Abstract: In a demineralization apparatus, a mixed bed of a gel type cation exchange resin having a moisture holding capacity of 41% or less or a degree of crosslinkage of 12% or greater is employed along with a porous type anion exchange resin. As a result, oxidation degradation of the cation exchange resin due to hydrogen peroxide can be inhibited and the performance of the ion exchange resins and of the condensate water demineralizer can be stabilized and maintained for a long period of time.

Abstract: A density profiler for measuring a density profile of a medium including at least two liquids and gaseous phases includes an axially distributed source array providing at least 10 collimated ionising radiation beams; an axially distributed radiation detector array, each detector associated in use with one of the beams and producing an output signal in response to incident radiation; and an analysor for the detector output signals to determine the density of the medium traversed by the beams of radiation.

Abstract: A method for removing scatter in an image includes acquiring data of an object of interest, and using an iterative equation including a thickness-dependent kernel modulation factor to reconstruct an image of the object.

Abstract: In order to obtain an X-ray tomographic image with high quality while minimizing the exposed dose to a subject by employing the most suitable filter according to the region of the subject to be scanned, a filter unit 6 having filters 6a-6c having different transmission properties are provided below an X-ray tube 4 in a gantry apparatus. To obtain an X-ray tomographic image, upon determining the scan region of the subject, a motor 7 is driven to position one of the filters corresponding to the scan region just below the X-ray tube 4 for employing the filter, and X-rays are applied to the subject through the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a supported signal path for a transceiver in a communication system is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus includes a relay for selecting a first test signal path from a first signal path and a second signal path. A signal detector coupled to the relay may be used to determine whether a specified signal type is present on the first test signal path. A relay controller causes the relay to select a second test signal path from the first signal path and the second signal path in response to the signal detector determining that the specified signal type is not present on the first test signal path.

Abstract: A plurality of switching modules (102) are interconnected via an optical link (104) to form a switching system (100). Different wavelengths of the optical link (104) are used to selectively direct communications between the plurality of switching modules. Wavelengths have a fixed or variable allocation to communications between switching modules. Wavelengths may be time multiplexed or further subdivided by fractional wavelengths. Communications between switching modules are accomplished by allocating wavelengths in the optical link to transmitting and selectively receiving the communications on the allocated wavelengths.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrating electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail in a universal mailbox. Message receivers may access their messages with a telephone or a computer regardless of the communication medium used by the message sender. Using a telephone, message receivers may playback voice mail, redirect fax mail, and “listen” to e-mail through a text-to-speech conversion process. Using a computer and modem, message receivers may playback voice mail, view fax mail, and read e-mail by accessing the universal mailbox via connection software. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications via the universal mailbox. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.

Abstract: According to this invention, a digital key telephone system connected to an analog public network NW having a function of transmitting a ringing signal including identification information of a calling line through a subscriber line (CO line), accommodating a plurality of extension lines each connected to a digital key telephone (DKT) 2 or a standard telephone (STT) 4 as an extension terminal, and having a function of switching and connecting the subscriber line to the plurality of extension lines or the extension lines to each other includes a called party storage means storing, in advance, information representing the correlation between the calling line and the extension terminals 2 and 4 as a called terminal. When a ringing signal arrives from the analog communication network NW, calling line identification information (caller ID) contained in the ringing signal is detected by a calling line identification information interface unit (RCIU) 12.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the number of speakers participating in a call having a speaker counting device that is connected with a network for monitoring calls placed over the network. The speaker counting device samples a call to determine the number of speakers participating in the call. Therefore, the speaker counting device allows the network service provider to automatically determine how many different speakers have participated in a particular call over a period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring the original calling number in a call routed through an out-of-network enhanced service provider to a forwarding destination. The system comprises a service control point, a service switching point in communication with the service control point, and an enhanced service provider service node in communication with the service switching point, wherein the service node is located outside of a network while the remaining components reside within the network, and wherein the service switching point is provisioned with two triggers: an incoming trigger for calls to the service node and an outgoing trigger for calls from the service node. According to the method, the service control point, in response to the incoming trigger, removes and stores the private call information of a call exiting the network and, in response to the outgoing trigger, restores that private call information to the call once the call re-enters the network.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting message to a customer when the customer is busy on a previous call and receives a current call. The call waiting message preferably includes a call waiting indicator and an audible representation of information associated with a current calling party. The call waiting message alerts the customer that a current call is waiting and provides the customer with information that assists the customer in deciding whether or not to take the current call. The call waiting indicator and the information associated with a current calling party are automatically transmitted to the customer without any customer commands.

