Abstract: An apparatus and method for an improved security system employing a video camera and video recorder is disclosed. Recordation of the video signals from the video camera by the video recorder is controlled by activation of a remotely mounted switch that monitors the status of a controlled access area. When an activation switch is placed adjacent an access door to a retail display cabinet, recordation of the video signals depicting that area will occur only when the access door is opened, generating a signal from the door switch as to the status of the access door ("open"). Upon closing the access door, a second signal is generated by the switch, terminating the recording of the video signals. In this manner video signals are only recorded during such time as access restrictions are compromised.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a lens calibration procedure which is executed for each camera and lens pair. The calibration procedure is performed to determine the camera and lens nodal point offset and field of view, plus image offset in both the horizontal and vertical directions as a function of lens zoom and focus settings. The method includes the step of providing apparatus which enables the semi-automatic and rapid entry of data points representing lens zoom and focus setting information, thereby eliminating a source of human error. The general method includes the steps of creating a real environment and an identical virtual environment which is a copy of the real environment. The image from the virtual environment is superimposed on a monitor displaying the real environment. The camera's zoom and focus rings are incremented through a plurality of values by discrete steps. For each value, the virtual environment's settings are manipulated until the real and virtual images are identical.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method is disclosed to decode an encoded MPEG video stream in an efficient manner making optimal use of available system memory and computational resources. The present invention partitions the MPEG video decode task into software tasks which are executed by a CPU and hardware tasks which are implemented in dedicated video hardware. Software tasks represent those tasks which do not require extensive memory or computational resources. On the other hand, tasks implemented in dedicated video hardware represent those tasks which involve computational and memory mintensive operations. Synchronization between software tasks executed by the CPU and hardware tasks implemented in dedicated video hardware is achieved by means of various data structures, control structures and device drivers.

Abstract: A video clamping apparatus is described which uses transistors manufactured in a CMOS process to clamp an input video signal to a reference level during a SYNC period. A closed-loop system is provided which includes a buffer amplifier, a sample-and-hold device, a summer, a low-pass filter and a clamping circuit. The summer compares the output of the sample-and-hold device to a reference voltage which causes an output of an analog-to-digital converter to be the digital word zero.In order to maintain a high enough bandwidth of the closed loop system, a first current source is operatively coupled to the transistors of the clamping circuit during the SYNC period. When the SYNC period has ended, the first current source is decoupled from the transistors of the clamping circuit. The transconductance of the loop is, therefore, high when needed during the SYNC period.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. In a first embodiment of the invention, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. In a second embodiment, the image sensor is remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and wherein a control box can be provided which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes.

Abstract: An image processor which provides a color space conversion characteristic suitable for an image includes a transfer unit which transfers digital color image data representing a desired image input by an image input unit and having a color space depending on the image input unit, and extraction unit which extracts a color space conversion characteristic used to convert the color space depending on the image input unit into another color space. The transfer unit transfers the digital color image data having the color space depending on the image input unit and the color space conversion characteristic.

Abstract: A coding method, decoding method, coding system, and decoding system for efficiently variable length coding and variable length decoding quantized data compared with existing ones. Input data is variable length coded by using a variable length coding table 23C or 23D selected among a plurality of variable length coding tables 23C and 23D prepared in accordance with a coding efficiency. Thereby, it is possible to further improve a variable length coding efficiency compared with a case for using only one variable length coding table. As a result, when generating information content equal to that generated by using only one variable length coding table, it is possible to process data quantized with smaller quantized size and further improve the quality of information transmitted as coded data.

Abstract: A surveillance information recording system comprises a recording device loaded with a recording medium for recording video information concerning the object or place to be monitored, and a dummy device which can eject a recording medium in a manner similar to that in which a recording medium is ejected from an ordinary recording device. The recording device is located in an inconspicuous place, or concealed. The dummy device is located in a relatively conspicuous place. An intruder will mistakenly believe that if he carries out an ejecting operation on the dummy device and takes away the ejected recording medium, no evidence against him will be left behind. As an alternative, two loading sections may be provided in a single recording device, the recording of information being carried out in one of the loading sections, and the recording medium in the other loading section being ejected responsive to an ejecting operation.

Abstract: A television schedule system with a user interface which allows a user to control access to television programs by time, rating, content, and/or channel. Criteria for blocking television programs from being viewed are entered by a user with a password. A television program listing is selected for viewing or recording from an on-screen program guide. A viewer is prompted on the screen to enter a password if the selected program meets the blocking criterion, If a viewer enters the appropriate password, the selected program that meets the blocking criterion is unblocked. The blocking criterion is restored after the program is over or the program is no longer tuned to. Furthermore, the user may set a limit on pay-per-view (PPV) spending to limit the purchase of PPV programs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a communications system (100) for providing communications units (134) access to the communications system (100). The communications. system (100) includes a cable distribution network (106) with an base communications unit (102) and a number of downstream communications units (134) all connected to the cable distribution network (106). A plurality of channels are used to transmit data between the base communications unit (102) and the downstream communications units (134). A first set of channels are used primarily for access the communications system (100) and a second set of channels are used for transmitting data within the communications system (100) after access to the communications system (100) has been gained. The base communications unit (102) sends a first type of data transmission including an identification of access channels used for requesting access to the communications system (100).

