Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining block averages in film grain simulation including determining block averages during a display process and determining block averages during a decoding process. The methods of the present invention exhibit different characteristics in terms of memory requirements and computational cost. More specifically, the first method uses no external memory, but requires either extra reads of the blocks, or internal memory in the display pipeline, while the second method requires extra memory bandwidth and extra external memory (e.g., RAM).

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present principles, simulation of a block of film grain for addition to a block of an image occurs by first establishing at least one image parameter in accordance with at least one attribute of the block. Thereafter, a block of film grain is established in accordance with the image parameter. Deblocking filtering can be applied to the film grain block.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for providing fast access to film grain patterns in a film grain simulation process including providing a first memory storing at least one film grain pattern and in response to a film grain pattern required by the film grain simulation process not being stored in the first memory, updating the first memory to obtain at least the required film grain pattern from at least a second memory. In one embodiment, the first memory is a local cache, the second memory is a film grain pattern database and a controller causes the examination of the local cache for a particular film grain pattern required in the film grain simulation process. In response to the required film grain pattern not being stored in the local cache, the controller causes the update of the local cache using the film grain pattern database.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reading film grain patterns in a raster order in film grain simulation including establishing a pseudo-random starting position, repeating the pseudo-random starting position for each line of a group of film grain blocks, and using a different pseudo-random starting position for each display line of a next group of film grain blocks. In various embodiments of the present invention, the different pseudo-random starting positions are triggered by resetting at least one seed value of a pseudo-random number generator implemented to determine said pseudo-random starting positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for staggercasting includes encoding a set of signals representing content such that each encoded signal, alone or in combination with other encoded signals, is capable of being decoded to produce a corresponding decoded signal. Each decoded signal has a reproduced quality which different from the reproduced quality of all the other decoded signals. A composite signal is generated including the set of encoded signals. The encoded signal corresponding to a lowest quality decoded signal is undelayed. The other encoded signals are delayed by different amounts such that the higher the quality of the corresponding decoded signal, the longer the delay period. The set of encoded signals is extracted from the composite signal, and errors in the set of extracted encoded signals detected. A subset of available extracted encoded signals which are not erroneous is produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for staggercasting, encodes a first signal representing content and encodes a second signal representing the content using encoding relatively more robust than the encoding of the first encoded content representative signal. A composite signal including at least the first and second encoded signals is generated, in which one of the first and second encoded signals is delayed with respect to the other encoded signal. If an error is detected in the composite signal, then the undelayed encoded signal is decoded to reproduce the content. Otherwise, the delayed encoded signal is decoded to reproduce the content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for staggercasting includes encoding a first signal representing content having a time duration and a second signal also representing that content. A time delay period is specified for the time duration of the content. A composite signal, comprising the first and second encoded signals, is generated. In the composite signal the first encoded signal is delayed with respect to the second encoded signal by the time delay period for the time duration of the content. If an error is detected in the composite signal, then the received second encoded signal is decoded to produce the content, otherwise the delayed received first encoded signal is decoded to produce the content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing staggercasted content includes encoding a set of signals representing content. The set of signals is capable of being decoded to produce a corresponding set of decoded signals, each decoded signal having a quality different from the qualities of the decoded signals corresponding to the other encoded signals. A composite signal comprising the set of encoded signals, staggered in time, is generated. The set of encoded signals is extracted from the composite signal. Errors in the set of extracted encoded signals are detected to produce a subset of available extracted encoded signals which are not erroneous. A content representative signal at a selectable desired quality is decoded. The decoded content representative signal is then stored in a storage device.

Abstract: A restraint system includes a wrist restraint system and an ankle restraint system that allow the limbs of a detainee to be restrained. The lockable wrist restraint system includes a waist belt and wrist restraints that are rotatably mounted to the waist belt. The wrist restraints can be positioned anywhere around the waist belt. The lockable ankle restraint system includes a strap and two buckles that form the strap into two loops. Each loop is used to restrain a leg of the detainee. A lockable buckle includes a housing that creates a tortuous path that traps a strap to which the buckle is mounted and prevents the strap from being adjusted or removed from the detainee.

Abstract: In a multi-channel video transmission system in which channel video segments are operated on by corresponding channel video encoders to encode the video segments into frames organized into groups of defined frame types, an apparatus and method to cause a temporal staggering for the processing of a specific frame type among the various channels. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame counter to synchronize reset signals associated with the corresponding channel video encoders and a means for providing a timing offset to channel video encoders corresponding to a selected frame stagger for a particular corresponding channel.

Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, and a lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a line on the reference surface.

Abstract: Method for providing video on demand using an MPEG-2 transport stream. The method includes receiving at a VoD player a plurality of program segments, each corresponding to a fractional part of an entire program. The method further includes the step of receiving at the VoD player a key table containing packet count information corresponding to the number of data packets contained in at least one of the program segments. Finally, an end point of at least one of the program segments is identified by counting a number of data packets that are decoded for playback.

Abstract: A smart card UART which includes a memory capable of storing a 5 byte command string along with error data. Inclusion of a memory in the UART allows the smart card to store serial communications commands received from a serial interface until the smart card processor is able to process such commands.

Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, and a lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a line on the reference surface.

Abstract: A system and process is disclosed for duplicating or replicating remote control units for automobile locks and other common purposes. The system comprises a device that reads the remote control signal codes in an existing keyfob device, analyzes the code for type, stores the code, then transfers the code into a replacement remote control device. The process for testing, reading, analyzing, storing and transferring the control codes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the reception of digitally modulated signals. A main signal and a supplemental signal are provided in the transmitter. The signals may be substantially identical except that the supplemental signal is advanced in time with respect to the main signal. The main and supplemental signals are sent from the transmitter to the receiver modulated on a signal. At the receiver, the supplemental signal is stored in a buffer. If the main signal is undesirably changed during transmission, corresponding portions of the supplement signal are substituted for the undesired portions of the main signal.

Abstract: A tool storage container has a base member with a tool receiving member. A cover is coupled with the base. An opening is in the cover. The opening may have a configuration corresponding to the tool maintained within the carrying case or any other configuration which enables viewing and prohibits removal of the tool when the container is in a closed position. A plurality of storage areas are within the inside of the cover. Also, fingers secure the tool in the carrying case so that in an open condition, the tool is maintained in the carrier.

Abstract: A headlight for use on a head gear, or the like, is provided. A LED serves as a light source mounted on a clamp for attachment to the head gear in any one of the three orientation planes. A universal mount of the light source on the clamp allows the light beam to be directed by up and down, as well as by side-to-side, manual adjustment. The beam covers substantially all frontal objects without changing the position of the clamp. A pair of pivot connections, or a ball and socket mechanism, exhibit sufficient frictional engagement to hold the light source in position. The pivot connection may be used to support the ball on the light source in the second embodiment. The socket is split along its curvature lines and an O-ring extends around the split socket to assure frictional engagement to hold the light source in position.