Abstract: In a packetized communications system call waiting functionality is expanded to provide for handling of unlimited calls concurrently of one or more service types. When a subscriber is engaged in an ongoing call, incoming calls can be placed on a call queue by a call manager such that bandwidth and other resources are not allocated to a waiting call between the call manager and broadband residential gateway, and thereafter can be accessed by the subscriber in the order received or in the order desired by the subscriber. For subscribers with a device having video display capability, identification information regarding each call in the queue such as service type waiting time and caller identification information may be displayed at the subscriber's premises to allow the subscriber to manage their incoming calls. Also, a particularized tone may be heard to identify the incoming call including its service type.

Abstract: An interface assembly (18) for integrating operation of a private telecommunications system (12) such as a PBX with a wireless intelligent network (14) such as the PCS network operated by Sprint PCS. The interface assembly includes an interface (54) for coupling with the private telecommunications system, an interface (56) for coupling with a component of the wireless intelligent network, and a controller (58) for processing and transferring call routing queries and instructions therebetween. The private telecommunications system interface is operable to receive call routing queries from the private telecommunications system and to deliver call routing instructions to the private telecommunications system. The wireless network interface is operable to deliver call routing queries to the wireless network and to receive call routing instructions from the wireless network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a suppressed ringing connection between a server and customer premises equipment, wherein the server is connected to a first switch and the customer premises equipment is connected to a second switch, different from said first switch. The switch connected to the server has translation information identifying the trunk to the server as a server trunk. Signaling between the server, which is not connected to the Common Channel Signaling Network (CCS7), and the second switch is performed according to the protocols used for sending messages to a switch connected to the target customer premises equipment that is at the other end of the suppressed ringing connection. The first switch converts signals received from the server into a common channel signaling format for transmission to the second switch, serving the target CPE. The second switch then establishes a suppressed ringing connection to the target CPE.

Abstract: The invention allows a customer to self-provision the routing of non-geographic calls along a communication network. The customer is allowed to interface a computer with terminating switches and network control point databases so that routing information regarding the transmission of non-geographic calls across the communication network can be added, edited or reconfigured according to the customer's calling requirements. First, the customer accesses the communications network and requests a non-geographic number. Second, if the non-geographic number is available, the customer can input information regarding internal routing numbers or implement various calling schemes such as time of day calling. Third, the customer can access trunk information on terminating switches and modify the trunk names as requirements in the customer's communication network change.

Abstract: A telephony device such as a digital telephone or personal computer attaches to phone lines and automatically determines both the type of switch to which is connected, and the type of line card in the switch providing that connection. In addition, device functions and data types supported by the switch and line card are automatically determined, providing a fully automatically configurable device. Programming in the device monitors polling messages provided by the switch and line card having different formats to make the determination. The devices switch between two different flow control types supported by the different line cards, while listening for the polling messages. If a message is not received while using a first flow control type, the second is used. The capability of channel, voice or data, is also automatically determined once the switch type is known.

Abstract: A multi-site call processing system includes multiple distributed call center sites, and utilizes a load balancing process to distribute calls among the sites for handling by agents. The system generates a multi-site performance score characterizing the performance of the load balancing process. Adjustments may be made in the load balancing process, such as selection of one type of load balancing over another for use at a particular time, based at least in part on the multi-site performance score. The multi-site performance score may be determined using single-site performance measures such as Average Speed of Answer (ASA) and agent occupancy generated across multiple time intervals. The multi-site performance score as generated for a given interval may be, e.g., a ratio of the maximum and minimum values of a single-site performance measure for that interval.

