Abstract: In various embodiments, a dynamic range converter includes at least one circuit including a logarithm base 2 (log 2) domain circuit that uses piecewise linear interpolation to perform as at least a portion of one of: a linearizer configured to convert nonlinear color space signals to linearized color space signals; a delinearizer configured to convert linear color space signals to nonlinearized color space signals; a chrominance tone mapper for scaling gamut shaped components in accordance with dynamic color transform metadata to generate chrominance mapped components; or a luminance tone mapper for scaling color remapped components in accordance with the dynamic color transform metadata to generate luminance mapped components. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: This application is for an electronic annotation system for annotating (by text, picture, or video) electronic digital content and sharing the annotations as an account owner with third parties without violating any copyrights of the digital content owner. Rather than sharing the electronically annotated digital content with third parties, only an overlay with the electronic annotation is shared with third parties as an account owner. The third parties must have their own legally obtained copy of the digital content. The third parties can open the annotation and independently access the underlying digital content, thereby spatially integrating the two on the third parties' computer screens.

Abstract: This application is for an electronic annotation system for annotating (by text, picture, or video) electronic digital content and sharing the annotations with third parties without violating any copyrights of the digital content owner. Rather than sharing the electronically annotated digital content with third parties, only an overlay with the electronic annotation is shared with third parties. The third parties must have their own legally obtained copy of the digital content. The third parties can open the annotation and independently access the underlying digital content, thereby spatially integrating the two on the third parties' computer screens.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for adaptive edge enhancement of a video signal includes a transient improvement module. The transient improvement module is configured to generate a first adjusted pixel value based on a window of pixel values for pixels surrounding a pixel-of-interest initially having an input pixel value. The apparatus includes an adaptive peaking module configured to generate a second adjusted pixel value based on the first adjusted pixel value and the input pixel value. In at least one embodiment of the apparatus, the adaptive peaking module comprises a high-pass filter configured to generate a pixel adjustment based on the first adjusted pixel value. In at least one embodiment of the apparatus, the adaptive peaking module further comprises a gain path configured to apply at least one adaptive gain value to the pixel adjustment to generate an adaptive adjustment value.

Abstract: A pixel interpolation process is based on detection of a potential edge in proximity to a pixel being estimated, and the angle thereof. The potential edge and its angle is determined based on filtering of offset or overlapping sets of lines from a pixel window centered around the pixel being estimated and then cross-correlating the filter results. The highest value in the correlation result values represents a potential edge in proximity to the pixel being estimated and the index of the highest value represents the angle of the potential edge. This information is used in conjunction with other information from the cross-correlation and analysis of the differences between pixels in proximity to verify the validity of the potential edge. If determined to be valid, a diagonal interpolation based on the edge and its angle is used to estimate the pixel value of the pixel. Otherwise, an alternate interpolation process, such as vertical interpolation, is used to estimate the pixel value for the pixel.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for adaptive edge enhancement of a video signal includes a transient improvement module. The transient improvement module is configured to generate a first adjusted pixel value based on a window of pixel values for pixels surrounding a pixel-of-interest initially having an input pixel value. The apparatus includes an adaptive peaking module configured to generate a second adjusted pixel value based on the first adjusted pixel value and the input pixel value. In at least one embodiment of the apparatus, the adaptive peaking module comprises a high-pass filter configured to generate a pixel adjustment based on the first adjusted pixel value. In at least one embodiment of the apparatus, the adaptive peaking module further comprises a gain path configured to apply at least one adaptive gain value to the pixel adjustment to generate an adaptive adjustment value.

Abstract: A video processing device includes an input to receive pixel values for a set of pixels comprising a pixel window substantially centered around a select pixel that initially has a first pixel value. The video processing device further includes a first filter unit to determine a horizontal transient improvement value based on non-linear filtering of the pixel values in a horizontal direction, a second filter unit to determine a vertical transient improvement value based on non-linear filtering of the pixel values in a vertical direction, a third filter unit to determine a first diagonal transient improvement value based on non-linear filtering of the pixel values in a first diagonal direction, and a fourth filter unit to determine a second diagonal transient improvement value based on non-linear filtering of the pixel values in a second diagonal direction that is perpendicular to the first diagonal direction.

