Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a coding system that codes data according to a pair of coding chains. A first coding chain generates coded video data that can be decoded by itself to represent a source video sequence of a small size, such as a size sufficient to support the real time playback and display features of a video editing application. The second coding chain generates coded video data representing supplementary data, which when decoded in conjunction with the coded video data of the first coding chain, yields the source video sequence for full-size display. The output of the first coding chain may be stored in memory in a file structure that can be accessed independently of the second chain's output and, therefore, it facilitates real time decoding and playback.

Abstract: A selector (502) for selecting a background motion vector for a pixel in an occlusion region of an image, from a set of motion vectors being computed for the image, comprises: computing means (510) for computing a model-based motion vector for the pixel on basis of a motion model being determined on basis of a part of (402-436) a motion vector field (400) of the image; comparing means (511) for comparing the model-based motion vector with each of the motion vectors of the set of motion vectors; and selecting means (512) for selecting a particular motion vector of the set of motion vectors on basis of the comparing and for assigning the particular motion vector as the background motion vector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for detecting blur within digital images using Cepstrum analysis blur detection techniques that are able to detect motion blur and/or out-of-focus blur.

Abstract: A system and method that determines the strength of an edge in a video image using a gradient of the edge in a first direction and a gradient of the edge in a second direction. The system uses the gradient in the first direction and the gradient in the second direction to approximate a distance function to determine the strength of the edge. A programmable threshold may be used in the determination, where an edge is treated like it does not exist if the distance is less than the threshold. The distance function may be an approximation of the Cartesian distance function.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing, e.g., non-destructively processing, digital image data utilizing vertically-oriented Effect graphs are provided. In non-destructive processing where and when data is transformed is fairly important, both in terms of quality and performance. The further down the vertically-oriented Effect graph a transformation occurs, the better. As such, methods for pushing transformations down an Effect graph to the lowest point possible and applying them at that point rather than the location at which they may have been placed are provided. Systems for implementing the methods herein disclosed are also provided.

Abstract: A hardware implemented method for incorporating a border region within an image region is provided. In this hardware implemented method, a position of a pixel along a line within the image region is first computed. The position of the pixel is then compared with an offset value, whereby the offset value defines boundaries of the border region along the line. Thereafter, an image pixel or a color of the border region is selected for display based upon the position of the pixel relative to the offset value. An apparatus and a display controller for incorporating the border region within the image region are also described.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses nonlinear filtering while resizing an image to preserve sharp detail. The system starts with an original image, which is a digital image comprised of a plurality of pixels. Next, the system resizes the original image. This involves first producing an initial resized image by using neighboring pixel values in the original image (or a conventional resizing operation) to produce initial values for subpixel locations in the original image. The system then applies a nonlinear filter using pixel values in the original and initial resized images to produce a resized output image. When this nonlinear filter updates pixel values, it weights the contributions of neighboring pixels nonlinearly.

Abstract: A method for searching an image database includes capturing an image of a photograph and a background, determining a boundary of the photograph in the image, cropping the photograph from the image, correcting the perspective of the photograph, compensating colors of the photograph, and matching the photograph with an image in the image database.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a pattern present as stored information, includes the steps of generating a characterizing proposal for the pattern using a server computer system, presenting the pattern and the characterizing proposal to a client computer using a computer program via the Internet so as to enable a user to perform an evaluation of the characterizing proposal, and receiving an evaluation input from the user at the server computer system. The evaluation input is one of an acceptance input of the characterizing proposal and a rejection input of the characterizing proposal. The rejection input includes an alternative characterizing proposal.