Abstract: A key input device comprises a dome sheet 7 provided over a base plate 5 and having a plurality of dome portions, and a plurality of manual keys disposed above the dome sheet 7 for depressing the respective dome portions. Each of the dome portions is elastically restorably inverted by being depressed by the corresponding manual key to close contacts. The dome sheet 7 has a flat sheet portion 70 formed around the dome portions and comprising an inner region 74 extending inwardly of dome portions 72 to be selectively depressed by a seesaw key 15, and an outer region 73 extending outwardly of the dome portion 72. A spacer sheet 6 is interposed between the base plate 5 and the dome sheet 7 to thereby position the inner region 74 of the flat sheet portion 70 of the dome sheet 7 at a lower level than the outer region 73. Accordingly, key contacts can be reliably closed by the seesaw key 15.

Abstract: A balance network directional coupler (BNDC) allows for effective coupling to sources of transmitted signals, communication lines, and devices that process received signals. The BNDC includes a transmission port, first and second amplifiers, a reception port, a communication line port, a transformer system, and a balance network. The second amplifier has a second gain of a polarity opposite the polarity of the polarity of the first gain. The transformer system has first and second windings each having first and second terminals, the first and second terminals of the first winding being electrically coupled to the communication line port, the first terminal of the second winding being electrically coupled to the reception port, and the second terminal of the second winding being electrically coupled to an output terminal of the second amplifier.

Abstract: To provide a novel hinge structure for a collapsible portable phone, which is very convenient and highly valuable on the market, the hinge structure includes an operating member (2) provided with a phone operating portion (1) on its surface; a display member (3), pivotally and collapsibly coupled with the operating member (2) and provided with a display image field (6) in which numerals and/or letters for phone numbers and/or names may be displayed on its surface; and a biasing mechanism S that may exhibit a closing biasing force for biasing the display member (3) in a closing direction between a closed condition that the display member (3) is collapsed to the operating member (2) and a predetermined rotational position A where the display member (3) is rotated to the operating member (2) in an opening direction and may exhibit an opening biasing force for biasing the display member (3) in the opening direction between a fully opened condition that the display member (3) is fully opened to the operating membe

Abstract: A conditional access system for controlling the access of receivers of end-users to data content transmitted from a data content source in an uplink system. The uplink system scrambles the content supplied from the content source, generates entitlement control messages containing a control word and an entitlement identification, and transmits the scrambled content and the entitlement control messages. A descrambler, an entitlement control message decoder and storage for recording entitlement identifications are associated to the receiver. The entitlement control message decoder supplies a control word to the descrambler for descrambling a part of the received scrambled content for which the receiver is entitled, if a match between the entitlement identification in the entitlement control message and the recorded entitlement identification exists. The content is subdivided into scenes having their own scene identification.

Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically switches the hearing aid input from a microphone input to a voice coil input in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be generated by a magnet in a telephone handset.

Abstract: The present invention relates to noise reduction technology for controlling exhaust noise in internal combustion engines such as an automobile engine and/or noise in a duct of an air delivery system such as air conditioning systems, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for controlling exhaust noise in an internal combustion engine or noise in a duct of an air delivery system using a conduit bypass pipe having variable or fixed lengths and dual mufflers.

Abstract: Custom designed polar patterns for a microphone of a portable computer are achieved. A custom designed polar pattern permits a microphone in a portable computer to suppress sources of spatially-dependent noise internal and external to a portable computer system. A custom designed polar pattern is generated by specially configuring the boot of a microphone by varying the hole sizes of the boot and/or varying location of the microphone element in the boot. In addition, the shape of a particular polar pattern may be adjusted by inserting acoustic absorption material into the boot, forming enclosed walls into the boot, or rotating the top shell of the portable computer which contains the microphone relative to the bottom shell of the portable computer. Thus, a directional response of a microphone may be form-fitted to a particular portable computer configuration.

Abstract: The invention is a method of creating an enlarged listening sweet spot for multiloudspeaker audio reproduction. The method employs a plurality of audio drivers displaced generally in a horizontal dimension for a vertically oriented head of a listener, the drivers operating over a plurality of different passbands. Higher frequency drivers are located closer to one another and displaced more towards a center line of the listening space than lower frequency drivers, thereby causing a smaller change in acoustic ear signals for listeners seated away from the designed-for listening position, but without causing increased low frequency signal capacity requirements for phantom images generally outside the array. Specially adapted signal processing accounting for the layout of the various drivers and their associated crossover networks is employed to create desired audio images.

