Abstract: Combined hardware and software processing is applied in an end node of the network which includes mapping/demapping and deskewing. Most of the LCAS procedure is implemented in software so that it can be modified easily. Some of the procedure is implemented in hardware to meet stringent timing requirements. In particular, the handshaking protocol is implemented in software and the procedure for actually changing of the link capacity in response to the handshaking is implemented in hardware. The hardware and software communicate via a shared memory which includes a receive packet FIFO, receive control and status registers, a transmit packet FIFO, transmit control and status registers, and a transmit time slot interchange table.

Abstract: A fiber Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA) laser system includes a fiber mode-locking oscillator for generating a laser for projecting to a fiber stretcher for stretching a pulse width of the laser. The fiber CPA laser further includes a multistage amplifier for amplifying the laser for projecting into a pulse shaper then to a compressor having a nonlinear phase generator for compensating high order dispersions and compressing the pulse width of the laser.

Abstract: A fiber laser cavity that includes a laser gain medium for receiving an optical input projection from a laser pump. The fiber laser cavity further includes a positive dispersion fiber segment and a negative dispersion fiber segment for generating a net negative dispersion for balancing a self-phase modulation (SPM) and a dispersion induced pulse broadening/compression in the fiber laser cavity for generating an output laser with a transform-limited pulse shape wherein the laser gain medium further amplifying and compacting a laser pulse. The gain medium further includes a Ytterbium doped fiber for amplifying and compacting a laser pulse. The fiber laser cavity further includes a polarization sensitive isolator and a polarization controller for further shaping the output laser.

Abstract: A Chirped pulse amplification (CPA) fiber laser system. The CPA fiber laser system includes a fiber mode-locking oscillator for generating a laser to project to a pulse stretcher for stretching a pulse width of the laser. The CPA fiber laser system further includes a pulse picking up device to pick up selected pulses for projecting to a multistage amplifier chain for generating an amplified laser to project to a compressor for compressing the amplified laser. The CPA fiber laser system is enabled to generate an output laser having a power up to few ?J for 10 KHz pulses with a pumping power as low as 100 mW.

Abstract: A fiber Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA) laser system includes a fiber mode-locking oscillator for generating a laser for projecting to a fiber stretcher for stretching a pulse width of the laser wherein the stretcher further comprising a Photonic Bandgap (PBG) fiber having a lower nonlinearity and an abnormal dispersion than a solid core fiber for connecting and transmitting a laser from the stretcher to a multistage amplifier for amplifying the laser into an output laser whereby a separate compressor is not required

Abstract: A widely tunable, mode-hop-free semiconductor laser operating in the mid-IR comprises a QCL laser chip having an effective QCL cavity length, a diffraction grating defining a grating angle and an external cavity length with respect to said chip, and means for controlling the QCL cavity length, the external cavity length, and the grating angle. The laser of claim 1 wherein said chip may be tuned over a range of frequencies even in the absence of an anti-reflective coating. The diffraction grating is controllably pivotable and translatable relative to said chip and the effective QCL cavity length can be adjusted by varying the injection current to the chip. The laser can be used for high resolution spectroscopic applications and multi species trace-gas detection. Mode-hopping is avoided by controlling the effective QCL cavity length, the external cavity length, and the grating angle so as to replicate a virtual pivot point.

Abstract: A method for producing low-noise laser output at wavelengths ranging from IR through visible to UV in various operation modes from a monolithic microchip laser comprises schemes of (1) generating one or two fundamental beam(s) from light source(s) selected upon the desired wavelength(s), polarization(s), and other features related to the desired laser output; (2) intracavity beam combination/separation due to the walk-off effect in one or more birefringent crystal(s) transparent to the propagating lights and highly anisotropic; (3) wavelength conversion in one or more nonlinear optical crystal(s); (4) compact and efficient pump source(s); and (5) minimization of intracavity loss/noise. One resonator cavity supports only one fundamental beam, which eliminates the green problem. The gain media can be selected from an extensive group of materials including isotropic and naturally birefringent crystals, with polarization dependent or independent laser emissions.