Abstract: A system and methods through which pictorial views of an object's configuration, arranged in a hierarchical fashion, are navigated by a person to establish a visual context within the configuration. The visual context is automatically translated by the system into a set of search parameters driving retrieval of structured data and content (images, documents, multimedia, etc.) associated with the specific context. The system places “hot spots”, or actionable regions, on various portions of the pictorials representing the object. When a user interacts with an actionable region, a more detailed pictorial from the hierarchy is presented representing that portion of the object, along with real-time feedback in the form of a popup pane containing information about that region, and counts-by-type reflecting the number of items that are available within the system associated with the specific context and search filters established at that point in time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concurrent image capture and decoding of graphical codes are disclosed. In an exemplary method disclosed herein, a first image is captured by an image capture component in a graphical code reader. The first image is processed by a decoding component. Processing the first image involves searching for a graphical code within the first image and attempting to decode the graphical code. A second image is then captured by the image capture component while the first image is being processed by the decoding component.

Abstract: A wavelength independent multi-section optical coupler having at least three optical couplers, and at least two differential phase cells. Each optical coupler has two waveguides forming a coupling region having a net coupling value. The coupling value for each coupling region of the at least three optical couplers is different than the coupling values of the other two coupling regions. Each differential phase cell connects adjacent ones of said optical couplers. Each differential phase cell causes a differential phase shift in light signals traversing between the optical couplers, wherein the differential phase shifts of the differential phase cells, and the coupling value for each coupling region are chosen so as to minimize wavelength, and fabrication sensitivity of said wavelength independent multi-section optical coupler for a designed power splitting ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical device including a branching unit for making branches of incident light in a first branch ratio, a phase adjusting unit for adjusting the relationship in phase among branched lights obtained by the branching unit and a combining/branching unit for combining the lights after the phase adjustment by the phase adjusting unit and for then making branches of the combined light in a second branch ratio, at least one of the first branch ratio and the second branch ratio being previously set at a branch ratio other than 1:1. This can realize an optical device capable of properly selecting output light with a different wavelength chirp quantity.

Abstract: A perimeter security system is disclosed which includes a first cable (40) and a second cable (60) buried beneath the ground in a zig-zag pattern. The first cable (40) has a first fibre (44) and a further fibre (42). Second cable (60) has a second fibre (62). The first and second fibres (44) and (62) are connected by a coupler (52) at one end so that light can be launched into the first and second fibres (44) and (62) to propagate in one direction. The further fibre (42) is connected to a coupler (70) which also connects to the other end of the first and second fibres (44) and (62) so light can be launched into the fibres from the other end and travel in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides substrate 10, capable of transmitting lights in thickness direction for enhancing usefulness of the substrate. Its object is to provide a substrate adapted for interconnecting optical elements, allowing reduction of number of components leading to miniaturization and low cost, and high-efficient and stable optical coupling leading to low electric power dissipation. To accomplish the object the substrate comprises substrate body, wherein it is comprised of electric wiring layer disposed on first substrate body surface in such a manner as to be capable of electrically connecting first optical element mounted on the side of first substrate body surface; and optical transmission path, propagating lights being transmitted and received between first optical element electrically connected at electric wiring layer and second optical element disposed on the side of second substrate body surface different from first substrate body surface in substrate body.

Abstract: A circuit board structure with optoelectronic component embedded therein comprises a carrier board with at least two through openings; a first optoelectronic component and a second optoelectronic component disposed in the openings respectively, wherein a plurality of electrode pads and optical active areas are formed on the active surfaces of the optoelectronic components; a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the carrier board and the active surface of the optoelectronic components, wherein a plurality of vias for exposing the electrode pads and two holes for exposing the optical active areas are formed in the dielectric layer; a circuit layer formed on a surface of the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the electrode pads of the optoelectronic components; an insulating protecting layer formed on the dielectric layer and the circuit layer; and at least one optical transmission element formed on a surface of the insulating protecting layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an array of computer cells in which adjacent computer cells communicate over optical pathways.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chip comprising an array of modulated sources, each providing a modulated signal output at a channel wavelength different from the channel wavelength of other modulated sources and a wavelength selective combiner having an input optically coupled to received all the signal outputs from the modulated sources and provide a combined output signal on an output waveguide from the chip. The modulated sources, combiner and output waveguide are all integrated on the same chip.

