Abstract: A method and apparatus, particularly suited to SIMD instruction sets, to filter streaming video information encoded under a predictive encoding algorithm specified under video encoding standards, such as MPEG 4 or H.264/AVC. The filtering operation de-blocks or removes unwanted borders in the perceived video. During the filtering process, a series of filtering mask is generated based on temporal and spatial statistics of predictive encoded video information, which is then recursively applied to the video in order to gate filtered or unfiltered video to an output channel according to coefficients of the masks. The filtering mask effectively yields a decision or rule-based map that transforms the video on a pixel-by-pixel basis thereby avoiding complex and processor-intensive decision tree logic customarily required to process individual pixels of successive macroblocks that may have different filtering requirements.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for controlling access to data files stored in a repository is disclosed. The invention entails a determination of the requested file's availability and the authorization and authentication of the requester. A requester may specify the format in which they wish to receive the data file, and facilities are provided for translating the requested file to the requested format if the file is not stored in the requested format. Advantageously, the invention provides a repository for retaining responses to requests so as to minimize successive requests against the repository for the same data file. Moreover, in such instances wherein a requested data file requires a format translation, a facility is provided for determining the correct stored file format to use as the input for the format translation. Such a determination may be based upon criteria such as minimizing data lost as a result of the translation or minimizing processing required in performing the translation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, particularly suited to SIMD instruction sets, to filter streaming video information encoded under a predictive encoding algorithm specified under video encoding standards, such as MPEG 4 or H.264/AVC. The filtering operation de-blocks or removes unwanted borders in the perceived video. During the filtering process, a series of filtering mask is generated based on temporal and spatial statistics of predictive encoded video information, which is then recursively applied to the video in order to gate filtered or unfiltered video to an output channel according to coefficients of the masks. The filtering mask effectively yields a decision or rule-based map that transforms the video on a pixel-by-pixel basis thereby avoiding complex and processor-intensive decision tree logic customarily required to process individual pixels of successive macroblocks that may have different filtering requirements.

Abstract: A method of searching a collection of data that includes specifying a compound query having two or more search parameters; identifying data objects in the collection that match the search parameters; and providing results that include both an identification of matching data objects and an extent to which the objects match respective ones of the search parameters. The extent of match is shown by graphical bars having elongated segments of a unique color associated with each search parameter so that the user may visually appreciate the relevance of respective parameters in the compound query. A client device communicating with a server, receives an applet to effect the user interface. Each search parameter has an associated unique color and the user may specify a range of relevance desired in the results by altering the strength of any one of the search parameters. A computer-readable medium embodying program code and a corresponding apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile device (power supplying device) includes a mobile device power server (MD PS) for providing power to another mobile device (power receiving device) having no external power supply connection. The (MD PS) may be integrated into the power supplying mobile device or may be provided as a separate portable connector usable as a connection between the power supplying mobile device and an external power supply adapter.

Abstract: Method and device manufactured thereby for economically making solar collectors and concentrators by employing a technique of applying high-efficiency, energy absorptive coatings. The technique is spraying less-than-ultra-pure nickel or chromium, in a molten state, onto a heated surface of a glass absorber substrate so that a thin metallic layer fuses thereon. After spraying, the metallic layer is chemically blackened. An outer glass insulator jacket is hermetically sealed, using a glass-to-glass junction, over the inner glass absorber substrate to provide an insulating space. The spraying technique employed is more economical than by applying the metallic coating by conventional vapor deposition and sputtering techniques which require expensive equipment and ultra-pure metals. Absorption efficiency exceeding 95% with infrared emissions below 0.09% has been achieved. Borosilicate glass is preferred, but other transparent substances can also be used.

Abstract: A soil-implantable reservoir for use with conventional flower pots and the like for upgrading them to automatic watering capability. The reservoir is formed of a relatively thin, blown film plastic material and includes opposed, abutting insets integrally formed in the top and bottom surfaces thereof to help support the weight of soil when implanted. Water and/or plant nutrients are drawn from the implantable reservoir by capillary action of fibrous wicks which contact the soil and extend into the reservoir through orifices. A free-swinging feed tube rests in a filling orifice of the reservoir for replenishing the fluids therein. The feed tube may freely be positioned to match the incline, if any, of the side walls of the flower pot. Also, the feed tube includes a float gauge to permit visual observation of fluid level in the reservoir.