Abstract: A device for generating a plurality of laser pulses from a recirculating single laser pulse in an optical delay line that is capable of partially transmitting the trapped pulse out of the delay line. The energy of the partially reflected trapped pulse is restored before beginning another round trip in the delay line. The time structure of an output pulse train thus generated by the device comprises a sequence of macro pulses, each comprising a plurality of micro pulses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an LD driver able to stably control the output power and the extinction ratio of the optical signal without regarding the coupling mode, the AC mode or the DC mode, between the laser diode and the LD driver. The LD driver includes the peak hold and the bottom hold, each detecting the peak level or the bottom level of the monitored signal, respectively. The bias driver adjusts the bias current so as to equalize the peak level of the monitored signal to the reference, REF_PEAK, while, the modulation driver adjusts the modulation current so as to equalize the bottom level of the monitored signal to the reference, REF_BOTTOM. In the present invention, the adjustment of the modulation current by the modulation driver starts with a substantial delay with respect to the stabilization of the bias current by the bias driver.

Abstract: The optical transmitter according to the present invention is capable of reducing wavelength fluctuations of a semiconductor laser (laser diode) owing to the temperature dependence of the light reception sensitivity of the monitoring photodiode. The optical transmitter comprises an optical transmitting module, an LD driver, a temperature sensor, a memory, a compensation circuit, and a controller. The optical transmitting module has a laser diode and a photodiode that monitors the light from the laser diode mounted thereon. The compensation circuit obtains the parameter corresponding with the temperature of the photodiode sensed by the temperature sensor from the memory and uses the parameter to compensate the signal which is then supplied to the controller. The controller controls the driving current of the LD driver on the basis of the difference between the compensated signal and the reference level.

Abstract: There is provided an optical apparatus having a laser light source unit including: a laser light source unit structured so as to make laser light, which is emitted at a semiconductor laser fixed within a housing, into a laser beam and emit the laser beam; a holding member to which the housing of the laser light source unit is mounted via a temperature control portion; and a displacement avoiding portion structured between the holding member and the housing of the laser light source unit, so as to suppress offset of at least an angle of an optical axis of a laser beam emitted from the laser light source unit at a time when temperature control, which maintains the housing of the laser light source unit at a predetermined temperature, is carried out at the temperature control portion.

Abstract: Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of an over-power condition not conforming to preestablished standards to meet prevalent safety standards.

Abstract: Systems and methods for short length gain regions in edge emitting lasers. After forming the lower layers of a laser on a substrate, the active layer is formed. The active layer is then selectively etched. The unetched portion of the active layer corresponds to an active region of the laser. The etched portions are then selectively regrown with a material that is transparent to light emitted by the active region. The active layer thus includes an active region and an inactive region. Next, the upper layers are grown or formed over the active layer. Selective regrowth of the active layer enables a length of the active region to be independent of the cleaved length of the laser. This reduces current and power requirements of the laser.

Abstract: It makes possible to inject a current into the current confinement region substantially uniformly. A surface emitting type optical semiconductor device includes a semiconductor active layer provided above a substrate; a first and second reflecting mirror layers sandwiching the semiconductor active layer to form an optical cavity in a direction perpendicular to the substrate; a plurality of current confinement regions provided in the second reflecting mirror layer so as to be separated by an impurity region having impurities; a semiconductor current diffusion layer provided on the second reflecting mirror layer so as to cover the current confinement regions; and an electrode portion which injects a current into the semiconductor active layer. The electrode portion comprising a first electrode provided on the semiconductor current diffusion layer so as to surround the current confinement regions and a second electrode provided on an opposite side of the substrate from the semiconductor active layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for altering one or more spectral, spatial, or temporal characteristics of a light-emitting device are disclosed. Generally, such apparatus may include a volume Bragg grating (VBG) element that receives input light generated by a light-emitting device, conditions one or more characteristics of the input light, and causes the light-emitting device to generate light having the one or more characteristics of the conditioned light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wafer testing edge emitting lasers and providing a vertical emission from an edge emitting laser. A plurality of edge emitting lasers can be formed on a semiconductor wafer. One or more grooves can be etched into the semiconductor wafer to form etched facets for the edge emitting lasers. A current can be applied to at least one edge emitting laser to produce at least one optical output. An evaluation of the at least one optical output can be performed while the edge emitting lasers are still in wafer form. Edge emitting lasers may also be produced including a reflective surface for reflecting at least one edge emitted optical signal in a vertical perpendicular direction. The reflective surface can be created using an etching process during manufacture of the edge emitting laser.