Abstract: A loudspeaker has voice coil suspended in the gap of a frame and motor by a spider and cone. The spider is attached to the frame by a clamp. The frame has a pair of contact pads formed therein. First and second retainers on the frame and clamp are releasably engageable through a combined axial and rotational movement. The clamp when engaged holds the periphery of the spider against the frame and the leads of the voice coil against the contacts pads. Cam surfaces on the retainers create axial pressure to hold the spider against the frame.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus executes predetermined image processing on image data obtained by photoelectrically reading an image photographed on a photographic film through a photographic lens of a camera, and thus obtains the image data for output. The apparatus comprises a unit for obtaining a characteristic of the photographic lens, a unit for developing the characteristic of the photographic lens into a dipping quantity corresponding to a position of the image, and a unit for compensating a marginal light quantity of the image by use of the dipping quantity. The apparatus is capable of compensating a decrease in light quantity of an area peripheral to the image even when the image is photographed through a low-performance lens, and obtaining a high quality image with stability without any darkened peripheral area.

Abstract: A method of detecting video sequences involves creating on-the-fly candidate digital signatures uniquely characteristic of successive groups of frames in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. The candidate digital signatures are compared with at least one signature of a stored sequence created in accordance with the predetermined algorithm. A candidate is identified as corresponding to the stored sequence in the event of a positive match.

Abstract: A method of inserting an additional information item for authenticating a digital signal decomposed into a set of coefficients (Xij), each coefficient being represented in 16 bits, and the additional information being represented by a set of binary values (wij) of the same size as the set of coefficients (Xij), includes the steps of calculating (E5, E6), for at least one coefficient (Xij), a check bit (Cij) in accordance with a predetermined operation as a function of the first 15 bit planes of the coefficient (Xij), of calculating (E7, E8) a last bit plane (X0ij) in accordance with a predetermined rule which is reversible as a function of the check bit (Cij) and a binary value (wij) of the additional information item (W) and of substituting (E7) the last calculated bit plane (X0ij) for the last bit plane of the coefficient (Xij).

Abstract: A tamper detection method for digital images includes: providing a digitally watermarked image; digitally processing at least some watermarked parts of the image to obtain confidence values; and using the confidence values to provide an indication as to the likelihood that the image has been tampered with.

Abstract: A perceptual model performs an analysis of a media signal, such as an image or audio signal. The model may be used in media signal processing applications such as digital watermarking and data compression to reduce perceptibility of changes made to code the signal. For image applications, the model computes the sensitivity of an image to changes based upon local image contrast, while taking into account the sensitivity of connected directional edges. By comparing the local image strength of various directionally filtered versions of the image, the model creates a directional control vector. This control vector may be used to reduce changes to an image in text and edge regions, and thus, avoid perceptible artifacts in those regions. The model takes into account the local contrast of the image and the directional control vector to create a gain vector. Using the local contrast measurements, the model follows the eye's nonlinear response to contrast discrimination.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a human face in an image, such as a sequence of images supplied by a video camera. The method comprises locating in each image a candidate face region and analyzing the candidate face region for a first characteristic indicative of a facial feature. The locating step may comprise detecting uniformity saturated regions of predetermined shape in a reduced resolution version of the image. The analyzing step may comprise selecting a signal color component, forming a vertical integral projection profile and detecting an omega shape in the profile characteristic of an eye region of a face.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fingerprint sensor which is small; demonstrates high sensitivity, low power consumption, high data acquisition rate and is insensitive to vibration and pressure. The sensor produces a high contrast fingerprint representation and is not subject to repeated deformation which could potentially reduces its lifetime. The fingerprint sensor has a microthermistor array for converting temperature variation into an electrical signal, the array being composed of a plurality of microthermistors, each of the thermistors being adapted to output an electrical signal proportional to a temperature variation; a read-out integrated circuit operatively connected to the microthermistor array for receiving the electrical signal and converting it into an electronic output signal representative of the ridge and valley structure of a finger; and a substrate for supporting the read-out integrated circuit and the microthermistor array. The invention is based on microthermistor array.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a dynamic range of a medical diagnostic image provided by a medical diagnostic system. A target dynamic range is identified independent of a dynamic range of an original medical image. A presentation map is generated defining a relation between the dynamic range of the original medical image representative of a patient and the target dynamic range. A gray level-optical density model may define the relation between gray levels of the original medical image and target optical densities of the presentation map, the gray level-optical density model being calculated based on film characteristics, selected optical densities for anatomical structure or on a measured dynamic range. A presentation image is created having the target dynamic range based on a the presentation map and original medical image.

