Abstract: Two channels of output of sequences of digital still images are input to a DYE system which has pipelined memory circuits rather than frame buffers. The DVE system includes a DVE unit which performs arbitrary three-dimensional, digital video effects on the two channels of input to provide a composite output sequence. The DVE system thus operates on sequences of digital still images rather than video signals. The DVE system is also adapted to prevent output upon receipt of a control signal, which may indicate that an output pipeline is full. The DVE system also provides a control signal to prevent input when it cannot receive input or it is not providing output.

Abstract: The invention improves over the prior art by providing a media pipeline with two channels for processing sequences of digital still images. A blender is provided so as to enable simple effects on these two streams of video data such as dissolves, wipes and chroma keys. Complex arbitrary three-dimensional effects and other effects may also be provided using an external interface.Thus, a system for processing sequences of digital still images to provide real-time digital video effects includes first and second channels for communicating first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video. A controller directs still images to one of the first and second channels. A blender, having a first input connected to the first channel, a second input connected to the second channel, and an output, provides a combination of the first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video.

Abstract: A data buffer that compensates the differences in data rates, between a storage device and an image compression processor. A method and apparatus for the real time indexing of frames in a video data sequence.

Abstract: A display system represents an audio track as a discrete waveform, wherein each sample in the waveform may take on one of a discrete range of possible values. The discrete waveform indicates the presence of sound energy above user-set thresholds. Audio data samples are smoothed and applied to one or more thresholding functions. The resulting discrete output is displayed by using graphics of either different size or different color. An editor using this display system in conjunction with a computerized editing system receives an indication of where sufficient sound levels occur on the audio track. This information may be used to locate breaks in sound, dialog and other sound effects, which simplifies audio editing and synchronization of audio with other media in a multimedia presentation. Similar thresholds may be applied to the results of frequency analysis to provide an indication of which frequencies are present in the audio's signal.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for generating a reference video sequence of images includes performing a grid analysis of each of the frames of the video sequence, assigning a color value to that frame, calculating the difference in total color value between frames in the video sequence, establishing a threshold value for transitions and dropping those frames whose transitions from frame to frame are below the threshold value. The reference video analysis may be performed on a single user system or over a network system including a number of workstations.

Abstract: A derailleur cable router changes the direction of a derailleur cable operatively attached to a rear derailleur to a bicycle frame. The rear derailleur is actuated by variation in tension applied to the derailleur cable from a direction rearward of the derailleur. The tension in the derailleur cable is controlled by a shifter attached to a distal end of the derailleur cable, the shifter being mounted to the bicycle frame forward of the derailleur. The derailleur cable includes a cable housing around at least a portion of the derailleur cable with the derailleur housing being fixed against lengthwise movement relative to the bicycle frame by attachment to the bicycle frame. The derailleur cable router includes a frame having a first and a second end. A housing is provided at the first end of the frame and the housing is attachable to a derailleur cable housing. A second housing is provided at the second end of the frame, the second housing being attachable to a derailleur cable feed of a rear derailleur.

Abstract: A mechanical user interface includes a supporting plate and a slider adapted to slide on the supporting plate. A position encoder is attached to the supporting plate to monitor movement of the slider. The position encoder provides an electrical output indicative of the position of the slider on the supporting plate. A sensor may also be provided to detect when the slider is at a zero position, thereby allowing absolute rather than relative, position data to be obtained. In a computerized film editing system, when the absolute position is less than a given threshold, the mechanical user interface may be used to advance film by a single frame. Otherwise the position may be translated to a frame per second rate.

Abstract: A system for the management of media data based on user instructions. A system for the management of of relational information between media sources is provided as is a method for determining media data associated with requests based on source identifiers and range specification on the source of the data.

Abstract: A media editing system for editing source material comprising digitizing apparatus for receiving and digitizing video and audio source material, the video source material including a sequence of images, each spanning both the horizontal and vertical display axes of the video source material. The editing system also includes computing apparatus including compression apparatus responsive to the digitizing apparatus. The compression apparatus compresses the images from the video source material. The computing apparatus determines if at least one of the compressed images occupies more than a target amount of storage and provides an indication if the at least one of the compressed images does occupy more than the target amount of storage. The compression apparatus is responsive to this indication to adjust its level of compression. The computing apparatus is also for manipulating the stored source material.