Abstract: A wavelength selective optical switch particularly usable as a programmable N×M optical switch in a multi-wavelength communication system. The switch uses a grating that separates multi-channel optical signals into a plurality of optical channels, and combines a plurality of optical channels into multi-channel optical signals. Programmable mirrors switch each optical channel to any of a plurality of fibers coupled to the switch.

Abstract: A method comprises computing an interference pattern between a simulated design input optical signal and a simulated design output optical signal, and computationally deriving an arrangement of at least one diffractive element set from the computed interference pattern. The interference pattern is computed in a transmission grating region, with the input and output optical signals each propagating through the transmission grating region as substantially unconfined optical beams. The arrangement of diffractive element set is computationally derived so that when the diffractive element set thus arranged is formed in or on a transmission grating, each diffractive element set would route, between corresponding input and output optical ports, a corresponding diffracted portion of an input optical signal incident on and transmitted by the transmission grating. The method can further comprise forming the set of diffractive elements in or on the transmission grating according to the derived arrangement.

Abstract: Semiconductor optical modulator devices exhibiting improved chirp characteristics are constructed from a Mach-Zehnder structure having resonators positioned within each arm and a number of phases shifters positioned within the arms, and/or resonators.

Abstract: Optical switches are described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary optical switch includes, but is not limited to, a first waveguide, a second waveguide across with the first waveguide in an angle to form an intersection, and a pair of electrodes placed within a proximity of the intersection to switch a light traveling from the first waveguide to the second waveguide, where the intersection includes a geometry that supports single and multimode propagation. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an optical fiber acting as a slab-coupled waveguide. The optical fiber has a cross-section comprising a core (1), which is two dimensional and responsible for the horizontal confinement of the fiber's fundamental mode. A slab (2) is placed in the vicinity of the core (1). The slab (2) extends substantially in a plane, acts as a mode sink for the core, and is at least three times wider than the core (1). A cladding (3) surrounds the core (1) and the slab (2). The cladding (3) is made of one or several materials with refractive indices lower than the core and slab materials. The core (1), slab (2) and cladding (3) and any other protective or supportive structures attached to them form an overall structure that determines the mechanical properties of the fiber. The cross-section of the fiber is formed to make the fiber significantly more flexible in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the slab than in the plane of the slab.

Abstract: A laser annealing apparatus comprises a laser oscillator having a Q switching action, one or a plurality of partially reflective mirrors for split a laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator into a plurality of laser beams, a plurality of optical fibers which respectively transmit the plurality of laser beams split by the partially reflective mirrors, and whose respective emission ends are arranged linearly in one direction, a first optical system for synthesizing and homogenizing the plurality of laser beams emitted from the optical fibers, and a second optical system for focusing the laser beam emitted from the first optical system on the work piece surface as a rectangular laser beam whose beam shape is long in the lateral direction and short in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A broadband light source includes one or more laser diodes that are capable of generating a pump signal having a wavelength shorter than 2.5 microns, a pulse width of at least 100 picoseconds and a pump optical spectral width. The light source also includes one or more optical amplifiers that are coupled to the pump signal and are capable of amplifying the pump signal to a peak power of at least 500 W. The light source further includes a first fiber that is coupled to the one or more optical amplifiers. The first fiber including an anomalous group-velocity dispersion regime and a modulational instability mechanism that operates to modulate the pump signal. In one particular embodiment, the pump signal wavelength resides in the anomalous group-velocity dispersion regime of the first fiber and where different intensities in the pump signal can cause relative motion between different parts of the modulated pump signal produced through modulational instability in the first fiber.