Abstract: A system and method for managing, reducing, or eliminating the deleterious effects of the operation of energy emitting instruments on imaging systems. The system and method of the invention can be built into the structure of an imaging system, or can be configured to adapt to existing imaging systems. An embodiment of a system incorporating features of the invention has an interference bar detector coupled to an interference bar acquisition device which relays information regarding a bar of interference to a processor which identifies the position and velocity of the interference bar moving across an image frame or image display. Based on the position and velocity of the interference bar within the image frame, the processor then computes the necessary corrections to the gating and timing of the operation of the energy emitting instrument so as to fix the position of the interference bar at a perimeter of the image display.

Abstract: A digital image processing-based system and method are disclosed for quantitatively assessing nucleic acid species expressed in a microarray. The microarray is a grid of a plurality of sub-grids of the nucleic acid species. The system includes a scanner that has a digital scanning sensor that-scans the microarray and transmits from an output a digital image of the microarray, and a computer that receives the digital image of the microarray from the scanner and then processes the digital image, detecting an expression signal of the nucleic acid species, segmenting the expression signal, calculating a measure of the segmented expression signal, and providing the measure at the output of the computer. Prior to segmenting the expression signal for a nucleic acid species, the expression signal is characterized by a center pixel in the digital image and an approximate radius around the center pixel.

Abstract: A method for the direct reconstruction of an object from measurements, called scattering data, of scattered waves due to probing waves as emitted by a source. The scattering data is related to a scattering kernel by an integral operator. The image is directly reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to the integral operator, on the scattering data.

Abstract: A method of compensation for the thickness of an organ in an X-ray machine of the type comprising an X-ray source and a detector of the beam of X-rays after it has passed through the organ, the detector being capable of converting the X-ray beam into a digital electronic signal, in which, from a digitized image, an image of the radiologic thicknesses of an organ traversed by the X-ray beam is calculated, a thickness threshold is defined, from this there is derived an algebraic compensation image to bring the pixels of a level below or above the threshold back to the value of the threshold, and the thickness image and a proportion of the compensation image are summed up, to obtain a compensated thickness image.

Abstract: Detection of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) is achieved by employing a combination of brightfield and fluorescence images of nuclear and cytoplasmic markers. The brightfield and fluorescence images are all obtained with a single multi-bandpass dichroic mirror. The objects in the sample are stained with a fluorescent dye that selectively stains nuclei and a dye that selectively stains fetal hemoglobin in the cytoplasm of fetal RBCs. UV excitation provides fluorescent emissions from the stained cell nuclei and visible illumination provides brightfield transmission of light that is absorbed by the stained cytoplasm. The images are processed to determine regions where the fluorescent emissions by cell nuclei in response to the UV excitation and the absorption by fetal hemoglobin of the brightfield illumination overlap or are in close proximity.

Abstract: A method and system for determining component dimensional information in a component placement system. The component information is derived from the pick and place equipment which is used to place the components on the substrate. The component is grasped at substantially the centroid position and moved over the aperture of a camera. The edges of the component are located, and from the edges an accurate location of the centroid may be obtained. The centroid, as well as the length, width and thickness of the component is stored in a database for use during placing of the component. Other features derived include orientation indicia obtained from component features which are viewed by the camera. During placement, all features associated with the component necessary to accurately locate the component on a substrate are obtained from the database.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure acquisition method is provided, wherein the three-dimensional structure acquisition method includes: an input step for inputting images from a camera to a computer; a first extraction step for extracting a three-dimensional structure from the images by a predetermined method; a generation step for generating depth maps from the three-dimensional structure; a calibration step for correcting image deviation due to camera fluctuation by using the depth maps; a second extraction step for extracting a three-dimensional structure from the calibrated images by the predetermined method; and an outputting step for outputting the three-dimensional structure to a storage device. The predetermined method may be based on epipolar plane image analysis.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to transform 3D object points onto 2D image points for linear pushbroom images. The problem is decomposed to the problem of finding sensor line coordinates and the problem of finding sensor column coordinates from linear pushbroom collinearity equations. The procedures to solve the problem are as follows. First, assume an initial value for image line coordinate to be sought for and using this value, calculate the sensor attitude. Next, assume the sensor attitude is constant and calculate a new image line coordinate satisfying linear pushbroom collinearity equations. Next, update the initial value with the image line coordinate calculated and continue the procedures until the difference between an initial value and a new value calculated becomes smaller than a threshold. If the different between an initial value and calculated value is smaller than a threshold, accept the calculated value as the sensor line coordinate.