Abstract: A video processing device includes an input to receive pixel values for a set of pixels comprising a pixel window substantially centered around a select pixel that initially has a first pixel value. The video processing device further includes a first filter unit to determine a horizontal transient improvement value based on non-linear filtering of the pixel values in a horizontal direction, a second filter unit to determine a vertical transient improvement value based on non-linear filtering of the pixel values in a vertical direction, a third filter unit to determine a first diagonal transient improvement value based on non-linear filtering of the pixel values in a first diagonal direction, and a fourth filter unit to determine a second diagonal transient improvement value based on non-linear filtering of the pixel values in a second diagonal direction that is perpendicular to the first diagonal direction.

Abstract: A pixel interpolation process is based on detection of a potential edge in proximity to a pixel being estimated, and the angle thereof. The potential edge and its angle is determined based on filtering of offset or overlapping sets of lines from a pixel window centered around the pixel being estimated and then cross-correlating the filter results. The highest value in the correlation result values represents a potential edge in proximity to the pixel being estimated and the index of the highest value represents the angle of the potential edge. This information is used in conjunction with other information from the cross-correlation and analysis of the differences between pixels in proximity to verify the validity of the potential edge. If determined to be valid, a diagonal interpolation based on the edge and its angle is used to estimate the pixel value of the pixel. Otherwise, an alternate interpolation process, such as vertical interpolation, is used to estimate the pixel value for the pixel.

Abstract: A method for field error checking begins by decoding a predetermined pattern of a field of a frame to produce a decoded pattern. The method continues by determining, for the decoded pattern, a path metric distance of a predetermined state of a plurality of states of the decoding. The method continues by comparing the path metric distance with an excepted path metric distance for the predetermined state. The method continues by indicating a field error when the path metric distance compares unfavorably with the excepted path metric distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide audio-visual distraction to a patient while the patient is undergoing a surgical or other such medical procedure. When used in the context of a surgical procedure, local anesthetics are used to eliminate the pain of the procedure, autonomic blockade (beta blockers and/or alpha-2 agonists) is used to control autonomic responses, and audio-visual distraction is provided to distract the patient. The system allows reduction in the need for pharmacologic sedation.

Abstract: A method for receiving high data rate wireless communication transmissions begins by receiving a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signals in accordance with a wireless communication standardized data rate on a plurality of RF channels. The method continues by converting each of the plurality of RF signals into a plurality of signals. The method continues by processing the plurality of signals at baseband or near baseband into media access control (MAC) data, wherein a number of the plurality of signals corresponds to an integer multiple. The method continues by processing the MAC data at a combination of wireless communication standardized data rates to produce recovered data.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide audio-visual distraction to a patient while the patient is undergoing a surgical or other such medical procedure. When used in the context of a surgical procedure, local anesthetics are used to eliminate the pain of the procedure, autonomic blockade (beta blockers and/or alpha-2 agonists) is used to control autonomic responses, and audio-visual distraction is provided to distract the patient. The system allows reduction in the need for pharmacologic sedation.

Abstract: A stable aqueous suspension of water-soluble polyacrylamide particles is in a saturated solution of an ammonium salt. The polyacrylamide particles are characterized by a particle size of about ?150 mesh, and preferably ?270 mesh, with ?400 mesh most preferred. The suspension is at least about 2.5% by weight polyacrylamide. When the ammonium salt is ammonium sulfate, PAM concentrations as high as about 15% by weight can be achieved while still being easily flowable. The suspension is made by stirring the small particle PAM into the saturated ammonium salt solution. The PAM can be quickly dissolved to form a less concentrated PAM solution by adding the suspension to water or to a dilute solution, which can include calcium salts or other soil enhancers.

