Abstract: Fingerprinting is a technique to identify multimedia signals by extracting robust perceptual features of the signal contents and searching the extracted features in a database where titles, artists, etc. are stored. Watermarking is a technique of embedding payload data in a signal in an unobtrusive manner. The invention combines both techniques. A fingerprint (M(i)) is extracted (1) from a host signal (x) and stored in a database (5). A watermark (w(i)) is embedded (2) in the host signal by modifying (21) the signal, such that the fingerprint (M?(i)) of the modified signal (x?) differs slightly from the original fingerprint. The difference is so small that the database considers them to be similar. At the receiver end, the fingerprint is extracted (3) from the watermarked signal and applied to the database, which responds by returning the original fingerprint of the signal.

Abstract: A method for recording and reproducing event signals supplied at particular times from at least one source as well as preset data selectively input by a user which data establishes an event signal to be recorded and the time of recording that event signal, wherein audio and video signals are to be recorded on or reproduced from at least one record medium dependent on at least said preset data, said method comprising the steps of: -selectively producing said preset data to select source, time and duration of event signals to be recorded; -storing said preset data; and -providing management data each related to the recording and reproducing operation of a specific record medium; is characterized by -storing at least said management data on a storage medium different from said at least one record medium.

Abstract: Digital circuitry is tested through effecting a paired data loop-back from a first buffered output to a first buffered input whilst within the circuitry executing at least part of the test through using a Built-In-Self-Test methodology. In particular, the loop-back is effected from the first buffered data output to a buffered control input, from a buffered control output to the first buffered data input, or both. Advantageously, the buffering is associated to executing a conversion between a digital full swing internal signal and an analog low swing external signal with respect to core circuitry of the digital circuitry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for programming and verifying EEPROM pages and a corresponding computer software product and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be used in particular to speed up the programming into the EEPROM of large amounts of data or code, such as occurs for example when smart cards are being personalized. The invention relates to an arrangement that sets up a DMA connection between EEPROM and RAM—not including the core of the microcontroller involved—and makes possible automatic programming of data blocks of random length from the RAM to the EEPROM including the verification of the programming operation against the original data in the RAM under the control of the EEPROM logic.

Abstract: Termination of a high voltage device is achieved by a plurality of discrete deposits of charge that are deposited in varying volumes and/or spacing laterally along a termination region. The manner in which the volumes and/or spacing varies also varies between different layers of a multiple layer device. In a preferred embodiment, the variations are such that the field strength is substantially constant along any horizontal or vertical cross section of the termination region.

Abstract: A cholesteric liquid crystal display has pixel address circuits (84) with an input (12) for receiving a data signal and a plurality of outputs, wherein each output is for applying a pixel drive signal to a respective portion of the liquid crystal material (20), and wherein the pixel drive signal for each output is independently switchable by the pixel address circuit to each output. This provides spatially-separated sub-pixels, and a number of the sub-pixels can be addressed in order to provide a grey scale output for each pixel. Each pixel drive signal can however be a two-level digital signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for repairing an image using an image defect matte that indicates portions of an image that have been repaired in previous iterations or are proposed modifications for a current iteration. A user interface incorporates graphical tools that allow the user to modify or manipulate the defect matte and thereby initiate commands that control the selection, detection or repair of one or more defects in an image. For example, the user interface may include commands that allow a user to further repair or cancel a previous repair of a selected region of an image. Each image defect matte may be stored, for example, as an array of elements that assume integer values corresponding to different degrees or steps of repair, such as “original”, “repaired” or “new defect.” Each matte integer value can be encoded with a different color. Each element of the defect matte corresponds to one or more image pixels.

Abstract: A communications system consisting of a server system that stores software applications, a broadcast system that broadcasts the software applications, and a multiplicity of portable clients that each include a receiver having a tuner that is selectively tunable to receive a selected one of the software applications broadcasted by the broadcast system. The portable clients can be any type of portable data communications device, such as a hand-held, palm-top, or notebook computing device, a PDA, an intelligent cellular phone, or any other personal multimedia appliance or Network Computer (NC). The broadcast system can be any suitable satellite or terrestrial air or cable broadcast system. The software applications can consist of a broad spectrum of different software applications, such as word processing, video games, spreadsheets, address books, calendars, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a band coil by means of a material-removing process performed on the coils so as to obtain a band coil which has a profile in the direction of the coil axis. Such a process may be a discharge process, an etching process or a mechanical grinding process. The obtained band coils may have such a shape that certain coil sides are effective whereas other coil sides are interfering as little as possible. Such band coils can be very successful in planar motors.