Abstract: A microbend-induced fiber grating is formed from a section of optical fiber configured to exhibit “splitting” between the resonant wavelengths supported by the TE and TM components of the LP1m mode and the resonant wavelength supported by the odd/even HE2m components of the LP1m mode. Since only the TE and TM components are polarization dependent, by splitting and shifting the resonant wavelengths for these modes away from a system-desired wavelength(s) supported by the odd/even HE modes, a polarization insensitive microbend-induced fiber grating can be formed. A fiber core configuration including a central core region, trench and ring is formed to exhibit a large radial gradient in core refractive index profile, with a significantly steep transition between the ring index and the trench index, to provide the desired splitting between the (undesired, polarization sensitive) TE/TM modes and the HE mode.

Abstract: An inner core has a first refractive index. An outer core having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index is formed on outer circumference of the inner core. A cladding having a refractive index that is higher than the second refractive index and lower than the first refractive index is formed on outer circumference of the outer core. A diameter of the inner core is enlarged, the second refractive index is decreased, and a center core having a refractive index lower than the first refractive index is formed at a center of the inner core, to increase an effective core area while maintaining wavelength dispersion and bending loss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical preform by employing an internal vapor deposition process. The method uses an energy source and a substrate tube, wherein the energy source is movable over the length of the substrate tube between a point of a reversal at the supply side and a point of a reversal at the discharge side.

Abstract: A high-index-contrast waveguide structure material used to guide light through a low-refractive-index material. In one embodiment, the waveguide structures are capable of guiding and confining light in such a way that very high optical intensity is obtained in a small cross-sectional area or gap filled with any material with sufficiently low refractive index, relative to the remainder of the structure. The structure may be used to form resonators, optical couplers, directional optical couplers and other optical devices. Structures may be formed consistent with integrated circuit forming processes.

Abstract: There is provided fiber optic local convergence points that provide preconnectorized functionality to eliminate all or most of the splicing associated with local convergence points in fiber optic distribution networks. The local convergence points provide a plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports adapted to receive a preconnectorized end of a distribution cable within the enclosure of the local convergence point, on the enclosure itself, or outside the enclosure. For example, the local convergence point may provide preconnectorized multi-fiber ports outside the enclosure with an accumulator optically connected to the interior of the local convergence with an accumulator cable, wherein the accumulator comprises the plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports.

Abstract: A housing including a plurality of openings for receiving fiber optic connectors and protecting the polished end face of the connectors from damage while the connectors are stored within a telecommunications connection cabinet. A module with a plurality of optical fiber cables connected to a first optical fiber cable and terminated by a fiber optic connector. Each of the connectors are inserted within openings in a connector holder for storage and protection until the cables need to be connected to a customer equipment cable.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device separation apparatus may include a first and second clamp members configured to grip coaxial portions of an optoelectronic device. In one embodiment, the clamp members grip a housing portion and a fiber pigtail portion, respectively. The clamp members are configured to rotate relative to each other about an axis that is generally coaxial with the axis of the coaxial portions of the optoelectronic device. A force may be applied to the clamp members to provide such rotation, thereby causing the coaxial portions of the optoelectronic device to separate, for example, along weld points coupling the portions of the optoelectronic device together. Of course, many alternatives, variations and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: An optical feedthrough assembly is provided that is configured to be disposed through the canister of an implantable medical device. The optical feedthrough assembly comprises a ferrule having an aperture therethrough and an inner surface therethrough. An optical fiber passes through the aperture, and a compression seal stack is disposed within the aperture and around the optical fiber. The compression seal stack sealingly engages the optical fiber and the inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber having a core of crystal fiber doped with chromium and a glass cladding. The fiber has a gain bandwidth of more than 300 nm including 1.3 mm to 1.6 mm in optical communication, and can be used as light source, optical amplifier and tunable laser when being applied for optical fiber communication. The present invention also relates to a method of making the fiber. First, a chromium doped crystal fiber is grown by laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG). Then, the crystal fiber is cladded with a glass cladding by codrawing laser-heated pedestal growth (CDLHPG). Because it is a high temperature manufacture process, the cladding manufactured by this method is denser than that by evaporation technique, and can endure relative high damage threshold power for the pumping light.

