Abstract: A method, system, and software are disclosed for improving the quality of a signal. A base signal is recursively decomposed for a desired number of pyramid levels. The decomposed signal from the lowest level is modified to generate a preprocessed signal. The preprocessed signal from the lowest level is used to improve signal components or characteristics of the decomposed signal of the next higher level of the pyramidal decomposition, resulting in a modified signal at the next higher level. In one embodiment, the preprocessed signal includes filter mask that is used to guide a filtering process on the decomposed signal of the next higher level. In another embodiment, the preprocessed signal includes a up-predicted signal that is combined with the decomposed signal of the next higher level. The preprocessed signal from a lower level is used to generate a modified signal at a higher level.

Abstract: A method for blurring in signal processing, for example, in digital film processing, is performed with digital artifacts. The digital artifacts are derived, such as by scanning, and include a noisy artifact and a less noisy artifact. The artifacts are subdivided into a plurality of windows, with each window being subdivided into a plurality of squares. The squares of the noisy artifact and of the less noisy artifact have spatial correspondence, as do the respective windows.

Abstract: A method, system, and software are disclosed for improving the quality of a signal. A signal is converted to a digital representation and then segregated into separate data sets based on one or more properties of the data sets. Data sets exhibiting relatively more information associated with a selected property are designated as shepherd artifacts, and data sets exhibiting relatively less information associated with a selected property are designated as sheep artifacts. A representative shepherd artifact is then used to guide a representative sheep artifact, resulting in a guided artifact with enhanced signal properties. This process may be repeated for other categories of signal properties. The resulting guided artifacts may then be combined to form a processed signal with one or more enhanced properties having increased quality. The present invention finds particular application in photography and digital film processing, whereby the illustrated method may be used to improve image quality.

Abstract: A method, system and software are disclosed for correcting defects formed in a physical medium of an original image. Multiple scans of the original image are recorded, where the multiple scans have different properties. For example, the angle of the light incident to the physical medium or the properties of the light may be changed between scans of original image. The multiple scans can be used to generate a reference image from which defect corrections are made. Alternatively, a reference image can be generated directly from the original image. The multiple scans can also be used to determine the degree of defectiveness and/or an estimate of the signal strength of each portion of the original image. A decision is made on whether or not an image portion having one or more defects should be corrected, where the decision can be based on an evaluation of the potential benefit compared to the potential damage caused by correction of an image portion.

Abstract: An ADSL POTS splitter includes an enhanced low pass filter. The enhanced low pass filter includes a first filter capacitor, a first non-isolated inductor, a second non-isolated inductor, a first isolated inductor and a common mode choke. The second non-isolated inductor is connected to the first non-isolated inductor. A first winding of the second non-isolated inductor is connected in series with a first winding of the first non-isolated inductor. A second winding of the second non-isolated inductor connected in series with a second winding of the first non-isolated inductor. The first isolated inductor is connected to the first non-isolated inductor with a first winding of the first isolated inductor connected in series with the first winding of the first non-isolated inductor and to a first lead of the first filter capacitor. A second winding of the first isolated inductor connected in series with the second winding of the first non-isolated inductor and to a second lead of the first filter capacitor.

Abstract: Image processing apparatus and methods according to the present invention are described in which data for each color channel are separately processed, on a pixel by pixel basis, such that the data associated with the primary color channel is filtered less than the crosstalk information associated with a non-primary color channel. In a specific embodiment, the data associated with the primary color channel is not filtered at all. When data is processed in this manner, minimal loss of image detail results, with a significant reduction in crosstalk noise.

Abstract: A method, system, and software are disclosed for improving the quality of a signal. A base signal is recursively decomposed and modified for a desired number of pyramid levels. At each level, the decomposed signal from the previous level is modified to improve one or more signal components or characteristics. The modified signal from a given level is then decomposed for the next level of the pyramidal decomposition for each pyramid level. Starting at the second to last level of the pyramidal decomposition, the improved signal of the last pyramid level is recomposed and then combined with one or more signals from the current pyramid level, resulting in an improved signal for the current level. The recomposition and combination of the improved signal of the previous level occurs for each level until the top, or level 0, of the pyramidal decomposition is reached. The improved base signal may or may not be combined with the original base signal, depending on the desired outcome.

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: A bolt catch assembly including a bolt engagement leg, a sliding member engagement leg, a contact member and an arrangement for enabling the bolt catch assembly to pivot about a pivot axis. The bolt engagement leg is configured for engaging a bolt of a firearm to hold the bolt in an open position. The sliding member engagement leg is connected to the bolt engagement leg. The contact member resiliently mounted on the sliding member engagement leg. The contact member is configured for being displaced between a static position and a displaced position whereby a catch engagement force is generated in response to the contact member being moved from the static position toward the displaced position. The arrangement for enabling the bolt catch assembly to pivot is disposed between the bolt engagement leg and the sliding member engagement leg thereby enabling the bolt engagement leg and the sliding member engagement leg to be pivoted in unison about the pivot axis of the bolt catch assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: An organ preservation system according to one embodiment of the disclosures herein includes a perfusion liquid delivery apparatus, a perfusion liquid pumping apparatus and a thermal mass. The perfusion liquid pumping apparatus is connected to the perfusion liquid delivery apparatus and is capable of delivering a perfusion liquid to the perfusion liquid delivery apparatus. The thermal mass includes a thermal mass cooling core body having a core cavity therein. A cooling member is disposed in the core cavity of the thermal mass cooling core body. A super-coolable composition is disposed within the core cavity of the thermal mass cooling core body encapsulating at least a portion of the cooling member. The cooling member is coupled between the perfusion liquid delivery apparatus and the perfusion liquid pumping apparatus and is capable of having the perfusion liquid routed therethrough for enabling the perfusion liquid to be cooled.

