Abstract: According to the process for determining a transform element for a given transformation function, which transformation function comprises a transformation matrix and corresponds to a transformation of a digital signal from the time domain into the frequency domain or vice versa, the transformation matrix is decomposed into a rotation matrix (306) and an auxiliary matrix (307) which, when multiplied with itself, equals a permutation matrix multiplied with an integer diagonal matrix. Further, the rotation matrix (306) and the auxiliary matrix (307) are each decomposed into a plurality of lifting matrices (308). Further, the transforming element is determined to comprise of a plurality of lifting stages (309) which correspond to the lifting matrices (308). The invention further provides a method for the transformation of a digital signal from the time domain into the frequency domain according to the transforming element determined by the process described above.

Abstract: A method for performing a domain transformation of a digital signal from the time domain into the frequency domain and vice versa, the method including performing the transformation by a transforming element, the transformation element comprising a plurality of lifting stages, wherein the transformation corresponds to a transformation matrix and wherein at least one lifting stage of the plurality of lifting stages comprises at least one auxiliary transformation matrix and a rounding unit, the auxiliary transformation matrix comprising the transformation matrix itself or the corresponding transformation matrix of lower dimension. The method further comprising performing a rounding operation of the signal by the rounding unit after the transformation by the auxiliary transformation matrix.

Abstract: A method for inter-mode prediction in video coding, the method comprising checking a data block of an image for zero motion; computing frame difference of the data block based on the checking for zero motion; and making an inter-mode prediction selection based on the computed frame difference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus position a beam spot on a recording medium. The positioning includes (a) observing a first center error in a first closed loop control during tracking mode, the first center error including a repeatable run out (RRO) error, (b) estimating a center error (CE)-RRO from the first center error, the CE-RRO being part of the first center error caused by the RRO, (c) observing a second center error in a second closed loop control during a rough seek, (d) subtracting the CE-RRO from the second center error, (e) controlling the beam spot based on the second center error less the CE-RRO during the rough seek, and (f) adding an open loop control to the second closed loop control during the rough seek, the added open loop control inducing a motion of the lens relative to an optical center of the OPU during the rough seek.

Abstract: A rack for mounting modules of a computer system to be tested includes a chassis including a bracing frame for mounting test components of the computer system, and a top panel attached to the chassis, the top panel includes a braces member, receiving a module for testing, the module is electronically connected to the test components.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a center error creation circuit, a center error offset injection circuit and a center error controller. The center error creation circuit may be configured to generate a center error signal in response to one or more photo-diode signals. The center error offset injection circuit may be configured to (i) offset the center error signal and (ii) generate an offset signal. The lens controller may be configured to adjust a lens in a sled housing at a mechanical center is response to the offset signal when the apparatus is in a rough seek mode.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a center error creation circuit, a center error controller, and a center error repeatable run out circuit. The center error creation circuit may be configured to generate a center error signal in response to photo-diode signals. The center error controller may be configured to adjust a lens to a center position in a sled housing with a step motor in response to a center error measure signal. The center error repeatable run out circuit may be configured to generate a center error run out signal and the center error measure signal in response to the center error signal. The center error repeatable run out circuit may generate the center error measure signal by measuring the center error signal when the center error run out signal is in a peak phase.

Abstract: A method (400) and an apparatus for AVC intra prediction to code digital video comprising a plurality of pictures are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: generating (410) edge directional information for each intra block of a digital picture; and choosing (420) most probable intra prediction modes for rate distortion optimisation dependent upon the generated edge directional information. The edge directional information may be generated by applying at least one edge operator to the digital picture. The edge direction histogram may sum up the amplitudes of pixels with similar 15 directions in the block. The method may further comprise the step of intra coding (430) a block of the digital picture using the chosen most probable intra prediction modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for normalized bit counting is described. The method comprising incrementing a bit counter using a first clock, and adjusting a target bit based on a difference in frequency between the first clock and a second clock. The method further comprising determining when the bit counter reaches the adjusted target bit.

Abstract: A method for processing bit symbols generated by a data source, in particular a video, still image or audio source, comprising the following steps of constructing a plurality of bit-planes from the data source, each bit-plane comprising a plurality of bit-plane symbols; scanning the bit-plane symbols of each bit-plane to generate a binary string of bit-plane symbols; and encoding the binary string of the bit-plane symbols using a statistical model, wherein the statistical model is based on statistical properties of a Laplacian probability distribution function which characterizes the data source.

