Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding an original image. A first error image is formed from the original image and a first predicted image. A second error image is formed from the original image and a second predicted image. The first error image is resolved into at least one lower resolution image which is encoded. An expanded image is formed based on the encoded lower resolution image, the expanded image being of the same level of resolution as the second error image. An image representative of the difference between the second error image and the expanded image is encoded at full resolution.

Abstract: An optical target is acquired by an optical scanning system according to an in-band target frequency in an input signal from an optical scanning device. Both the in-band energy level and the out-of-band energy level of the input signal from the optical scanning device are determined. These two energy levels are compared and a possible detection of the target is determined according to this comparison. A minimum threshold of in-band energy is required in order for the possible detection to be confirmed.

Abstract: An automatic rotary sorter system for sorting objects from a source stream into a plurality of destination streams which are spaced apart both horizontally and vertically. The automatic rotary sorter system of the present invention includes an object source conveyor, a rotating distribution assembly, and an object receiving assembly. The rotating distribution assembly of the automatic rotary sorter system is provided with an upright drive shaft and several receiving and discharging wings. The object receiving assembly of the automatic rotary sorter system is provided with a plurality of transverse conveyors. The object source conveyor provides the stream of sortable objects for sorting by the automatic rotary sorter system. Sorting within the automatic rotary sorter system is achieved through the transfer of one sortable object at a time from the object source conveyor to a selected transverse conveyor by the receiving and discharging wings of the rotating distribution assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing a dissolve region within a sequence of digital motion video frames. A function is calculated based on statistical data derived from frames in the sequence. Dissolve region boundaries are then detected based on characteristics of the calculated function. Consecutive detected boundaries may be flagged as a dissolve region based on the average value of the function between the consecutive detected boundaries and the distance between the consecutive detected boundaries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating computer generated lines using a single or multiple instruction multiple data processor in conjunction with a modified version of Bresenham's line drawing algorithm wherein the speed of the operation is enhanced by allowing the processor to perform its memory writes in page mode.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for processing a two dimensional digital image representative of a bar code symbol. The bar code symbol is oriented in a bar direction. The system includes means for dividing the two dimensional image into a plurality of two dimensional sections perpendicular to the bar direction. Means for determining information representative of the intensity of a plurality of such sections is also provided. A one dimensional intensity projection signal is formed from the determined information. The system also includes means for calculating the areas of a plurality of regions described by the projection signal. The widths of a plurality of bars in the bar code symbol are determined from the calculated areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for focusing an image onto an image receptor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stationary lens, a rotatable frame that is rigidly connected to the image receptor, and a base. The base is pivotally connected to the rotatable frame about a rotational axis. The image is focused by the stationary lens onto the image receptor by pivoting the rotatable frame about the rotational axis. In an alternate embodiment, an apparatus for focusing an image onto an image receptor includes a stationary lens, a voice coil actuator, a servo loop for driving the voice coil actuator, and an electromechanical transducer for measuring the position of the image receptor. The electromechanical transducer is electrically connected to the servo loop. Connecting means for rigidly connecting the image receptor to the voice coil actuator are also provided. The image is focused by the stationary lens onto the image receptor by driving the voice coil actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a fade within a sequence of digital motion video frames. A first frame and a previous frame are selected from the sequence as first and second regions, respectively, for processing. The mean of the first region and the mean of the second region are each calculated and the relative mean change between the means is determined. A fade is detected if the relative mean change exceeds a first predetermined threshold. Alternatively, a fade is detected if the relative mean change is less than the first predetermined threshold but greater than a second predetermined threshold and the magnitude of the difference between the means is greater than a third predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A cutting head member for controlling the movement of the substantially U-shaped cutting blade of a tire groover is disclosed. The preferred embodiment facilitates the centered movement of the substantially U-shaped cutting blade about an existing groove or cutting path.

Abstract: In a method of encoding a sequence of frames of a full color digital motion video signal, the initial frame of the sequence is selected for encoding at multiple levels of resolution. The initial frame becomes a previous target image and a previous reconstructed image is formed by storing a reconstructed image. After processing the initial frame, each subsequent frame of the sequence of frames is then selected as the target image. Displacement vectors, representing the magnitude and displacement between regions in the target image being processed and corresponding regions in the previous target image are provided. Each displacement vector is applied to a corresponding region in the previous reconstructed image to form a predicted image. The displacement vectors are encoded using a binary tree technique with off-center splits.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel staged release bag formed of a generally thermoplastic film material preferably having multiple layers and having discrete cuts formed therein including wickets holes, stabilizing cuts and release paths, and which is useful in an automated packaging operation, and a method for making said bag from a continuous tube or sheet of plastic material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring migration of tagged fish which also facilitates their retrieval, including a selectively activated floatation device and securing member and a method for employing them.