Abstract: A computer-implemented method of transforming an image file by an image file transformation apparatus, the method including providing an image file in a pixel-based format having a plurality of pixels, dividing the pixels into a plurality of patches, sampling the pixels to generate boundary conditions relating to each of the patches, deriving Fourier coefficients of a solution to a partial differential equation according to the boundary conditions, and outputting the Fourier coefficients for each of the patches as a transformed image file.

Abstract: A computer system includes a server device which provides one or more content packages each comprising a plurality of asset files. A client device stores the content packages, and generates a virtual environment based on the asset files to be displayed on a display unit. A tracker is arranged to record an asset list directly or indirectly representing a sequence of the asset files according to progress through the virtual environment at the client device, and to distinguish between legitimate and non-legitimate behavior of the client device according to the recorded asset list.

Abstract: A data compression apparatus and method suitable for image data assembles pixel values into plural groups. An encoding unit sets a maximum bit plane according to a highest value in the group, and encodes the data values sequentially along the group using iteratively reduced bit plane levels until reaching a lowest bit plane or exhausting the data values in the group, to provide a compressed dataset. Examples include recording a positional index where the bit plane level is changed within each group.

Abstract: A client device downloads an interactive multimedia content package, such as a video game, from a server across a network. The package includes executable code and a plurality of graphical asset files. A wrapper component is provided in the package, which provides an intermediate layer between the executable code and a runtime environment of the client device. The wrapper component restricts functionality of the interactive multimedia content package to provide a demonstration or trial mode, in particular having time limitations (e.g. a rental mode) or functional limitations regarding the assets and/or progress within the content by the executable code. The wrapper component may be removed or inactivated, thereby achieving a full or unlimited mode of the package.

Abstract: A data compression apparatus 100 and method suitable for image data 50 assembles pixel values 52 into at least one group 55 with a positional index 56. An encoding unit 130 sets a maximum bit plane according to a highest value in the group, and encodes the data values sequentially along the group using iteratively reduced bit plane levels until reaching a lowest bit plane or exhausting the data values in the group, including recording the positional index where the bit plane level is changed, to provide a compressed dataset.

Abstract: A multimedia content delivery apparatus for delivering graphical information across a network to a client device, the apparatus including an environment engine controlling a virtual environment responsive to user commands, an object transformation unit transforming original object data of objects in the environment into compressed object data, a data management unit transmitting compressed data to the client device for decompression to output a sequence of images of the environment on the device, and a handler unit receiving commands from the device and providing the user commands to the environment engine.

Abstract: A data compression apparatus 100 and method suitable for image data 50 assembles pixel values 52 into at least one group 55 with a positional index 56. An encoding unit 130 sets a maximum bit plane according to a highest value in the group, and encodes the data values sequentially along the group using iteratively reduced bit plane levels until reaching a lowest bit plane or exhausting the data values in the group, including recording the positional index where the bit plane level is changed, to provide a compressed dataset.

Abstract: A client device downloads an interactive multimedia content package, such as a video game, from a server across a network. The package includes executable code and a plurality of graphical asset files. A wrapper component is provided in the package, which provides an intermediate layer between the executable code and a runtime environment of the client device. The wrapper component restricts functionality of the interactive multimedia content package to provide a demonstration or trial mode, in particular having time limitations (e.g. a rental mode) or functional limitations regarding the assets and/or progress within the content by the executable code. The wrapper component may be removed or inactivated, thereby achieving a full or unlimited mode of the package.

Abstract: A multimedia content delivery system includes a server apparatus (100) for delivering graphical information across a network (30) to a client device (200). An environment engine (150) controls a virtual environment responsive to user commands. An object transformation unit (400, 405) transforms original object data (310) relating to a plurality of objects into compressed object data (350). A data management unit (120) transmits the compressed object data to the client device (200). The compressed object data (350) is decompressed and rendered by the client device (200) to output images to represent the virtual environment on a visual display device. Server-side and client side I/O handler units (130, 230) provide the user commands from the client device (200). The compressed object data (360) may comprise coefficients of a solution to a partial differential equation.