Abstract: A method of optimizing the display of an up-converted interlaced video frame signal from a received progressive video frame signal (11) comprises the steps of receiving a progressive video frame signal, decoding (12) the progressive video frame signal using an interpolation function (18) to provide an interpolated interlaced video signal, deinterlacing (14) the interpolated interlaced video signal, and de-interpolating (16) the deinterlaced interpolated interlaced video signal to provide an optimized progressive video frame signal (17).

Abstract: The invention proposes a method for reverse playback of a digital data stream representing video information. The information is stored in an Intra picture coded format followed by several Non-Intra coded pictures. For reverse playback n sectors are jumped back from the actual scanning position. The location of the n sectors is read in forward direction. A sector location list is created. The sector location list is resorted to a reverse order. The position of sector stream is parsed according to the sector location list in order to find appropriate position of start codes of the video information. Digital data stream from position of start codes is delivered to a following processing unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for searching for duplicate data. The method (200) includes the steps of: generating (212) at least one identifier from at least one portion of a first segment of data using a unique identifier function; generating (216) at least one identifier from at least one portion of a second segment of data using the unique identifier function; and comparing (220) at least one identifier associated with the first segment of data with at least one identifier associated with the second segment of data to determine whether the first segment of data is substantially identical to the second segment of data.

Abstract: A method for copying a recorded series of bits from a first location to a second location on a rewritable disc media. The method includes the steps of selectively marking a beginning point and an end point of a segment of the recorded series of bits, and a location to which said segment is to be copied prior tp said reading step. Subsequently, video data comprising at least a portion of the segment of the recorded series of bits to be copied is read from the disk and stored in a track buffer of a DVD device. At least part of the video data from the track buffer is subsequently transferred directly from the track buffer to the record buffer by a control processor of the DVD device. Finally, the portion of the video data stored in the track buffer is written to the second location.

Abstract: A method for generating display correction waveforms for a CRT display comprises the steps of selecting one of a plurality of trace portions for forming part of a correction waveform, the trace portions having different average values. Completing each of the correction waveform by combining each selected trace portion with a respective retrace portion such that all completed correction waveforms have a predetermined average value. The correction waveforms may have vertical and/or horizontal rates.

Abstract: Portable cameras are known, and used to gather news, to cover sport events etc. The cameraman/woman who is recording the scene to be recorded frequently has to walk around during recording. By walking in a forward direction he normally does not encounters problems, but by walking in a backward and/or sideward direction accidents frequently occur. The invention provides a solution for this, by adding an auxiliary camera to the portable camera with a viewing angle in the backward and/or sideward direction.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for changing a playback speed of a selected video segment having a non-progressive frame structure which has been recorded onto a portion of a storage medium. A selected video segment can be modified for a changed playback speed and the modified video segment can be recorded exclusively on the portion of the storage medium. A plurality of non-video packs in the selected video segment can be deleted to reduce the amount of data contained in the modified video segment. The video segment can be modified by decoding the frames in the video segment, reencoding such frames into their associated field pictures and adding at least one field picture. Alternatively, the video segment can be modified by removing at least one frame or field picture contained in the video segment. In either arrangement, the video segment can be reencoded to produce a smoother trick mode and playback performance.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method 300 for changing a playback speed of a selected video segment having repeat fields. To achieve fast motion play a selected video segment can be modified to delete repeat fields 340. Further pictures can be deleted as required 360 to achieve a desired playback speed. To achieve slow motion play, a selected video segment can be modified by encoding repeat fields into conventional field pictures. Further pictures can be added as required to achieve a desired playback speed 330. Further, a repeat first field flag in the picture header of the picture containing the repeat field can be set to zero 325. Furthermore, a GOP structure of the modified video segment can be reencoded into a conventional 365 or a desired 367 GOP structure. Additionally, the modified video segment can be recorded exclusively on a desired portion of a storage medium 370.

Abstract: A prior application discloses a novel probe geometry that offers a wide field of view in an ultrasonic imaging device. That geometry is referred to as a “thinned array” of transducer elements. The application discloses an improved probe geometry permitting high-resolution imaging of a large volume of the subject's body. In this improved geometry, the array elements are non-uniform in size and spacing. The probe is intended for use, for example, in a method of determining parameters of blood flow, such as vector velocity, blood flow volume, and Doppler spectral distribution, using sonic energy (ultrasound) and a novel thinned array. Also in a method of tracking blood flow and generating a three dimensional image of blood vessel of interest that has much greater resolution than images produced using heretofore known ultrasound devices and methods.