Abstract: A high-frequency discharge excited gas laser oscillator receiving power from a laser power supply controlled by a pulse command, the high-frequency discharge excited gas laser oscillator provided with a power detecting section for detecting supply power from the laser power supply to a discharge tube and a pulse command control section positioned at an upstream side of the laser power supply, comparing an allowable upper limit value of supply power found from a relationship between a discharge tube temperature and supply power and an actual supply power detected by the power detecting section, stopping the pulse command value to the discharge tube when the supply power is higher than the allowable upper limit value, and setting a pulse command value based on the allowable upper limit value.

Abstract: The side-pumped solid-state laser source comprises a resonant cavity defined by at least two spaced-apart mirrors, an active medium of laser crystal type placed in said resonant cavity, and a pumping source, the layout of the resonant cavity, defined by the crystal and by the mirrors, being arranged to cause spatial inversion of the oscillating mode within the active medium in the absorption direction of the pumping beam, such as to symmetrize the thermal focal length seen by the oscillating mode. The laser source comprises lenses for conditioning the pumping beam emitted by the pumping source, to form on the side face of the laser crystal a pumping spot arranged to symmetrize the spatial quality of the emitted laser beam and/or active control means for the laser crystal temperature, in order to correct its undesired astigmatic effects.

Abstract: A method is provided for output control of a pulse width modulated power inverter used with a substantially resistive, single phase, ac load such as an electro-slag remelting furnace. In one application of the method, during each of the inverter's half cycle outputs, active switching devices are alternatively pulsed on and off during the half cycle so that only half of the switching transients in the half cycle are handled by one of the active switching devices.

Abstract: An electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes and having a locking ring interposed between the electrodes, the locking ring composed of a material having an oxidation rate equal to or less than that of the electrodes. The locking ring has a friction layer on at least one of the contact surfaces thereof.

Abstract: The measuring system generates a temperature difference between a heating terminal and a terminal conductive device by setting the temperature of a metal heated block at the heating terminal and the temperature of a heat dissipating water jacket at a heat dissipating terminal, and judges the thermal conductive capability of the thermal conductive device by comparing the cooling speed of the metal heating bock to obtain a relative power value according to the variation of heat quantity of the metal heated block in practical temperature reduction process. The maximum thermal conductive quantity (Qmax value) of the thermal conductive device can be rapidly obtained by parameter conversion with respect to the maximum power value. In the case of confirming the cooling curve (cooling speed) of a standard sample, the object of screening the thermal conductive efficiencies of the thermal conductive devices can be achieved by using the cooling curve.

Abstract: A method for measuring the differential emissivity between two sites on the surface of a body and the temperature of the two sites. The method includes a plurality of measurements of the infrared radiation arising from each of the two sites under a number of different conditions. Some of the measurements include irradiation by external infrared radiation at a known wavelength and intensity. The infrared radiation arising from each of the sites may include emitted radiation, reflected ambient radiation, and reflected external radiation. Additionally, the temperature determined using the method described can be used to calibrate infrared imaging devices used to inspect the entire body.

Abstract: A failure determination system for determining failures of temperature sensors, which is capable of easily and accurately determining failures of the sensors in actual operating temperature ranges thereof, even when the ranges are different from each other. Temperatures detected by exhaust gas temperature sensors are stored as initial temperatures when the engine has stopped. Temperatures detected by the respective sensors after stoppage of the engine are made dimensionless based on the corresponding initial temperatures to thereby calculate dimensionless values. An estimated dimensionless value of a temperature to be detected when each sensor is normal is set in advance as an estimated normal value. Failures of the sensors are determined based on results of comparisons of the dimensionless values with the estimated normal value.

Abstract: A tap water temperature display system includes a temperature sensor measuring the tap water temperature. An LCD display will display the tap water temperature as measured by the temperature sensor. Light sources for backlighting the LCD display form at least two distinct backlighting colors and the displayed backlighting color is responsive to the tap water temperature as measured by the temperature sensor. The display has a graphical temperature display, wherein the graphical display includes temperature range indicia indicative of a range of possible water temperatures, acceptable range indicia indicative of a sub-set of the displayed temperature range indicia that is an acceptable tap water temperature, and temperature indicating indicia indicative of the measured tap water temperature. An audible alarm is responsive to the measured tap water temperature and has distinct audible alerts that are indicative of distinct measured tap water temperatures.