Abstract: One implementation of the invention is a self-service film processing system. In one embodiment, the self-service film processing system comprises a display and a film processing system. The film processing system operates to develop and digitize film provided by a customer to produce digital images that are then displayed to the customer. The self-service film processing system may include several additional components, such as various types of payment systems, image input systems, output devices, and customer input devices may be incorporated into the self-service film processing system. The film processing system may comprise a wet-chemistry film processing system or a digital film processing system. Another implementation of the invention is a prepaid photoprocessing card. In one embodiment, the prepaid photoprocessing card comprises a media and an encoded data device.

Abstract: A oven conveyor system is disclosed herein. In use, items to be heated are placed in contact with a hearth, and then moved across the hearth by the conveyor. The conveyor system allows the items to maintain contact with the hearth while being conveyed. A large volume of items may be heated while still obtaining the beneficial heating characteristics of a hearth-type oven.

Abstract: A method and system for environmental control in film processing is disclosed. In general, photographic film is coated with a processing solution, such as a developer solution, and is then developed within a controlled air environment. In the preferred embodiments, the temperature and humidity within the air environment is strictly controlled, which allows the development process to be more accurately and consistently controlled. This also allows fewer processing chemicals to be used and reduces harmful effluents caused by photographic film processing.

Abstract: A lens focusing system provides a lens in an optical path between a scene and a photosensitive detector to properly focus a first set of wavelengths of light. At least one representation of the scene is captured. The focal point is adjusted for a second different set of wavelengths of light. This focal adjustment may be made by moving the lens and/or the detector, offsetting the position of the lens from the first position by a predetermined amount. An alternative method would impose at least a second lens in the optical path, thereby providing focus for a different wavelength. This alternative system may include various combinations of fixed and movable lenses. At least one representation of the image is captured using this different set of wavelengths of light. The different sets of wavelengths of light can include infrared light, visible light, and subsets and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Various aspects of one or more methods, apparatuses and data processor program products capable of enabling administration of an athleticism development program are disclosed herein. These various aspects include facilitating an athleticism training routine by an athleticism development program subscriber and facilitating a present athleticism level assessment by the athleticism development program subscriber after facilitating the athleticism training routine. After facilitating the present athleticism level assessment, an attained standardized athleticism level corresponding to the present athleticism level evaluation is determined. The implementation of standardized athleticism levels is advantageous as it supports a measurable plan of progress for motivating a subscriber and trainer to meet their individual and mutual goals.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for actuating a bolt carrier group apparatus comprising a piston tube attached to a receiver assembly. An operating rod is disposed in a bore of the piston tube. A piston is engaged with a first end of the operating rod. The operating rod moves from a static position to a displaced position when a combustion gas is exposed to a face of the piston. A bolt carrier including a bolt carrier lug is disposed in a bolt carrier lug channel of an upper receiver body. A tappet rod is engaged with the bolt carrier lug. The tappet rod moves substantially in unison with the operating rod. A yoke is attached to the tappet rod and to the operating rod. The yoke is mounted movably on the piston tube. An adjustable pressure regulator is coupled to the piston tube for regulating discharge of the combustion gas therethrough.

Abstract: One embodiment of a communication equipment shelf system includes a communication shelf, a backplane assembly, a plurality of communication cards and a plurality of backplane connector assemblies. The communication equipment shelf has a prescribed shelf depth. The prescribed shelf depth is defined between a first face and a second face of the communication equipment shelf. The backplane assembly is mounted on the communication equipment shelf at a position between the first face and the second face of the communication equipment shelf. The backplane assembly includes a backplane circuit substrate. A plurality of card edge connectors is mounted on a first side of the backplane circuit substrate and a plurality of backplane connectors is mounted on a second side of the backplane circuit substrate. A first row of the backplane connectors is offset from a second row of the backplane connectors.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system for estimating sensor and illumination non-uniformities. The system comprises a first light source, and a first sensor operable to capture light reflected from a first side of film illuminated by the light source while the film has a developer chemical applied thereto and processing circuitry coupled to the first sensor. The processing circuitry is operable to capture a first plurality of readings from the sensor responsive to light reflected from an unexposed region of film to determine a first set of non-uniformity data and adjust image data obtained from the film in response to the first set of non-uniformity data. In a further embodiment, the processing circuitry is further operable to dim the first light source for at least a portion of the time that the sensor is being used to sense the unexposed region of the film.