Abstract: Chalcopyrite semiconductors, such as thin films of copper-indium-diselenide (CuInSe2), copper-gallium-diselenide (CuGaSe2), and Cu(Inx,Ga1-x)Se2, all of which are sometimes generically referred to as CIGS, have become the subject of considerable interest and study for semiconductor devices in recent years. They are of particular interest for photovoltaic device or solar cell absorber applications. The quality of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films, as an example of chalcopyrite films, is controlled by making spectrophotometric measurements of light reflected from the film surface. This permits the result of non-contacting measurements of films in a continuous production environment to be fed back to adjust the production conditions in order to improve or maintain the quality of subsequently produced film.

Abstract: Glitter is applied to cylindrical articles by forcing them through a pot of clear lacquer, squeegeeing the coating to a desired thickness by means of an elastic elastomeric grommet, and then immediately passing the articles through a pot of glitter. The articles then pass through a vacuum tube, which removes the excess glitter for reuse.

Abstract: The disclosed educational snap-together toy vehicle system is exemplified in this application as a set of cars and trucks. The vehicles are broken down into four primary components: a main body, front clip, rear clip, and roof. The body parts are snapped together by a contrasting color, plastic three-element connector system consisting of: a fixed universal socket; an intermediate shaped-socket coupler; and a fixed shaped socket.

Abstract: An auction service is provided that stimulates competition between energy suppliers (i.e., electric power or natural gas). A bidding moderator (Moderator) receives bids from the competing suppliers of the rate each is willing to charge to particular end users for estimated quantities of electric power or gas supply (separate auctions). Each supplier receives competing bids from the Moderator and has the opportunity to adjust its own bids down or up, depending on whether it wants to encourage or discourage additional energy delivery commitments in a particular geographic area or to a particular customer group. Each supplier's bids can also be changed to reflect each supplier's capacity utilization. Appropriate billing arrangements are also disclosed. The technology required to facilitate forward delivery transactions, in which a buyer and seller agree to the terms of a transaction today but schedule the delivery for a future time, would be helpful to end users, resellers and suppliers.

Abstract: A system for filtering digital television signals is provided. The system comprises a generator for providing a first data sequence to a private data packetizer, and a transmitter for transmitting the packetized first data sequence in a data channel of a digital television signal. The system further includes a receiver for receiving the digital television signal and recovering the first data sequence. The receiver includes a channel estimator for providing an estimate of channel characteristics, such as estimated channel impulse estimate and estimated noise variance. The receiver further includes an adaptive equalizer filter having an input for receiving the digital television signal and an input for receiving adaptive filter coefficients. The receiver further includes a coefficient processor for calculating adaptive filter coefficients based on the channel estimate, and providing the adaptive filter coefficients to the adaptive equalizer filter.

Abstract: A planar optic sensor for measuring the optical absorbance spectrum of a side variety of substances in situ comprises a planar waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer having a reference path and a sensing path. The sensing path of the waveguide is exposed to the sample under test, the sample interacting with the guided light via emanations from the light as it propagates through the sensing path. The reference path of the waveguide is provided with a heater that linearly varies over time the refractive index of the reference path material, in this manner varying the optical path length of the reference path. Fourier spectroscopic techniques are applied to compare the spectrum of a white light source without a sample present in the sensing path to the spectrum of the white light source in the presence of a sample in the sensing path, as the optical path length of the reference path is swept over time. From these data the absorption spectrum of the sample is determined.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention a layer of ruthenium oxide is reactively deposited onto a substrate, then annealed for TCR adjustment and for stabilization. In a second, bi-layer embodiment of the invention, a layer of tantalum nitride is first reactively deposited onto a substrate, then annealed for stabilization. After a ruthenium oxide layer is reactively deposited onto the annealed tantalum nitride layer, the structure is annealed until a near-zero effective TCR for the bi-layer resistor is achieved. The ruthenium oxide capping layer serves as a barrier against chemical attack.