Abstract: In a decoder/display system, a pre-processing stage (10) re-codes intra coded macroblock data in an image to produce an independent representation which observes byte alignment. Macroblock data is stored in structured form (26) so that it may readily be indexed for fast copying into foreign images. To avoid differential coding problems, two separate representations of each macroblock are generated for use as the first in a line of macroblocks or as part of a continuation of a line of macroblocks. The pre-processing stage may be used to combine separately encoded pictures and also to separate sprites (objects having a defined boundary) from their original scene. The content of the pictures may be changed at run-time by choosing combinations of macroblocks in a sequence of images to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: An electrical resistor which is fabricated from traces of resistive material on a substrate of insulating material. The traces are interconnected electrically in series by first links and in parallel by second alternating links, which are connected to different terminals on the substrate. The second links are cut, preferably by laser trimming, so as to select the value of resistance of the resistor by reducing the number of traces connected in parallel and increasing the number of traces connected in series. Where the resistance of each trace is "R", the value of the resistance is adjustable by severing the second links from R/n to nR, where n is the number of traces.

Abstract: The process is for manufacturing an electric circuit which comprises an electric element for firing a pyrotechnic device, in which a sheet (1) made from an electrically resistant material is fixed to an electrically insulating support (3), and in which two conducting zones (12a, 12b) separated by an electrically resistant element (13) are then etched on this sheet.This process comprises the following steps:a fine nickel layer and then a fine copper layer are applied to the sheet (1), after which;a hole (7) is pierced through the assembly,a fine copper layer is deposited on the assembly, a protecting mask is deposited in the openings etched in the resistive sheet, a copper layer (10) then a tin-lead layer are deposited in the hole (7) and on both faces of the assembly,the protecting mask is removed and the fine copper layer which was protected by the mask is stripped by chemical action and,the external tin-lead layer is removed by chemical action.