Abstract: A system for entering objects from a set of objects into an electronic device is arranged to determine a first pointer position (11) on a display (10) and display, surrounding the first point position, a first plurality of individually selectable fields (12), each of which represents a subset of objects from the set of objects. Selection of a subset is performed by moving the pointer to the field (12a) containing the desired subset. The system then alternately displays, surrounding a selected field (12a), at least one additional plurality of individually selected fields (13), each of which represents either an individual object or a further subset of objects from the subset of objects represented in the previously selected field, and moving the pointer for selecting an additional field, until a field (13a) which represents an individual object has been selected. The selected individual object can then be entered by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting blocking artefacts within a sequence of digital images. The method comprises a step of high-pass filtering (110) a portion of a digital image, intended to supply at least one card of discontinuity pixels. It also comprises a step of detecting (120) blocking artefacts from the at least one card of discontinuity pixels. Finally, it comprises a step of searching (130), HPF within the portion of the digital image, a set of grid rows, a grid row having a density of discontinuity pixels which is substantially higher than that of its neighboring rows. Such a method of detecting blocking artefacts is particularly efficient and allows, for example, a better correction of blocking artefacts in the grid rows.

Abstract: A decoder decrypts data from the stream of data, using decryption control words. A secure device is coupled to the decoder to supply the control words. The secure device has a memory space for storing at least two items of entitlement information with associated authorization keys. The secure device has an input for receiving messages from the apparatus. The message contains information for example about the source of the stream. The secure device contains an execution unit that responds to the messages by selecting from among die at least two items, if stored, dependent on a content of the messages. The execution unit enables sending of the control words to the decoder subject to the presence and validity of the selected one of the items of entitlement information, after decryption of the control word with a decryption key associated with the selected one of the items.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Sigma Delta A/D converter (2) for generating a N-bits digital output signal (4) on the basis of an analogue input signal (6), comprising a control loop which comprises a quantizer (8) comprising at least a comparator (24.1, 24.2) for generating the N-bits digital output signal (4) and a D/A converter (10) in a first feedback loop (12) of the control loop for generating an analogue version (14) of the N-bits digital output signal (4) on the basis of the N-bits digital output signal (4), wherein the quantizer (8) also comprises an Up-Down counter (26) which is coupled to the comparator (24.1, 24.2), wherein the D/A converter (10) is coupled to the comparator (24.1, 24.2) in a second feedback loop (27) of the control loop.

Abstract: A transponder (10) which is combined with a product and contains a product code which is significant for the product can be set to a first safety state when the product undergoes a transfer from a first product location area to a second product location area, via a safety state activation zone which includes a communication station, and can be set to a second safety state if the transponder has been set to the first safety state. A transponder (10) set to the second safety state can be permanently deactivated.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided with a light-transmitting discharge vessel (10), enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space (11) provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas. The discharge vessel (10) comprises means (41A) for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space (11). At least a portion of an inner wall of the discharge vessel (10) is provided with a translucent layer (16), which according to the invention has a thickness in the range from 1 to 50 (m and comprises an alkaline earth borate. Starting materials for the translucent layer (16) are nano-particles of calcium strontium, and/or barium borate, enabling the production of such thick translucent layers. Preferably, the discharge vessel (10) is made from a sodium-rich or a soda lime glass with a glass composition comprising the following essential constituents: 60 to 80% SiO2 and 10 to 20% Na2O by weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system for executing processes with different priorities in a multiprocessing environment comprising execution of a low priority process and a high priority process where the high priority process and the low priority process (T1) share a given resource, the method comprising the step of: raising the effective priority of the low priority process when the low priority process is going to use the shared resource, where the effective priority is raised to above other processes in the multiprocessing environment. This allows for as short delay, by other processes, of the high priority process as possible.