Abstract: For the entropy coding of image data after subjected to orthogonal transforation and quantization, a plurality of entropy coding units are provided in parallel. The plurality of entropy coding units can be operated efficiently and the entropy coding can be executed at high speed.

Abstract: This invention implements a variable-length code pipeline decoding process as hardware by providing additional bit processing means, reducing the load on external control, and clarifying encoded data shift means. For this purpose, in order to determine a code length and additional bit length, two different decode processes are executed, the overall process is separated into three stages, i.e., a stage for shifting out a code word of encoded data, a decode processing stage, and a symbol determination & additional bit processing stage, and these stages are executed in a pipeline manner.

Abstract: A variable-length coding apparatus having a smaller circuit scale, which flexibly handles identifier insertion processing in correspondence with various coding schemes, and which performs fine code amount control and adaptive erroneous operation control, and an image coding apparatus having the variable-length coding apparatus. The variable-length coding apparatus converts quantized data obtained by quantizing image data into variable-length code data, generates a code data string having a predetermined data structure, and inserts padding bits and identifier into the variable-length code data based on an externally-input instruction. Further, the image coding apparatus having the variable-length coding apparatus changes quantization values based on the total code amount of code data string generated by the variable-length coding apparatus.

Abstract: A decoding apparatus has: M tables for storing, in correspondence with M types of variable-length code tables, minimum code words or maximum code words of classes of variable-length code words constructing a variable-length code table; a table selector which selects one table from the M tables; N comparators which compare input coded data with the minimum code words or maximum code words outputted from the table selected by the table selector; a switch circuit and a priority encoder which obtain a class number corresponding to an initial code word of the input coded data based on results of comparison by the N comparators; a code length converter which converts the class number into a code length; and an address generator which generates an address to access a memory holding decoded data from the class number and the code length outputted said code length converter. The data outputted from the memory based on the address becomes decoded data of the input coded data.

Abstract: This invention implements a variable-length code pipeline decoding process as hardware by providing additional bit processing means, reducing the load on external control, and clarifying encoded data shift means.

Abstract: In image data coding and decoding processing, in order to improve efficiency by processing a plurality of factors in one cycle as long as possible, the factors are rearranged, in coding or decoding processing, in a predetermined scan sequence such that significant factors and 0s are paired. In addition, an appropriate scan sequence is selected in accordance with the distribution state of frequencies to further improve the efficiency.

Abstract: Whether a header information processor quickly enters a program inactive state at the timing when it issues an operation start command of an encoding process for a predetermined processing unit to a variable-length code encoder, or the header information processor enters the program inactive state upon completion of execution steps to be processed is adaptively selected in accordance with the number of execution steps. One memory is shared by the header information processor and variable-length code encoder, and address input permission means for controlling to grant permission of an address input to the memory to one of the header information processor and the variable-length code encoder is provided. The memory is used as a work area of the header information processor, and as a storage area of a variable-length code table which is looked up by the variable-length code encoder.

Abstract: An image filter circuit which realizes a large-scale median filter as a digital circuit which has not been conventionally constructed without difficulty. The filter circuit has a histogram A update unit 102 which generates a histogram A with upper-bit data of pixels within a matrix, a cumulative adder A104 which searches for a class including a pixel value corresponding to a predetermined rank in ascending order as a target class based on the histogram A, a histogram B update unit 106 which generates a histogram B with lower-bit data of pixels included in the target class, and a cumulative adder B108 which searches for a pixel value of the predetermined rank in ascending order in the matrix. The filter circuit having these constituent elements outputs a median pixel value of the matrix.

Abstract: A pen tip structure for a ball point includes a ball socketed between a pipe tip and the end of an inner core, the end of the inner core having a flat center surface for supporting the ball and an annular lip which flares outwardly from the flat center surface to create a capillary gap between the ball and the pipe tip. Ink is supplied to the ball from a capillary ink flow channel between the inner core and the pipe.

Abstract: A pen tip structure comprises (1) an elongated stem which defines a cylindrical outer surface and a flat end surface, the flat end surface including one or more grooves which extend from the cylindrical outer surface radially inwardly towards a center point thereof, (2) a tube positioned around the elongated stem, the tube including inwardly-extending protrusions that form at least one longitudinal ink flow channel along the cylindrical outer surface of the elongated stem, and an end portion which is located beyond the flat end surface of the elongated stem, the end portion providing a mouth, and (3) a rotatable member positioned between the noted mouth and the flat end surface of the elongated stem, the rotatable member having a surface portion which extends beyond the mouth for conveying ink to a receiving surface and an opposite surface portion for receiving ink supplied thereto by capillary action.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a continuous rod having a capillary or capillaries, adapted for the writing nib of a writing instrument. The apparatus is comprised of a tubular body and a core arranged in the body. The core is provided with a plurality of radial slits. The apparatus is further provided with a restricted portion facing an outer periphery of the core for controlling the amount of melted material passed through the nozzle.

Abstract: A fault alarm device for a vehicle dual brake system including front and rear master cylinders, front and rear wheel cylinders and a proportioning valve which functions to develop proportioned rear wheel braking fluid pressure at a reduced rate relative to the rear wheel braking fluid pressure from the rear master cylinder. The fault alarm device comprises a fault alarm circuit for indicating the fault in the dual brake system when energized, and a control valve interposed between the master cylinders and the wheel cylinders and associated with the proportioning valve. The control valve includes a body, a stepped cylinder formed in the body, a stepped piston slidably inserted in the stepped cylinder, and a sleeve slidably interposed between the stepped cylinder and piston. The alarm device further comprises a switch engaged with the stepped piston for energizing the alarm circuit in response to the sliding movement of the stepped piston from its neutral position.

Abstract: An improved writing nib for a writing instrument comprising a casing and an ink reservoir in the casing. The nib comprises an outer cylindrical wall and equiangularly spaced inner partitions which are formed integral with the wall in cantilever fashion. Each inner partition has a transverse cross section which is comprised of a plurality of partially intersected circles of different diameter.

Abstract: An improved writing nib for a writing instrument comprising a cylindrical casing having an ink reservoir therein. Said nib has an inner capillary conduit which forms, in a transverse cross section of the nib, at least one straight slit which extends from the center of the cross section toward the outer periphery of said nib substantially in the radial direction of the cross section, and forms a plurality of radially spaced-apart arc shaped slits which are coaxial with each other about said center, a part of each of said arc shaped slits being interconnected with said straight slit.