Abstract: A method of simultaneously transmitting a video signal and encoded data representing graphic images is disclosed. The invention is particularly applicable for transmitting multilingual subtitles with a video program. The graphic images are rectangular regions within the active video area. They are transmitted in the form of bitmaps. The invention not only allows any character font or size to be displayed, but also the definition of e.g. a program provider's logo. The encoded data includes a time stamp to specify the time at which a subtitle is to be displayed. Preferred embodiments of the invention include the transmission of color-look-up-table (CLUT) data and a compatibility code indicating a required minimum number of entries of said color-look-up-table. For receivers with a CLUT having more entries than necessary, a map table is a for mapping the pixel data width to the input witdh of the relevant CLUT.

Abstract: Image enhancement is achieved by a combination of linear and non-linear techniques. The linear technique is preferably peaking, while the non-linear techniques is preferably LTI. The peaking is applied to non-edge areas of the image. The LTI is applied to edge areas of the image. LTI is of the sub-pixel variety. The image enhancement device is preferably part of a device for converting standard definition to high definition signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a local area network operating according to the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) for transmitting cells, comprising a plurality of network interfaces. At least two ring systems are provided which comprise each two network interfaces (85, 89; 86, 90) and respective bridge connections (83, 84; 87, 88). A first network interface (85) of a first ring system and a first network interface (86) of a second ring system are coupled via first bridge connections (83, 84) to the two ring systems for transporting the cell stream to the two ring systems, and a second network interface (89) of the first ring system and a second network interface (90) of the second ring system are coupled via second bridge connections (87, 88) for transporting the cell stream to the two ring systems.

Abstract: Descriptored information is stored in a file system according to a Uniform Disk Format Specification UDF. It accommodates storage of both data and descriptor items, through separating a descriptor item from the data through storing the former in a dedicated logical sector. In particular, the descriptor items are assigned to a dedicated and immediately accessible directory space. Within the directory space, successive logical sectors are mapped at mutual stepping distances that are a factor less than a physical sector size that is uniform among data and descriptor items.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amplification device AD, comprising a first and a second amplifier AMP1 and AMP2, arranged in cascade, each amplifier being provided with a feedback loop Zi (where i=1 or 2) and having a gain proper Gi equal to Ai/(1+Ai.Zi). In accordance with the invention, the value of the inverse of the gain proper Gi of the first amplifier AMP1 is substantially equal to three times the value of the inverse of the gain proper G2 of the second amplifier AMP2 raised to the power of three: (1/G1)=3/(G2)3. Such a choice provides the amplification device AD with an optimum linearity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transmitting TDMA packets between interactive terminals and a head station via a transmission medium, in which the receiver effects a oversampling of the received signal so as to retrieve the optimal sample corresponding to the transmitted symbol. The invention proposes a method of recovering this optimal sampling instant very rapidly by performing a polynomial interpolation computation between the generated oversamples so as to derive the optimal sampling instant and by filtering the received signal by means of a low-pass filter centered at the optimal sampling instant.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a mobile unit (MS1) having a GPS receiver (24) is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of measuring mobile unit pseudoranges at the mobile unit (MS1) using the GPS receiver (24); providing reference pseudoranges corresponding to a reference location situated remote from the mobile unit (BS1); and determining the position of the mobile unit (MS1) relative to the reference location (BS1) as a function of both the reference pseudoranges and the mobile unit pseudoranges.

Abstract: A signal processing system includes a signal processing device (8) and a portable information carrier (2). The signal processing device comprises a signal source selection device (11) having a number of preset positions. A preset position can be related to a signal source and a number of parameter values. With the aid of read means (1), write means (14) and the portable information carrier, the preselection settings can be exchanged between similar signal-processing devices. In a first memory section (4), the signal source names are related to specific data, such as a frequency or channel number. In a second memory section (5) and in memory of the portable information carrier, preset positions are related to the parameter values and to signal source names, which uniquely identify the signal sources within a given set of signal sources.

Abstract: In a system integrating modules (PROC) designed for a time-slotted resource-accessing scheme and modules (PROC′) designed for accessing a common resource based on request-arbitration, a request-arbitration scheme is used for managing access to a common resource. The module(s) (PROC) designed for a time-slotted resource-accessing scheme are associated with an anticipatory request generator (ARG) adapted to generate, and forward to the arbiter (P_ARB), anticipated requests produced ahead of the time instants when the associated modules are designed to make access requests. A data buffer (DATA BUF) is also associated with each of the modules designed for a time-slotted resource-accessing scheme, so as to hold data obtained as a result of an anticipated request until the time instant when the module generates the request associated with this data.

Abstract: A method and device for adapting an existing analog television receiver to receive and decode both analog and digital television signals. A digital module is provided within the analog television receiver and its output is provided to the picture-in-picture (PIP) interface of an analog module within the receiver. The digital signal then has the benefit of using the picture improvement circuitry located within the analog module and there is no need to modify the analog module which has been in the cost optimization process for years.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-filled damper for a shock-sensitive apparatus, comprising a base part and an elastic cover part. It is an object of the invention to provide a liquid-filled damper and a method of manufacturing such a damper, which can be manufactured and mounted in an easier and more reliable way. To this end, the liquid-filled damper comprises an integrated fixation element, and the base part and the integrated fixation element are connected by means of the elastic cover part.