Abstract: A handheld electronic game device shaped as a toy gun with two handles and two triggers, and one or more built-in display screens. The device may be played as a stand-alone device, or played with an external game unit having a display screen. When played with an external unit, the handheld device and the external unit may be provided with an aiming relationship detection system to detect an aiming of the handheld device with respect the display screen of the external unit. In one example, the screen of the external unit displays a terrain or a scene seen by the player, and the built-in display of the handheld device simulates a view seen through a scope used on traditional guns. An additional display screen may be provided on the handheld device to simulate a radar scan or satellite image.

Abstract: There is described a method (500) for automatic speech classification performed on an electronic device. The method (500) includes receiving an utterance waveform (520) and processing the waveform (535) to provide feature vectors. Then a step (537) provides for performing speech recognition of the utterance waveform by comparing the feature vectors with at least two sets of acoustic models, one of the sets being a general vocabulary acoustic model set and another of the sets being a digit acoustic model set. The speech recognition step (537) provides candidate strings and associated classification scores from each of the sets of acoustic models. The utterance type is then classified (550) for the waveform based on the classification scores and a selecting step (553) selects one of the candidates as a speech recognition result based on the utterance type. A response is provided (555) depending on the speech recognition result.

Abstract: There is described a method 300 for open vocabulary speech recognition performed by an electronic device (100). The method (300) includes receiving an utterance waveform (320) and Processing the waveform (350) to provide feature vectors representing the waveform. Then a step of comparing (360) is effected, the comparing compares the feature vectors with concatenated isolated word acoustic models from a concatenated isolated word acoustic model list to select a suitable concatenated isolated word acoustic model. Then a providing a response step (370) provides a response depending on the suitable concatenated isolated word acoustic model. The response typically is a control signal for activating a function of the device (100).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing of normalizing a bit count is provided. The method comprises counting bits for a first frame, and normalizing a target bit in a target frame using the bits of the frame. The method then comprises counting to the normalized target bit in the target frame.

Abstract: A faucet for a water dispenser has a seat secured on a front housing. The seat has at least one nozzle formed therein. At least one button is provided above the seat to control the nozzle's on/off modes when a user presses the button inwards. The button has a slot longitudinally defined therein and a locking key is movably received in the slot. The locking key has a finger extending downwards and blocked by the front housing. The button cannot be pressed when the locking key in a locked position, and can be pressed when the locking key is moved to an unlocked position to retract the finger.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system to provide step motor control in an optical storage medium. The system comprises a light source that generates a beam of light and an optical disk that reflects the beam of light. The optical disk has a plurality of tracks. The system further comprises a detector for receiving the reflected beam and a control circuit coupled to the detector. The control circuit provides a step signal in response to the reflected beam. The step signal has a value corresponding to an operational mode of the control circuit. A step motor coupled to the control circuit and the light source drives the light source across the disk by a predetermined step based on the step signal.

Abstract: A handheld electronic game device shaped as a toy gun with two handles and two triggers, and one or more built-in display screens. The device may be played as a stand-alone device, or played with an external game unit having a display screen. When played with an external unit, the handheld device and the external unit may be provided with an aiming relationship detection system to detect an aiming of the handheld device with respect the display screen of the external unit. In one example, the screen of the external unit displays a terrain or a scene seen by the player, and the built-in display of the handheld device simulates a view seen through a scope used on traditional guns. An additional display screen may be provided on the handheld device to simulate a radar scan or satellite image.

Abstract: In-organic fillers are modified by in-situ co-polymerization of vinyl silane and another vinyl monomer. Vinyl silane couples with the filler by Si—O bonds. The remaining vinyl groups on the surface of the treated fillers then co-polymerize with the other vinyl monomer. The modified in-organic fillers treated by the in-situ co-polymerization are subsequently used to fill the polymer matrix. Tensile and impact strength of filler-reinforced polymer composites are improved remarkably.

Abstract: In-organic fillers are modified by in-situ co-polymerization of vinyl siloxane and another vinyl monomer. Vinyl siloxane couples with the filler by Si—O bonds. The remaining vinyl groups on the surface of the treated fillers then co-polymerize with the other vinyl monomer. The modified in-organic fillers treated by the in-situ co-polymerization are subsequently used to fill the polymer matrix. Tensile and impact strength of filler-reinforced polymer composites are improved remarkably.

Abstract: Method and system for estimating an optimal power level for writing on a compact disk. Measured values m(Pi) of a modulation amplitude are approximated by a continuous function m(P)=1−A/(P−P0+B)C of power level P, where C=1 and B=A, and the parameter A is to be determined, or where all three parameters A, B and C are to be determined. A selected derivative of modulation amplitude, &ggr;=(P/m(P)·(dm/dP) is computed and analyzed to estimate a value of power level P corresponding to a specified value of &ggr;.