Abstract: A light-emitting funneling apparatus comprises a conduit with a pouring end and a discharge end, wherein the pouring end is wider than the discharge end. The light-emitting funneling apparatus also comprises one or more light sources positioned adjacent to a portion of the conduit and configured to illuminate in a direction of a flow of material through the conduit. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources are external to the conduit. Alternatively, the one or more light sources are internal to the conduit. The light-emitting funneling apparatus further comprises a means for selectively activating the light source. In some embodiments, the funnel comprises a battery for powering the one or more light sources.

Abstract: It is determined whether the broadcast program of the stored video signal is a broadcast program of a predetermined genre. A predetermined feature image portion of each of frames in the video signal of the broadcast program of the predetermined genre is detected from the stored video signal. Video data of only a feature image portion of a frame satisfying a predetermined appearance condition from the detected predetermined feature image portion is extracted. A video signal representing an image including a feature image portion represented by the video data is created and output as the menu, each time the video data is extracted.

Abstract: Recorded audiovisual programs are aggregated for archival storage on another storage medium, such as a DVD. As related programs are temporarily recorded on a DVR, the lengths of the programs are summed and compared to the recording capacity of the DVD. When a sufficient number of programs have been temporarily recorded, a message is presented prompting the user to transfer the recordings to a DVD. Portions of the recorded programs, such as commercial messages, may be edited or deleted before transfer to the DVD. When programs are recorded onto a DVD, program information may also be recorded to assist in navigating among the recorded programs. The program information may also be used for the purpose of printing appropriate labels using a personal computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating picture artifacts in a video media system is provided wherein a video recorder, responsive to a trick mode command, iteratively transmits one or more frames in a video signal recorded under an interlaced scanning format for display on a display device. The video signal can include a predetermined number of replicate frames associated with the frames. Moreover, structure can be provided for selectively altering the video signal to indicate the video signal was recorded under a progressive scanning format thereby causing one or more pairs of the interlaced fields associated with the frames in the recorded video signal to be simultaneously displayed on the display device. Displaying interlaced fields simultaneously during trick mode playback eliminates an artifact known as the vibration effect. In one embodiment, the structure can alter the video signal by setting the value of one or more flags in the video signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically creating a play list of a received digital broadcast stream to be recorded on a recording medium. Specific positions of the received broadcast stream in which the packet identification code contained in the received stream changes are detected and recorded as entry points of programs. A play list can be automatically created based upon the detected entry points, thereby enabling a user to easily locating start positions of recorded programs.

Abstract: The image recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a conversion device that converts an optical image of a subject to an electrical signal, a recording circuit that records the electrical signal achieved through the conversion device in a storage device as image data and a display control circuit that detects an available capacity at the storage device and the length of time that power supply by a source is possible and displays them on a display as available capacity information and remaining power supply time information. The available capacity information indicates the length of available recording time remaining at the available capacity that has been detected.

Abstract: A video recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a receiver which receives a broadcast program, an acquiring unit which acquires program information of the broadcast program, a recording unit which records the broadcast program received by the receiver together with the program information acquired by the acquiring unit, a selector which selects a type of the program, and a searching unit which searches a latest program of the type selected by the selector based on the program information acquired by the acquiring unit and the program information recorded by the recording unit.

Abstract: A recording medium player capable of automatically setting a previously set playback mode with respect to a recording medium loaded in the recording medium player. When a recording medium is loaded in the recording medium player, a control unit of the recording medium player reads basic information from the recording medium. Based on the basic information, a content name representing the basic contents of the information stored on the recording medium, such as the title of a program or movie stored on the recording medium, is determined. Thereafter, the controller searches a storage unit, such as a hard disk, for a file name having the same content name as that of the loaded recording medium. If such a file name exists in the hard disk, the playback mode selection value matched to that file is read from the hard disk and is set as the playback mode for the recording medium.

