Abstract: An image processing apparatus is operable to embed data into an image. The apparatus comprises a combining processor operable to introduce the data into a transform domain representation providing a plurality of sub-bands divided by spatial frequency components, and, in combination with a transform processor, to combine the data with the image in one of a transform domain form, the transform processor generating a transform domain form of the image, the data being combined with the image by the combining processor in the transform domain, and the transform processor generating a spatial domain representation of the combined image and data, or a spatial domain form of the image, the transform processor generating a spatial domain representation of the transform domain data, the data being combined with the image by the combining processor in the spatial domain.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and recovering data embedded in information material, the data having been embedded in the material in a transform domain representation by arranging for the data to modulate a predetermined data sequence to form modulated data and combining the modulated data with the material. The apparatus comprises a transform processor operable to transform the material into the transform domain representation, and a correlation processor operable to correlate transform domain data symbols bearing the modulated data with a reproduced version of the predetermined data sequence to form a correlation output signal and to recover the embedded data from the correlation output signal. The correlation processor is operable to repeat the correlation for transform domain data symbols and data symbols of the predetermined data sequence for each of a plurality of start positions in the transform domain.

Abstract: An apparatus for embedding data in information material, the data being a plurality of data items each having a different relative importance. The apparatus comprises an encoding processor operable to encode each of said data items, and a combining processor operable to combine said encoded data items with said information material. The information material provides a limited data embedding capacity, as a result for example of the limited bandwidth of the information material itself. Each of the data items are encoded and embedded to the effect that a proportion of the limited data embedding capacity is allocated to the encoded data items in accordance with the relative importance of these data items. As such, for example, an amount of error protection given to each of the data items can be arranged in accordance with the importance of the data items, whilst still satisfying the limited data embedding capacity.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is operable to embed data into an image. Images such as those generated from an inter-laced scan may comprise a frame of image data, the frame comprising first and second image fields. The image processing apparatus comprises a combining processor operable to introduce the data to be embedded into at least one of the first and second fields of the image frame. As such a likelihood of a perceivable effect of the embedded data on the image may be reduced, because the images are viewed as a frame. The embedded data may also have an increased likelihood of being detected because some processing may effect the image frame more then the fields of the image. The combining processor may be operable to represent the data to be embedded in a transform domain form, and, in combination with a transform processor, combine the data to be embedded with the first and/or second fields with the image in a transform domain form or a spatial domain form.

Abstract: A method of embedding data in material comprises the steps of:

Abstract: Material is represented by transform coefficients represented by digital numbers. A method of perceptibly watermarking the material comprises the steps of: changing representations of the said numbers according to an invertible algorithm without changing the number of bits in the said numbers; and encoding the changed n bit numbers to effect compression encoding of the material.

Abstract: A spatial domain image I produced by a source 1 is combined with watermark data Ri to produce a spatial domain watermarked image I′.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of the genomic structure of HERG which is a gene associated with long QT syndrome. The sequences of the 15 intron/exon junctions has been determined and this information is useful in devising primers for amplifying and sequencing across all of the exons of the gene. This is useful for determining the presence or absence of mutations which are known to cause long QT syndrome. Also disclosed are many new mutations in HERG which have been found to be associated with long QT syndrome.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for providing a plurality of output video signals for near video on demand transmission, said apparatus 10 comprising: a control unit 30 connected to a primary video data storage unit 20 for receiving video data therefrom; and a temporary storage and replay array 50 for storing and replaying said video data, said array comprising of a plurality of serially connected individual storage units 60(1) . . . 60(n), a first 60(1) of said storage units being connected to said control unit 30 for data transfer therebetween; wherein, in use, data is transferred sequentially from said control unit 30 to said first storage unit 60(1) for transmission, said first storage unit 60(1) retransferring said data to a second 60(2) and subsequent storage units for retransmission.

Abstract: Digital image enhancement apparatus for processing an input sampled image signal having an input sample rate to generate an output, enhanced, image signal at the input sample rate comprises one or more filters for filtering and sample rate up-converting the input image signal to generate a detail signal at an intermediate sample rate higher than the input sample rate and for generating an intermediate image signal, the intermediate image signal being a sample rate up-converted version of the input image signal; a detecting circuit for detecting whether a combination of the detail signal and the intermediate image signal goes beyond predefined limits on the signal level of the output image signal and, if so, for modifying the detail signal so that a combination of the detail signal and the intermediate image signal would not go beyond the predefined limits on the signal level of the output image signal; a sample rate down-converter for converting the detail signal to a down-converted detail signal at the input

Abstract: Signal processing apparatus comprises a control read only memory storing:(i) two or more sets of signal processing parameter data to control signal processing operations of the apparatus; and(ii) configuration data specifying one of the sets of signal processing parameter data stored in the control read only memory;a control read/write memory capable of storing:(i) at least one set of signal processing parameter data; and(ii) configuration data capable of specifying a set of signal processing parameter data stored in the control read only memory or a set of signal processing parameter data stored in the control read/write memory;and control logic, responsive to an input selection signal specifying whether the configuration data in the control read only memory or the configuration data in the read/write memory should be selected for use, for controlling the signal processing apparatus to perform signal processing operations in accordance with the signal processing parameter data specified by the selected confi

Abstract: Video down-conversion apparatus in which an input, higher definition video signal is converted to an output, lower definition video signal having a smaller number of active lines and/or a smaller number of active pixels per line than the input video signal, comprises: an interpolator for receiving pixels of the input video signal at an input pixel rate and interpolating output data values at the input pixel rate, the output data values comprising active output pixel values interspersed with dummy pixel values; control logic for generating an active enable signal associated with the output data values generated by the interpolator, the active enable signal having a first state when an active output pixel value is generated and a second state when a dummy pixel value is generated; a signal processing device connected to receive the output data values generated by the interpolator, the signal processing device comprising an input latch operable to latch an output data value from the interpolator only when the ac

Abstract: Video down-conversion apparatus in which lines of successive output video field are interpolated from lines of respective input video fields, the apparatus being selectively operable to interpolate each output field from an input field of either field polarity so that the successive output video fields can maintain a regular odd-even field polarity sequence even if there is a discontinuity in the field polarity sequence of the input video fields.