Abstract: In a method of sharpness enhancement, an input signal (s) is filtered (HLHP, VLHP) to obtain a filtered signal (zx, zy), the filtered signal is multiplied (M2, M3) by a controllable fraction (cx, cy) to obtain multiplied signals, and the multiplied signals are added (A2) to the input signal (s). The controllable fraction (cx, cy) is generated by a non-linear function (HCF, VCF).

Abstract: Copy-protected content material is screened for an indication of the availability of an enhanced version of a screening system and forcing an upgrade to the advanced screening system by refusing to process the copy-protected content material until the upgrade is preformed. When security standards change, and corresponding security techniques are available for downloading to existing consumer devices, newly published content material will contain an indication to that effect. When the newly published content material is processed by an existing consumer device, the consumer device will detect this indication of an available update, and will prevent the processing of this newly published content material until the update is received. In this manner, a phased approach to enhanced security can be effected.

Abstract: In a method of detecting text in a video signal (VS), high horizontal frequencies in the video signal (VS) are detected (ED) to obtain horizontal edge detection results (refo, refpp1, refpp2), and horizontal edge detection results (refo) at a given position are correlated (C) with horizontal edge detection results (refpp1, refpp2) at vertically neighboring positions.

Abstract: This invention provides an alarm system and method for adjusting the wake-up signals. The system includes a means for tracking the behavior of a person in a predetermined area under surveillance after the activation of an alarm clock, and a means for determining whether the person is motionless for a predetermined time period. Upon recognition that the observed behavior indicates the person is still sleeping, the wake-up signals are gradually increased. At the same time, the electrical power supplied to a plurality of electronic devices may be increased to assist the person to wake up.

Abstract: A dithering method limits a digital value of a pixel to N bits, wherein the image signal includes a pixel value of M bits, wherein M is greater than N(M>N). A pseudo-random number (M−N) of bits is added to an original pixel value of M bits, the result of the addition is then truncated at N bits, wherein the random values which are added to two or more adjacent pixels values are mutually correlated.

Abstract: Noise filtering (3) of a signal (x) is effected by estimating (30) a type of noise in the signal (x) and enabling (30) one of at least two noise filters (310, 311, 312), the enabled noise filter (310,311,312) being a most suitable filter for the estimated type of noise. An approximation of the noise (z) in the signal (x) is obtained by computing (302) a difference between the signal (x) and a noise-filtered (301) version of the signal (x). A kurtosis of the noise is used as a metric for estimating the type of noise. If the estimated type of noise is long-tailed noise, a median filter (312) is enabled to filter the signal. If the estimated type of noise is Gaussian noise or contaminated Gaussian noise, a spatio-temporal filter (310,311) is enabled to filter the signal.

Abstract: An electro-dynamic loudspeaker includes a chassis (2), a three-dimensional diaphragm (8) and an electromagnetic actuator (6). The diaphragm is connected to the chassis by a first flexible connection (18) provided near a front part (8a) of the diaphragm and by a second flexible connection (20) provided near a back part (8b) of the diaphragm. The actuator includes a stationary actuator element (6a) fixed to the chassis and a translatable actuator element (6b) fixed to the diaphragm. When energized, both actuator elements magnetically co-operate with one another over an air gap (16). In order to realize a flat but powerful speaker, the device as such and the air gap are outside the area (26) enclosed by the diaphragm but within the space (24) between the first and second flexible connections.

Abstract: For use in a video signal processor, there is disclosed a system and method for locating program boundaries and commercial boundaries using audio categories. The system comprises an audio classifier controller that obtains information concerning the audio categories of the segments of an audio signal. Audio categories include such categories as silence, music, noise and speech. The audio classifier controller determines the rates of change of the audio categories. The audio classifier controller then compares each rate of change of the audio categories with a threshold value to locate the boundaries of the programs and commercials. The audio classifier controller is also capable of classifying at least one feature of an audio category change rate using a multifeature classifier to locate the boundaries of the programs and commercials.

Abstract: An image processing unit (300) for processing an image that is to be displayed in a plurality of sub-fields on a plasma display panel (406), has a storage (304) for storing the set of combinations of sub-fields that are available as intensity levels, and a selector (310) for selecting, from the storage, a particular combination for a pixel to be displayed. The difference regarding sub-fields between a first one of the combinations representing a first available illumination level, and a second one of the combinations representing the next higher illumination level, has been limited, the limiting including control such that only a limited number of the sub-fields that are switched on in the first one of the combinations, are not switched on in the second one of the combinations.

Abstract: In a system like a PC, the function of a graphics card is included with the monitor. A processor sends update signals to the monitor to modify image content. The graphics card processes the update signals and applies corrections to the updates to correct for physical imperfections of imaging process of the monitor. The graphic card writes the results into an image memory. The content of the image memory is used to drive the monitor.