Abstract: The invention is a method for visually and audibly representing computer instructions for editing video which provides audio and/or visual information with such instructions for editing a video tape or film program. Audiovisual information is provided by storing with the identification of the source of each segment audiovisual representations of that segment. Typically, the instructions are stored on a computer and the audiovisual representations are digitized sequences of video images and sound, whereby an operator can request playback of the representations for any source segment.

Abstract: A brake for a cycle includes a pair of brake arms each having a cylindrical section received in a through of mounting piece, the brake arms being movable axially and radially within the through and securable at a select position within the through. A brake pad attachment having a distal end and a substantially cylindrical proximal end is received in a bore in the brake arm. The bore has an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical portion of the brake arm. The brake pad attachment is rotatable axially within the bore. The distal end of the brake pad attachment has a cylindrical hole with an axis perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical proximal end, the cylindrical hole being sized to axially receive a brake pad post of a brake pad assembly. A clamp is operatively associated with each brake arm for securing the brake pad attachment at a select rotated position within the bore.

Abstract: A field coil signal transmission and tag reading circuit is disclosed for use in an inductive tag reader system. The circuit is coupled to an oscillator which provides a drive signal to a differential driver. The driver transforms the clock signal into first and second complementary drive signals. The drive signals are coupled to a field coil through a plurality of capacitors for inductively producing an output power signal. The capacitors are differentially coupled to the coil, so that each input of the coil is coupled to one of the clock signals through a separate capacitor. A bridge rectifier is coupled to the field coil opposite the capacitors for producing an output comprising a direct current element and an alternating current element superimposed on the DC element. A resistance-capacitance (R-C) filter, coupled to the bridge rectifier, provides a filtered rectifier output signal. The output signal can be decoded downstream of the R-C filter using several different decoding schemes known in the art.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing digitized audio information and digitized picture information establishes a reference time base based on timecodes included with the audio and picture information. The reference time base may be used to synchronize output between a digitized source and one which may be digitized or undigitized.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cantilever brake for a cycle. The cantilever brake is attachable to a pair of attachment studs extending from a cycle frame. The cantilever brake includes a pair of elongate brake arms each having an integral brake arm base at its proximal end. The brake arm base forms a cylindrical cavity transverse the brake arm, the cylindrical cavity having a main portion with a diameter to receive a main body portion of the attachment stud and an enlarged diameter portion at one end of a diameter to receive an enlarged shoulder of an attachment stud. The brake arm, which is rotatable around the attachment stud, extends from the brake arm base over the enlarged diameter portion of the brake arm base cylindrical cavity. A pair of brake pad adjustment assemblies each receives one of the pair of cylindrical brake arms. The brake pad adjustment assemblies are movable lengthwise of the cylindrical brake arm and are rotatable about the cylindrical brake arm.

Abstract: Creating a transition between a first sequence of video frames and a second sequence of video frames. The method includes storing a table of values that express a non-linear response to certain levels of light, generating a transition between the sequences, and adjusting the intensity at which material of the first sequence is displayed relative to the intensity at which material of the second sequence is displayed within the transition, based on the values stored in the step of storing.

Abstract: A bicycle brake lever (10) adjustable to very the leverage applied to a bicycle brake connected to a lever (10). The lever (10) includes a brake handle (14) having an elongated finger grip (50) and a transverse elongated mounting arm (52) joined at their proximal ends and integrally formed. The mounting arm (52) is attached to a handle mount (12) for pivotal movement about a fixed axis. A cable link (16) is attached to the mounting arm of the brake handle by a slidable attachment (44, 64) for slidable movement along the length of the mounting arm (52) toward and away from a fixed axis. The cable link (16) includes an attachment for attaching a brake cable (78) thereto. A user may fix the cable link (16) at a select position along the length of the mounting arm (52) against slidable movement.

Abstract: A data buffer that compensates the differences in data rates, between a storage device and an image compression processor. A method and apparatus for the real time indexing of frames in a video data sequence.

Abstract: Multi-memory electronic identification tags (200) are utilized in short-range cooperative electronic identification systems comprised of readers (100) and tags (200) wherein a reader (100) may communicate with the tag (200) if the tag belongs to a certain class of tags. Communication is accomplished by a reader (100) establishing a reversing magnetic field (10) in the vicinity of a tag (200) and the (200) varying its absorption of power from the field (10) in accordance with the information to be transmitted. A first type of memory (258) is permanent and unalterable and used for storing data that is unique to the tag (200) and never needs to be changed. A second type of memory (252) is permanent but alterable and used for storing data that characterizes the object to which the tag (200) is attached. A third type of memory (259) is for the temporary storage of data produced by tag sensors (270,275).