Abstract: Consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. high-definition movie players for removable storage media such as optical discs, may provide possibilities for advanced interactivity for the user, implemented as software applications. A question arising generally with such software applications is what the life cycle of such an application is, and who may control it. The invention provides a method for executing software applications within a playback device for audio-video data, wherein data from a first removable storage medium are read for a software application to be executed within said playback device, and the data comprise an indication defining a termination condition for the application. Based on said termination code and depending on how the medium holding the application is ejected, the application is terminated or may survive.

Abstract: Consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. high-definition movie players for removable storage media such as optical discs, may provide possibilities for advanced interactivity for the user, implemented as software applications. A question arising generally with such software applications is what the life cycle of such an application is, and who may control it. The invention provides a method for executing software applications within a playback device for audio-video data, wherein data from a first removable storage medium are read for a software application to be executed within said playback device, and the data comprise an indication defining a termination condition for the application. Based on said termination code and depending on how the medium holding the application is ejected, the application is terminated or may survive.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test system for inspection of structural material includes a test electronics for controlling a plurality of ultrasonic transmitter and receiver channels. This test electronics is operated by sequencing the system through the several channels, but the evaluating circuit is common to the receive channels. The duration of the test, timing of launching, timing of beginning receiving response signals, time and duration of looking windows for identifying and timing particular responses, and comparison data, all are operating and acquisition parameters for operating the electronics. These parameters are furnished from external sources and are programmable and exchangeable, e.g., from test to test. At least some of these parameters are updated on the basis of data as acquired during the test.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of individually selectable transmitter and receiver channels, a common controller and a common acquisition unit constructed to operate on the basis of parameters which are furnished to the controller and the unit as input signals. Some of the parameters are held in a memory and are withdrawn on the basis of test identification numbers to set up the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit has a transit time counter and two parallel operating looking window generators and several comparator stages, operating under utilization of such parameters. The data as acquired by a test, are accumulated and processed to determine new parameters, if necessary, and feeding them to the memory. The controller conducts the tests on the basis of sequencing the system through a group of test identification numbers, and provides also launch delay and receiving delays on the basis of externally, updatable parameters.

Abstract: Ultrasonic response signals resulting from interaction of a test pulse with the structural material are recognized by dynamically tracking the noise level and adding thereto a fixed level; a response signal to be recognized must exceed the resulting variable threshold level.

Abstract: The seam of a pipe is tested sequentially from various directions and with differently directed test beams to search for differently oriented defects, and repeatedly for stepwise testing each portion of the same.