Abstract: To perform motion estimation for a video frame block to be encoded, a difference measure is determined for each of a plurality of reference frame block positions at a first, coarser resolution. The determined difference measures are then used estimate difference measures for reference frame blocks at positions at a second resolution that is finer than the first resolution. The estimated second, finer position resolution difference measures are then used to select a set of reference frame block positions for which to determine “full” difference measures. The determined “full” difference measures for each of the selected reference frame block positions are then used to select the reference frame block position to use when encoding the frame block and a motion vector corresponding to that reference frame block position is associated with and encoded for the frame block being encoded.

Abstract: A set of encoding options to use when encoding an array of data elements is selected based on a bit count value and a distortion value for that set of encoding options. The distortion value is determined from a set of error values that represents the difference between a set of frequency domain coefficients and a set of de-quantised coefficients. The set of frequency domain coefficients are generated by applying only a subset of row transformations or only a subset of column transformations. A set of quantised coefficients are generated by quantising only a subset of the set of frequency domain coefficients. This arrangement provides a more efficient way of selecting encoding options, but without a detrimental reduction in the efficacy of the selection process.

Abstract: To perform motion estimation for a video frame block to be encoded, a difference measure is determined for each of a plurality of reference frame block positions at a first, coarser resolution. The determined difference measures are then used estimate difference measures for reference frame blocks at positions at a second resolution that is finer than the first resolution. The estimated second, finer position resolution difference measures are then used to select a set of reference frame block positions for which to determine “full” difference measures. The determined “full” difference measures for each of the selected reference frame block positions are then used to select the reference frame block position to use when encoding the frame block and a motion vector corresponding to that reference frame block position is associated with and encoded for the frame block being encoded.

Abstract: In a data processing system that comprises a memory 8 comprising N memory banks 11, a memory controller is configured to store one or more N data unit×N data unit arrays of data in the memory 8 such that each data unit in each row of each N×N data unit array is stored in a different memory bank of the N memory banks 11, and such that each data unit in each column of each N×N data unit array is stored in a different memory bank of the N memory banks 11.

Abstract: A system for encoding and decoding a sequence of frames of video data. The system includes encoding processing circuitry configured to encode a sequence of source video frames using other source frames as reference frames. The encoding processing circuitry is also configured, when encoding a new source frame that has a different resolution to the resolution of a reference frame, to generate a scaled copy of the reference frame for the new source frame. The encoding processing circuitry is also configured to encode the new source frame using the scaled copy of the reference frame to provide output encoded video image data. The system also includes a video decoder configured to decode the encoded scaled copy of the reference frame and decode the encoded source frame using the decoded scaled copy of the reference frame to provide output video image data for the source frame.

Abstract: A mask-forming film has a transparent layer between the imageable layer and the carrier sheet, which transparent layer has a refractive index that is lower (by at least 0.04) than that of the carrier sheet or any immediately adjacent layer between it and the carrier sheet. This lower refractive index layer modifies the path of incident radiation during mask image transfer so as to provide steeper shoulder angles in the relief image solid areas. This mask film is used to form a relief image such as in a flexographic printing plate.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, when an electrical characteristic of an optical detector, such as a resistance, does not change by at least a predetermined amount during an ignition trial, and/or when a level of EMI or electrical noise detected by an antenna in a burner assembly of the fuel-fired appliance does not increase during the ignition trial, the control system may determine that the ignition assembly is not sparking properly. In some instances, the control system may also be programmed to activate an indicator that would indicate to a user or technician a potential problem with the ignition assembly (e.g. not sparking properly to ignite fuel).

Abstract: An improved relief printing plate and method for producing said plate is disclosed. Substantially all sizes of relief features resolve a fixed pattern which improves print quality. The pattern is applied to image areas in halftone data used to produce an image mask that is subsequently used to convert a plate precursor into a relief plate. The accuracy, ink density and tonal response of printed images corresponding to relief features that include the pattern are comparable or better than relief features produced without the pattern.

Abstract: A mask-forming film has a transparent layer between the imageable layer and the carrier sheet, which transparent layer has a refractive index that is lower (by at least 0.04) than that of the carrier sheet or any immediately adjacent layer between it and the carrier sheet. This lower refractive index layer modifies the path of incident radiation during mask image transfer so as to provide steeper shoulder angles in the relief image solid areas. This mask film is used to form a relief image such as in a flexographic printing plate.

Abstract: A mask-forming film has a transparent layer between the imageable layer and the carrier sheet, which transparent layer has a refractive index that is lower (by at least 0.04) than that of the carrier sheet or any immediately adjacent layer between it and the carrier sheet. This lower refractive index layer modifies the path of incident radiation during mask image transfer so as to provide steeper shoulder angles in the relief image solid areas. This mask film is used to form a relief image such as in a flexographic printing plate.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, when an electrical characteristic of an optical detector, such as a resistance, does not change by at least a predetermined amount during an ignition trial, and/or when a level of EMI or electrical noise detected by an antenna in a burner assembly of the fuel-fired appliance does not increase during the ignition trial, the control system may determine that the ignition assembly is not sparking properly. In some instances, the control system may also be programmed to activate an indicator that would indicate to a user or technician a potential problem with the ignition assembly (e.g. not sparking properly to ignite fuel).

Abstract: A mask-forming film has a transparent layer between the imageable layer and the carrier sheet, which transparent layer has a refractive index that is lower (by at least 0.04) than that of the carrier sheet or any immediately adjacent layer between it and the carrier sheet. This lower refractive index layer modifies the path of incident radiation during mask image transfer so as to provide steeper shoulder angles in the relief image solid areas.

Abstract: A mask-forming film has a transparent layer between the imageable layer and the carrier sheet, which transparent layer has a refractive index that is lower (by at least 0.04) than that of the carrier sheet or any immediately adjacent layer between it and the carrier sheet. This lower refractive index layer modifies the path of incident radiation during mask image transfer so as to provide steeper shoulder angles in the relief image solid areas. This mask film is used to form a relief image such as in a flexographic printing plate.

Abstract: An improved relief printing plate and method for producing said plate is disclosed. Substantially all sizes of relief features resolve a fixed pattern which improves print quality. The pattern is applied to image areas in halftone data used to produce an image mask that is subsequently used to convert a plate precursor into a relief plate. The accuracy, ink density and tonal response of printed images corresponding to relief features that include the pattern are comparable or better than relief features produced without the pattern.

Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.

Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.

Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.

Abstract: A mask-forming film has a transparent layer between the imageable layer and the carrier sheet, which transparent layer has a refractive index that is lower (by at least 0.04) than that of the carrier sheet or any immediately adjacent layer between it and the carrier sheet. This lower refractive index layer modifies the path of incident radiation during mask image transfer so as to provide steeper shoulder angles in the relief image solid areas.

Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.