Abstract: A prediction unit (60) for an encoder (24) or decoder (44) implements matrix based intra prediction Input boundary samples for a current block are downsampled to obtain reduced boundary samples for matrix multiplication and/or linear interpolation, or both. In one embodiment, downsampling is performed in a manner that aligns the reduced boundary samples with an output of a matrix multiplication unit of the prediction unit. In other embodiments, downsampling is performed without averaging. The embodiments reduce the complexity of the prediction unit and the latency of the encoder (24) or decoder (44).

Abstract: A method, decoder, and apparatus are provided. Responsive to a current block being a MIP predicted block, it is determined whether it has one or multiple transform blocks. A MIP weight matrix to be used to decode the current block is determined based on a MIP prediction mode. Responsive to the MIP predicted block having one transform block, the MIP predicted block is derived based on the MIP weight matrix and previously decoded elements in the bitstream. Responsive to the MIP predicted block having multiple transform blocks: deriving a first MIP predicted block is derived based on the MIP weight matrix and previously decoded elements in the bitstream and remaining MIP predicted blocks are derived based further on decoded elements in at least one decoded transform block of the current block. The MIP predicted block(s) are output for subsequent processing.

Abstract: An encoded video sequence including a plurality of images may be decoded. First and second adjacent blocks of an image of an encoded video sequence may be provided. A line of pixels including pixels of the first and second blocks may be defined extending across a boundary between the first and second blocks. A first reference value may be calculated based on a first pixel of the pixels from the first block. A second reference value may be calculated based on a second pixel of the pixels from the second block. Filtered pixel values for each pixel of the line of pixels between the first pixel and the second pixel may be calculated using interpolation based on the first and/or second reference values. Filtered blocks may be generated using the filtered pixel values, and a decoded video sequence may be generated based on the filtered blocks.

Abstract: A load-carrying active material assembly and a method of preparing such an active material assembly suitable for attachment to a movable component of a mechanism is described. The assembly includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, a connector adapted to engage the moveable component mechanically crimped to the SMA element, and a filler material disposed intermediate the connector and SMA element. The filler may be a solder or a polymer. Methods for appropriately distributing the filler material and for promoting good adhesion of the filler to the SMA element and the connector are described.

Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.

Abstract: A cable adapted for use as an actuator, adaptive structural member, or damper, includes a plurality of longitudinally inter-engaged and cooperatively functioning shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.

Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.

Abstract: An overheating protection system adapted for use with a shape memory alloy actuator element, includes at least one switching shape memory alloy element presenting a slower activation period than that of the actuator element, and configured to selectively prevent activation of the actuator element, when the actuator element is actually or predicted to be experiencing overheating; and a circuit comprising the system, wherein the switching element and/or a circuit implement functions to modify activation of the actuator element.

Abstract: A vehicle member generally comprises a thermally activated shape memory material in operative communication with a pyrotechnic device. The pyrotechnic device is effective to thermally change a dimension, a shape, an orientation change, an elastic modulus property change or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing properties of the shape memory material, which results in a structural and/or mechanical change to the vehicle member.

Abstract: A ratchet apparatus includes a first member, a rack, and a second member that is selectively movable in first and second directions with respect to the first member. A first pawl is mounted with respect to the first member and is biased into engagement with the rack. The first pawl and the rack are configured such that engagement of the first pawl with the rack prevents movement of the first pawl relative to the rack in the first direction. A second pawl is mounted with respect to the second member for movement therewith in the first and second directions. The second pawl is biased into engagement with the rack. The second pawl and said rack are configured such that engagement of the second pawl with the rack prevents movement of the second pawl relative to the rack in the first direction.

Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.

Abstract: An embodiment of an airbag system includes a cavity configured to store an airbag, wherein the cavity has an aperture that provides an outlet for the airbag during deployment. The embodiment also includes a cover releasably attached over the aperture via an attachment mechanism having an initial attachment strength. The initial attachment strength is configured to reduce to a release attachment strength in response to receipt of a release signal at the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.

Abstract: An overheating protection system adapted for use with a shape memory alloy actuator element, includes at least one switching shape memory alloy element presenting a slower activation period than that of the actuator element, and configured to selectively prevent activation of the actuator element, when the actuator element is actually or predicted to be experiencing overheating; and a circuit comprising the system, wherein the switching element and/or a circuit implement functions to modify activation of the actuator element.

Abstract: A cable adapted for use as an actuator, adaptive structural member, or damper, includes a plurality of longitudinally inter-engaged and cooperatively functioning shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: An embodiment of an airbag system includes a cavity configured to store an airbag, wherein the cavity has an aperture that provides an outlet for the airbag during deployment. The embodiment also includes a cover releasably attached over the aperture via an attachment mechanism having an initial attachment strength. The initial attachment strength is configured to reduce to a release attachment strength in response to receipt of a release signal at the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: Hood lift mechanisms for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle closure includes a vehicle closure; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle closure, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle closure and an underlying component.

Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.

Abstract: A ratchet apparatus includes a first member, a rack, and a second member that is selectively movable in first and second directions with respect to the first member. A first pawl is mounted with respect to the first member and is biased into engagement with the rack. The first pawl and the rack are configured such that engagement of the first pawl with the rack prevents movement of the first pawl relative to the rack in the first direction. A second pawl is mounted with respect to the second member for movement therewith in the first and second directions. The second pawl is biased into engagement with the rack. The second pawl and said rack are configured such that engagement of the second pawl with the rack prevents movement of the second pawl relative to the rack in the first direction.