Abstract: A digital video transcoder-multiplexer (transmux) architecture that is fully software-implemented. The transmux includes transcoder processing elements (TPEs) that may use a very long instruction word (VLIW) media processor for performing transcoding, and de-assembly and re-assembly at a transport stream level, and a co-processor for providing de-assembly and re-assembly at an elementary stream level. The processors operate in parallel, at least in part, to optimize throughput and provide processing load balancing. A transmux architecture that is fully software implemented is provided to allow upgrading to handle new functions, fix hardware or software problems, test new processes, adapt to changing customer requirements, and so forth.

Abstract: In order to improve a method of analyzing Si—Ge alloys, with which a Raman spectrum of a sample is recorded and Raman frequencies and Raman intensities of the Si—Si modes and the Si—Ge modes of the alloy layer are evaluated, such that any strain and any Ge portion in an alloy layer can be ascertained in a simple and as exact a manner as possible, it is provided for one or more spectrum contributions lying outside the Si—Ge modes and the Si—Si modes to be evaluated as oscillation modes.

Abstract: In a bipolar grasping instrument with two clamping jaws movable relative to each other, electrically isolated from one another and each connectable to a pole of an electric high-frequency voltage source, each of the clamping jaws comprising two clamping elements arranged in spaced relation to one another, forming between them a longitudinal slot and each having a clamping surface, and with a cutting device comprising a cutting element displaceable in the longitudinal slots of the clamping jaws and having a cutting edge, in order to improve the design of the drive mechanism and the operability, it is proposed that the cutting element be arranged in the longitudinal slot of the one clamping jaw such that its cutting edge is contained in the longitudinal slot between the clamping elements of this clamping jaw and does not extend beyond its clamping surfaces in the direction towards the other clamping jaw, and that the clamping elements of this clamping jaw be elastically movable relative to the cutting element o

Abstract: In a system for authenticating a downloaded software object, a technique is provided to determine whether a failed authentication resulted from a suspect downloaded object or a suspect signature for the downloaded object which was communicated separately. A secret compact transformation function that operates on the signature is used to generate a value indicative of the signature at the software object transmission facility. The inverse function is used at the user terminal, such as a television set-top box, which receives the downloaded software object. Multiple transmission of the value can be provided for redundancy. The system is particularly useful in analyzing actual or attempted attacks on the security of the software object download scheme.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for generating an image on an image surface with N×M image elements which can be illuminated individually, comprising a plurality of semiconductor radiation sources, each of which generates radiation with at least one color, an optical imaging means with a beam guidance, by means of which a plurality of image elements can be illuminated with each of the semiconductor radiation sources, with which it is possible to generate an image on an image surface in as simple a manner as possible using radiation sources, it is suggested that the image surface (12) be divided into a plurality of continuous image surface sections (14), each comprising a two-dimensional ensemble of image elements (16), that an illumination unit (20, 220, 320) be associated with each of the image surface sections (14) and that each illumination unit (20, 220, 320) have at least one semiconductor radiation source (30) and at least one optical imaging means (40, 240, 340) of its own associated with this illum

Abstract: The invention provides a rotor nozzle, comprising a casing and a rotor body arranged therein. The rotor body has a flow-through channel and a spherical bearing part in a step bearing surrounding an exit opening of the casing. An end part closes the casing and has several selectively closable passages arranged therein which open from an inlet side into the interior of the casing or into flow channels in the casing leading to additional outlets. The end part widens in steps from the interior to the inlet side, and is inserted into a stepped receiving opening. A seal is provided between the end part and the inner wall of the receiving opening. An outlet for a passage of the end part is arranged in the area of at least one step and a flow channel begins in the casing in the area of this step.

Abstract: A system for using a watermark embedded in an audio signal to remotely control a device. Various devices such as toys, computers, and appliances, equipped with an appropriate detector, detect the hidden signals, which can trigger an action, or change a state of the device. The watermarks can be used with a “time gate” device, where detection of the watermark opens a time interval within which a user is allowed to perform an action, such as pressing a button, typing in an answer, turning a key in a lock, etc. To prevent fraudulent activation of a time gate, the time gate device can be configured to react only to watermarks coming from live broadcasts, and not from replays from tapes or other storage devices. In another feature, robustness of the watermark is improved, e.g., for acoustic propagation channels, by shifting the detection time of the watermark based on a measured bit error count of the watermark.

Abstract: In order to so improve an inductive sensor comprising at least one sensor coil in the form of a structured, conductive layer of a carrier board, and an evaluation circuit comprising a printed circuit board with conductor tracks provided thereon and being connected to the sensor coil, that it is manufacturable as cost-efficiently as possible, it is proposed that the carrier board carrying the sensor coil be mechanically rigidly and electrically connected to the printed circuit board by at least two soldered joints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for measuring the quality of video (e.g., television) signals. In particular, the methods and apparatus of the present invention allow for the measurement of various quality parameters of analog or digital video signals at a set-top terminal 10 or similar device, without the need for external test equipment. A video signal 14, which contains a test signal, is received at a decoder 20. The video signal 14 is decoded and temporarily stored in memory 40. A processor 30 associated with the decoder 20 and the memory 40 analyzes the test signal and calculates a quality parameter for the received video signal 14 based on the test signal. The quality measurements can also be accessed remotely and downloaded, for example, by a cable television provider at a cable television headend. The video quality measurement may include various indicators of end-to-end system performance, including the performance of the set-top terminal 10 or similar device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting scene changes between successive fields in a digital television signal. I-frames, which start new GOPs, are aligned with scene changes. In a preprocessing stage (205, 210), the change in the sum of pixel differences between consecutive odd fields, or consecutive even fields, is calculated for every consecutive input field. A scene change is detected when a large positive value in the change of sum is followed by a large negative value therein. A decision of which picture type to use is not made until a final encoding stage (225, 235). I-frames can be inhibited when an encoder buffer level is too high. A counter resets the scene change indication to avoid a perpetual scene change state for transitions from still to motion. In film mode, the MPEG-recommended frame-based encoding is deactivated when a scene change occurred on a field boundary (e.g., when there is no redundant field in the picture).

