Abstract: An image signal encoding method and apparatus of encoding first and second image signals in decomposed forms and a key signal used to combine the first and second image signals. First and second scalable encoding processes are performed on the first and second image signals, respectively. A scalable encoding process is performed on the key signal which is similar to that employed for the second image signal. In a typical application, the first image signal is a background image signal and the second image signal is a foreground image signal. The method and apparatus enables highly efficient encoding and decoding of a moving image.

Abstract: A digital VTR is capable of reproducing a recorded picture image in a normal mode and a variable speed reproduction mode. During normal speed reproduction, the digital VTR reproduces a recorded picture from data that has been recorded in a normal play area of a recording medium. When the digital VTR is in a variable low speed reproduction mode, it reproduces a picture from data recorded in a first trick play area. When the digital VTR is in a variable high speed reproduction mode, it reproduces a picture from data recorded in a second trick play area. The first and second trick play areas are located at respective tracks that correspond to different azimuths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing DRI, prereduced materials, or the like, utilized in the steelmaking industry, where hydrogen contained in the gas stream purged from the reduction reactor is separated (preferably by means of a PSA system) and recycled to said reduction reactor. The productivity of the reduction plant is increased by using the separated hydrogen as a chemical reductant in the reactor, instead of using it as fuel. This is particularly useful in upgrading existing DRI production plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an amine by single-stage reaction of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 -olefin with a compound having an NH.sub.3 group, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of a catalyst, which is present in water in dissolved or suspended form, and the catalyst contains at least two metals from group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements in elemental or bonded form.

Abstract: Difluorophenylpyrimidylpyridine derivatives of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein X is N and Y is CH or X is CH and Y is N;R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and area) an unbranched or branched alkyl chain having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, whereaa) one or more non-adjacent and non-terminal CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by --O--, --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --O--CO--O-- or --Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --, and/orab) one or more H atoms may be replaced by F, and/orac) the terminal CH.sub.3 group may be replaced by one of the following chiral groups (optically active or racemic): ##STR2## R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are identical or different and are hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1-16 carbon atoms (with or without an asymmetrical carbon atom), where, in addition, one or more non-adjacent non-terminal CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by --O--, and/or where one or more H atoms of the alkyl radical may be substituted by --F; R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 may alternatively together be --(CH.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and the method for mapping a plurality of images which are on the two-dimensional plane on the corresponding faces of a solid in the three-dimensional virtual space. The mapping image on the side face being close to the object image displaying face is formed in accordance with the shape of object image displaying face of the solid on which the object image is mapped, and the image mapped on each face is displaced in accordance with the movement of the solid in the three-dimensional space. Therefore, the image that as if a desired image is stuck to the faces of the solid moving in a virtual space can be displayed on a screen surface by easily operating by an operator.

Abstract: A virtual 3-D object video signal V1 is produced by performing a 3-D image transformation for a source video signal, and a 2-D objet video signal V2 for virtually representing the 3-D image transformation is produced by projecting the object video signal V1 onto an X-Y plane. Further, 3-D shadow signals V3 and V5 are produced by projecting the 3-D image transformed 3-D object video signal V1 onto a shadow plane, and 2-D shadow signals V4 and V6 corresponding to said 2-D object video signal are produced by projecting the 3-D shadow signals onto the X-Y plane. Therefore, a shadow signal for a 3-D image transformed object video signal can be produced by calculations.

Abstract: Cellular telephone which operates as an alarm in an alarm mode. After or prior to being manually or automatically set in the alarm mode, the cellular telephone receives a sensor signal which identifies the occurrence or non-occurrence of a predetermined event. Upon receiving a signal that indicates the occurrence of a predetermined, usually undesirable, event, the cellular telephone automatically establishes a channel of communication with a pre-programmed telephone number, transmits to the called number identification data that identifies the cellular telephone, and then establishes the cellular telephone in a particular alarm operating mode, for example, a two-way audio mode.

Abstract: A signal transmission method applicable to prevention of modification or alteration of the playback mode information, such as copying management information or charging information. The playback mode information form a terminal 15P is data-converted for ciphering by a playback mode information appendage circuit 14 in a header appendage circuit 13 responsive to the key information from a terminal 15K and the resulting information comprised of the data and the playback mode information is outputted. The reproducing side effects data conversion on the ciphered playback mode information for deciphering, by a playback mode information detection circuit 26 in a header separation circuit 25, using the key information from a terminal 27K, for taking out the original playback mode information at a terminal 27P.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device comprising; a sensor section having a plurality of light-receiving regions arranged in plurality in which each of the light-receiving regions converts an incident light into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of light, a charge transfer register for transferring the signal charges read out from each of the light-receiving regions of the sensor section, a charge discharging section for discharging charges stored in each of the light-receiving regions of the sensor section, and a control means for controlling such that charge stored in each of the light-receiving regions are discharged to the charge discharging section within a predetermined period of time upon rising of the power supply.

