Abstract:
Individual pixels in an image block undergo blending with film grain from a film grain block randomly selected from among a pool of previously established film grain blocks in accordance with a luma characteristic of the image block. Prior to blending, the selected film grain block undergoes deblocking by a deblocking filter (28). Following blending, a clipper clips the individual pixels prior to display. The pool of film grain blocks is created by scaling a set of film grain patterns in accordance with at least one parameter of a film grain information message that accompanies the image block.
Abstract:
A video decoder, and corresponding method are described for enabling fast channel change of compressed video, where a video decoder for receiving compressed stream data and providing decompressed video output includes a demultiplexor for receiving the compressed stream data and separating the normal stream and the channel change stream, a normal decoding portion in signal communication with the demultiplexor for selectably receiving the compressed normal and channel change streams, and providing decompressed video output, and a normal frame store in signal communication with the normal decoding portion for storing reference pictures.
Abstract:
A method for staggercasting, includes encoding a first signal representing content using encoding having successive independent decoding segments and encoding a second signal representing the content using encoding having successive independent decoding segments respectively corresponding to the independent decoding segments of the first encoded signal. A composite signal including the first and second encoded signals is generated in which the first encoded signal is delayed with respect to the second encoded signal. If an error is detected in the composite signal during a portion of an independent decoding segment of the delayed first encoded signal, then the corresponding independent decoding segment of the received second encoded signal is decoded to produce the content, otherwise, the received delayed first encoded signal is decoded to produce the content.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for staggercasting includes encoding a set of signals representing content such that each encoded signal, alone or in combination with other encoded signals, is capable of being decoded to produce a corresponding decoded signal. Each decoded signal has a reproduced quality which different from the reproduced quality of all the other decoded signals. A composite signal is generated including the set of encoded signals. The encoded signal corresponding to a lowest quality decoded signal is undelayed. The other encoded signals are delayed by different amounts such that the higher the quality of the corresponding decoded signal, the longer the delay period. The set of encoded signals is extracted from the composite signal, and errors in the set of extracted encoded signals detected. A subset of available extracted encoded signals which are not erroneous is produced. A content representative signal at the highest quality possible is decoded from the subset of available extracted encoded signals.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for staggercasting includes encoding a first signal representing content having a time duration and a second signal also representing that content. A time delay period is specified for the time duration of the content. A composite signal, comprising the first and second encoded signals, is generated. In the composite signal the first encoded signal is delayed with respect to the second encoded signal by the time delay period for the time duration of the content. If an error is detected in the composite signal, then the received second encoded signal is decoded to produce the content, otherwise the delayed received first encoded signal is decoded to produce the content.
Abstract:
In a multi-channel video transmission system in which channel video segments are operated on by corresponding channel video encoders to encode the video segments into frames organized into groups of defined frame types, an apparatus and method to cause a temporal staggering for the processing of a specific frame type among the various channels. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame counter to synchronize reset signals associated with the corresponding channel video encoders and a means for providing a timing offset to channel video encoders corresponding to a selected frame stagger for a particular corresponding channel.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for calibrating and operating a receiver circuit. An exemplary method comprises the steps of applying a first voltage offset to a first input of an amplifier circuit, generating an output signal at an output of the amplifier circuit based on the first voltage offset and a second voltage offset at a second input of the amplifier circuit, adjusting the second voltage offset based on the output signal, and maintaining the second voltage offset at a constant voltage when the output signal is indicative of the second voltage offset cancelling the first voltage offset.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for improving the reception of digitally modulated signals. A main signal and a supplemental signal are provided in the transmitter. The main signal contains both high priority and low priority data and the supplemental signal contains high priority data. The supplemental signal is advanced in time with respect to the main signal. The main and supplemental signals are sent from the transmitter to the receiver modulated on a signal. At the receiver, the supplemental signal is stored in a buffer. If the main signal is undesirably changed during transmission, corresponding portions of the high priority data of the supplement signal are substituted for the undesired portions of the main signal.
Abstract:
A package for containing cylindrical items comprising a backing board having a front and rear face and an item holder. The item holder is configured to retain the cylindrical items therein and is connected to the backing board and extending forwardly from the front face. The item holder includes a front side, a rear side, a first side and a second side, with the front side of the item holder having a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface faces the front face and the front surface faces away from the backing board. The rear surface of the item holder includes at least one ramp extending towards the front face. The at least one ramp is configured to roll the cylindrical items in the item holder towards the first side of the item holder when the front side of the item holder is placed on a horizontal surface.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for staggercasting to a mobile receiver, includes encoding a first signal representing content at a first quality and encoding a second signal representing the content at a second quality different than the first quality. A composite signal comprising the first and second encoded signals, wherein the first encoded signal is delayed with respect to the second encoded signal, is broadcast. The broadcast composite signal receiving at the mobile receiver where the received encoded signal having the lower quality is extracted from the received composite signal and the extracted encoded signal is decoded.