Abstract: The invention enables “low attention recording,” i.e., recording that need not appreciably affect interaction of a recorder (i.e., a person in control of a recording unit according to the invention) or others with the environment in which the recording is taking place. The low attention recording enabled by the invention can be particularly advantageously employed in “social recording,” i.e., recording in which multiple participants in an event are recording the event. As described in more detail below, advantageous aspects of the invention can be provided by a small, lightweight, wearable recording unit.

Abstract: A video and audio recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a lock setting function and a control method thereof. The video and audio recording and/or reproducing apparatus records a video and audio file received from the outside on a storage device, and reproduces and outputs the recorded video and audio file to an external display. The apparatus includes an external input device receiving a function selection signal of the video and audio recording and/or reproducing apparatus, and a main controller displaying a lock setting list screen on the external display upon receiving a signal for setting a lock from the external input device. The main controller sets a lock setting information to prevent an area, on which a video and audio file selected from video and audio files listed on the lock setting list screen is recorded, from being overwritten by a video and audio file to be recorded.

Abstract: A data delivery mechanism, such as a recordable disk or packets on a wire, delivering an info segment which specifies interruption points at which a first content item such as a television program is to be interrupted and a second content item such as an advertisement is to be inserted. The info segment may prevent certain types of second content items from being utilized, may permit them to be avoided, may control their duration, and other aspects of their utilization. The info segment may specify with which first content item it is associated. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed, such as an electronic programming guide.

Abstract: A file for storing digital data with high compression rate stores digital data for video and audio signals in multiple streams interleaved with each other. Each track has a stream descriptor list and a stream data list. The stream descriptor list includes a stream header chunk, a stream format chunk, and a stream name chunk. For a video stream, the stream descriptor list also includes a stream header data chunk if the video stream is under digital rights management (DRM) protection. The file format is compatible with high level data compressing algorithms, such as MPEG-4, which provide data compression ratio about six to ten times higher than a standard DVD format.

Abstract: A data storage medium in which multiple bitstreams are recorded, an apparatus and method for recording the multiple bitstreams, and an apparatus and method for reproducing the multiple bitstreams are provided. The reproducing apparatus includes: a reading unit for reading main data including audio data and/or video data, and reading sub data recorded in a separate bitstream from the main data, which is later reproduced in synchronization with the main data; and a multiplexer for multiplexing the main data and sub data read by the reading unit. Therefore, multiple bitstreams can be read and reproduced at the same time.

Abstract: A method for dubbing audio on rewritable medium such as a high-density rewritable optical disc (BD-RE) is provided, which is capable of simultaneously recording a main A/V stream and a dubbed audio stream on the recording medium, while automatically and continuously producing and recording real play lists and a virtual play list adapted to control reproduction of the main A/V stream and dubbed audio stream. The user can conveniently manage recording of a dubbed audio stream corresponding to a main A/V stream on the rewritable recording medium.

Abstract: An editing apparatus and method for dividing or combining a data file(s) that is segmented into blocks of a predetermined data length and recorded in a non-volatile memory. An attribute file having a predetermined length is modified so as to reflect such dividing or combining. Such attribute file is recorded in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A BD-ROM playback apparatus plays back a text subtitle stream during a playback of moving pictures. A reserved area of a PSR stores therein, as a supplementary language, an identifier of a language in which the playback apparatus is not capable of decoding a text subtitle stream, due to inconvenience caused during display of the text subtitle. The set-up unit 32 inquires of a user whether the user wishes to increase the number of languages in which subtitles are displayable even if inconvenience may be caused during the display. In the case where the user performs an affirmative operation in response to the inquiry, the stream selection unit 17 selects a text subtitle stream corresponding to the supplementary language from the plurality of text subtitle streams.