Abstract: A distortion representation is estimated for a macroblock (10) of a frame (1) by determining for each subgroup (30) of at least one pixel (20) out of multiple subgroups (30) in the macroblock (10), an activity value representative of a distribution of pixel values in a neighborhood (40) comprising multiple pixels (20) and encompassing the subgroup (30). Respective distortion weights are determined for the subgroups based on the activity values. These distortion weights are employed in order to estimate the distortion representation as a weighted combination of the pixel values of the macroblock (10) and reference pixel values for the macroblock (10). The distortion weights imply that different portions of a macroblock (10) will contribute more or less to the distortion representation as compared to other portions of the macroblock (10). The distortion representation will reduce ringing artifacts between high and low activity areas in a frame (1) during encoding.

Abstract: A method of making a photonic fabric display includes wrapping photonic fibers with a yarn, weaving the wrapped photonic fibers to form a fabric, printing a pattern on the fabric, surface treating the fabric, and coupling the photonic fibers with a light source to form a photonic fabric display.

Abstract: An anti-sleep apnea device having an elastic abdomen belt optionally with a fabric strain sensor, a first signal-processing unit for processing signals from the fabric strain sensor in response to the change of circumference of the abdomen, two electrodes adapted to be disposed on the user's wrist for releasing electrical pulses to an acupoint of the user, a second signal-processing unit associated with the electrodes, and wireless means for transmitting signals from the first signal-processing unit to the second signal-processing unit. The present invention also discloses a method for managing sleep apnea by applying electrical pulses upon an acupoint of the user.

Abstract: A photonic fabric display wherein graphic patterns, color, luminescence intensity, and light self-amplification are controllable. Incorporated in the fabric display are a number of photonic fibers which contain a converter either coated on a surface of the photonic fibers or inside said photonic fibers and a light source, such as LEDs, is connected to the end of the photonic fibers by using an efficient coupler.

Abstract: A method of making a photonic fabric display includes wrapping photonic fibers with a yarn, weaving the wrapped photonic fibers to form a fabric, printing a pattern on the fabric, surface treating the fabric, and coupling the photonic fibers with a light source to form a photonic fabric display.