Abstract: In one embodiment, a computing system may access color components of a pixel region in an image, and then determine a color variance for each of the color components. The computing system may further determine a desired bit allocation for each of the color components based on the color variance associated with that color component. The computing system may then determine a total bit allocation for the pixel region based on the desired bit allocations for the color components, as well as a number of unallocated bits available for allocation. The computing system may further determine a final bit allocation for each of the color components by allocating the total bit allocation to each of the color components according to the desired bit allocation for each of the color components. The computing system may then encode each of the color components using the associated final bit allocation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe coupling comprising: a tubular casing, having a longitudinal gap between a first free end and a second free end, for fitting around a pipe; and a tensioning system for tightening the casing around the outer surface of the pipe, the system comprising: at least one fastener having a first end and a second end, for tightening the casing around the pipe; a first member, coupled to the first free end of the casing, configured to engage with the first end of the or each fastener; and a second member, slidably coupled to the second free end of the casing, configured to engage with the second end of the or each fastener, the second member being longitudinally slidable from a first position, in which the or each fastener is free to move radially out of engagement with said second member, to a second position in which the or each fastener is in retained engagement with said second member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein includes a system, a method, and a device for compressing image data. The device includes one or more processors, coupled to memory, configured to identify a plurality of sub-blocks of a block of image data including a first sub-block and a second sub-block. The one or more processors are configured to identify a first data characteristic of data of the first sub-block and a second data characteristic of data of the second sub-block, determine a first compression technique based at least on the first data characteristic of the first sub-block, determine a second compression technique based at least on the second data characteristic of the second sub-block, and compress the first sub-block using the first compression technique and the second sub-block using the second compression technique.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a system, a method and a device for reducing a size and power consumption in encoder and decoder frame buffers using lossy compression. An encoder of a first device can provide a first video frame for encoding, to a prediction loop of the first device. In the prediction loop, lossy compression can be applied to the first video frame to generate a first compressed video frame. In the prediction loop, lossy decompression can be applied to the first compressed video frame. The encoder can provide, to a decoder of a second device to perform decoding, encoded video data corresponding to the first video frame and a configuration of the lossy compression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe coupling for connecting together the ends of two pipes. The pipe coupling comprises: a tubular casing (102) for fitting around the pipes; a tensioning system (102) for tightening the casing around the outer surface of the pipes; and a guide member (108), coupled to and extending away from a first axial end of the tubular casing, for radially aligning and guiding one of the pipes into the tubular casing. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a pipe coupling and a pipe, the pipe coupling being pre-installed on one end of the pipe, and configured to receive a second pipe.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for connecting together the ends of two pipes including a tubular casing for fitting around a pipe; tensioning means for tightening the casing around the outer surface of the pipe; and a dynamic axial restraint system comprising at least one resilient gripping ring mounted within the casing for gripping the outer surface of the pipe. The gripping ring includes an outer surface engaging with an inner surface of the casing and adapted to roll against the inner surface of the casing upon axial loading of the pipe; and an inner gripping surface for engaging the outer surface of the pipe. The gripping surface of the resilient gripping ring is adapted such that upon rolling of the outer surface against the inner surface of the tubular casing, the area of the gripping surface in contact with the pipe increases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe coupling including a tubular casing, having a longitudinal gap between a first free end and a second free end; a tensioning system including a first pivoting member; a second pivoting member having a projection located at a distal end of the second pivoting member; a bridge plate located inside the casing for spanning the longitudinal gap between the first free end and the second free end of the tubular casing; at least one fastener; and means for restraining radially the projection of the second pivoting member relative to the first pivoting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe coupling including a tubular casing, having a longitudinal gap between a first free end and a second free end; a tensioning system including a first pivoting member; a second pivoting member having a projection located at a distal end of the second pivoting member; a bridge plate located inside the casing for spanning the longitudinal gap between the first free end and the second free end of the tubular casing; at least one fastener; and means for restraining radially the projection of the second pivoting member relative to the first pivoting member.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for connecting together the ends of two pipes including a tubular casing for fitting around a pipe; tensioning means for tightening the casing around the outer surface of the pipe; and a dynamic axial restraint system comprising at least one resilient gripping ring mounted within the casing for gripping the outer surface of the pipe. The gripping ring includes an outer surface engaging with an inner surface of the casing and adapted to roll against the inner surface of the casing upon axial loading of the pipe; and an inner gripping surface for engaging the outer surface of the pipe. The gripping surface of the resilient gripping ring is adapted such that upon rolling of the outer surface against the inner surface of the tubular casing, the area of the gripping surface in contact with the pipe increases.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating an interpolated base frame image: receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receding a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image end the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprises a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolator. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