Abstract: A method of producing an aqueous solution of water-soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) with a concentration of at least about 5 grams per liter includes the steps of providing a monovalent or divalent cation salt solution, and preferably a calcium salt solution, and adding water-soluble PAM particles to the salt solution such that the PAM particles are essentially all dissolved within about 10 seconds. The PAM particles are characterized by a particle size that is about −100 mesh and consisting essentially of molecules having a molecular weight of at least about 15 million a.u. Preferably, the small PAM particles are produced by a mill that produces bulk quantities of small dry, flowable PAM particles from larger commercial grade particles. Small PAM particles produced in such a mill are essentially all soluble in plain water within about 10 seconds. After solution, the polymer concentrate can be diluted with water to make stock solutions of the polymer for some purposes.

Abstract: A method of producing an aqueous solution of water-soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) with a concentration of at least about 5 grams per liter includes the steps of providing a monovalent or divalent cation salt solution, and preferably a calcium salt solution, and adding water-soluble PAM particles to the salt solution such that the PAM particles are essentially all dissolved within about 10 seconds. The PAM particles are characterized by a particle size that is about −100 mesh and consisting essentially of molecules having a molecular weight of at least about 15 million a.u. Preferably, the small PAM particles are produced by a mill that produces bulk quantities of small dry, flowable PAM particles from larger commercial grade particles. Small PAM particles produced in such a mill are essentially all soluble in plain water within about 10 seconds. After solution, the polymer concentrate can be diluted with water to make stock solutions of the polymer for some purposes.

Abstract: Determining the cardiac output of a patient uses first and second electrodes disposed with the peri-aortic adventitia or fat pad of the patient. Third electrode is disposed on the cardiac atrial area of the patient. Fourth electrode is placed either externally on the body surface or internally superior to electrodes one and two. A bioelectrical impedance recorder is coupled to the third and fourth electrodes to pass a current between the electrodes. A bioimpedance recorder is coupled to the first and second electrodes to measure the resulting voltage. The output of the bioelectrical impedance recorder is processed to compute a metric corresponding to the patient's cardiac output. The third electrodes are adapted to be the cardiac pacing electrodes.

Abstract: A stable aqueous suspension of water-soluble polyacrylamide particles is in a saturated solution of an ammonium salt. The polyacrylamide particles are characterized by a particle size of about −150 mesh, and preferably −270 mesh, with −400 mesh most preferred. The suspension is at least about 2.5% by weight polyacrylamide. When the ammonium salt is ammonium sulfate, PAM concentrations as high as about 15% by weight can be achieved while still being easily flowable. The suspension is made by stirring the small particle PAM into the saturated ammonium salt solution. The PAM can be quickly dissolved to form a less concentrated PAM solution by adding the suspension to water or to a dilute solution, which can include calcium salts or other soil enhancers.

Abstract: A tucking bar for directing sheet material between a drive roller and a mandrel of a roll-up machine comprises an elongated member having opposing ends that are supported by an arm. The arm is adapted to pivot about an axis that is substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the drive roller to move the elongated member along an arcuate path about the drive roller. A roll-up machine comprises a drive roller supported by a frame and a mandrel supported adjacent the drive roller. A tucking bar supported by a forward end of the frame is provided for tucking the sheet material between the drive roller and the mandrel. A method for rolling sheet material includes the steps of displacing the tucking bar to direct sheet material between a drive roller and a mandrel and rolling the sheet material on the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of producing an aqueous solution of water-soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) with a concentration of at least about 5 grams per liter includes the steps of providing a monovalent or divalent cation salt solution, and preferably a calcium salt solution, and adding water-soluble PAM particles to the salt solution such that the PAM particles are essentially all dissolved within about 10 seconds. The PAM particles are characterized by a particle size that is about −100 mesh and consisting essentially of molecules having a molecular weigtht of at least about 15 million a.u. Preferably, the small PAM particles are produced by a mill that produces bulk quantities of small dry, flowable PAM particles from larger commercial grade particles. Small PAM particles produced in such a mill are essentially all soluble in plain water within about 10 seconds. After solution, the polymer concentrate can be diluted with water to make stock solutions of the polymer for some purposes.