Abstract: A method of reducing spatial noise in an image. Low-pass (smoothing) filters are calculated simultaneously from three successive image rows. Three blocks (m1, m2, m3) are associated with the three successive image rows, and the blocks are processed in row-major order. This implementation is applicable to both luminance and chrominance. The number of smoothing parameters is reduced to one. The technique is applicable to both luminance and chrominance. Directional mapping is used. Extension of the technique to spatial filtering using a 5×5 neighborhood (using five successive image rows) is described. Embodiments of the method using the MMX instruction set are described.

Abstract: Spatial noise is reduced in an image having a plurality of pixels by detecting object boundaries and unstructured areas in the image and applying 3-tap high pass filters to each pixel in the image in at least four, but less than eight directions to determine the best direction for local low pass filtering. Low pass filtering is applied only along object boundaries and unstructured areas within the image so as to minimize the tendency to blur image edges. Using only four high pass filters to locate horizontal, vertical and diagonal image edges passing through the center of a 3×3 pixel array provides good results.

Abstract: A clamping bracket is disclosed for use in suspending an article, such as a Christmas stocking, from a fireplace mantel beam. The bracket comprises a top arm member and a vertical arm member intersecting to form an L-shaped body. A clamping mechanism rotatably attaches into an alternative one of a plurality of sockets within the vertical arm member to adjust the spacing between the clamping mechanism and the top arm member. The clamping mechanism comprises a rotatable pin and a cam member affixed to a remote end of the pin which rotates with the pin member into a clamping engagement with the underside of a fireplace mantel beam. An accessory attachment device is further disclosed removeably attached to an upper surface of the top arm member as a decorative option.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a digital video image to a higher aspect ratio format at a decoder by line dropping. For example, conversion from a 4:3 to a 16:9 letterbox format may be achieved. Line dropping for non-anchor pictures (e.g., B-pictures) occurs on a decoding-side of the decoder, prior to storage in memory. Line dropping for anchor pictures (e.g., I- and P-pictures) occurs on a display-side of the decoder, after being retrieved from the memory, and prior to display. Additional memory space is freed to allow storage of additional decoded data, thus compensating for the decrease in display processing time caused by a reduced number of active video lines that are processed with the letter box format.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for authenticating information using a double feedforward hash function to provide complementarity in the implementation of an encryption algorithm. A cryptographic processor has a first input for receiving plaintext, a second input for receiving a key and an output for outputting ciphertext generated by cryptographically processing the plaintext and key. A first circuit element is responsive to the ciphertext and plaintext for outputting a first ciphertext derivative. A second circuit element is responsive to at least a portion of the first ciphertext derivative and the key for outputting a second ciphertext derivative. The first and second circuit elements can be XOR gates. Alternatively, these elements can be provided using lookup tables.