Abstract: A rectal thermometer for measuring the temperature of a patient including a disk or oval-shaped member having a circumferential edge and first and second sides. Along the edge is a temperature display that is viewable during the temperature taking process without having to first remove the thermometer from the anal canal. The first and second sides form a concave shape and include an actuation switch and battery compartment. Connected to the main housing via a probe guard portion is a controlled-depth temperature sensing probe which can be fully inserted into the anal canal without concern for over-insertion. The probe guard portion, which may be formed of flexible material, is adapted such that its thickness gradually increases proximate the main housing and serves to slow down the entry of the probe within the anal canal. Finally, the rectal thermometer includes a holder having a proximal end for covering the housing and a distal end for covering the probe.

Abstract: A fixture for sensing temperature. The fixture comprises a base, a generally horizontal member having a first distal end and a second distal end, the first end being connected to the base, a generally vertical member having a first distal end and a second distal end, the first end being connected to the second end of the horizontal member, a foot-shaped structure having an upper portion, a lower portion and a side portion, the upper portion being connected to the second end of the vertical member, and at least one temperature sensor affixed to the foot-shaped structure. The base is placed onto a seat and the foot-shaped structure is positioned proximate a floor, effective to position the sensor for sensing the temperature of the floor.

Abstract: An infrared thermometer has an elongate housing extending along an axis with an actuator at one housing end, the actuator being actuated by engagement along the axis. The housing further includes an opening at one end and a temperature sensor operatively associated with the opening. The temperature sensor can be advanced from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position operatively associated with the opening for sensing the temperature of an object. As the sensor moves between the retracted and the extended position, the sensor changes from a dormant state to a sensing state.

Abstract: A system (500) and method (400) are presented for calibrating an analog signal path (200) associated with an Ultra Wideband (UWB) receiver (103). The analog signal path includes a plurality of analog gain stages (210, 212-214, 216), a local oscillator mixer stage (211), a compensation stage (218), and a converter stage (219). A frequency offset of 4 Mhz is applied to a local oscillator signal to reduce a correlation between a received signal and the local oscillator signal. One of the analog gain stages is activated and an offset obtained at the converter stage is stored as a compensation value (243). The compensation value is retrieved whenever the analog gain stages is activated during normal processing and the compensation value applied at the compensation stage to reduce the offset.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention includes a data generator. The data generator includes a data generating circuit having a combination of linear feedback shift registers and shift registers for generating a pseudo-random data pattern in a first order. The data generator also includes a recovery circuit for allowing the data generating circuit to generate the pseudo-random data pattern in a second order. The second order is a reverse of the first order. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a code by quickly computing a state of a Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) in a mobile communication system, in which a code for the communication system is generated including an n-stage LFSR and operating in sleep mode and active mode set at a preset time interval from the sleep mode. Current state values of the LFSR are combined with n different mask patterns such that the current state values are shifted by {20,21, . . . ,2n?1}. A combination result is provided as a new state value of the LFSR at an arbitrary time variably set in the sleep mode. To transform a current state value of the LFSR to a new state value after an arbitrary time, the code generation method employs a square and multiply algorithm without use of mask patterns.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for mixed voice and spread spectrum data signaling with enhanced concealment of data are disclosed. Audible artifacts may be reduced or suppressed in order to improve the audible quality of the sound. The distortion to the audio may be kept just below perceptibility, yet the data contained within the modulated signal is recoverable on the receiving side. The recovery of the data is robust to the impairments imposed by the communication channel. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices may be implemented in audio conferencing or video conferencing. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a data and voice mixer, which includes an improved spread spectrum data hiding transmitter. The transmitter may comprise a spreading encoder, a Phase Shift Keying (PSK) modulator, and a notch filter. A pseudo random switching pattern may be applied to a plurality of chip sequence generators in order to reduce or suppress an undesirable audible artifact.