Abstract: A statistical multiplexer for coding and multiplexing multiple channels of digital television data, or multiple panels of HDTV digital television data. A bit rate need parameter is determined for each encoder in a stat mux group by scaling the complexities of previous pictures of the same and different picture types. Scaling factors based on an activity level, motion estimation score, and number of pictures of a certain type in a GOP, may be used. Moreover, the scaling factors may be bounded based on a linear or non-linear operator to prevent large variations in the factors. An encoding bit rate is allocated to each channel based on its need parameter.

Abstract: A system for providing an accurate time reference for multiple input and output digital video signals of a transcoder that is particularly suited for use with MPEG data. The multiple streams are synchronized with a single master system time clock at the transcoder. Timing data from the master clock is compared to timing data from packets that are input to the transcoder to determine an offset. In particular, timing data, such as a program clock reference (PCR) field, is recovered from packets of different channels that are input to the transcoder. For each channel, timing data is then provided for packets that are output from the transcoder based on the offset and timing data of the master clock at the respective output times. In particular, the adjusted timing data is determined as a sum of the offset and an associated hardware error, less a delay (PcrSysDly) associated with the transcoder, which includes a lookahead delay and a buffer delay.

Abstract: A Kirschner wire 10 for use in endoscopic surgery is provided, as well as methods and apparatus for installing and removing Kirschner wire 10. Kirschner wire 10 has a holding device 20 for ease of insertion and removal. Kirschner wire 10 is sufficiently short so as not to protrude from the working channel of the endoscope. Insertion instrument 30 has a receptacle 40 which for engagement with holding device 20 of Kirschner wire 10. A targeting ring 46 on insertion instrument 30 enables placement of Kirschner wire 10 under x-ray supervision. Removal device 60 has a wire body 62 with a receptacle 64 located at a distal end thereof for engagement with holding device 20 of Kirschner wire 10. Kirschner wire 10 may be adapted for use in marking a point of entry for a cannulated bone screw or as a point of orientation for an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing abstraction layers in the hierarchical structure of a set-top terminal to enable the set-top's firmware to be compatible with different operating systems. An operating system (OS) kernel interface is provided using a first OS abstraction layer that is OS-independent, and a second abstraction layer that is OS-dependent. The interface enables the terminal's firmware to access the kernel's set of functions independently of the OS. The abstraction layers provide an interface for kernel functions for the following kernel constructs: Timers, Threads, Memory, Synchronization and Messaging. The invention benefits terminal manufacturers and developers as well as network operators by allowing set-top firmware to run without modifications due to a change in the set-top's OS.

Abstract: In order to optimize the handling of a rotating surgical tool for producing a depression in bone material, provision is made for an ultrasonic transducer which is capable of emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to be arranged in the tool, and for the ultrasonic transducer to be connectable to an ultrasonic generator and to a receiver which generates signals in dependence upon the strength of the ultrasonic radiation received by the ultrasonic transducer and upon the length of time between the emission of ultrasonic radiation and the reception of reflected ultrasonic radiation, which are a measure of the condition of the bone material in the direction of emission.

Abstract: In order to provide a position measuring system, comprising a transmitter, a sensor with an inductive element to which the transmitter is coupled electromagnetically and an evaluating unit, wherein the sensor and the transmitter are adapted to be positioned relative to one another, whereby said position measuring system will be of simple construction and can thus be manufactured economically while being employable universally, provision is made for the inductive element to be coupled to an oscillator which is affected by the Q factor and/or the effective inductance of the inductive element, for the Q factor and/or the effective inductance of the inductive element to be determined by the size of an effective sensor region to which the transmitter is coupled, and/or by the size of an effective transmitter region which is coupled to an effective sensor region, and for the sensor and/or the transmitter to be formed in such a manner that the size of the effective sensor region to which the transmitter is coupled,

Abstract: In order to improve a clamping and spreading device for the relative movement of two workpieces which have surfaces lying essentially parallel to a common plane, comprising a first holder, to which the first workpiece can be fixed, and a second holder, to which the second workpiece can be fixed, wherein the two holders are movable relative to one another, in such a manner that this can be used in a simple manner comfortable for the operator it is provided for the first holder and the second holder to be connected to one another via a guiding device so as to be displaceable and for the guiding device to comprise an actuating element which is mounted not only on the first holder so as to be movable but is also mounted on the second holder so as to be movable and via which a relative movement of the two holders can be actuated.