Abstract: An image file, which typically represents a palette-based image that has been encoded using a first predefined run-length based encoding method, is decoded to produce an image data array. The image data array is divided into blocks; either all the blocks or a majority of the blocks have a predefined fixed size. At least some of the blocks of the image are processed to produce a corresponding re-encoded block. In particular, each such block is processed by applying a plurality of distinct encodings to the block to produce an equal plurality of distinct re-encoded block versions. One of the plurality of distinct re-encoded block versions is selected in accordance with predefined selection criteria for use as the re-encoded block. Each re-encoded block is stored in a distinct data structure, such as a file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an image is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving a portion of an encoded version of a downsized image and one or more encoded residual images, decoding the portion of the encoded version of the downsized image to create a decoded portion of the downsized image, decoding a portion of at least one or more encoded residual images, enlarging the decoded portion of the portion of the downsized image, and combining the enlarged and decoded portion of the downsized image with a first decoded residual image to create a new image.

Abstract: Use of a compound of formula (I), wherein each R, which are the same or different, is H or C1-C6 alkyl, and X completes a ring which is a substituted triazine having one of the following formulae (II) to (IV), wherein R′ is H or C1-C6 alkyl; or an enol tautomer of a compound of formula (I) in which any of the groups R or R′ is hydrogen; in the manufacture of a medicament for use as a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor. Formula (I) embraces 2-methylfervenulone, which can be produced by fermentation of a novel microbial strain. Fermentation of the said strain also produces novel precursors to 2-methylfervenulone having utility as prodrugs.

Abstract: An image file, which typically represents a palette-based image that has been encoded using a first predefined run-length based encoding method, is decoded to produce an image data array. The image data array is divided into blocks; either all the blocks or a majority of the blocks have a predefined fixed size. At least some of the blocks of the image are processed to produce a corresponding re-encoded block. In particular, each such block is processed by applying a plurality of distinct encodings to the block to produce an equal plurality of distinct re-encoded block versions. One of the plurality of distinct re-encoded block versions is selected in accordance with predefined selection criteria for use as the re-encoded block. Each re-encoded block is stored in a distinct data structure, such as a file.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system in which a viewer displays and manipulates a bitmap image within a window in a network system. The bitmap image has a hierarchal system of folders associated with the bitmap image.

Abstract: An image magnifying method and apparatus magnifies a portion of an image displayed on a computer display device. The user of the computer selects a first region (called a magnification window) of the displayed image, for instance using a mouse or trackball pointer device. Image data from the screen buffer for the user selected magnification window is copied to a first buffer. A magnified image is generated from the copied image data and the magnified image is stored in the screen buffer so as to replace the copied image data. When the user moves the screen cursor, or otherwise selects a second magnification window that overlaps with the first, the magnification application copies image data for a combined window, covering both the first and second magnification windows, from the screen buffer to a second buffer.

Abstract: A data encoder and method encodes color image data. The image data include Y, U and V data. A data image quality level is selected, which corresponds to a compression ratio. The Y data is encoded using a wavelet or wavelet-like compression method in accordance with the selected data image quality level. When the compression ratio is less than a threshold value, indicating a low compression ratio, the U and V data are compressed using a JPEG compression method. Otherwise the U and V data are compressed using the wavelet or wavelet-like compression method. The encoded image data includes an indication of which compression method was used to encode the U and V data. When encoded image data is decoded by a data decoder, the decoder determines which compression method was used to encode the U and V data, and then decodes the encoded image data accordingly.