Abstract: The system provides three-dimensional real time imaging, with features that serve to control acoustic effects that cause interference. Systems are disclosed for medical imaging and other applications in fields that utilize radiated wave signals. The system includes visualization methods to enable guidance of surgical instruments as well as general medical diagnostic usage. The present invention uses a beamformed television method which achieves visual format imaging. Beamformed television includes orthogonal arrays to efficiently resolve two dimensions of a scene with measures to control grating lobes. Beamformed television also includes a method that reduces the time to transmit and receive signals by use of a single burst transmission of multiple frequency codes from each transducer which causes multiple, coded transmit beams that are radiated simultaneously. The addition of step chirp operations achieves highly precise range resolution which makes visual format imaging possible at selected ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading printed data from heads of an assembled head stack assembly of a disc drive. The assembly and method of the present invention include an image detection assembly having a camera for reading an optical image of the printed data from printed surfaces of heads in the head stack assembly and a reflection device aligned relative to the printed surfaces and camera to direct an optical image of the printed surface of the head to the camera. The assembly also includes an output device coupled to the camera for outputting the printed data.

Abstract: A vocabulary memory which contains descriptions of vocabulary elements is addressable by a code which is formed by a number designating a vocabulary element, but the set of useful codes for a given user comprises gaps (32-38) between groups of consecutive numbers which are referred to as segments (24-31). The vocabulary memory contains segments which are arranged end to end and the receiver comprises an auxiliary memory which contains, for a given segment (27), the smallest and largest code values of this segment and the position in the vocabulary memory of descriptions corresponding to the codes contained in this segment, as well as the addresses (225, 230) in said auxiliary memory of data of two other segments (25, 30) of the sequence of segments, some of which are situated above and some of which are situated below said given segment etc. in order to form a classification in the form of a tree.

Abstract: A moving picture coding apparatus for coding a moving picture and a moving picture decoding apparatus for decoding a coded moving picture are provided. The moving picture coding apparatus is operative to divide a picture signal of a picture frame of N pixels.times.M lines (horizontal N pixels, vertical M lines) to be coded between a first picture portion serving as the inside picture portion having picture frame of N.sub.1 pixels.times.M.sub.1 lines (N.sub.1 .ltoreq.N, M.sub.1 .ltoreq.M) and a second picture portion serving as picture portion outside the first picture portion to divide the first and second picture portions in independent predetermined divisional units comprised of a plurality of pixels, and to add peculiar discrimination codes to headers of divisional units in transmitting coded information of predetermined divisional units belonging to the second picture portion.

Abstract: In an environment of competing satellite systems having in part shared bands/channel frequencies and at least one system having non-interfering dedicated bands/channels, interference between shared bands/channels of the two systems is mitigated by a method as recited in the appended claims, interference probabilities are determined and based on these probabilities and interference criteria to be met. Interference is minimized by making initial channel assignments to dedicated channels and assigning shared channels in accordance with traffic controls and limits are developed so as not to violate the interference criteria.

Abstract: Motion compensated image processing is performed by producing vectors assigned to elementary areas of video fields. These are produced from at least two video fields in a sequence. A first technique is used to produce the vectors. If an error signal is produced by the first technique then a second technique is used for the production of vectors.

Abstract: In block based video compression, a frame is divided into blocks which define a tiling pattern. The tiling pattern is varied from frame-to-frame to prevent an accumulation of errors which tend to appear at tile edges and can increase over time when using block-based compression. In a preferred embodiment, a normal frame is padded by a border all around the normal frame size. The padding is operable to extend any blocks around the periphery of the image frame which might be smaller in dimension than the standard blocks, such as those within the interior of the frame, such that they can be treated by the block-based compression systems as full size blocks.

Abstract: Computerized method and system for administering at least part of a program to provide a person with guaranteed lifetime income with a measure of liquidity using at least an initial contribution of assets such as from an IRA. The amounts of a series of periodic distributions or payments to be made during first and second periods in the person's life are calculated based on an information profile and stored financial and actuarial data. The first or "guaranteed" period begins on a given date and has a definite duration, and the second or "life contingent" period begins after the first period and extends for as long as the person or joint annuitant lives. A first portion of the contribution is allocated towards the purchase of at least one guaranteed financial vehicle having a determinable market value at any time so as to be capable of being liquidated and which will provide the person with periodic distributions during the first period.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. In a first embodiment of the invention, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. In a second embodiment, the image sensor is remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and wherein a control box can be provided which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes.

Abstract: Upon receiving an FM multiplex broadcasting wave carrying audible information and supplemental visible information, an FM radio receiver equipped with a display unit audibly outputs the audible information and displays the supplemental visible information on the display unit. When the FM radio receiver receives the supplemental visible information while the receiver is not in a reproduction mode, the received supplemental visible information is stored in a reproduction buffer. When the FM radio receiver is set to the reproduction mode, the supplemental visible information stored in the reproduction buffer is displayed on the display unit.