Abstract: A first pattern (A) is represented by a first ordered set of elements (xi) each having a value whilst a second pattern (B) is represented by a second ordered set of element (ui) each having a value. The patterns are analysed by iteratively performing the steps of: selecting (e.g.

Abstract: The demodulation process of a wireless data transmission system using multi-level symbols makes use of templates corresponding to each of the possible symbol transitions, so that knowledge of previously decoded symbols can be use to decode the next one. An estimation and correction loop provides for initial estimation of the values of a plurality of consecutive symbols, and error estimates are made for the estimated initial values of the symbols and for one or more alternative values, a final estimate being determined to minimise the total estimated error.

Abstract: Picture elements of a digitally coded image are each represented by a colour value. The value of an element is adjusted by firstly making a number of comparisons between the element and elements y elsewhere in the image. This comparison involves comparing a first picture element group (which comprises the picture element x under consideration and at least one further picture element in the vicinity thereof) with a second picture element group. The second picture element group comprises a base picture element y and at least one further picture element, the number of picture elements in the second group being the same as the number of picture elements in the first group and the position of the or each further element of the second group relative to the base picture element of the second group being the same as the position of the or a respective further element of the first group relative to the picture element under consideration.

Abstract: A database of visual images includes metadata having, for a particular image, at least one entry specifying: a part of that image, another stored image, and a measure Sabi of the degree of similarity between that specified part and the specified other image. The searching method comprises displaying one or more images; receiving input from a user (for example by using a gaze tracker) indicative of part of the displayed images; determining measures of interest for each of a plurality of non-displayed stored images specified by the metadata for the displayed image(s), as a function of the similarity measure(s) and the relationship between the user input and the part specified; and, on the basis of these measures, selecting, from those non-displayed stored images, further images for display.

Abstract: A first image (or other pattern) is represented by a first ordered set of elements A each having a value and a second pattern is represented by a second such set. A comparison of the two involves performing, for each of a plurality of elements x of the first ordered set the steps of selecting (103) from the first ordered set a plurality of elements x? in the vicinity of the element x under consideration, selecting (102) an element y of the second ordered set and comparing the elements x? of the first ordered set with elements y? of the second ordered set (each of which has the same position relative to the selected element y? of the second ordered set as a respective one x? of the selected plurality of elements of the first ordered set has relative to the element x under consideration).