Abstract: A method of compressing image data that comprise a plurality of pixel values that are associated with a respective pixel is described, wherein the pixel values are compressed for at least some pixels in accordance with the following steps: associating the respective pixel with one of a plurality of pixel groups in accordance with a predetermined grouping scheme, with each of the plurality of pixel groups being defined by the pixels of a plurality of predetermined pixel alignments or by a subset of pixels of a plurality of predetermined pixel alignments; determining an estimated pixel value of the respective pixel in dependence on the pixel value of at least one predetermined other pixel while using at least one estimation rule, with the at least one predetermined other pixel being selected in dependence on the pixel group of the respective pixel; forming a difference value of the respective pixel that corresponds to a predetermined relation between the pixel value and the estimated pixel value of the respecti

Abstract: A computerized method for implementing an optimal supply chain configuration includes the step of implementing an optimal supply chain configuration for a business. The method includes the step of modelling costs for minimization in an optimal supply chain configuration. The method includes the step of modelling constraints in an optimal supply chain configuration. The method includes the step of, based on the modelled cost for minimization and the modelled constraints, optimizing a supply chain for the business.

Abstract: A method of compressing image data is described in which a difference value is formed for a respective pixel, said difference value corresponding to a predetermined relation between the pixel value and the estimated pixel value of the respective pixel and being represented by a first binary word that has a first length. The first binary word is encoded by at least one second binary word that has a second predetermined length. the first length is compared with the second length to determine whether the first length is smaller than the second length, with the first binary word otherwise being completely encoded by a single second binary word when the first length is smaller than the second length, and with the first binary word otherwise being completely encoded by a plurality of second binary words. A method of decompressing image data is furthermore described that corresponds to a reversal of the compression method.

Abstract: A method of compressing image data is described in which a difference value is formed for a respective pixel, said difference value corresponding to a predetermined relation between the pixel value and the estimated pixel value of the respective pixel and being represented by a first binary word that has a first length. The first binary word is encoded by at least one second binary word that has a second predetermined length. the first length is compared with the second length to determine whether the first length is smaller than the second length, with the first binary word otherwise being completely encoded by a single second binary word when the first length is smaller than the second length, and with the first binary word otherwise being completely encoded by a plurality of second binary words. A method of decompressing image data is furthermore described that corresponds to a reversal of the compression method.

Abstract: A method of compressing image data that comprise a plurality of pixel values that are associated with a respective pixel is described, wherein the pixel values are compressed for at least some pixels in accordance with the following steps: associating the respective pixel with one of a plurality of pixel groups in accordance with a predetermined grouping scheme, with each of the plurality of pixel groups being defined by the pixels of a plurality of predetermined pixel alignments or by a subset of pixels of a plurality of predetermined pixel alignments; determining an estimated pixel value of the respective pixel in dependence on the pixel value of at least one predetermined other pixel while using at least one estimation rule, with the at least one predetermined other pixel being selected in dependence on the pixel group of the respective pixel; forming a difference value of the respective pixel that corresponds to a predetermined relation between the pixel value and the estimated pixel value of the respecti

Abstract: A structural element employing hydrostatic pressure to compress cohesion-less particles to significantly increase the load carrying capacity of the element along a load-bearing axis, a system for deploying said structural element and a method for deploying said structural element using the system.

Abstract: A structural element employing hydrostatic pressure to compress cohesion-less particles to significantly increase the load carrying capacity of the element along a load-bearing axis, a system for deploying said structural element and a method for deploying said structural element using the system.