that a lock request task outruns in a shared mode, only in the case the number of shared mode lock request tasks which outrun the task for waiting for a lock in an exclusion mode is less than the maximum outrunning task number. CONSTITUTION:A shared resource exclusion control function 9 consists of a lock request processing part 6, an unlock request processing part 7 and an exclusion control table 8. In such a state, in the case resources are not locked against a lock request of a shared mode, the lock right is given to a task 10 which outputs a request, and in the case of the resources are locked in the shared mode, the lock right is given to the task 10 of the request unless there is a lock waiting task in an exclusion mode. Also, in the case there is the lock waiting task in the exclusion mode, and in any case of lock waiting, the number (the number of outrunning tasks) of shared mode lock request tasks which outrun the request sequence of the lock request in the exclusion mode is less than the maximum outrunning task number, the lock right is given to the task 10 which outputs the request. In such a way, by preventing generation of a permanent blockage, resources can be used efficiently.

Abstract: PURPOSE: To reduce power consumption of computer system by monitoring the action of peripheral equipment to confirm a point of time when computer system is not in operation, and automatically stopping the computer system to enter a queued access mode after a certain period of non-operating time CONSTITUTION: A power control logic circuit 42 monitors an address and data bus 20, judges a period of time taken for the last access to a serial port 29, MODEM 30, hard disk controller 34, printer interface 36, or keyboard inter face 40, or a period of time taken for appropriate access to a floppy disk controller 32 Further, if any one of apparatuses under monitoring is not used for a prescribed period of time, the computer system automatically enters the queued access mode With this, the power consumption of the computer system can be reduced, and the battery power supply operating time can be extended

Abstract: In the present paper technical design details of a digital seismograph designed around C-MOS technology based microprocessor have been given. A new Interface technique inserted between processor and the digital cassette recording unit used to record the fast arriving seismic data in real time mode has been described. Performance of the developed instrument has been discussed.

Abstract: An apparatus having a calculating mode and a music generating mode and which is adapted to be selectively disposed in either the calculating or the music generating modes. The apparatus has a housing and a keyboard layout which simulates the housing and keyboard layout of an electronic desk-top calculator. The keys on the keyboard are assigned numerical and functional designations comparable to those found in a desk-top calculator, and additional designations symbolizing the musical notes generated by depressing the keys. Each key can perform the numerical or functional operation, or generate the musical note, associated with its respective designations. Thus, a musical score can be correlated to the numerical and function keys of the desk-top electronic calculator, and a person who is able to operate a desk-top electronic calculator by "touch" will be able immediately to play music by "touch", rather than by hunt-and-peck techniques.

Abstract: The first part of this paper illustrates medium range forecasts over the monsoon region. Using different spectral resolutions, T21, T31. T42, T63 and Tl06 in the FSU global spectral model, the performance of the monsoon forecasts up to 5 days have been examined, starting with the same initial database. The higher resolution models show more realistic precipitation rates and the divergent wind starting from the initial input that was obtained at the end of the normal mode initialization process. The model forecasts using higher resolutions show substantial improvement in their quality. The second part of this paper addresses a new approach for the prediction of low modes up to periods of the order of a month.