Abstract: Video data compression apparatus for compressing images of an input video signal on a block-by-block basis comprises a block analyser for analysing each block of an image to be compressed to detect a degree of difference between pixels within that block; a data quantity allocator for allocating target output data quantities for the compression of each block, the target data quantities being dependent on the detected degrees of pixel difference of the blocks; and a data compression encoder for compressing each block in accordance with the target output data quantity associated with that block.

Abstract: A system for facilitating production of information material comprises a plurality of metadata nodes operable to process metadata describing the content of information material, and a data communications network for providing a facility for communicating the metadata between the metadata nodes. The metadata is represented as metadata strings describing the content or attributes associated with the information material. The metadata string includes a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) providing an address of a storage location of an associated metadata resource. The metadata string is communicable separately from the information material via the network and the associated metadata resource is accessible via the network using the resource identifier. The metadata string can be arranged to provide an indication of parameters describing the information material and identifiers such as UMIDs or the like which facilitate navigation of the information material.

Abstract: Silicone primer compositions that provide excellent anchorage for phenyl-based silicone pressure sensitive adhesive prepared tape. The compositions comprise a phenyl-modified siloxane component such as a dimethyl-diphenyl siloxane component. The relative amount of phenyl substituents in the phenyl-modified primer matches the mole percent of phenyl substituents in the adhesive. One particular PSA system includes a primer composition and an adhesive which both contain a dimethyl, 5.3 mole percent diphenyl, silanol chain stopped silicone gum. Very thin layers of the primer are used between a substrate and a pressure sensitive adhesive. The primer compositions virtually eliminate all tendencies of phenyl-based silicone PSA prepared tape to delaminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for reporting disk utilization in a computer system. The method includes collecting at least one parameter pertaining to a disk array in a disk subsystem by a processor in the disk subsystem; transferring the at least one parameter from the processor to an open system host; and calculating disk utilization based upon the at least one parameter. The method and system is able to provide disk utilization which is understandable to the open system host. In a preferred embodiment, the disk utilization is provided by collecting the relevant parameters from the microcode in the processor of the disk subsystem, and then calculating the average disk utilization per disk based upon the parameters. Thus, an open system host is able to obtain a useful characteristic for determining the performance of the disk subsystem.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate having improved peel strength and containing a first and third layer comprising various plastic, metal, or glass materials, and a second layer containing an addition-curable silicone composition curable to form an adhesive having good physical properties and improved peel adhesion properties, the second layer comprising (A) a vinyl-containing polydiorganosiloxane composition, (B) a hydrogen-terminated polysiloxane, preferably in an amount sufficient to provide an adhesion-promoting molar ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in (B) to olefinically unsaturated radicals in (A); (C) a catalytic amount of a platinum-containing hydrosilation catalyst; (D) an effective amount of an adhesion promoter selected from the group consisting of (i) bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)alkyl]-fumarates; (ii) bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)alkyl]maleates; (iii) allyl-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)alkyl]maleates; (iv) allyl-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)alkyl]fumarates; and (v) N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl) alkyl]maleimides, wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.

Abstract: Mixed-signal tester architecture and methods are provided which minimize transfer of data, offer parallel data post-processing within the analog channels, and allow flexible synchronization. Multiple analog channels each have a source digital signal processor (DSP), a digital source sequencer, digital source instrumentation, analog source instrumentation, analog measure instrumentation, digital measure instrumentation, a digital pin multiplexer, a digital measure sequencer, DSP-addressable multi-bank capture memory, a capture digital signal processor, and an inter-DSP feedback path for communication between the source DSP and the capture DSP. Each analog channel can be arranged in a feedback loop through either its analog and/or digital instrumentation using the inter-DSP feedback path. DUT response is processed in the channel, the result is used to define parameters for a subsequent test cycle, and a signal corresponding to these parameters is generated and applied to the DUT.

Abstract: Asynchronously-generated digital and analog clocks in a mixed-signal test system are accurately aligned for repeatable and deterministic testing. A variable-frequency digital master clock signal is used in direct digital synthesis of an analog clock signal which is asynchronous to the master clock signal. A resync command inhibits the analog clock signal until the analog clock signal is in a desired phase relationship to the master clock signal. The analog clock signal is thus phase-aligned with the master clock signal in a known and deterministic relationship. The resync command also aligns the phase of the analog clock signal with the pattern of stimulus signals applied to the device under test. Aligning the analog clock signal with the master clock signal and with the stimulus pattern assures that test results are consistent from test-to-test. A phase-locked loop removes spurs from the synthesized analog clock signal.

Abstract: Mixed-signal tester architecture and methods are provided which minimize transfer of data, offer parallel data post-processing within the analog channels, and allow flexible synchronization. Multiple analog channels each have a source digital signal processor (DSP), a digital source sequencer, digital source instrumentation, analog source instrumentation, analog measure instrumentation, digital measure instrumentation, a digital pin multiplexer, a digital measure sequencer, DSP-addressable multi-bank capture memory, a capture digital signal processor, and an inter-DSP feedback path for communication between the source DSP and the capture DSP. Each analog channel can be arranged in a feedback loop through either its analog and/or digital instrumentation using the inter-DSP feedback path. DUT response is processed in the channel, the result is used to define parameters for a subsequent test cycle, and a signal corresponding to these parameters is generated and applied to the DUT.