Abstract: A multimode wireless communication device capable of communicating pursuant to first and second communication protocols, including a method wherein a determination is made (530) as to whether a harmonic generated during transmission in one protocol interferes with reception in another protocol, and wherein transmission is suspended while receiving only if a harmonic generated during transmission interferes with reception. In some embodiments, the transmitter is temporarily operated in compressed mode to enable the suspension.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for mixed voice and spread spectrum data signaling with spread spectrum data hiding with CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) for three or more users. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices may be implemented in audio conferencing or video conferencing. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a data and voice mixer, which includes an improved spread spectrum data hiding transmitter. The transmitter may comprise a CDMA chip sequence generator and a spreading encoder. Different users may be accommodated by selecting different initializations for the registers of the CDMA chip sequence generator. Different spreading code may be used for different users which are near orthogonal to each other. In some embodiments, the CDMA chip sequence generator pseudo-randomly selects the chip sequence from one of a plurality of Gold chip sequence generators.

Abstract: An ultra wideband direct sequence code division multiple access (UWB DS-CDMA) (101) transmitter is provided. It includes a first multiplier (125) receiving two input signals, where the input signals are selected from a multi-level code signal (117), a transmit data signal (123), and a radio frequency (RF) center frequency signal (121), and responsive to the two input signals, generating a combined signal (127). Further included is a network (119) receiving a code-clock signal (113) aligned with the multi-level signal (117), multiplying the frequency of the code-clock signal (113) by a factor, and responsive thereto, producing the RF center frequency signal (121). Also provided is a second multiplier (129) receiving the combined signal (127) and the other of the input signals (117, 123, 121), and responsive thereto, generating an output signal (131).

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a Generalized RAKE (G-RAKE) receiver circuit that is configured to determine a traffic-to-pilot gain scaling parameter as part of the impairment correlation determination process that underlies (G-RAKE) combining weight generation. In this manner, the receiver circuit conveniently and accurately accounts for gain differences between the pilot channel of a received CDMA signal, as used for channel estimation, and the traffic channel(s) of the CDMA signal, which carry received data to be recovered. The gain difference accounting enables proper demodulation of amplitude-modulated traffic signals. By way of non-limiting example, such gain scaling may be used for demodulating/decoding High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) signals used in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) systems.

Abstract: A method of processing a received communication signal comprises calculating a traffic-to-pilot scaling factor by relating data correlations determined from despread traffic values obtained from the received communication signal-to-noise correlations determined from despread pilot values obtained from the received communication signal, and generating traffic symbol estimates by combining corresponding ones of the despread traffic values using combining weights calculated from the data correlations. Generating combining weights in this manner provides, among other things, Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) estimations for the received traffic symbols that inherently are properly scaled in amplitude relative to symbol values in a reference modulation constellation.

Abstract: A synchronous control apparatus for reception control in wireless packet communication suppresses detection errors during controlling synchronization to detect codes for improved signal reception. An initial synchronizer includes a code correlator for receiving delayed waves on plural paths. The code correlator outputs a correlation level value through another correlator. The correlation level value is compared with a threshold value from a threshold value register, with the result inputted into an address counter. The correlation level value is also inputted into a correlation level hold circuit. The hold circuit sums the correlation level values obtained in the correlator for a portion of the paths corresponding to a count in the address counter. The hold circuit compares the summed correlation level values with another threshold value from another threshold value register, and uses the result as a basis to set a top timing for receiving delayed waves.

Abstract: A method for determining crosstalk coupling between a plurality of transmission lines in digital data transmission systems, in particular DSL networks. Firstly, at least one test signal (TS) is generated having a unique identification code (UIC) in the frequency domain (f), said code (UIC) being associated with a first transmission line. Then, the test signal (TS) is sent on the first transmission line. At least a second transmission line is monitored for detecting a crosstalk signal. It is determined whether the crosstalk signal is caused by the test signal (TS) of the first transmission line by means of a signature of the unique identification code (UIC) comprised in the crosstalk signal. In this way crosstalk between individual transmission lines can be determined without having to have recourse to conservative worst case assumptions. The method can adapt dynamically to a changing user/transmission environment, while obtaining unique crosstalk determination results at all times.

