Abstract: A video frame rate converter has a temporal synchronization analyzer for dividing the input video sequence into successive groups of frames each of Nin consecutive frames and a motion analyzer for analyzing motion over the frames of each group to provide a group motion measure. The inverter includes both an interpolator for performing interpolation on a group of Nin input frames to provide Nout output frames, where Nin is different from Nout; and a synchronizer for deleting or repeating an identified frame from the group of Nin input frames to provide Nout output frames. A switcher then switches group-by-group in dependence upon the group motion measure between the interpolator and the synchronizer to form an output video sequence having an output frame rate different from the input frame rate.

Abstract: In an audio-video process chain where measurements are taken between process stages, each measurement is converted to a threshold confidence by normalizing where required and comparing with a threshold value of acceptability taking into account the latitude of acceptability associated with that threshold and an error function relating to the reliability of the measurement. That threshold confidence extends linearly between a value denoting certainty of acceptability and a value denoting certainty of unacceptability.

Abstract: A video frame rate converter has a temporal synchronisation analyser for dividing the input video sequence into successive groups of frames each of Nin consecutive frames and a motion analyser for analysing motion over the frames of each group to provide a group motion measure. The inverter includes both an interpolator for performing interpolation on a group of Nin input frames to provide Nout output frames, where Nin is different from Nout; and a synchroniser for deleting or repeating an identified frame from the group of Nin input frames to provide Nout output frames. A switcher then switches group-by-group in dependence upon the group motion measure between the interpolator and the synchroniser to form an output video sequence having an output frame rate different from the input frame rate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotating test port assembly for measuring air flow and particulate matter in conduits. The test port assembly includes a first end section, a second end section, and a rotating section adapted for rotation between the first and second end sections. The assembly further includes a test port positioned on the rotating section for allowing a test probe to be inserted into a stream flowing in a conduit.

Abstract: A coder/decoder including a device for constructing from the preceding decoded image and from the current source image two pyramids of images of unlike resolution. Each pyramid contains the same number of images ordered identically according to their resolution. Each image corresponds to a level of resolution which is half as large in the horizontal and vertical directions of the image as a preceding level of resolution. Each pyramid is applied to a first and second serial input of the hierarchical motion estimator which outputs a motion vector having a magnitude which is proportional to the estimated motion between the two pyramids.