Abstract: Provided herein are hardware efficient bilinear algorithms and methods to compute MDCT/IMDCT of 2?n and 4.3?n points. The algorithms and methods for composite lengths have practical applications in MP3 audio encoding and decoding. The MDT/IMDCT can be converted to type-IV discrete cosine transforms (DCT-IV). Using group theory, the methods decomposes DCT-IV transform kernel matrix into groups of cyclic and Hankel product matrices. Bilinear algorithms are then applied to efficiently evaluate these groups. When implemented in VLSI, bilinear algorithms have improved the critical path delays over existing solutions. For MPEG-1/2 layer III (MP3) audio, proposed herein are several different versions of unified hardware architectures for both the short and long blocks and the forward and inverse transforms.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is described a sign display panel made up of a controller connected in a serial communication network with a set of display units. Each of the display units receives messages from the controller and detects errors in the messages. The controller sends a series of communication integrity messages to the set of display units. When a display unit receives the communication integrity message, it sends it to the next display unit or back to the controller. If a display unit does not receive a communication integrity message within a set time interval, the display unit sends an error message that is received by the controller.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is described a sign display panel made up of a controller connected in a serial communication network with a set of display units. Each of the display units receives messages from the controller and detects errors in the messages. The controller sends a series of communication integrity messages to the set of display units. When a display unit receives the communication integrity message, it sends it to the next display unit or back to the controller. If a display unit does not receive a communication integrity message within a set time interval, the display unit sends an error message that is received by the controller.