Abstract: Systems and method for minimum power leakage windowing for VDSL using least squares technique are provided. A coefficient vector is defined for the first N samples. The window is then defined in terms of this coefficient vector. The leakage power of the Kth tone is defined in terms of the window. A least squares minimization is performed on the leakage power to determine the optimal value of x. The window is implemented using this value of x, thereby reducing the power leakage in the out-of-band and RFI band regions in the frequency domain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for resolving signal-to-noise ratio margin difference n dual latency discrete multi-tone (DMT)-based xDSL systems under colored noise conditions. Rather than assuming a constant power spectral density (PSD) for noise over fast and interleaved data paths of a dual latency system, band edges vulnerable to colored noise are determined and data on the fast data path is allocated away from these band edges. Also, receive windowing may be used to further enhance performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for self-calibrating direct current (DC) offset and imbalance between orthogonal signals, which may occur in a mobile transceiver. In the apparatus, a transmitter of a mobile terminal functions as a signal generator, and a receiver of the mobile terminal functions as a response characteristic detector. Further, a baseband processor applies test signals to the transmitter, receives the test signals returning from the receiver, and compensates the imbalance and DC offset for the transmitter side and the receiver side by using the test signals.

Abstract: Conditionally updating equalization tap weights within an equalized signaling system based on a measure of correlation that indicates a difference between the number of received data values that have matching bits at a first pair of predetermined bit positions, and the number of received data values that have non-matching bits at the first pair of predetermined bit positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high speed line equalizer and a method thereof. The high speed line equalizer receives and amplifies one clock signal and at least more than one data signal. The high speed line equalizer comprises an input buffer, a first filter, at least more than one second filter, and an adaptive loop. The input buffer amplifies the clock signal. The first filter controls a high frequency gain of the clock signal according to a gain control signal. The at least more one second filter controls a high frequency gain of the at least more than one data signal according to the gain control signal. The adaptive loop calculates a gain difference between high frequency components of the amplified clock signal from the input buffer and the clock signal of which high frequency gain is controlled and outputs the gain difference as the gain control signal.

Abstract: A channel equalizer to equalize a signal received over a transmission channel, includes a feedforward filter to filter the received signal, a level determination unit to determine a first level value among a plurality of predetermined amplitude levels based on an amplitude of an output signal of the feedforward filter, and an error calculation unit to calculate a first error value based on the amplitude of the output signal of the feedforward filter and the first level value and to output the first error value to the feedforward filter so that the feedforward filter updates a tap coefficient thereof using the first error value. As such, the channel equalizer is capable of operating independently of a phase error by using the amplitude of the received signal in channel equalization, whereby a variety of designs can be available for the channel equalizer regardless of a sequence of a carrier recovery operation and a channel equalization operation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for decoding an audio signal. In one embodiment, a first pulse is identified with a predetermined relative duration with respect to a second pulse. A sampling frequency is then calculated based on such identification. In another embodiment, an audio signal is decoded utilizing a threshold. In still yet another embodiment, a decoder is provided for decoding an audio signal utilizing a clock that is independent of the audio signal.

Abstract: Method for partitioning video data into a base layer and at least one enhancement layer entailing receiving video data, determining DCT coefficients for a plurality of blocks of a video frame to form the base layer and the at least one enhancement layer and for each block, quantizing the DCT coefficients, converting the quantized DCT coefficients of the base layer into a set of (run, length) pairs, and determining which pairs lie on a convex hull. Thereafter rate-distortion optimal partitioning points are determined from only those pairs which lie on the convex hull in a causally optimal way. The (run, length) pairs before and inclusive of the partitioning point are encoded in the base layer while the other (run, length) pairs are encoded in the enhancement layer(s). A video encoder (22) and decoder (28) applying the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a sequence of video packets for quantifying video quality includes a video picture monitor that accesses data in a header of a video packet included in the sequence of video packets. The header is separate from video content stored in the video packet. The video picture monitor also determines from the accessed data, a relationship between a portion of a picture included in the video packet and at least a portion of a picture included in another video packet. Both video packets are included in the sequence of video packets. This relationship indicates whether to use the video content stored in the first video packet to quantify video quality.

Abstract: A self-contained security system captures images of a defined area with a surveillance system and communicates the images to a remote cellular device in response to pre-defined conditions. A controller, a cellular communication system, a motion detector and the surveillance system are all mounted within a housing. The self-contained security system is remotely accessible via the remote cellular device to change existing system settings and to view images recorded by the surveillance system.

Abstract: An image encoder includes a processor operable to receive pixel data representing a first image, identify a first visual object within the first image and a location of the first object within the first image, and generate data representing the first object and its location.

Abstract: An image encoder includes a processor operable to define a first viewable region within an image at a first viewing time, and generate data representing the image and a location of the first viewable region within the image.