Abstract: Regions of the PspA protein of the Rx1 strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae have been identified as containing protection-eliciting epitopes which are cross-reactive with PspAs of other S. pneumoniae strains and which is cross-protective. One region comprises the 68-amino acid sequence extending from amino acid residues 192 to 260 of the Rx1 PspA, another region comprises the C-terminal amino acid sequence extending from amino acid residues 293 to 588 of the Rx1 PspA, while a third region comprises the N-terminal amino acid sequence extending from amino acid residues 1 to 115 of the Rx1 PspA.

Abstract: A bus management node 11 has a register for channels in use REG1 and a bus capacity register REG2. Before starting the synchronous communication, each node 12 transmits a read-out command to the register for channels in use REG1 and the register for channels in use REG1 in order to read out their contents for ascertaining the number of the un-used channel and the residual capacity. If there is any un-used channel and any residual bus capacity, the node 12 transmits write commands to these registers REG1 and REG2 so that the number of the channel to be in use and the capacity of the bus to be in use will be stored in the register for channels in use REG1 and the bus capacity register REG2. This enables bus management to be achieved easily in a system performing synchronous communication between plural nodes connected to the bus.

Abstract: A microcomputer gives instructions to a sound processor to set a value of a volume prescribing a sound volume outputted through a speaker to a predetermined value as a parameter. The sound processor stores the value of the parameter in a RAM and sets a sound volume corresponding to the value of stored parameter. The microcomputer reads the value of parameter which is set practically by a sound processor, and decides whether the value of the parameter is different from the value that the setting thereof has been instructed or not, and decides that abnormality has been generated in the sound processor when they are different from each other, thus making it possible to detect generation of abnormality in an apparatus that has no function of detecting generation of abnormality.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling video devices by transmitting RS-422 command strings to the devices comprising, a controller for preparing each RS-422 command string in advance of an execution time at which the command is to be executed; a buffer for storing each RS-422 command string and a respective associated time of execution; and a buffer scanner operable to compare a current time with the execution times of each buffered command and to transmit to the respective video device any commands stored in the buffer for which the associated execution time is the same as or before the current time.

Abstract: An identification signal checking apparatus includes an apparatus (1) to be detected having a first wireless transmitting and receiving unit (4), a first signal processing unit (3) and a first memory unit (5) for storing an identification signal and includes a detecting device (10) having a second wireless transmitting and receiving unit (11), a second signal processing unit (12), a second memory unit (13) for storing an identification signal, and a communication permission signal generating means (14), being arranged such that the apparatus (1) to be detected transmits a communication request signal, when receiving a communication permission signal transmitted from the detecting apparatus (10) based on the communication request signal within a predetermined period, the apparatus (1) to be detected transmits the identification signal stored in the first memory unit (5) to the detecting apparatus (10), and the detecting apparatus (10) checks whether or not the transmitted identification signal coincides with t

Abstract: A cutting disc (12) for a lawn mower, the disc (12) having a plurality of cutting blades (13) and being formed with apertures (23). Associated with the apertures (23) are fan blades (22) which force air downwardly through the disc (12) to aid in mulching cut grass.

Abstract: Image data decompression apparatus and method for receiving data words comprising a first sub-word and a second sub-word, at least some possible values of the first sub-word specifying a run of at least m instances of a predetermined data value, corresponding second sub-words specifying a number of instances of the predetermined data value in a range from at least m instances. The apparatus includes a first decoder for decoding the first sub-words to detect whether a current first sub-word specifies a run of at least m instances of the predetermined value, and a second decoder for decoding the second sub-words to generate output decoded data.

Abstract: An image encoding and decoding apparatus and method for providing a reference picture signal for display on a display device. Such reference picture signal may indicate a brightness change or a change in color. By observing the displayed reference picture signal, an operator can adjust one or more parameters of the display device to a desired level or levels, As a result, a picture signal may be displayed on the display device with a relatively high picture quality.

Abstract: The air distillation double column (1,2) includes an apparatus for vaporizing oxygen and condensing nitrogen which comprises on one hand a running type main heat exchanger (7) which is partially immersed during stoppage of the equipment and on the other hand an auxiliary heat exchanger (20) which alone is responsible for liquid vaporization when the equipment is restarted.

Abstract: This column, of the type having a cross-undulating lining, includes means for returning liquid to the vicinity of the edges of the lining and liquid and gas distribution means which contribute to decrease substantially the height of the column. Application to plants for separating gases from air.