Abstract: A display has a light-emitting layer, such as a light-emitting polymer or a small molecule compound layer, sandwiched between two electrodes structures including an anode structure having a plurality of subgroups of separated anode segments. Each mode segment in each anode subgroup is surrounded by anode segments that are not members of the same anode subgroup. Essentially each anode segment is a member of the anode subgroups. A signal selector assembly is connected to each anode segment, and is arranged to provide the anode segments of a single anode subgroup with image information signals, while holding the remaining anode segments at equal potentials.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically detecting such unwanted messages in real time, which is referred to herein as the Redundant Email Address Detection And Capture System (READACS) is disclosed. The READACS program assumes that incoming mail files have been written to disk in a file format that is somewhat consistent and/or predictable by the programmer. The task of READACS is to identify those email message files, locate an address-of-origin within those files, identify whether the email message should be considered spam, separate spam and non-spam email messages logically, and physically move or rename (or both) those email messages as desired by the programmer.

Abstract: A method utilizing a lithography system comprises a lithography patterning chamber, a wafer exchange chamber separated from the lithography patterning chamber by a first gate valve, and at least one alignment load-lock separated from the wafer exchange chamber by a second gate valve. The alignment load-lock includes an alignment stage that aligns a wafer during pump-down. The alignment load-lock can be uni-directional or bi-directional. The lithography system can include one or multiple alignment load-locks.

Abstract: A device for dressing shellfish comprises a handle and a working end. The handle can have a pair of handle members manually actuable with a single hand. The working end can incorporate a pair of blades connected to the respective handle members. The blades can be coupled to each other near their distal ends at least one can be adapted to bend laterally at a central region when one or both of the handles is actuated. The blades can be manipulable between an aligned configuration to facilitate insertion of the working end into the shellfish, and a spread configuration in which one or more of the blades can penetrate the shell. Removal of the device from the shellfish while the working end is retained in the spread configuration can form a slit along the length of the shellfish, facilitating removal of meat therefrom.

Abstract: A data processing device (1) which includes a circuit (2) with data processing means (17) which are suitable for processing data (DA) while utilizing a characteristic value (CV) and with sequencing means (15) which are arranged to execute an algorithm in order to control the data processing means (17) in conformity with this algorithm which comprises a given number N of sub-algorithms containing identical successions of algorithm steps, is additionally provided with order fixation means (29) which co-operate with the sequencing means (15) and whereby, each time when the algorithm is executed, an order can be fixed from a plurality of feasible orders for the execution of the N sub-algorithms.

Abstract: A device for scanning a first and second type of optical record carriers (2, 40) generators a first and a second radiation beam for scanning the first and second type of record carriers, respectively. The information layers (4, 42) of the first and second type of record carriers is scanned through transparent layers (3, 41) of different thickness. The first radiation beam (17) has a first wavelength and a first numerical aperture NA?1. The second radiation beam (46) has a different, second wavelength and an effective second numerical aperture NA2 smaller NA1. The rays of the second radiation beam having an NA smaller than NA2 form a central sub-beam (48), the rays having a larger NA form an outer sub-beam (49). The device includes a non-periodic phase structure that does not affect the first radiation beam. The phase structure introduces an amount of spherical aberration in the central sub-beam (48). The phase structure is transparent for the central and outer sub-beam (48, 49).

Abstract: A pad which has a magnetic permeability greater than that of free space at the frequency of nuclear magnetic resonance but which is non-magnetic in steady magnetic fields is disposed between an RF coil and the surface of a patient. The pad is surmounted by a block having similar properties. Two further pads extend from the ends of the block to the surface of the patient. The pads and block guide magnetic flux, which is indicative of magnetic resonant active nuclei in the patient, towards an RF coil which is spaced apart from the surface of the patient/object under examination.

Abstract: A method of avoiding collisions with components of medical diagnostic imaging system includes defining a plurality of imaging system components as wire frame representations having vertices. The objects in the imaging system are defined in a common coordinate system using transform matrices for the imaging system components. An operator initiates movement of the imaging system components and position and motion input signals are provided to a controller. The transform matrices for imaging system components are updated and a final transform is computed in response to the input signals for the imaging system components, the final transform indicative of a position of imaging system components at a predetermined time interval. The final transform is applied to the wire frame representation generating a new position for the wire frame and a determination is made as to whether a collision is occurring between any of the plurality of imaging system components using the new wire frame positions.

Abstract: A wearable garment, usable by athletes, workers, and the elderly or infirm, incorporates an easily operated manual activator/switch located in a readily accessible position on the garment. A user wearing the garment can operate the switch by merely touching the appropriate location on the surface of the garment. The switch is electrically coupled to a signaling device, such that operation of the switch activates the signaling device to transmit a signal or signals for summoning help or identifying the geographic location of the bearer of the signaling device, or otherwise assisting the bearer. Pockets and/or other forms of support on the garment can be provided to assist in carrying signaling devices coupled to the switch as well as ancillary equipment such as power supplies.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel biaromatic compounds which correspond to the general formula (I) below: and also to the method for preparing them and their use in pharmaceutical compositions intended for use in human or veterinary medicine (in dermatology, and also in the field of cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases and/or diseases associated with lipid metabolism), or alternatively in cosmetic compositions.