Abstract: An input video signal is encoded at a plurality of coding layers exhibiting different spatial resolutions. Decoded is a given signal coded at a lower coding layer lower than a specific coding layer among the plurality of coding layers to generate a decoded signal of the lower coding layer. Spatial interpolation is applied to the decoded signal of the lower coding layer to generate an upscaled decoded video signal. The spatial interpolation is an upscaling procedure to upscale the decoded signal of the lower coding layer into a spatial resolution of the specific coding layer. A spatial high-frequency components estimation and scale up procedure is applied to the decoded signal of the lower coding layer to generate a high-frequency components signal. The upscaled decoded video signal and the high-frequency components signal are subtracted from the input video signal exhibiting a spatial resolution of the specific coding layer to produce a predictive-error signal.

Abstract: A method for threading a suture in a patient's body. The method includes the steps of providing a suture, providing a threading device comprising an elongated rod having a suture tie-off location and first and second ends, tying the suture to the suture tie-off location, inserting the first end of the elongated rod through a first opening in the patient's skin, passing the first end of the elongated rod subcutaneously to a second opening in the patient's skin, pulling the first end of the elongated rod and a portion of the suture through the second opening, without turning the elongated rod around, and passing the second end of the elongated rod subcutaneously to an opening in the patient's skin. At least one point during the performance of the method the first end of the elongated rod extends out of the first opening and the second end of the elongated rod extends through the second opening.

Abstract: A self-calibration method and apparatus for on-axis rotary encoders comprising the steps of: receiving output signals from a detector during a spindle-free response period, the signals including a plurality of data sets wherein each data set comprises the periods between sampling events occurring in one revolution of the encoder at an angular speed, selecting a data set pair from the output signals, wherein the data set pair contains two linearly uncorrelated data sets; defining a model of the angular distances between each sampling event occurring in one revolution of the encoder as a function of one or more damping coefficients and the periods between each sampling event as contained in the data set pair; solving the model for the angular distances for the data set pair using circular closure and dynamic reversal techniques; and establishing an encoder error map using the selected solved angular distances from the model.

Abstract: Described herein is a threading device that includes an elongated tube having first and second open ends and a suture tie-off location disposed approximately halfway between the first and second ends, a light guide extending through the elongated tube, and a suture received in an tied around the suture tie-off location. The light guide has first and second ends that are substantially flush with the first and second ends of the tube.

Abstract: A packaging device preferably including a clam shell, wherein the clam shell is adapted to encase just a wheel of a wheeled toy.