Abstract: Estimation of the code size of variable length encoding of quantized DCT coefficients by summation over histogram bins of products of number of bin members and a code size of an average run of zero coefficients coupled with a representative level from the bin. The estimation provides low-complexity feedback for quantization level adjustment to obtain variable length code size target without actual performance of a quantization level plus variable length encoding.

Abstract: This invention is used in a real time system that includes a host processor, interface hardware and an external device controlled by the interface hardware. To maintain system real-time performance, handshake protocol between the external device and the interface hardware is automatic during command execution. This invention moves control of the external device to the host processor if a command doesn't finish before a host processor specified time limit. If command execution exceeds the time limit, the host processor controls the handshake protocols directly and sequentially. This prevents system breakdown caused by trouble at the external device.

Abstract: An information storage and retrieval system (40) and method for operating same has a host device (42) and an information storage device (41), which includes mass data storage means (54), such as a DVD, a DVD RAM, CD-ROM, alone, or in combination. The information storage device (41) includes a cache memory (48) for holding data as it is being written to the mass data storage means (54). The host device (42) is connected to the cache memory (48) to control a size of the cache memory that can be utilized to hold the data to be written to the mass data storage means (54), to control, for instance, the flush, seek, busy, and/or overhead times of the information storage device (41).

Abstract: An information storage and retrieval system (40) and method for operating same has a host device (42) and an information storage device (41), which includes mass data storage means (54), such as a DVD, a DVD RAM, CD-ROM, alone, or in combination. The information storage device (41) includes a cache memory (48) for holding data as it is being written to the mass data storage means (54). The host device (42) is connected to the cache memory (48) to control a size of the cache memory that can be utilized to hold the data to be written to the mass data storage means (54), to control, for instance, the flush, seek, busy, and/or overhead times of the information storage device (41).

Abstract: An interpolation for a Bayer pattern color-filtered array with edge enhancement by clamping green interpolation values.

Abstract: A storage device performs error correction for all data read from media. Correctly read data or data that is corrected following the reading is transferred to a host for use. If the error correction fails, the storage device transfers a unique error code. The host distinguishes the received data between normal one and unique one. The normal data flows into main data handling routine and the unique code flows into error data handling routine. The processed results of both data are stored into system memory area in the host. The host controls the read out schedule and response to the unique code. This method can prevent the host breakdown from data trouble in the external storage device.

Abstract: This invention is used in a real time system that includes a host processor, interface hardware and an external device controlled by the interface hardware. To maintain system real-time performance, handshake protocol between the external device and the interface hardware is automatic during command execution. This invention moves control of the external device to the host processor if a command doesn't finish before a host processor specified time limit. If command execution exceeds the time limit, the host processor controls the handshake protocols directly and sequentially. This prevents system breakdown caused by trouble at the external device. This invention is useful to prevent failure due to defective media in a consumer DVD recorder.

Abstract: A simple to implement sample rate conversion system consisting of an input/output data flow controller, interpolation coefficient generation, and output data flow control to generate the converted data stream. Sample rate conversion may be done at real time video rates, without restrictions on the conversion ratios.

Abstract: Nonlinear image filter defined by local edge intensity and slope and is useful noise and artifact removal during image processing; applications include digital still cameras and video cameras.

Abstract: Estimation of the code size of variable length encoding of quantized DCT coefficients by summation over histogram bins of products of number of bin members and a code size of an average run of zero coefficients coupled with a representative level from the bin. The estimation provides low-complexity feedback for quantization level adjustment to obtain variable length code size target without actual performance of a quantization level plus variable length encoding.

Abstract: This invention controls a system that simultaneously processes video and audio data in real time having read and write track buffers. The invention detects a specific state at one of the storage devices that generates a long delay for communication. Upon this detection, the invention dynamically allocating a fixed amount of memory to read and write track buffers. The storage devices include a first storage device having a long delay caused by mechanical performance, such as a DVD read/write drive and a second storage device not having a long delay caused by mechanical performance such as a hard disk drive.

Abstract: An interpolation for a Bayer pattern color filtered array with red and blue interpolation using weightings as ratios of corresponding green pixel values.

Abstract: A method for accessing a plurality of devices by a system using a single communication port communicatively coupled with each respective device of the plurality of devices includes the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) ascertaining selected operating characteristics of the system; and (2) ascertaining selected operating characteristics of each respective device; (b) calculating operating parameters of the system operating with each respective device; (c) establishing a schedule for operating the system with each respective device; and (d) operating the system with each respective device according to the schedule.

Abstract: An information storage and retrieval system (40) and method for operating same has a host device (42) and an information storage device (41), which includes mass data storage means (54), such as a DVD, a DVD RAM, CD-ROM, alone, or in combination. The information storage device (41) includes a cache memory (48) for holding data as it is being written to the mass data storage means (54). The host device (42) is connected to the cache memory (48) to control a size of the cache memory that can be utilized to hold the data to be written to the mass data storage means (54), to control, for instance, the flush, seek, busy, and/or overhead times of the information storage device (41).

Abstract: A combination interpolation and lowpass filtering for Bayer color-filtered arrays with the green high frequency used as an estimate for red and blue high frequency.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly optimized compression algorithm that lessens the impact on picture quality when a small number of macroblocks—in a given frame—have a large motion vector. The invention controls the use of seldom-needed, large f-codes. This prevents the number of bits used to transmit the f-code from enlarging excessively. This invention discloses a method to compress the video signals efficiently, using an effective bit-allocation scheme to minimize f-code to provide high quality picture after detecting a motion vector.

Abstract: An image information encoding system that includes detecting an image portion for which higher image quality is desired based on the motion vector value and the image error value, calculating a bit rate control value based on the detection result as well as the buffer usage rate, and changing the roughness of the quantization step based on the bit rate control value. The objective is to minimize the degradation of an image due to compression of a still image portion.

Abstract: Digital Camera includes separate preview engine, burst mode compression/decompression engine, image pipeline, CCD plus CCD controller, and memory plus memory controller. ARM microprocessor and DSP share control, and preview engine register provide parameters for preview engine image processing hardware.

Abstract: A tone-scaling in a digital image with pixel intensities replaced by a linear combination of pixel intensities and cumulative intensity distribution values.

Abstract: A pair of drawing members, separated by a prescribed distance, are rotated toward each other in contact with an end packaging material covering the ends of a web wrapped on a web roll. The drawing members are brought toward one another, creating an insertion section by gathering the end packaging and separating the end packaging from the web on the web roll. A cutting member is inserted into the insertion section. The web roll is then rotated, whereby the end packaging is cut and removed from an end of a web roll without damaging the web wrapped thereon. Similar drawing members and cutting members are preferably located at each end of an end packaging removal device, thereby simultaneously removing the end packaging material from both ends of the web roll. The resulting end packaging removal device saves time and labor involved in removing end packaging from a web roll.