Abstract: An image encoding apparatus comprises a selector configured to select, from a set of candidate prediction operations each defining at least a prediction direction selected from a set of available prediction directions, a prediction operation for prediction of samples of a current region of a current image, the current region comprising an array of two or more rows and two or more columns of samples; and an intra-image predictor configured to derive predicted samples of the current region with respect to one or more of a group of reference samples of the same image in dependence upon a prediction direction, defined by the selected prediction operation, between a current sample to be predicted and the reference samples; in which for at least some of the candidate prediction operations: the group of reference samples comprises two or more parallel linear arrays of reference samples disposed at different respective separations from the current region, the intra-image predictor being configured to derive the predi

Abstract: A programmable logic device includes a programmable array of volatile logic elements which when loaded with a configuration program is operable to perform a process in accordance with the configuration of the logic elements by the configuration program. The programmable logic device includes a hardware decryption processor including a register having stored therein a first secret configuration key. A non-volatile store is arranged to store a configuration program which has been encrypted with the first secret configuration key. The configuration program includes therein the first secret configuration key, and the hardware decryption processor is operable, when power is applied to the programmable logic device to read the encrypted configuration program, to decrypt the encrypted configuration program using the first secret configuration key stored in the register, and to configure the programmable array of logic with the configuration program.

Abstract: A jitter correction apparatus and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a rising edge corrector to receive a jittered signal and to output a jitter corrected rising edge of the jittered signal. The apparatus may also have a falling edge corrector to receive the jittered signal and to output a jitter corrected falling edge of the jittered signal. The jitter correction apparatus may include an output device to receive the jitter corrected rising edge, to receive the jitter corrected falling edge, and to output a jitter corrected signal.

Abstract: A method of embedding data in material comprises the steps of: embedding data in original material to produce data embedded material; removing the watermark from the data embedded material to produce recovered material; comparing the original and recovered material to determine the differences and locations of differences therebetween; and storing the said locations and corrections which correct the said differences. A method of removing the data embedded in the material, comprises the steps of: removing the data from the material to produce recovered material; deriving the said corrections and locations from the said store; and using the corrections to correct the recovered material at the said locations.

Abstract: A portable wall board system is provided for enclosing a playing area such as a roller hockey rink. The wall board system includes panels and supports having corresponding keys and keyways that interlock to form a continuous inner wall for the playing surface. The system further includes doors that interlock with the supports at desired locations. The supports are hollow in order to receive a ballast material such as water. The invention also provides a method for enclosing a playing area using the above elements.