Abstract: A process and system for depicting a combination of process colors and spot colors on a radiant light source such as a computer monitor screen. The invention provides a user-definable “meta-ink” color which is made up of the components of the process colors and the spot colors. Shade values are assigned to each of these components to create the meta-ink color. This meta-ink color then replaces the document color for visual depiction on the radiant light source. This process and system provides a more accurate depiction of the representation of the printed image.

Abstract: A process that prepares inverse conversion data in advance, and inversely converts a signal in a given color space into that in an original color space suffers conversion accuracy variations depending on the spatial intervals of color signals upon preparing the inverse conversion data, requires high cost for inverse conversion in terms of time, resulting in poor efficiency. When an input signal in the Lab color space is converted into an output signal in the RGB color space, a color signal converter (102) converts an input signal in the RGB color space into a signal in the Lab color space. A potential calculator (103) extracts the difference between the input signal and the color signal output from the color signal converter (102). A minimal potential search unit 104 searches for a signal to be supplied to the color signal converter (102), which makes the extracted difference minimal, and outputs the search result as a color signal in the RGB color space, i.e., the conversion result.

Abstract: The management of color image data, said color image data provided in a source device color space from a source device having a source device color profile, wherein the source device color profile is accessed and used to transform the color image data from the source device color space to a color space that is both device and viewing condition independent, thereby creating device-independent color image data, after which the device-independent color image data is compressed. The compressed, device independent color image data can then be accessed for decompression and color management prior to output on a destination device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying the orientation and positions of the elements of a grid in an image. The elements of the grid need not be parallel to the sides of the image, and the image need not contain all of the elements of the grid. The method can be applied to rectilinear and curved grids. The addresses of identified grid elements can be used to control, e.g., analytical procedures directed to individual elements.

Abstract: To improve compression efficiency and decompressed image quality, images are decomposed into separate layers each containing a limited number of image element types (text, line art, or photographic). Each layer can then be compressed separately with a process that is optimal for the type of image element included in the layer. Images are decomposed into foreground, background, and mask layers. The value of a pixel in the mask layer designates whether the spatially corresponding pixel of the recomposed image will be selected from the spatially corresponding pixels of either the foreground or the background layer. The present invention provides a method of determining the value of a pixel for a mask layer. The image is partitioned into large and small sub-images or blocks. A sub-image mask is created for each sub-image by sorting pixels of the sub-image into clusters centered on the luminance of pixels of a pair of pixels of maximum luminance gradient.

Abstract: A system for processing handwriting that uses an ordinary camera as an image input device. The output of a single camera is used to produce a probability function that indicates the likelihood of whether the pen is touching the paper. The function uses clues including ink on the page and/or shadows. Another embodiment uses both pen up and pen down information to dynamically time warp-fit the information to fit it to a template.

Abstract: Multiple selectable dictionaries are used by a handwriting recognition system to provide accurate and prompt recognition processing. Sets of the multiple dictionaries are selectable by the user or automatically by the recognition program in response to the user handwriting in predetermined fields on a user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving and processing compressed data, such as video or audio data, in a compressed domain. An exemplary preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus is embodied in a digital video editor programmed to determine appropriate sizes of amplitude adjustment steps to be directly applied to the compressed data in consideration of temporal dependencies of the compressed data. For a fade-out operation, DC coefficients are stepped down such that pixels of an image reproduced from the compressed data fade in a uniform manner; at the end of the DC fade-out, AC coefficients are then disabled. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus also provides compensation for quantization variations and operates in consideration of syntax particular to a compression standard with which the compressed data are compliant.