Abstract: For frames sequentially functioning as a reference frame in a video sequence frame set, a motion estimate set is accessed. One motion estimate characterizes motion associated with pixels of each region of the reference frame in relation to regions of one frame of the set of frames, which is temporally displaced in time with respect to other frames in the set of frames. An additional motion estimate characterizes motion associated with pixels of each reference frame region in relation to a second frame of the set, which is temporally displaced from the one frame and other frames of the frame set. A temporal image prediction set, corresponding to the first and additional motion estimate, is predicted, based on an alignment of the reference frame regions over the frame set. The temporal image predictions are blended and a temporal predictor is generated over the frame set based on the blending.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for intelligent application of a finishing process a surface of a housing is described. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the housing is imaged. In one embodiment, the image can be rendered using an optical imager such as a standard or high definition camera. In one embodiment, multiple cameras can be used to assist in defining location, size, and depth of surface defects. In one embodiment, an optical imaging device can be used to image surface defects under wet conditions where the surface of the housing is covered with a layer of slurry.

Abstract: An electronic multipurpose card includes a biometric reader element for card activation and at least one interface connection for an external processor. A programmable memory is connected to the element and at least one port receives an additional memory module. A programmable magnetic stripe memory element stores data and a program selects among alternative data sets and alternative instruction sets input by either of the card issuer or the card user. A selection device is activated by the user to operate the application program and effect selection of any of the alternative data sets and the alternative instruction sets. The card has applications where the data and instructions stored on the card should only be available to a user for whom the card was issued. These applications include proprietary health care data and online gambling. A time out feature is included to prevent unauthorized use of the card after authorization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for decoding an encoded baseline video stream and an enhancement stream. The baseline video stream is decoded, upscaled and enhanced by applying adaptive filters specified by the enhancement stream. Baseline upscaled images are then coded to motion compensate enhanced high resolution images using previously decoded enhanced images, thus recycling these enhanced images. The enhancement stream provides the best predictor method for the decoder to combine blocks from previous enhanced images and upscaled images to produce a motion compensated enhanced image. Likewise, forward and backward motion compensated images are blended according to feature classification and filter extraction methods provided by the enhancement stream to produce a bidirectionally predicted frame. Lastly, the decoder applies residual data from the enhancement stream to produce a completed enhanced image.

Abstract: A pipe coupling with an anchoring arrangement for locking the pipes together axially. The anchoring arrangement comprises a tubular casing, a frusto-conical gripping ring with inwardly projecting gripping teeth and tensioning bolts for tightening the casing about the frusto-conical gripping ring. The frusto-conical gripping ring is formed of a plurality of arcuate segments which overlap to form a complete ring. By forming the gripping ring of segments, the gripping ring is able to adapt to pipes that are not truly circular in cross section and a better grip on the pipe may be achieved than with a single-piece gripping ring.

Abstract: A door mounted support apparatus for a punching bag having two main components: (1) a main support bracket; and (2) a punching bag support bracket. The main support bracket includes a first horizontal bar and a second opposite side horizontal bar. The first and second horizontal bars are connected via two parallel curved arms. The main support bracket is mounted to a door frame by extending the first horizontal bar in front of the side door jambs and hooking the second horizontal bar behind the top door jamb. Adjustable clamps on the curved arms and on the first horizontal bar are used to tighten and secure the main support bracket to the door frame. The punching bag support bracket is then inserted into slots on the first horizontal bar and locked into position with locking pins. A punching bag is suspended from the punching bag support bracket.

Abstract: The multiple taco shaping and frying apparatus allows for five to ten tortillas to be pressed and formed into the perfect “V” shaped form and submerged into a standard home use deep fryer or pot.

Abstract: For frames sequentially functioning as a reference frame in a video sequence frame set, a motion estimate set is accessed. One motion estimate characterizes motion associated with pixels of each region of the reference frame in relation to regions of one frame of the set of frames, which is temporally displaced in time with respect to other frames in the set of frames. An additional motion estimate characterizes motion associated with pixels of each reference frame region in relation to a second frame of the set, which is temporally displaced from the one frame and other frames of the frame set. A temporal image prediction set, corresponding to the first and additional motion estimate, is predicted, based on an alignment of the reference frame regions over the frame set. The temporal image predictions are blended and a temporal predictor is generated over the frame set based on the blending.

Abstract: A filter assembly for mechanically removing silicon monoxide during a crystal growth run having a filter housing, a filter mounting plate attached to the filter housing, a sweep plate attached to the filter housing, a plurality of filter elements attached to the filter mounting plate, and a plurality of ring-shaped brushes mounted to the sweep plate, wherein at least one of the plurality of ring-shaped brushes surrounds each of the plurality of filter elements.