Abstract: Described is a design to synchronize and prevent any clock timing issues associated with two clock domain crossing (CDC) in Design for Testing (DFT) and other CDC applications. In order to avoid any meta-stability issues associated with the sensitive edges of the two clock domains, the synchronization scheme splits the incoming data of the first clock domain into three branches, from which a finite state machine is to choose the correct branch for data transfer to the second clock domain. The selected branch will be the ‘safe’ one that guarantees there will be no timing issue at the second clock domain. This methodology can be applied in IC design that needs to optimize area and performance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a DFT (Design for test) methodology to integrate synchronous double-clock latches to synchronize data transferring between two asynchronous clock domains, where the conventional lockup-latches (asynchronous latches) are automatically inserted to connect/combine the two independent asynchronous DFT chains for a more compacted solution. If the asynchronous latches are replaced by the synchronous double-clock ones, the static timing analysis (STA) will check both ends of the latches, therefore, the full combined chain is safe from the setup-hold issues. This method utilizes the automatic flow of asynchronous latches insertion to connect independent DFT chains. Then these conventional latches are replaced by synchronous ones. Both the synthesis, the physical implementation flows in the DFT design and the automatic-test pattern generation (ATPG) scheme have been modified to match these replacements.

Abstract: Entropy encoding is performed in the inventive apparatus and method in response to the scanning of transform coefficients following an initial scanning pattern selected on the basis of probability statistics of non-zero coefficients for each block position. These non-zero probability statistics are ranked for a given combination of coding characteristics within the current block to arrive at an initial scanning pattern. The same initial scanning pattern selection is performed in the decoder to allow the transform coefficients to be extracted in their proper order from encoded video data. The pattern selection is applicable to both intra prediction and inter prediction. Transform coefficients are more accurately ordered in response to the invention because in adapting pattern initialization to quantization step size, high-frequency basis functions are properly taken into account.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding video using directional discrete waveform transforms (DDWT), such as within a codec device. DDWT can be utilized to replace the use of intra transforms and inter transforms within the encoding system. In many ways the output of the DDWT can be compared with that provided using MDDT, however, it does not require a training process while it also provides enhanced encoding of feature edges with desirable visual characteristics. The transforms are applied in at least two passes, along the prediction direction, and then across the prediction direction, instead of being applied in fixed vertical and horizontal directions. Directional scaling is not required prior to the second stage of transforms.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coding images geometric vector quantization (GVQ) having an over-complete dictionary which produces a sparse vector of coefficients as it contains large runs of zeros. The sparse encoding is particularly well suited for use with run-length entropy coding techniques. Image blocks are sparse coded using GVQ, with the vector of coefficients converted to RUN-LENGTH symbols, and binarized into a set of binary symbols. At least a portion of the binary symbols are used as contexts which can be selected when performing binary arithmetic coding of the binary coded RUN and LENGTH data to generate a bit stream containing the encoded image that provides enhanced compression.

Abstract: Image encoding for changing representation of zero coefficient clustering and for utilizing a novel directional transform for exploiting the directional properties of image energy. The apparatus and methods can be applied to numerous applications, such as within image codecs. A ring-tree method is taught for representing the grouping of zero transform coefficients as ring-trees into a new symbol for more efficiently coding images. Directional transforms are taught which provide enhanced energy compactness of coefficients, and which capture directional energy resulting in generating enhanced visual quality.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coding images geometric vector quantization (GVQ) having an over-complete dictionary which produces a sparse vector of coefficients as it contains large runs of zeros. The sparse encoding is particularly well suited for use with run-length entropy coding techniques. Image blocks are sparse coded using GVQ, with the vector of coefficients converted to RUN-LENGTH symbols, and binarized into a set of binary symbols. At least a portion of the binary symbols are used as contexts which can be selected when performing binary arithmetic coding of the binary coded RUN and LENGTH data to generate a bit stream containing the encoded image that provides enhanced compression.

Abstract: Image encoding for changing representation of zero coefficient clustering and for utilizing a novel directional transform for exploiting the directional properties of image energy. The apparatus and methods can be applied to numerous applications, such as within image codecs. A ring-tree method is taught for representing the grouping of zero transform coefficients as ring-trees into a new symbol for more efficiently coding images. Directional transforms are taught which provide enhanced energy compactness of coefficients, and which capture directional energy resulting in generating enhanced visual quality.

Abstract: Entropy encoding is performed in the inventive apparatus and method in response to the scanning of transform coefficients following an initial scanning pattern selected on the basis of probability statistics of non-zero coefficients for each block position. These non-zero probability statistics are ranked for a given combination of coding characteristics within the current block to arrive at an initial scanning pattern. The same initial scanning pattern selection is performed in the decoder to allow the transform coefficients to be extracted in their proper order from encoded video data. The pattern selection is applicable to both intra prediction and inter prediction. Transform coefficients are more accurately ordered in response to the invention because in adapting pattern initialization to quantization step size, high-frequency basis functions are properly taken into account.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding video using directional discrete waveform transforms (DDWT), such as within a codec device. DDWT can be utilized to replace the use of intra transforms and inter transforms within the encoding system. In many ways the output of the DDWT can be compared with that provided using MDDT, however, it does not require a training process while it also provides enhanced encoding of feature edges with desirable visual characteristics. The transforms are applied in at least two passes, along the prediction direction, and then across the prediction direction, instead of being applied in fixed vertical and horizontal directions. Directional scaling is not required prior to the second stage of transforms.

Abstract: A downloadable postage rate calculating device including a platform for receiving a parcel and providing a weight for the parcel, and a processor configured to receive current rates information downloaded from a computer or other similar device. The processor calculates a postage amount for the parcel based on at least a portion of the current rates information and the weight of the parcel. The processor can also compare the postage amount for a first carrier and shipping method, with that of a second carrier and shipping method, or between two shipping methods offered by the same carrier.

Abstract: A downloadable postage rate calculating device including a platform for receiving a parcel and providing a weight for the parcel, and a processor configured to receive current rates information downloaded from a computer or other similar device. The processor calculates a postage amount for the parcel based on at least a portion of the current rates information and the weight of the parcel. The processor can also compare the postage amount for a first carrier and shipping method, with that of a second carrier and shipping method, or between two shipping methods offered by the same carrier.