Abstract: A method for estimating blockiness in a video frame of transform-based video encoding includes: obtaining a bitstream of a transform coded video signal, the signal being partitioned into video frames and all operations being performed on a per frame basis, wherein coefficients constituting transforms encoded in the bitstream of the video frames are read; averaging the coefficients of the transforms encoded in the bitstream into one averaged transform matrix per transform block size i; generating or making available one weighting matrix per averaged transform of block size i; computing intermediate weighted average transform matrices; processing all members of each weighted and averaged transform matrix into a single value per transform of block size i, to obtain intermediate signals; and computing a single value by weighting values of the intermediate signals according to an area in the respective video frame and adding up the weighted values of the intermediate signals.

Abstract: A user interface, and an associated method, facilitates operation of a mobile station by a physically-disabled user. In one implementation, concave-shaped face covers are provided for the telephonic keypad of a mobile station to facilitate its usage by a physically-disabled user. In another implementation, the mobile station is provided with a TTY (telecommunications device), also to facilitate operation of the mobile station by a physically-disabled user. And, in another implementation, a location-request signal generator, carriable by a user, generated a location-request signal upon actuation by the user. The mobile station includes a local receiver for receiving the location-request signal and an annunciator for annunciating reception of the location-request signal. If the mobile station becomes misplaced, a user actuates the location-request signal generator, and the annunciation signal generated responsive to detection of such signal at the mobile station facilitates location of the mobile station.