Abstract: A method of compressing a source (e.g., a video signal, a still image, an audio signal, etc.) is disclosed that does not require the transmission of changes in the quantization step size and more evenly affects the fidelity of the source than techniques in the prior art that change the quantization step size at various points in the compression process. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention involves transforming a source (e.g., a video frame, audio sample, etc.) into m coefficients, in well-known fashion, wherein each of the m coefficients is represented by a known number of bits. Then, only n of the m coefficients are used for transmission or storage, as appropriate, where the n coefficients are more perceptually significant than the m—n coefficients not used.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing power consumption in a flash A/D converter uses a predictor module to compute the "next" digital output value (i.e., s(n+1)) and then uses this value to regulate the number of individual comparators required to perform an accurate conversion. The predictor module is disposed as a feedback element between the converter output and the comparator array. Based upon the prediction, the module transmits a control signal to the comparator array, turning "on" and "off" subsets of the comparators forming the array. By maintaining a large number of the comparators in the "off" state (usually, only half of the comparators need to be enabled), a significant power savings can be realized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving alignment between a spray etcher nozzle and a semiconductor (either microelectronic or optoelectronic, for example) wafer surface. A spray nozzle tip is temporarily removed from the spray nozzle and an illumination source, such as a low power laser, is activated and inserted in its place. The laser emission illuminates the wafer surface and, by adjusting the position of the nozzle, alignment between the nozzle and wafer can be achieved. Once aligned, the nozzle is locked in place and the laser is replaced with the conventional spray nozzle tip.