Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a system and method for decoding multiple independent encoded audio streams using a single decoder. The system includes one or more parsers, a preprocessor, an audio decoder, and a renderer. The parser extracts individual audio frames from each input audio stream. The preprocessor combines the outputs of all parsers into a single audio frame stream and enables sharing of the audio decoder among multiple independent encoded audio streams. The audio decoder decodes the single audio frame stream and provides a single decoded audio stream. And the renderer renders the individual reconstructed audio streams from the single decoded audio stream.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a system and method for decoding multiple independent encoded audio streams using a single decoder. The system includes one or more parsers, a preprocessor, an audio decoder, and a renderer. The parser extracts individual audio frames from each input audio stream. The preprocessor combines the outputs of all parsers into a single audio frame stream and enables sharing of the audio decoder among multiple independent encoded audio streams. The audio decoder decodes the single audio frame stream and provides a single decoded audio stream. And the renderer renders the individual reconstructed audio streams from the single decoded audio stream.

Abstract: An embodiment improves the quality of sound rendition during restitution of sound and picture originating from a source signal exhibiting temporal drift. To restore the sound and the pictures at a selected fixed picture rate, a picture sequence is calculated at the selected rate on the basis of the pictures of the source signal, and the sound of the source signal is sampled so as to obtain a sampled sound signal having a selected number of sound samples per picture of the source signal. The calculated picture sequence and the sampled sound signal are restored in a manner synchronized with the reception of the source signal. The sampled sound signal is restored without a change of pitch, with an adjustment of timing as a function of the ratio between the selected picture rate and the variable picture rate.

Abstract: System and method for synchronizing one or more secondary decoded media streams to a primary decoded media stream. The system includes a media stream processor and a mixer. The media stream processor receives a primary decoded media stream and secondary decoded media streams. The media stream processor synchronizes the secondary decoded media streams with the primary decoded media stream. The output of the media stream processor is coupled to the mixer. The mixer receives its second input from the primary decoded media stream. The mixer mixes the received streams and generates a PTS value for its output media stream by extrapolating the PTS of the primary decoded media stream.

Abstract: An embodiment improves the quality of sound rendition during restitution of sound and picture originating from a source signal exhibiting temporal drift. To restore the sound and the pictures at a selected fixed picture rate, a picture sequence is calculated at the selected rate on the basis of the pictures of the source signal, and the sound of the source signal is sampled so as to obtain a sampled sound signal having a selected number of sound samples per picture of the source signal. The calculated picture sequence and the sampled sound signal are restored in a manner synchronized with the reception of the source signal. The sampled sound signal is restored without a change of pitch, with an adjustment of timing as a function of the ratio between the selected picture rate and the variable picture rate.

Abstract: A process of filtering digital images to reduce image flicker. An anti-flicker filtering is performed after a step of calculating the image and before a step of displaying the image so that the flicker is filtered as soon as the image is created.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laryngotracheal devices and methods of use thereof in surgical procedures. In particular, the invention relates to the uses of laryngotracheal devices to treat subglottic stenoses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of inhibitors of rho-kinases in the in vivo stimulation of nerve growth, in the in vivo inhibition of scar tissue formation and/or in the in vivo reduction of secondary damage.

Abstract: A digital image processing circuit for replacing an input code associated with a pixel of the image with an output code selected in a first memory containing a set of codes, including an input bus for receiving the input code, an output bus for providing the output code, said first memory, means of address calculation of the first memory, means of address selection of the first memory between the input code and an address code generated by the address calculation means, a second memory for containing an address code generated by the address calculation means, and means of selection of the output code between a code read from the first memory and said code contained in the second memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laryngotracheal devices and methods of use thereof in surgical procedures. In particular, the invention relates to the uses of laryngotracheal devices to treat subglottic stenoses.

Abstract: What is described here is an instrument for severing tissue, comprising an elongate instrument body adapted to be introduced into the human or animal body, an HF electrode array provided on the instrument body, to which an HF current may be applied, and an aspirator or vacuum means. In accordance with the invention the instrument body is provided with an aspirator element at a region coming into contact with the tissue, to which aspirator element a negative pressure is applied by means of the suction means in such a way that tissue is aspirated against the instrument body, and that at least one part of the electrode array is adapted for movement in parallel with the aspirator element such that the tissue aspirated against the instrument body will be removed between the aspirator element and the moved part of the electrode array.

Abstract: A device for extracting parameters for decoding a video data flow, contained in headers preceded by a starting code of series of data coded according to an MPEG standard, organized, independently and according to the starting code, and storage of the parameters in three register banks.

Abstract: A light diffuser for simultaneous photodynamic therapy and hyperthermic treatment in the oesophagus has an arrangement (14 to 18) which disperses radially the light (10) fed in by way of an optical fiber (6) and has a tube (12) filled with silicone to which are added concentrations, modulated in the axial direction, of quartz grains having a diameter of approximately 40 .mu.m which bring about a refraction having little dependence on the wavelength.

Abstract: A bronchoscope has a fibre-optic apparatus for the photodynamic treatment of tumors in the region of the furcate branches of the bronchi, the divergent pencil of rays (13), which emerges from the end face (9) of an optical fibre, striking a lens arrangement consisting of two microlenses (14,15) which, owing to the spherical aberration, deflect edge rays (23) in the divergent pencil of rays (13) of the optical fibre (8) in such a manner that a homogeneous sharp-edged emerging pencil of rays is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating the bronchi of a patient for the purpose of photodynamic therapy has an optical fibre (11) that feeds the light of a laser into a bronchoscope and is surrounded by a light-guide tube (8) and an outer tube (2). The distal end (13) of the optical fibre (11) is embedded in a silicone composition (17) containing 7 parts per thousand of TiO.sub.2 particles having a particle size of 0.2 .mu.m. The silicone composition (17) fills the front end of the light-guide tube (8) as far as the end face (6) of an aluminium cylinder (5) which acts as a mirror. The light dispersed by the TiO.sub.2 particles is emitted radially through the light-guide tube (8) and the front portion of the outer tube (2) and acts on the patient's bronchi.

Abstract: A device for extracting parameters for decoding a video data flow, contained in headers preceded by a starting code of series of data coded according to an MPEG standard, organized, independently and according to the starting code, and storage of the parameters in three register banks.