Abstract: A contrast control and clipping device is configured to determine a maximum range of enhancement that may be applied to each pixel for picture sharpness enhancement. This maximum range is used to limit the enhancement that is determined by the conventional convolution kernel and gain control modules. Preferably, the maximum range is independent of the determined convolution value, thereby minimizing the bandwidth requirements among the modules used for picture sharpness enhancement. The reduced bandwidth requirement allows for an efficient partitioning of tasks between hardware and software embodiments, and eases the overall system design task. In a multi-media application, the amount of data that is transferred between the processor and sub-components is substantially reduced, and the efficient partitioning facilitates parallel processing.

Abstract: A filter structure is provided that facilitates the use of the filter as either a continuous delay Farrow filter or a selectable delay polyphase filter. The less complex polyphase filter is used when the desired scale substantially corresponds to a defined phase of the polyphase filter, or when time or power is not available to achieve the desired scale exactly; otherwise, the continuous delay Farrow filter is used. By providing an ability to switch to a continuous delay, the number of stages of the polyphase filter can be reduced. Additionally, an inversion of a Farrow filter is presented that provides for a continuous delay decimation filter with substantially reduced computational complexity compared to a direct embodiment of a Farrow filter. This inverted filter is also configurable as a polyphase filter, to provide selectable scale-resolution capabilities.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for sharpening an edge in a video image. The apparatus comprises: 1) a first circuit for determining a first luminance value of a first pixel associated with the first edge and a second luminance value of a second pixel associated with the first edge, wherein the first and second pixels are adjacent pixels; 2) a second circuit for determining a position of a first subpixel disposed between the first and second pixels, wherein the first subpixel position is disposed approximately at a center of the first edge; 3) a third circuit for increasing a luminance value of a second subpixel disposed on a first side of the first edge center; and 4) a fourth circuit for decreasing a luminance value of a third subpixel disposed on a second side.of the first edge center opposite the first side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply (9) for a deflection circuit (1), that comprises a deflection coil (2) for connection to a picture tube, a drive circuit (4,5,6) connected to the deflection coil (2), and a deflection controller (3) for controlling the drive circuit (4,5,6). According to the invention the power supply (9) comprises a first input (10,11) connection to an output of the drive circuit (4,5,6) and the deflection coil, a second input connected to a power source (Vinput), a power supply output (13) connected to the drive circuit (4,5,6), and an adapter for adapting the power supply (VP) to the output (13) from the second input (Vinput) dependent on the first input (10,11).

Abstract: A DC/DC converter (1; 20), comprising inductive electrical energy storage means (L), switching means (S1-S4) and means (6; 15) wherein said control means (6; 15) are arranged for selectively operating said switching means (S1-S4) for transferring an amount of electrical energy from said energy storage means (L) to an output of said DC/DC converter (1; 20), for providing a desired output voltage (Vout), characterized by digital control means (6; 15) which are configured for operatively controlling said switching means (S1-S4) for transferring electrical energy in accordance with a switching sequence comprising a ramp-up switching cycle and a ramp-down cycle for substantially charging and decharging of the energy storage means (L).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reading information stored on an information plate (6, 7) and/or writing information on an information plate (6, 7), comprising a stacking unit for the storage of at least two information plates in storage compartments (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). The invention is characterized in that the stacking unit comprises an electromechanical switching unit for detecting the information plates (6, 7) and in that the switching unit can be operated by the plate edges of the information plates (6, 7).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving programs from a plurality of channels, comprising a tuner for tuning to any of the plurality of channels, and an electronic program guide (EPG) for presenting a schedule of the programs. The apparatus comprises virtual channel means for creating a user selectable virtual channel for reproducing selected programs from various genuine channels. The virtual channel means are adapted to control the tuner to tune to a channel currently broadcasting a selected program. When a user selects the virtual channel, the apparatus takes care of automatically switching between the genuine channels broadcasting the programs viewed on the virtual channel. As a consequence, the user can view the desired programs by simply selecting the virtual channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the security of a telecommunications network by duplication of virtual paths between switching nodes. In the case of a malfunctioning on the main path, the input switching node switches its output to the substitute path. For ensuring an effective security, each of said paths utilizes a different route in the network which leads to different transit times and thus to a shift in the reception of the data coming from the two paths. According to the invention and in order to avoid any loss or duplication of packets when they are switched from one path to another, the shift between these paths is evaluated and before the data packets are switched, this shift is taken into account.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head has a semiconductor substrate in which there is an integrated circuit, and on which a magnetic layer structure is arranged. During manufacturing the integrated circuit is formed on one side of the semiconductor substrate, and that side of the semiconductor substrate is then secured to a carrier body by a securing layer. The substrate may then be ground or etched to a thickness less than 35&mgr;m before forming the magnetic layer structure on the opposite side. Securing to the carrier body prevents deformation of the layer structure during manufacturing, so that the resulting head has reproducible properties. Preferably a support body is secured over the layer structure. The head face is then formed such that the layer structure and the support and carrier bodies terminate in it.