Abstract: A method of refreshing a dynamic memory intended for storing variables involved in operations performed by a processor, includes a step of planning 10 in the course of which an order and a timing of the operations are established, a step of estimating 13 a retention time specific to each variable, a step of forecasting 14 at least one instant at which each variable must be refreshed, a step of placement 15 in the course of which the variables are placed in the memory, a step of refreshing 16 in the course of which the variables are refreshed at the instants defined during the forecasting step 14. The method allows a reduction in the latency times and in the consumption of current which are related to the refreshing. It is of particular benefit in systems where the real time constraint is important, for example, video data processing systems.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply apparatus is equipped with a start-up device supplying electrical energy to a controller which controls the switching of a switching transistor. The start-up device is bypassed by a bypass device. During start-up of the power supply, the bypass device is open. After a successful start-up, the bypass device is closed, eliminating further dissipation in the start-up device, and, therefore, increasing the overall energy efficiency of the power supply. By connecting the start-up device to a stand-by power supply or to a primary voltage, use of an additional winding on the transformer to supply the controller is obviated. The power supply has an electronic overload protection, and will stop and periodically attempt a restart when an overload condition occurs.

Abstract: A cathode current limiting circuit and method, for use with projection color television display systems to prevent overheating and possible cracking of the blue cathode ray tube (CRT) when a continuous blue background is presented, monitors differences between the respective low level red, green, blue (RGB) signals sent from the video signal processor to the CRT drive which produces the respective RGB cathode or beam currents. When the low level blue signal exceeds both of the red and the green signals by a predetermined differential, the circuit sends a feedback signal to the video signal processor to limit the blue signal and, thus, the cathode current from the CRT drive.

Abstract: A method for controlling pixel addressing of a pixel display device (10) to drive the display device as an N-view autostereoscopic display when a lenticular screen (15) is overlaid and image pixel data for N discrete views to be interlaced is provided. Based on data defining at least the lenticular screen lenticule pitch (p&mgr;), the number of views N, and the lenticular screen position relative to the display device pixels (12), for each display pixel, a derivation is made as to which of the N views it is to carry. The corresponding pixel data for the assigned view is then selected as the display pixel data.

Abstract: A signal processing system processes a signal using a hidden Markov model (HMM) having a number of states determined at least in part based on application of an iterative algorithm to the model. The iterative algorithm adjusts the number of states of the model, based at least in part on closeness measures computed between the states, until the model satisfies a specified performance criterion. The model having the adjusted number of states is then utilized to determine a characteristic of the signal, and an action of the signal processing system is controlled based on the determined characteristic.

Abstract: An electronic device has a UI that provides first user-selectable options. Second user selectable options are made available upon selection of a specific one of the first options. An information resolution of the first options, when rendered, differs from the information resolution of the second options when rendered. Also, a first modality of user interaction with the UI for selecting from the first options differs from a second modality of user interaction with the UI for selecting from the second options.

Abstract: A sound and vision system includes a display device (1) and an acoustic transducer, such as a loudspeaker or a microphone. The display device includes display cells (9) having opposite electrodes (7, 8) and includes a conductive line (11) connected to the electrodes in order to address the display cells. The acoustic transducer is formed by the display cell itself and the conductive line is electrically coupled to the display cell/acoustic transducer in order to convey signals, as a result of which the acoustic transducer is an integral part of the display device.

Abstract: An audio system includes a circuit (12) for processing an audio signal, the circuit (12) having an input (20) for receiving the audio signal and an output (26) for supplying an output signal. The circuit (12) further includes a harmonics generator (22) coupled to the input (20) for generating harmonics of the audio signal and an adding circuit (24) coupled to the input (20) as well as to the harmonics generator (22) for supplying a sum of the audio signal and the generated harmonics to the output (26). The harmonics generator (22) includes an integrator (34) for integrating the audio signal, and, coupled thereto, a resetting circuit (36) for resetting the integrator (34) at resetting times.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for secure distribution of music and other types of content. The invention allows content to be registered with a centralized trusted registration authority (TRA) in such a way that it can be distributed anonymously, such that the identity of the content provider need not be disclosed until a dispute arises. A first illustrative embodiment of the invention provides unbound rights management, i.e., secure registration of content such that usage rights for the content are not bound to the content itself. In this embodiment, distributed content is not protected by encryption, i.e., confidentiality of content is not provided. However, the content is protected against piracy, due to the fact that the content provider is certified by the TRA, and thus can be traced or otherwise identified in the event that irregularities are detected. Since the usage rights are not bound to the content, the content provider can change the usage rights after the content has been registered with the TRA.

Abstract: A radio FM receiver is provided with a voltage-controlled oscillator which can be connected via a frequency 2-divider to a quadrature combination circuit for transforming down the frequencies of received radio signals and for supplying quadrature output signals. The receiver is further provided with detection and sound reproduction circuitry connected to this combination circuit. A frequency 3-divider is also present as well as a switching circuit for selectively connecting the mixer element to the oscillator either through the 2-divider or through the 3-divider.