Abstract: During production of asphaltic concrete mixtures, the mix controls of a mixing plant are periodically adjusted to proportion fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and asphalt cement in accordance with a new Riguez Index test thereby to produce pavement materials which when compacted contains a predetermined, controlled and substantially constant volume of air voids and/or percent voids filled (film thickness). The Riguez Index test is a volumetric analysis method which can quickly, i.e., within an hour, be performed in that it mathematically correlates the variations in the physical properties of the aggregated with the desired voidage to be attained in the compacted mixture. Under the test, both mix design and proportioning at the plant site are performed over a single sieve size, the No. 4 sieve being preferred.

Abstract: A uniform asphalt pavement of substantial area composed of aggregates of varying natural qualities produced by a systematic process including mix design, mix analysis, and plant control methods. A volumetric comparison is mathematically made between blendings of coarse and fine aggregates defined over a single sieve size and a Riguez Index to determine voidage in the compacted aggregate mixture. The Riguez Index is characteristic to the particular fine aggregates used in the blending. For controlling voidage at the mixing plant, the respective quantities of coarse and fine aggregates injected into the mixing plant is controlled over the same single sieve size used for demarcating coarse and fine aggregates in mathematically computing the volumetric comparison. Further, a stability function derived from different combinations of crushed fine and blend sand, and a flexibility function derived from different mix quantities of asphalt cement provide control of flexibility and stability values.

Abstract: An improvement to a laydown machine comprising an unsegregator shroud connected to the ejector chute of the aggregate elevator transporter. The shroud extends around the chute to constrain the path of aggregates as they are fed into the feed box of the paving machine.

Abstract: A granular product dispenser for containing an original package and dispensing the contents thereof consisting of a package receiving portion, a base including a utility shelf, and a funnel portion having an oblique shape which permits dry granular material to readily flow freely without clogging at its discharge port. The funnel also includes baffles to further disperse the granular product, and a discharge port and gate valve assembly thereat wherein the shape of the discharge port and the opening of the gate valve are similar to the shape of the funnel mouth. Adaptors are also provided so that the unit may accomodate original packages of different sizes.

Abstract: A disposable perineal ice pack having an anatomical shape specially adapted for treatment of swelling and other disfunction of the rectal-vaginal pelvis region of female subjects, composed of a flexible hollow synthetic material having a cold temperature storage medium therein, such as water, or other liquid freezable between zero and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit, wherein said ice pack is specially contoured to compliment both the rectal and vaginal regions adaptable for use during post-operative surgeries or traumatic insults to the pelvic region.

Abstract: A real time illusion transmitter for transmitting three dimensional illusions of an object comprising a first parabolic mirror for producing a real image of an illuminated object, image detection means disposed in a position to receive said real image and adapted to generate video signals for transmission by cable or electromagnetic means, a second parabolic mirror located at a remote site and having associated therewith an image projector for producing an image from signals transmitted from said first parabolic mirror; said image projector projecting an image normal to the principle axis of the parabolic mirror to produce an illusion of the image when reflected from the parabolic mirror.

Abstract: A mix design method for determining the gradation of coarse and fine aggregates to be combined to achieve a predetermined percentage of air void volume and voids in mineral aggregates for a given quantity of asphalt cement. The method uses a volumetric value known as the Riguez Index which is derived from a compacted representative sample of fine aggregates to be used in the mixing plant. Volumes of graded aggregate composites are calculated at various gradation values below the bulking point and compared with the Riguez Index thereby providing the basis for graphically selecting a particular gradation wherein an aggregate mixture of said particular gradation contains, when compacted, the desired predetermined void volumes. Coarse aggregates and fine aggregates are demarcated by the No. 4 screen.